The Government of India has added 11 new entry points, including nine land ports and two airports, to its e-visa network. This expansion brings the total number of approved international entry points to 88, aiming to simplify travel and boost the tourism sector. The policy move is expected to support hospitality and transport businesses by increasing foreign tourist inflow to key regional locations.
The Indian government has increased the number of official entry points for e-visa holders, adding 11 new locations to the network. This expansion includes nine land ports and two airports, bringing the total number of designated entry points across the country to 88. The initiative is part of an ongoing policy focus on simplifying travel procedures for foreign nationals and supporting the growth of the tourism and hospitality sectors.
The new land ports include sites across multiple states, such as Agartala and Darranga in Assam, Dawki in Meghalaya, Moreh in Manipur, Attari in Punjab, and four locations in West Bengal—Gede, Ghojadanga, Haridaspur, and Jaigaon. Additionally, the airports in Bhopal and Tirupati have been approved as entry points. By increasing access through these specific locations, the government aims to encourage tourism in regions that were previously harder for foreign travelers to access directly.
For the tourism and hospitality sectors, this development acts as a potential demand driver. Locations like Tirupati, a major religious tourism destination, and Bhopal, which attracts cultural tourism, may see improved footfall as travel barriers are reduced. Companies operating hotel chains, tour services, and local transport networks in these areas may benefit if the change leads to higher tourist numbers.
The e-visa system, which now covers travelers from 172 countries, remains a key component of India’s digital governance strategy. The Ministry of Home Affairs reported that approximately 95% of visa applications are currently processed within 72 hours, maintaining high operational efficiency for incoming visitors.
However, the expansion also brings specific challenges. The increased number of land-based entry points requires heightened security monitoring to manage the flow of travelers effectively. Additionally, as the e-visa system relies heavily on digital infrastructure, any technical disruptions could impact arrival timelines. Investors monitoring the sector should track not only passenger arrival data in these regions but also the government's continued investments in immigration and security infrastructure to support the increased traffic.