The Government of India has broadened its e-Visa entry network to 88 designated ports, adding 11 new international entry points. The expansion, notified by the Ministry of Home Affairs, is designed to simplify travel for eligible foreign nationals and support the country's tourism recovery.
Among the new additions are two airports—Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh and Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh—and nine land ports: Agartala, Darranga, Gede, Ghojadanga, Haridaspur, Jaigaon, Dawki, Moreh, and Attari (Road). These join the existing list of e-Visa entry points, which now comprises 37 airports, 38 seaports, and 13 land ports.
The inclusion of land ports is particularly significant for overland travelers from neighboring countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. Agartala and Dawki serve as key crossings for visitors from Bangladesh, while Jaigaon and Moreh facilitate entry from Bhutan and Myanmar respectively. Attari (Road) remains a vital gateway for travelers arriving from Pakistan via the Wagah border.
Streamlining entry for international visitors
This move is part of India's broader strategy to enhance its tourism infrastructure and attract more international visitors. By expanding the number of entry points, the government aims to reduce congestion at major hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai, and distribute tourist flows more evenly across the country.
For travel professionals, the expansion means greater flexibility in itinerary planning. Tour operators and travel agents can now route clients through secondary airports and land crossings, potentially reducing transit times and costs. The addition of Bhopal and Tirupati airports also opens up new possibilities for cultural and pilgrimage tourism, as both cities are significant religious and heritage destinations.
The e-Visa system, which allows eligible travelers to apply online and receive approval before departure, has been a key driver of India's inbound tourism growth. According to the Ministry of Tourism, e-Visa issuance has risen steadily since its introduction, with major source markets including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
Industry observers note that the expansion aligns with India's target of attracting 30 million international tourists by 2030. The government has been actively promoting niche segments such as medical tourism, wellness travel, and MICE, and the wider entry network is expected to support these efforts.
For airlines, the new airport entry points could spur route development. Bhopal and Tirupati are served by domestic carriers like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet, and international connectivity may improve as demand grows. Similarly, the land ports could benefit cross-border trade and tourism, particularly in the northeastern states, which have seen increased interest from travelers seeking offbeat destinations.
The expansion also complements other recent initiatives to boost travel to India. For instance, Abu Dhabi's decision to drop visa fees for Indian tourists reflects the competitive dynamics in the region, while India's own visa reforms are part of a broader push to position the country as a top global destination.
Travel technology vendors and GDS systems are expected to update their platforms to reflect the new entry points, ensuring that agents can book and process e-Visa applications seamlessly. The move is also likely to be welcomed by cruise lines, as the expanded seaport list (now 38) offers more options for international cruise itineraries calling at Indian ports.
As India continues to invest in its tourism infrastructure, the expansion of e-Visa entry points is a clear signal of its commitment to facilitating travel. For travel professionals, staying abreast of these changes is essential to offering clients the most convenient and cost-effective travel options.
