Instant visas for Indian tourists

Instant visas for Indian tourists

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia plans to introduce a visa-on-arrival program for Indian tourists as part of efforts to draw more visitors from the sub-continent, a news report said Saturday.

Deputy Culture, Arts and Tourism Minister Ng Yen Yen said that the move was being considered in view of the more than 100 per cent increase in tourist arrivals last year from India, compared to 2000, the Sun daily reported.

"Indian tourists arrivals had gone up from 70,000 in 2000 to almost 150,000 in 2001," she said, adding that the ruling would probably take up to 18 months to implement as many aspects, including internal security, had to be considered.

Presently, Indian tourists have to endure long waits for approval of individual entry visas. -- DPA