BEIJING (TIP): The system of electronic visas for Chinese citizens, which was promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Beijing last May has come into effect on Thursday.

This will help Chinese, who are not based in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, to avoid travel for visas. They can apply and obtain travel visas for 30 days online.

But it may not save much time because e-visa rules say that visa seekers must apply at least four days before the planned journey.

“I am delighted to share that the e-Tourist Visa is now available to passport holders of China,” the Prime Minister said in a post on Weibo, the Chinese version of Twitter on which he has a popular account. “I had talked about this during my China visit & the Government of India has fulfilled this promise. This will deepen connectivity between our nations. Come, experience the beauty of Incredible India!,” he said.

In a statement, the Indian embassy said, ?”The implementation of e-tourist visa will enable Chinese nationals to visit India with ease for recreation, sight-seeing, casual visit to meet friends or relatives, short-duration medical treatment or casual business visit”.

“This facility will encourage more people to travel to India during ‘Visit India Year 2015’ and beyond”.

On the time duration, the e-visa rules state, “Applicants need to apply a minimum of 4 days in advance of the date of arrival with a window of 30 days. Example: If you are applying on 1st Sept then applicant can select arrival date from 5th Sept to 4th Oct”.