What's New with the E-Visa Program?
The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced the addition of 11 new international entry points for foreign nationals holding a valid Indian e-Visa. This expansion includes two airports and nine land border crossings, bringing the total number of designated
e-Visa entry points to 88 across the country. This network now consists of 37 airports, 38 seaports, and 13 land ports, offering unprecedented flexibility for travellers planning their itineraries. The move is designed to make India a more attractive destination by simplifying entry procedures and opening up new regions to international visitors.
The Newly Added Airports
Two key airports have joined the list of e-Visa compatible entry points: Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) and Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh). The inclusion of Bhopal's Raja Bhoj Airport provides a crucial gateway to the heart of central India, known for its rich history and wildlife. Meanwhile, the addition of Tirupati Airport offers direct access for pilgrims and tourists visiting one of India's most revered temple towns. This helps distribute tourist arrivals beyond major metro hubs like Delhi and Mumbai.
Expanded Access via Land Borders
The most significant part of this expansion is the inclusion of nine new land border crossings. These are primarily located along India's borders with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Pakistan, facilitating easier overland travel for regional and multi-country itineraries. The new land ports are Agartala, Darranga, Gede, Ghojadanga, Haridaspur, Jaigaon, Dawki, Moreh, and importantly, the Attari road border with Pakistan. This development is particularly beneficial for travellers looking to explore the subcontinent more extensively by road.
A Quick Refresher on the Indian E-Visa
First introduced in 2014 for citizens of 43 countries, the Indian e-Visa program has grown substantially. It is now available to nationals of 172 countries. The e-Visa is an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) that allows eligible foreign nationals to apply for their visa online before their trip, eliminating the need to visit an embassy or consulate. The system covers various categories, including tourism, business, medical visits, and conferences. With the government reporting that approximately 95% of applications are processed within 72 hours and that e-Visas now account for about 78% of all visas issued, it has become the primary method of entry for most visitors.
How to Apply and What to Remember
The application process remains entirely online through the official Government of India portal. Applicants must fill out the form, upload a digital photograph and a scanned copy of their passport, and pay the fee online. Once approved, the ETA is sent via email, which must be printed and presented upon arrival. It is crucial to remember that an e-Visa holder can only enter India through one of the 88 designated entry points. While the government has announced the new locations, travellers should always check the official e-Visa portal before making final travel arrangements to ensure the dropdown menu for port of entry has been updated with the latest additions.
