The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs has reaffirmed its commitment to making entry easier for legitimate foreign visitors while maintaining strong national security measures. India’s visa policy is carefully regulated but constantly evolving to meet the needs of tourists, business travelers, students, medical patients, and other categories of international guests.
Read More: South Korea Grants Visa-Free Access to Chinese Visitors in Effort to Improve Relations
Government Focus on Accessibility and Security
In a written statement to the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar highlighted recent improvements to the visa regime. These reforms aim to balance national security priorities with the country’s goal of becoming a more welcoming destination for global travelers.
e-Visa: A Major Reform in India’s Immigration Policy
One of the most significant developments in recent years has been the introduction of the electronic visa (e-Visa) program. First launched in November 2014 for 43 nationalities, the initiative now covers 174 countries and territories, making it far easier for millions of travelers to visit India.
The list includes nations across Asia, Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania — from Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom to Japan, Brazil, South Africa, and Vietnam. The expansion reflects India’s strategy to boost tourism, strengthen economic ties, and enhance cultural exchange.
Growing Popularity of India’s e-Visa System
Since 2020, more than 9.64 million electronic visas have been issued, underscoring the program’s global appeal. The e-Visa allows travelers to enter India through 32 designated international airports and 6 seaports, streamlining both arrivals and departures.
Approved International Airports for e-Visa Holders:
Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bagdogra, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Mumbai, Calicut, Chandigarh, Chennai, Cochin, Coimbatore, Delhi, Gaya, Goa (Dabolim & Mopa), Guwahati, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kannur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Madurai, Mangalore, Nagpur, Port Blair, Pune, Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Trichy, Varanasi, and Visakhapatnam.
Approved Seaports for e-Visa Entry:
Chennai, Cochin, Goa, Mangalore, Mumbai, and Port Blair.
Multiple Categories to Suit Every Traveler
India’s e-Visa system offers 13 subcategories, ensuring that visitors can apply for a visa tailored to their purpose of travel. Popular categories include:
- e-Tourist Visa – For leisure travel and sightseeing.
- e-Business Visa – For trade and commercial activities.
- e-Medical Visa – For patients seeking healthcare in India.
- e-Conference Visa – For attending official events and meetings.
- e-Student Visa – For pursuing education in India.
- e-Visa Ayush – For wellness, Ayurveda, and alternative medicine purposes.
This flexibility ensures that India remains a top choice for diverse travel needs.
Fully Online and Paperless Process
The e-Visa application is 100% online, eliminating the need for physical visits to embassies or consulates. Applicants can fill out the form, upload documents, and make payments from anywhere in the world.
To encourage tourism during the off-peak season (April–June), India introduced a reduced fee structure in 2019:
- $25 for a 30-day double-entry tourist e-Visa during the peak season.
- $10 for the same visa during the low season.
This price adjustment has successfully promoted off-season travel, boosting tourism-related businesses year-round.
Ongoing Efforts to Liberalize Visa Policies
The Ministry emphasized that visa liberalization is a continuous process, shaped by security needs, economic objectives, diplomatic relations, and reciprocity with other nations. Future plans may include partial or complete visa fee exemptions for certain traveler categories to further encourage inbound tourism.
Impact on India’s Tourism and Economy
India’s e-Visa initiative has had a profound impact on its tourism industry. Easier entry procedures encourage more visitors, which in turn benefits hotels, restaurants, transportation services, and cultural attractions. Medical tourism has also grown significantly, with patients from Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia choosing India for its advanced yet affordable healthcare.
Business travelers have equally benefited, as simplified entry processes facilitate trade fairs, corporate meetings, and investment opportunities. The e-Business Visa has made India more accessible for global entrepreneurs seeking partnerships in sectors like technology, manufacturing, and renewable energy.
Strengthening India’s Position as a Global Destination
By expanding e-Visa eligibility and improving accessibility, India is positioning itself as one of the most travel-friendly nations in Asia. The country’s rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, booming wellness industry, and growing economy make it a magnet for international visitors.
From exploring the Taj Mahal and Kerala’s backwaters to attending major business conferences in Mumbai or Bengaluru, travelers now have more reasons — and fewer bureaucratic hurdles — to visit India.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is India’s e-Visa program?
India’s e-Visa program is an online visa system that allows foreign nationals to apply and receive travel authorization electronically, without visiting an embassy or consulate. It is available for tourism, business, medical, study, and other travel purposes.
How many e-Visas has India approved since 2020?
From 2020 until July 20, 2025, India has approved over 9.64 million e-Visa applications, reflecting the growing popularity of the system among global travelers.
Which countries are eligible for India’s e-Visa?
As of now, nationals from 174 countries and territories are eligible for the Indian e-Visa, including the USA, UK, Australia, Japan, Brazil, South Africa, and many others.
What are the entry points for e-Visa holders?
Travelers with an e-Visa can enter India through 32 designated international airports and 6 seaports, making arrival more flexible and convenient.
What categories of e-Visas does India offer?
India offers 13 e-Visa subcategories, including e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Medical, e-Conference, e-Student, and e-Visa Ayush, among others.
How do I apply for an Indian e-Visa?
The application process is fully online. Applicants must fill out the form, upload required documents, and pay the fee through the official government portal. No physical visit to an embassy is required.
How much does an Indian e-Visa cost?
The cost varies by category and season. For example, a 30-day double-entry tourist e-Visa costs $25 during the peak season and $10 during the off-peak season (April to June).
Conclusion
India’s e-Visa program has become a cornerstone of the country’s efforts to welcome more international visitors while maintaining strong security measures. With over 9.6 million approvals since 2020, expanded eligibility to 174 nations, and a fully online, paperless application process, the system has made travel to India more accessible than ever.
