India's e-Visa Regime and the Expansion of Land Ports (Economy)
India's e-Visa Regime and the Expansion of Land Ports (Economy)
Why In News:
The Union Government has notified 11 additional international ports of entry for e-Visa holders, including 9 land ports and 2 airports, expanding the total network to 88 ports and easing travel for foreign nationals.
Source: The Indian Express, Page 9, 11 August 2026 - 'India expands e-visa entry points, Attari among 9 land ports on list'
Expansion of Land Ports
New land ports: The newly added land ports are Agartala, Darranga, Gede, Ghojadanga, Haridaspur, Jaigaon, Dawki, Moreh and Attari (Road).
New airports: Bhopal and Tirupati airports have also been added to the e-Visa entry network.
Updated total: With these additions, the total number of international ports authorised for e-Visa entry has risen to 88, comprising 37 airports, 38 seaports and 13 land ports.
e-Visa use
The e-Visa facility now accounts for about 78% of all visas issued by India.
Processing speed: About 95% of e-Visa applications are processed within 72 hours of submission.
Exclusion: International travellers holding a Pakistani passport, or of Pakistani origin, are not eligible for the e-Visa facility and must apply for a regular visa through an Indian Mission.
Origin of the scheme: The e-Visa facility was first launched in India in 2014 as the 'e-Tourist Visa' and has since expanded to cover business, medical and conference visa categories.
Key Facts for Prelims
Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI): Itis a statutory authority established under the Land Ports Authority of India Act, 2010.
Purpose: to develop and manage facilities for the cross-border movement of passengers and goods at designated points along India’s international borders.
Appointment: The Chairperson and Members of the Authority are appointed by the Central Government.
Tenure: The Chairperson and Members hold office for five years from the date of assuming office or until attaining the age of 60 years, whichever is earlier.
India's land neighbours: India shares land borders with seven countries: Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Afghanistan (via Pakistan-occupied Kashmir).
Institutional roles: The Ministry of Home Affairs oversees visa policy and the Bureau of Immigration, while the Ministry of External Affairs issues visas through its missions abroad.