A Wider Welcome Mat for Visitors
In a move designed to boost tourism and business travel, India has authorised 11 additional international ports for entry by foreign nationals holding a valid e-visa. This expansion increases the total number of designated e-visa entry points to 88, a significant
upgrade that simplifies travel logistics for visitors. The additions include two airports and nine land border crossings, which are expected to make regional destinations more accessible and distribute tourist traffic beyond the major metropolitan hubs of Delhi and Mumbai. This long-awaited change makes it easier for travellers to plan more direct routes to destinations in central India and states bordering neighbouring countries.
The Newly Added Gateways
The latest expansion introduces two new airports to the e-visa network: Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) and Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh). The addition of Bhopal provides a crucial gateway to the heart of India, while Tirupati facilitates access for pilgrims and tourists visiting the popular temple town. Furthermore, nine new land ports have been included, significantly improving overland travel options. These are: Attari (Punjab), Agartala (Tripura), Moreh (Manipur), and six crossings in West Bengal and Assam: Gede, Ghojadanga, Jaigaon, Haridaspur, Dawki, and Darranga. These land ports open up new routes for travellers arriving from countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar.
Understanding the E-Visa System
First introduced in 2014, the Indian e-visa is an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) that allows citizens of 172 eligible countries to apply for a visa online before their trip. It has streamlined the process, with the government stating that approximately 95% of applications are processed within 72 hours. The system covers several categories, including tourism, business, medical treatment, and conferences. Depending on the type, e-visas can be valid for 30 days, one year, or even five years, with varying rules on the duration of each stay. For example, a one-year tourist e-visa holder can enter multiple times, but each stay is generally limited to 90 days. It is important to note that the e-visa is not available for all nationalities, and those with Pakistani origins must apply for a regular paper visa.
How to Apply for Your E-Visa
The application process is handled entirely online through the official Government of India portal. Applicants need a passport with at least six months of validity from the intended date of arrival and a digital photograph and a scan of their passport's information page. The process involves filling out an online form, uploading the required documents, and paying the fee electronically. Once approved, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is sent to the applicant's email address. Travellers must carry a printout of this ETA with them. Upon arrival at one of the designated e-visa ports, your biometric information, like fingerprints, will be collected, and the visa will be stamped into your passport.
Key Things to Remember
While the e-visa system offers great convenience, travellers must enter India through one of the 88 designated ports, which now include 37 airports, 38 seaports, and 13 land ports. You cannot arrive at a non-designated port with an e-visa. However, you can depart from any of the authorised Immigration Check Posts (ICPs) in India. Always apply through the official government website (indianvisaonline.gov.in) to avoid fraudulent third-party sites. Before finalising your travel plans, it's always wise to double-check the latest list of approved entry points and visa regulations on the official Bureau of Immigration website, as rules can be updated.
