In October 2012 Russia might be included in the list of
countries whose citizens have right to obtain visas upon arrival to four
airports of the country: Deli, Mumbai, Calcutta
and Chennai. Later the list will be counting up to 20 entry ports and among
them will be the airport
of Goa. This was told yesterday
at the press-conference by the Acting General Manager of the Consular
Department of the Russian Embassy in India, Mikhail Vorobyev.
The Director of the visa center of Indian
Embassy in Russia, Abu
Pillai added that during the last winter season more than 120 thousand Russians
visited India.
According to him, the inbound tourist flow from Russia is growing by 20-30%
annually. During the season 2012-2013 which will start in October, India is
expecting to welcome 150 thousand Russian tourists.
Mr. Vorobyev recalled that about a month
ago the customs rules were hardened. Now, the border crossing air passengers
are obliged to specify in the arrival card that is filled out onboard the
plane, whether they have satellite phones, plants, seeds, meat or dairy
products, poultry meat or any other food in their luggage. Not more than five
thousand dollars in foreign currency can be carried across the border. The same
amount can be additionally carried in checks, bills and other means of payment.
Tourists, who have the mentioned food, things or money for larger amount in
luggage, should declare them at “red corridor” customs counter.
“Without declaring the goods tourists
can be subjected to the criminal proceedings, including arrest. Now, the
possibility of changing legislation is discussed in India, so that the customs officers
could arrest those who are suspected in grave customs crime without the bench
warrant. But for now they don’t have such right”, - explained Mikhail Vorobyev.
And he asked not to dramatize as to his mind the rules in essence didn’t
change. “Nothing new happened. All the positions which refer to satellite phone
and phytosanitary control were always among tariff legislation of India and other
countries. Of course no one is going to put tourists in jail because of handful
of sunflower seeds, but Russians should mind that there’s a tariff legislation
in India
and for its breach sanctions can be imposed. No one should try to be cunning
when filling out the customs declaration”, - stressed the diplomat.
He also reminded Russians how dangerous
can be travelling to India
without travel insurance. The embassy doesn’t require it and Russians often take
the issue light-heartedly. And they create themselves problems when they need
medical assistance in India.
If it’s about evacuation, calling an EMERCOM plane costs more than ten thousand
euro. Surgeries are very expensive as well. A lot of tourists with low income
travel on their last means. It’s very difficult to figure out such problems
with them. We advise all tourists to purchase insurance when going to India”, -
stressed the diplomat.
