International Entry Network Reaches 88 Approved Gateways
NEW DELHI — India has expanded its electronic visa entry network by adding 11 international checkpoints, giving eligible foreign travelers more options for entering the country by air or land.
The expansion includes two airports—Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, and Tirupati Airport in Andhra Pradesh—as well as nine land ports located across several border regions. With the latest additions, India now has 88 designated e-Visa entry points, comprising 37 airports, 38 seaports and 13 land ports.
The Ministry of Home Affairs said the broader network is designed to improve the accessibility and convenience of the e-Visa system. The move is also part of the government’s continuing effort to simplify visa procedures for legitimate international travelers while maintaining immigration and national security controls.
For India’s aviation, tourism and hospitality industries, the additional entry points could help distribute foreign arrivals beyond the country’s largest metropolitan gateways. Bhopal and Tirupati serve regions with established religious, cultural and business travel demand, making their inclusion significant for local tourism operators, hotels and transportation providers.
Bhopal and Tirupati Airports Added to E-Visa System
The designation of Raja Bhoj Airport and Tirupati Airport gives eligible e-Visa holders direct access through Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.
Bhopal is a major administrative and commercial center in central India and also provides access to several historical and cultural destinations. Tirupati is one of the country’s most prominent religious tourism centers, attracting millions of visitors annually.
Allowing e-Visa entry at the two airports may support international connectivity and make travel more convenient for foreign visitors whose itineraries do not include traditional arrival hubs such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru or Chennai.
Nine Land Border Crossings Join the Network
India also added nine land ports to its approved e-Visa entry network: Agartala, Darranga, Gede, Ghojadanga, Haridaspur, Jaigaon, Dawki, Moreh and Attari Road.
The checkpoints include road- and rail-linked immigration facilities across several border states. Their inclusion expands the number of approved overland routes available to eligible travelers arriving from neighboring countries.
The new land ports are expected to improve regional access and provide greater itinerary flexibility for tourists, business travelers and other authorized visitors. However, an approved Indian e-Visa does not allow a traveler to enter through every airport, seaport or border crossing.
Foreign nationals must arrive through an officially designated e-Visa entry point. Travelers who attempt to use a checkpoint outside the approved network could face delays or be denied entry.
India’s E-Visa Program Continues to Grow
India introduced its electronic visa system in 2014 through an Electronic Travel Authorization program available to citizens of 43 countries. The service has since expanded to cover nationals of 172 countries and 17 travel-related subcategories.
These categories include tourism, business, medical treatment, student travel, mountaineering and transit, along with other government-approved purposes. The system also accommodates certain groups arriving aboard cruise ships, extending its reach beyond conventional air travel.
The continued expansion reflects India’s effort to digitize immigration services and reduce reliance on traditional paper-based visa processing. Electronic applications can generally be submitted before departure without requiring an applicant to visit an Indian diplomatic mission.
Most Applications Processed Within 72 Hours
The government says approximately 95% of e-Visa applications are processed within 72 hours. Processing periods may vary depending on the applicant’s documentation, nationality, travel purpose and other requirements.
Travelers are advised to secure approval before beginning their journey and to verify that their planned arrival location is included in the authorized e-Visa network.
Approximately 78% of visas issued by India are now classified as e-Visas, according to India Today, highlighting the growing importance of digital processing within the country’s immigration system.
The latest expansion could provide commercial benefits to airlines, airports, hotels and travel companies by making more destinations accessible to international visitors. It may also encourage travelers to build itineraries around regional destinations instead of relying solely on India’s busiest entry hubs.
With 88 approved gateways now available, foreign nationals have more flexibility to enter India by air, sea or land. Travelers must still confirm their eligibility, comply with the conditions attached to their visa and use a designated entry point.
