Trouble with India Mitzy, no matter how much research you do, the government changes the rules without notice or informing you. Instant effect or backdated and no form of appeal, plus Draconian measures if you break the new rules........


.

Yes I can imagine, the poster was talking of Turkey on this occasion I think

Thats why I can not see the point in getting a one year tourist visa. You do your 180 days or there abouts then have two month out which only leaves approx 120 days on the visa which is all you can stay then you have to do another two months out when you leave to renew the visa. At least if you get a 6 month visa each time you can stay for almost 180 days if you want.

My parents came to UK in March for their tourist visa and stayed the 2 months 'out'. They returned to Goa early May and have just left Goa today for Sri Lanka (early, as they want to be 'home' in Goa for Christmas) for another 2 months. So basically in the last 7 months they will have spent 4 months 'out' and just 3 months in Goa. I hope this doesn't continue for them

It does not matter what length visa you get because the two months out is going to hit holidays like Christmas every other year and if you want to be in Goa for Christmas every year you are going to have a situation like the one above.

Obviously those in power haven't had the foresight to even consider how much revenue in being lost to India due to these enforced 2 months "out" periods.

Yet they shout from the rooftops how successful the Visa-on-Arrival scheme has been in recent months for the nominated 5 countries. I wonder if those visitors (less than 2000 I'm sure) will even consider coming back........

It won't be long before people count up the cost and hassle of "living" in Goa, and decide "enough is enough". I for one have just about reached that stage..........

Quite so, and before that Sri Lanka, was just trying to drag things kickin' and screamin' back on topic

Or is that Florida?

It is clear that the 2 months "out" rule is and having the desired effect in stopping FN's living in India/Goa. They are slowly but surely turning the screws. Once had a two year X visa and now down to a six month tourist visa with the 180 days stay limit. This now seems to be the norm as also happened to friends.

One wonders just what is going to happen next? Will it be the short stay tourist visa-on-arrival that has been tried and tested or the 90 day visa duration once stated by Mental Micky saying, "90 days should be plently of time for tourists stay."

Banyan.

90 day visas would chase away not just those who live in Goa but all the people who currently go out for the winter. A 90 day visa is not after all good for 90 days in that you have to get it in advance and allow a bit of time for delays so you loose a lot of those 90 days as you are still in the UK or wherever.

I doubt if they really care, K800mer - but they certainly "squeal" when things don't go their way, visa-wise.

We can but hope, but I doubt it will do much good.

I did write to my MP a short while ago after the PM apparently said he would make it easier for Indians to get visas and I have has a response to say she has forwarded my email to the Home Office but I doubt if anything will come of it. They talk the talk but dont walk the walk!

They seem to be advising PIO's NRI etc to obtain the correct docs/cards to enter India and not use tourist visas. Just wondering if there's some sort of hidden agenda ahead here which could involve 90 day tourists visas or the short term 14/28 days visa on arrival being their goal to prevent FN's living or even wintering there for more than 90 days. Apprantly 90 day entry visas are the norm for many counties such as Spain etc. They are cerntainly going about it the right way to drive many away. Maybe that's their aim?

Banyan.

I wouldn't know about visas for countries in the EU as living in another EU country we have freedom of movement but I will take your word for it. Obviously if India reduces tourist visas to 90 days or less it is their perogative but it only harms itself as a lot of europeans would go elsewhere to spend the foreign currency which I belive India finds quite useful.

They now seem to want short term tourists only who are on spending sprees, filling the big hotels with more Russians and Polish to make up the short fall of British.

Banyan.

And the latest is trying to get the Japanese to come!!