Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday announced that once the government starts issuing visas again, first 5 lakh tourist visas will be given free of cost.

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She said the free tourist visa scheme will be applicable till March 31, 2022, or till 5 lakh visas are issued. "Everyone will get free tourist visas." The finance minister said this will have a great incentivising impact on those short-term tourists who come in for just a month.

Financial support to more than 11,000 registered tourist guides/travel and tourism stakeholders.

Working capital/personal loans will be provided with a 100% guarantee to people in tourism sector.No processing charges, waiver of prepayment charges.- FM @nsitharaman pic.twitter.com/kxa0kyenPh— PIB India (@PIB_India) June 28, 2021MoS Anurag Thakur said a person can take benefit of free visa scheme only once.

Addressing a press conference, the finance minister also said that financial support will be proved to more than 11,000 registered tourist guides/travel and tourism stakeholders.

"Working capital/personal loans will be provided with a 100% guarantee to people in tourism sector." "No processing charges, waiver of prepayment charges."

Working capital or personal loans will be provided to the people, affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, to restart their businesses and discharge their liabilities.

Sitharaman also announced various other schemes to combat the impact of COVID-19. She presented a stimulus package of Rs 6,28,993 crore to support the Indian economy in the fight against the pandemic.

"Rs 10 lakh loan for Travel & Tourism Stakeholders announced by Finance Ministry is a big booster; likewise, Rs 1 lakh economic relief will be a great support as well. It will help things to get back on track," hotel owner Chander Mohan Sharma from Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, told ANI.

Rs 10 lakh loan for Travel & Tourism Stakeholders announced by Finance Ministry is a big booster; likewise, Rs 1 lakh economic relief will be a great support as well. It will help things to get back on track, says hotel owner Chander Mohan Sharma from Shimla, Himachal Pradesh pic.twitter.com/htPFiSboJ9

— ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2021

First Published:Jun 28, 2021 4:16 PM IST