What Exactly Has Changed?
In a recent move to boost tourism and streamline entry, India’s Ministry of Home Affairs has added 11 new international ports to its e-visa network. This brings the total number of authorised entry points for e-visa holders to 88. The expansion includes
two new airports and nine land crossings, opening up more direct travel options to regions beyond the major metropolitan hubs. This change is designed to give tourists, business travellers, and other visitors more flexibility when planning their journeys across the country.
New Gateways: Airports and Land Borders
The two new airports now accepting e-visas are Bhopal Airport (BHO) in Madhya Pradesh and Tirupati Airport (TIR) in Andhra Pradesh. These additions provide easier access to central India and the popular pilgrimage sites in the south. The more significant expansion, however, is at India's land borders. Nine new land checkpoints have been approved, including the Attari border with Pakistan and several crossings with Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar. These new land ports are Agartala, Darranga, Gede, Ghojadanga, Haridaspur, Jaigaon, Dawki, Moreh, and the Attari road crossing.
The Key Benefits for Travellers
The primary advantage of India's e-visa system is convenience. The entire application can be completed online from home, eliminating the need for in-person visits to an embassy or consulate. The government states that approximately 95% of e-visa applications are processed within a swift 72-hour window, allowing for more spontaneous travel planning. This expansion to 88 total entry points—now comprising 37 airports, 38 seaports, and 13 land crossings—means travellers can create more diverse itineraries, potentially flying into one region and exiting from another with greater ease.
Who Can Use the E-Visa?
The Indian e-visa facility is available to nationals of 172 countries for tourism, business, medical treatment, and conferences. The program covers a wide range of nationalities, making it a popular choice for visitors. It's crucial to note that the e-visa is not a visa-on-arrival. Travellers must apply online and receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email before embarking on their journey. This ETA must be printed and presented to immigration officers upon arrival at one of the designated entry points.
How to Apply and What to Remember
Applying is a straightforward, multi-step process done through the official government portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in). First, you fill out the online form with your personal, passport, and travel details. Next, you upload a recent photograph and a scanned copy of your passport's data page. Finally, you pay the visa fee online. Always double-check that you are using the official government website to avoid fraudulent third-party sites. It is also mandatory to enter through one of the 88 designated ports, as entry is not permitted at other locations with an e-visa. Before you travel, confirm that your chosen airport, seaport, or land border is on the approved list, as this can be subject to change.
