Goa Pushes for Visa-on-Arrival Amid Surging International Tourist Arrivals, ETTravelWorld

Goa’s Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte has reiterated the state’s request to the Central government for the inclusion of Goa under the visa-on-arrival scheme, aiming to facilitate smoother access for international tourists. Speaking during the Monsoon Session of the Goa Legislative Assembly, Khaunte emphasised the growing inflow of international visitors and the importance of easing formalities at arrival points.

Currently, visa-on-arrival is available to nationals of only four countries—Japan, South Korea, the UAE, and Russia—and restricted to six metro airports across India. Goa, despite its increasing global appeal and improved connectivity, remains excluded from this list.

“We have raised this matter with the Hon’ble Union Civil Aviation Minister and are planning to take it up with the Hon’ble Home Minister as well,” said Khaunte. “We’ve also corresponded with the Ministry of External Affairs, and we are actively pursuing the matter to ensure that Goa is included as a visa-on-arrival airport.”

The minister noted that while the facility has operational challenges, a collaborative approach with relevant stakeholders could help frame a balanced solution. He added that the issue would be discussed further with the Chief Minister and related departments after the Assembly session.

Khaunte also pointed to a marked increase in tourist arrivals from non-traditional markets such as Poland, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. These gains have followed sustained international outreach and targeted promotional roadshows aimed at repositioning Goa in emerging travel circuits.

To support planning and policy formulation, the Department is using its Tourism Information Management Enterprise (TIME) platform to capture real-time data on hotel occupancy and visitor arrivals. All registered accommodations in Goa are required to use this system to record check-ins and submit occupancy details.

According to the minister, the integration of data analytics through TIME will aid the state in tracking tourism trends and in designing interventions to align with evolving demand.