2020年春に効力停止されたe-visa(tourist)が、いつの間にか再度有効になった？昨年10月あたりに、観光ヴィザ以外は再度有効化のアナウンスが出ていたと思うけど、ついに観光のも息を吹き返したのか？
何しろ「(i) Currently valid e-Tourist Visa issued for five years, which was suspended since March 2020, shall stand restored to nationals of 156 eligible countries with immediate effect. Nationals of these 156 counties will also be eligible for issuance of fresh e-Tourist visa.」と書かれているのだ。しかし取り直したほうがいいような気もする。よくもわるくもインドであるし、「Nationals of these 156 counties will also be eligible for issuance of fresh e-Tourist visa.」ということなので、「新たに取得してもいいよ」というわけだ。
以下はインドの入国管理局ウェブサイト内の「観光ヴィザ、観光E-VISAの効力回復」の記事からの引用。今年の3月に発表されたものとのこと。
Restoration of Tourist/e-Tourist Visa for Foreign Tourist
MHA O.M No.25055/24/2022-F.V/F.I Dated March 15, 2022
In continuation of this Ministry’s O.M. of even number dated 21.10.2020 on the above mentioned subject and keeping in view the improvement in COVID-19 situation in India, the Government has considered the need for further relaxation of visa and travel restrictions.
- Accordingly, with immediate effect it has been decided that:
(i) Currently valid e-Tourist Visa issued for five years, which was suspended since March 2020, shall stand restored to nationals of 156 eligible countries with immediate effect. Nationals of these 156 counties will also be eligible for issuance of fresh e-Tourist visa.
(ii) Currently valid Regular (Paper) Tourist visa with validity of 5 Years, issued to foreign nationals of all countries, which remained suspended since March 2020, shall stand restored. Fresh Regular (Paper) Tourist visa up to 5 years validity may also be issued to the nationals of the eligible countries subject to the restrictions imposed from time to time.
(iii) Currently valid old Long duration (10) Regular Tourist Visa which remained suspended since March, 2020 shall stand restored for the nationals of USA and Japan. Fresh Long duration (10) Tourist Visa can also be issued to the nationals of USA and Japan.
- The Foreign nationals of Tourist/ e-Tourist Visas may enter into India only through designated Sea Immigration Check Posts (ICPs) or Airports ICPs by flights, including those under the Vande Bharat Mission or ‘air bubble’ scheme or by any flights as allowed by the DGCA or Ministry of Civil Aviation. In no case the foreign nationals will be allowed to enter through Land border or riverine routes on Tourist Visa/e-Tourist Visa. Order for opening of Land ICPs and riverine routes will be communicated separately.
- These instructions will not be applicable to Afghanistan nationals who will continue to be governed by the separate instructions issued by this Ministry regarding grant of e-Emergency X-Misc. Visa. All other health/ COVID-19 related matters, extant guidelines of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare shall be adhered to.
以下は、インドのe-visaの申請サイト。
Bureau of Immigration (e-visa application)
観光用で有効期間30日間は25ドル、有効期間1年間だと40ドル、5年間になると80ドルということになっているが、日本旅券であれば期間にかかわらず一律で25ドルなので、5年間を申請するのがよいだろう。可能な入国回数はマルチプルで、1回の滞在は180日間を越えないことというのが条件になっている。
e-visaの場合は陸路入国が認められないというハンデはあるものの、大使館で申請する従来型のヴィザよりも有効期間が長いこと、大使館に出向く必要がなく、往復の航空券の提示も求められないなど、メリットは多い。申請から発行まで、現在のところは大変スムースで、多くは翌日には発行されているのも魅力だ。
そんなわけで、今すぐに行く予定はなくても、とりあえず取得しておいて、いつでも渡航できるようにしておくのもよいかもしれない。