India adds 11 new gateways for e-visa holders, total entry points rise to 88
The Union Home Ministry has notified 11 additional international ports where foreign nationals holding electronic visas (e-visas) can enter India. With these additions, the total number of designated entry points for e-visa holders has increased to 88.
The newly added entry points include two airports: Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh and Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. The nine land ports added to the scheme are Attari in Punjab; Gede, Ghojanga and Jaigaon in West Bengal; Darranga in Assam; Agartala in Tripura; Moreh in Manipur; and Haridaspur in Odisha.
According to the ministry, the expansion aims to enhance the attractiveness and utility of the e-visa facility. E-visas currently account for approximately 78 per cent of all visas issued in the country. The government processes about 95 per cent of e-visa applications within 72 hours.
The e-visa mechanism, introduced in 2014 with electronic travel authorisation (ETA), was designed to simplify and streamline India's visa regime, particularly for tourists. Initially available to nationals of 43 countries, the facility now covers 172 countries.
Eligible travellers can apply online through the official e-visa portal at least four days before arrival. The application requires personal details, passport information, and a scanned copy of the passport's bio page. Upon approval, the ETA is sent via email, which must be presented at the immigration desk upon entry.
E-visas are issued under 17 sub-categories, including tourist visa, mountaineering visa, six types of business visas, four types of medical visas, two types of student visas, transit visa, miscellaneous visa, and group visitor visa for cruises. The broad range of categories aims to accommodate various purposes of travel, from tourism and business to medical treatment and education.
The government has stated that the modernisation of the visa regime is part of broader efforts to facilitate legitimate foreign travel while strengthening internal security through enhanced technological infrastructure. The e-visa system allows applicants to apply online, eliminating the need to visit an Indian mission or consulate in person.
With the latest addition, the total number of entry points for e-visa holders now comprises 37 airports, 38 seaports, and 13 land ports. The inclusion of more land ports is expected to improve cross-border movement for travellers from neighbouring countries, particularly from Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Pakistan. For example, Attari is a key checkpoint on the India-Pakistan border, while Gede and Ghojanga serve as points of entry from Bangladesh.
The expansion of entry points is part of the government's ongoing efforts to promote tourism and ease of doing business. By allowing e-visa holders to enter through more locations, the authorities aim to reduce congestion at major international gateways and spread visitor traffic across different regions of the country.
