India tourist visa fees for Malaysians increase

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians travelling to India on a tourist visa may be shocked to see a marked increase in visa charges.

India’s eVisa increased from RM200 to RM320, and is valid for four months.

The new eVisa pricing has been in place since June 25.

Over-the-counter visas are now priced at RM462.56 (excluding service charges) and is valid for one year.

The new pricing will be implemented on July 1.

The cheaper six-month visa that was priced at RM194.56 has now been scrapped.

The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) exco member for the India market Gopalan Mariappan said the price increase will likely reduce the number of Malaysians travelling to India.

“The abolishment of the cheaper six-month visa will make Malaysians think twice. Spending RM320 or RM462.56 for a tourist visa is a lot of money,” he said.

“Most Malaysians spend about five to seven days in India, and they usually make one trip a year. So the amount visitors pay for the visa might not be worth it,” said Gopalan.

Herritage G Tour Agency director S. Gokilan said the price increase would be a burden to travellers.

“This will affect Malaysian Indians who travel back to India for pilgrimage or to see family,” he said.