New Gateways Now Open for E-Visa Holders
India's Ministry of Home Affairs has approved 11 new entry points for foreign nationals holding an electronic visa. This expansion includes two airports and nine land border crossings, bringing the total number of e-visa enabled ports to 88 nationwide.
The additions are aimed at streamlining travel and making India's visa regime more attractive and user-friendly for visitors. The two new airports joining the network are Bhopal Airport in Madhya Pradesh and Tirupati Airport in Andhra Pradesh. This move provides direct access to central India and a major pilgrimage site, respectively, potentially reducing transit time for many travellers.
Expanded Access at Land Borders
The most significant change is the inclusion of nine new land border crossings, a major advantage for those planning regional itineraries. The new land ports are Agartala, Darranga, Gede, Ghojadanga, Haridaspur, Jaigaon, Dawki, Moreh, and the Attari road border. These checkpoints facilitate overland travel from neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Pakistan. The inclusion of the Attari border on the India-Pakistan frontier is particularly noteworthy, though the e-visa facility is not available for Pakistani passport holders or those of Pakistani origin, who must still apply for a regular visa. With these additions, the e-visa network now comprises 37 airports, 38 seaports, and 13 land ports.
A Refresher on the E-Visa System
First introduced in 2014 for citizens of 43 countries, India's e-visa program has grown dramatically and is now available to nationals of 172 countries. It has become the primary mode of entry for many, accounting for approximately 78% of all visas issued by India. The system provides an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arrival, which is then stamped in the passport at an approved entry point. It covers various travel purposes under 17 sub-categories, including tourism, business, medical treatment, conferences, and mountaineering. A key advantage is its efficiency, with the government stating that around 95% of e-visa applications are processed within 72 hours.
Boosting Tourism and Regional Connectivity
This expansion is a strategic move to boost inbound tourism and distribute international visitors more evenly across the country. Historically, foreign arrivals have been concentrated in major hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. By authorising e-visa entry at regional airports like Bhopal and land crossings in the Northeast, the government aims to make it easier for travellers to access destinations beyond the main metropolitan areas. This initiative supports a modest but steady recovery in tourism, which saw a 3.6% increase in foreign arrivals in the first half of 2026 compared to the previous year. Making travel more seamless is expected to enhance India's appeal as a destination for both leisure and business.
Tips for a Smooth E-Visa Journey
While the e-visa system is convenient, travellers should remember a few key points. First, an e-visa is not a visa on arrival; you must apply online and receive your Electronic Travel Authorisation before you travel. It is crucial to enter India only through one of the 88 designated e-visa entry points. Attempting to enter through a non-authorised port can result in being denied entry, even with a valid ETA. Always double-check the latest list of approved ports on the official government website before finalising travel plans. Lastly, it is advisable to carry a printed copy of your ETA with you during your journey. The e-visa does not permit employment or long-term missionary work in India; separate visas are required for such activities.
