India gives free visas to visitors: new initiative ‘Chalo India!’

The Indian government is actively working to attract more tourists and restore international visitor flow after the pandemic. Under the new ‘Chalo India!’ programme, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card holders will be able to invite up to five foreign friends or relatives for free by issuing e-visas for them. The initiative was officially launched at the World Travel Market in London and plans are already underway for its immediate launch.

The programme is targeted at Indians living abroad who have an OCI card, which is around five million people. An OCI cardholder can register on the ‘Chalo India!’ portal, enter the details of their guests and if they come to India, the invitee will receive a reward.

The new programme as a contribution to tourism development

The main objective of ‘Chalo India!’ - is to bring back international interest in India and increase the flow of tourists, which is still well below pre-pandemic levels. The campaign is focused on promoting the country as a tourist destination and the diaspora plays a key role in its realisation. The unique opportunity to invite friends from abroad for free will be a significant step in improving the country's image in the global tourism market.

This promotion supports India's efforts to strengthen ties with overseas audiences and promote Indian culture to foreign visitors.

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