India’s government has decided to extend the country’s limited visa-on-arrival scheme to tourists from 180 countries. in an attempt to boost tourism and business.

The only exceptions to the scheme will be nationals from eight countries, including Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The government plans to implement the scheme from October.

India currently offers visa-on-arrival to tourists from only 11 countries, including Finland, Singapore and Japan.

Tourism Minister K Chiranjeevi said the move would encourage visitors to India.

“This is a very good step. The visa-on-arrival for 180 countries will definitely boost the foreign tourist arrivals in the country,” he said.

Planning Minister Rajeev Shukla said he expected the rollout to be completed by the autumn.

“It will take five to six months for the respective departments to put the required infrastructure in place. We hope to implement this from the next tourist session beginning October,” he said.

Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-26062351