Introduction
In a major trade and tourism facilitation initiative to streamline inbound international travel, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on 17 August 2026 officially notified 11 additional International Ports of Entry for e-Visa holders, comprising 9 strategic Land Customs Stations (LCS) and 2 international airports, expanding the total network of designated e-Visa entry ports in India from 77 to 88 ports.
Newly Notified Ports and Regional Connectivity
The newly designated ports bolster overland connectivity across South Asia:
- 9 Designated Land Ports: Darranga, Gede, Ghojadanga, Haridaspur, Jaigaon, Dawki, Moreh, and Attari (Road), boosting overland tourism and cross-border trade with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Nepal.
- 2 Newly Added Airports: Bhopal Airport (Madhya Pradesh) and Tirupati Airport (Andhra Pradesh), boosting spiritual and heritage tourism.
- Indian e-Visa Dominance: Electronic visas now account for 78% of all visas issued by India, with approximately 95% of e-Visa applications processed within 72 hours across 17 sub-categories for nationals of 172 countries.
Key Facts
- Policy Action: Notification of 11 New International Ports for e-Visa Entry (9 Land Ports + 2 Airports)
- Total e-Visa Entry Ports: 88 International Ports of Entry across India
- New Land Ports: Darranga, Gede, Ghojadanga, Haridaspur, Jaigaon, Dawki, Moreh, Attari (Road)
- New Airports: Bhopal (Raja Bhoj Airport) and Tirupati Airport
- Global Reach: e-Visa facility available to citizens of 172 countries across 17 sub-categories
- Digital Visa Volume: 78% of all Indian visas issued electronically (95% cleared in <72 hours)
Exam Perspective
For TNPSC and UPSC examinations, this topic covers Tourism Infrastructure, Immigration & Visa Reforms (e-Visa with ETA), Land Customs Stations (LCS), Border Trade, and Regional Connectivity in GS Paper II and GS Paper III.
Conclusion
Expanding e-Visa entry points to 88 international gateways strengthens land-border connectivity and simplifies tourist transit, reinforcing India's global tourism competitiveness.