Indonesians can now visit India easier with free-of-charge visas following an agreement by the two countries for improving people exchange and mobility.

“E-visas for India have been made free for Indonesian nationals in effect from June 18, 2018,” the Indian Embassy in Jakarta says on its website.

According to the official Indian e-visa website, indianvisaonline.gov.in, there are three subcategories in which foreigners — including Indonesians — can apply: e-tourist, e-business and e-medical.

“Applicants of the eligible countries/territories may apply online a minimum of four days in advance of the date of arrival with a window of 120 days,” it says.

An e-visa is valid for 60 days with double entry for e-tourist and e-business visas, and triple entry for e-medical visas.

Visitors using e-visas can only enter India through 25 designated airports and five designated seaports: Cochin, Goa, Mangalore, Mumbai and Chennai.

“However, the foreigner can exit from any of the authorized Immigration Check Posts in India,” the announcement says.

Previously, Indonesians had to pay US$48 for the e-visa. The citizens of all other ASEAN countries must pay $80, except Singaporeans, who pay $25. Myanmar citizens also enjoy free e-visas.

During his visit to Jakarta in May, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his country would provide free 30-day visas to Indonesians.

(Source: thejakartapost.com)