The Indian government has decided to resume tourist visas for international travelers aiming to lift-off tourism after the COVID-19 forced curbs.

Ministry of Home Affairs will resume the grant of fresh tourist visas to foreigners starting November 15. Foreigners arriving on chartered flights will be able to get visas from October 15.

"After considering various inputs, the MHA (home ministry) has decided to begin granting fresh Tourist Visas for foreigners coming to India through chartered flights with effect from October 15, 2021," the home ministry said in a statement.

"Foreign tourists entering into India by flights other than chartered aircraft would be able to do so only with effect from November 15, 2021 on fresh Tourist Visas," it added.

India suspended all visas for foreigners in March 2020 when the pandemic took off as the government imposed a strict lockdown.

Restrictions on some categories of foreigners such as diplomats and businesspeople were later lifted but tourists remained barred.

The MHA has asked state government to adhere to COVID-19 protocols as per guidelines from Health Ministry. Other stakeholders, including tourists and airlines ferrying them into India will also have to follow the COVID-19 protocols.