The new rates were implemented on June 25.
The cheaper, over-the-counter six-month visa of RM194.56 has been scrapped.
Starting July 1, it will be replaced with a one-year visa of RM462.56. This does not include the service charge.
In a press release later, the Indian High Commission said from July 1, it will issue only two categories of tourist visas — that is the tourist visa (single/multiple entries) with validity of up to one year for a visa fee of US$100, and the tourist visa for more than one year and up to five years (multiple entries) with a visa fee of US$200.
It said the visa fees and duration of other categories of visas remained unchanged.
“The government of India, with an aim to liberalise, simplify and rationalise its visa regime, has decided that nationals of all countries, except USA, Canada and Japan, who are covered by the 10-year tourist and business visa regime, and other countries with which India has bilateral agreements, will be issued multiple-entry tourist and business visas for a period of five years as a default option.
“However, in specific cases/requests, where the requirement is for a shorter period, the period of visa can be for up to one year.”
Immigration director-general Mustafar Ali told FMT the new rates were implemented by the Indian government and did not involve Putrajaya.
“The visa fees are imposed by India on Malaysian passport holders,” he said.
Last year, former MIC president Dr S Subramaniam had expressed disappointment at the Indian government’s proposed visa fee increase.
He said it was unfair for the Indian government to hike the rates for Malaysians travelling to India, particularly for religious reasons, when Malaysia was taking measures to make it easier for Indian nationals to visit the country.