In a significant move to streamline international travel, India's Ministry of Home Affairs has announced the addition of 11 new international entry points for foreign nationals utilizing the e-visa facility. This expansion increases the total number of e-visa entry points across the country to 88, encompassing 37 airports, 38 seaports, and 13 land ports.
New Entry Points Bolster Connectivity
The newly designated land ports include key locations such as Darranga, Gede, Ghojadanga, Haridaspur, Jaigaon, Dawki, Moreh, and the prominent Attari (Road) border crossing. This addition to the land port network aims to facilitate smoother entry for tourists and business travelers alike. Furthermore, the airports in Bhopal and Tirupati have also been integrated into the e-visa network.
E-Visa Facility Details
The electronic visa system, initially launched in 2014 for 43 countries, has significantly grown in scope and now caters to citizens from 172 nations. It covers 17 distinct sub-categories, ranging from medical and student visas to mountaineering, cruise, tourist, transit, group travel, and business purposes. Authorities report that approximately 95 percent of all e-visa applications are processed efficiently within a 72-hour window, enhancing its utility and appeal for international visitors.
Restrictions on Pakistani Travelers Continue
Despite the broader liberalization of India's e-visa regime, existing restrictions for Pakistani nationals remain in place. Travelers holding Pakistani passports or those of Pakistani origin are not eligible for the e-visa facility and must continue to apply for a regular visa through an Indian Mission.
Expanded Network for Global Visitors
This latest expansion underscores India's ongoing efforts to simplify its visa processes and boost international tourism and business engagement. The inclusion of critical land routes like Attari is expected to further enhance cross-border movement, offering greater convenience to a wide array of global travelers.