Planning a trip to India is becoming easier for international travellers.
The Government of India has expanded the number of entry points available to people travelling on an Indian e-Visa.
India introduced its e-Visa facility in 2014 to allow eligible foreign visitors to apply for a visa online without visiting an embassy or consulate.
The facility has now expanded to cover travellers from 172 countries.
Recently, the government added 11 more international entry points, giving e-Visa holders more options when arriving in India.
11 New Entry Points Added for E-Visa Holders
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the latest expansion includes 9 land ports and 2 airports.
The new land ports are:
Darranga
Gede
Ghojadanga
Haridaspur
Jaigaon
Dawki
Moreh
Attari (Road)
The two new airports are Bhopal and Tirupati.
With these additions, foreign travellers holding an Indian e-Visa can now enter the country through 88 designated immigration checkpoints.
These include:
37 airports
38 seaports
13 land ports
The expansion is expected to make it easier for international visitors to choose an entry point based on their travel plans.
What Is an Indian E-Visa?
An e-Visa allows eligible foreign nationals to apply for an Indian visa online.
Applicants can fill out the form, upload the required documents and receive their Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) by email before travelling.
The facility is available under several categories, including:
e-Tourist Visa
e-Business Visa
e-Medical Visa
e-Medical Attendant Visa
e-Student Visa
e-Family Visa
e-Transit Visa
e-Miscellaneous Visa
Citizens of countries such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Singapore, UAE, New Zealand and South Africa, among others, can apply, subject to the applicable eligibility rules.
What Can You Use an E-Visa For?
An Indian e-Visa can be used for several purposes, depending on the category.
These include tourism and sightseeing, visiting friends and relatives, short-term yoga or other non-formal courses, short-term unpaid voluntary work, medical treatment and accompanying a medical visa holder.
It can also be used for certain business activities, conferences, seminars and workshops.
Who Is Eligible for an Indian E-Visa?
Before applying, travellers should check the eligibility requirements carefully.
The passport should generally be valid for at least six months from the date of application.
Travellers should also have a return or onward ticket and enough funds to support their stay in India.
Each traveller must have an individual passport.
Diplomatic and official passport holders are not eligible for the e-Visa facility.
Pakistani passport holders and people of Pakistani origin need to apply for a regular visa through an Indian mission.
How to Apply for an Indian E-Visa
The application process is completed online and involves a few basic steps.
Step 1: Fill out the application
Complete the online application form and upload a recent photograph and the passport information page.
Step 2: Pay the visa fee
The applicable fee can be paid online using the available payment options.
Step 3: Receive the ETA
If the application is approved, the Electronic Travel Authorisation is sent to the registered email address.
Step 4: Travel to India
Travellers should carry a printed copy of the ETA and present it at the designated immigration checkpoint. The e-Visa is then processed and stamped on the passport.
Documents You Need for the Application
Applicants generally need to upload a recent colour photograph with a white background and the passport’s biographical page.
Depending on the type of e-Visa, additional documents may also be required.
Travellers should make sure that all photographs and documents are clear and meet the required specifications. Applications can be rejected if the documents do not meet the prescribed requirements.
E-Visa Fee and Important Rules
The e-Visa fee depends on the applicant’s nationality and the type of visa being requested. A 3% bank transaction charge is also applicable.
Applicants should complete the payment at least four days before their intended travel date. The government also states that e-Visa fees are non-refundable.
Travellers should also be careful about fraudulent websites and agents.
The government has clarified that there is no emergency or express processing fee for an Indian e-Visa.
It is therefore important to use only the official Indian e-Visa portal and avoid websites that promise faster approval in exchange for extra money.
Where Can You Apply?
Foreign travellers should apply through the official Indian e-Visa portal and check the latest eligibility, fee and document requirements before submitting an application.
For immigration-related information, travellers can also refer to the Bureau of Immigration’s official website.
