Goa’s push to boost international tourism has received fresh momentum as Hon’ble Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte renewed calls for extending the visa-on-arrival facility to Goa, citing the state’s growing stature as a top global destination. Speaking during the Monsoon Session of the Goa Legislative Assembly in Mumbai on July 24, 2025, Minister Khaunte highlighted the critical need to ease travel formalities for international visitors and make the state even more accessible to tourists from around the world.
Currently, India’s visa-on-arrival facility is available only to citizens of Japan, South Korea, the UAE, and Russia, and operates at just six major metro airports including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Despite Goa’s connectivity advancements and increasing international allure, it is yet to be included on this list. Minister Khaunte confirmed that Goa’s request has been formally raised with the Union Civil Aviation Minister, with plans to escalate it to the Home Minister. The Department of Tourism is actively engaging with the Ministry of External Affairs to secure visa-on-arrival approval for Goa, a move set to greatly enhance travel convenience for foreign tourists.
The Minister emphasized the need for a balanced and well-considered expansion of the facility, noting both its benefits and practical challenges. He added that detailed discussions involving the Chief Minister and key stakeholders are planned post-Assembly to chart a sustainable path forward.
Goa’s international appeal has noticeably surged, bolstered by targeted marketing efforts and roadshows. Notably, the state has successfully penetrated new markets such as Poland, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan destinations previously with little to no direct tourism connection to Goa. These efforts have translated into a notable increase in arrivals from these regions.
Crucial to this growth has been the deployment of the Tourism Information Management Enterprise (TIME) software. This centralized digital platform requires all licensed hotels, guesthouses, and homestays to log guests and occupancy data in real time, ensuring transparent reporting, reliable analytics, and data-driven tourism strategies for the state.
With focused initiatives and a commitment to regulatory modernization, Goa aims to consolidate its position as a world-class destination, making travel simpler for international visitors and driving sustainable growth across its tourism ecosystem.
