New Delhi: The Government of India has notified 11 additional international ports to facilitate entry into the country for foreign nationals holding valid Indian e-Visas. The newly notified points include nine land ports and two airports, taking the total number of international ports authorised for e-Visa holder entry to 88.
The expansion is aimed at further widening the accessibility and utility of India’s electronic visa system while simplifying travel procedures for eligible foreign visitors.
New Entry Points Include 9 Land Ports, 2 Airports
The latest additions comprise:
New Airports
- Bhopal
- Tirupati
New Land Ports
- Agartala
- Darranga
- Gede
- Ghojadanga
- Haridaspur
- Jaigaon
- Dawki
- Moreh
- Attari (Road)
With these additions, the 88 designated international ports comprise:
- 37 airports
- 38 seaports
- 13 land ports
India Issues Around 95% E-Visas Within 72 Hours
According to the government, approximately 95% of e-Visa applications are processed within 72 hours.
The e-Visa facility, introduced in 2014 for nationals of 43 countries, is currently available to citizens of 172 countries.
The government has also stated that around 78% of visas issued by India are now electronic visas.
E-Visa Available Under 17 Categories
The electronic visa facility currently covers 17 sub-categories, including:
- Tourist Visa
- Mountaineering Visa
- Business Visa
- Medical Visa
- Student Visa
- Transit Visa
- Miscellaneous Visa
- Group Visitor Visa for cruise passengers
Government Seeks to Simplify Visa Regime
The government said it has taken several measures in recent years to liberalise, streamline and simplify India’s visa regime, while also strengthening technological infrastructure for internal security.
The expansion of designated entry points is part of these efforts to facilitate legitimate foreign travellers while improving the accessibility of electronic visa services.
E-Visa Facility Expanded Since 2014
India introduced the e-Visa facility with an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in 2014, initially covering nationals of 43 countries. It has since expanded to 172 countries.
The latest addition of 11 international ports further expands the physical entry network available to foreign nationals travelling to India on e-Visas.
