Malaysians upset over steep hike in India tourist visa fee

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians travelling to India on a tourist visa are upset with the marked increase in visa charges.

Many are reconsidering their travel plans to the country, once deemed “affordable” to visit.

Zalina Mohammad, 48, a public relations consultant, described the increase as “ridiculous”. “I always thought the United States visa is the worst, as it is expensive and difficult with forms to fill and interviews.

“But India takes the cake now,” she fumed. Zalina, who will head to Ladakh in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir on a 12-day trekking expedition in July, said the US visa was cheaper and valid for up to 10 years.

“But for India, it’s RM320 for four months or RM465 for a year. India is no longer an affordable destination,” she added.

The over-the-counter visas, which are valid for one year, is now priced at RM462.56 (excluding service charges).

The new pricing will be implemented on July 1. The six-month visa that was previously priced at RM194.56 has been scrapped.

Writer Nancy Nais, 42, said the fee increase made airline fares comparatively cheaper. Nais, who travels to India yearly to see her father-in-law, said the increase would be a burden.

“I am not happy but I will still go because I need to see him,’’ she said, adding that she hoped Malaysia will take up the issue with India.

For Selvi Chandran, 62, the increase was untimely as she and her 70-year-old husband planned to go on a pilgrimage to India in August.

“We set aside some money for the trip and at our age, we want to fulfil our vows,” she added.