Is the Indian e-Visa facility now accessible to visitors from 172 nations?
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Synopsis
India's e-Visa is now available to citizens from 172 nations, enhancing travel opportunities through 32 airports and 6 seaports. With 13 visa sub-categories, including e-Tourist and e-Business Visas, this initiative aims to simplify travel for tourists while bolstering security measures. Discover how this impacts global tourism.
Key Takeaways
- e-Visa available for 172 nations
- Entry through 32 airports and 6 seaports
- 13 sub-categories of e-Visa
- 30-day double-entry e-Tourist Visa
- Online application process
New Delhi, Aug 5 (NationPress) The e-Visa facility of India is currently open to citizens of 172 countries, allowing entry through 32 designated international airports and six major seaports, as reported in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
The Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, provided this information in a written reply. The e-Visa is available in 13 different sub-categories, including e-Tourist Visa, e-Business Visa, e-Medical Visa, e-Medical Attendant Visa, e-Conference Visa, e-Ayush Visa, e-Ayush Attendant Visa, e-Student Visa, e-Student X Visa, e-Transit Visa, e-Mountaineering Visa, e-Film Visa, and e-Entry (X-1) Visa.
He noted that the ongoing process of liberalizing and simplifying the e-Visa system includes considerations for visa fee waivers and special categories for select tourist groups, focusing on security, inbound tourism, investments, and bilateral relations.
In 2019, a 30-day double-entry e-Tourist Visa was introduced at a fee of $25. To encourage travel during the off-peak season (April-June), the fee was reduced to $10 during this period.
The Minister emphasized that India has a robust visa system aimed at ensuring the lawful entry of foreigners, including tourists, professionals, skilled workers, business individuals, and students.
Over the past few years, the government has implemented numerous initiatives to liberalize, streamline, and simplify the visa process for legitimate foreign travelers while simultaneously enhancing technological infrastructure for improved internal security.
A pivotal move to simplify the Indian Visa regime, particularly for tourists, was the establishment of the e-Visa service.
Launched in November 2014, this facility with Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) was initially available for nationals of 43 countries.
The e-Visa application process is entirely online, allowing foreigners to apply from any location. This system has significantly streamlined the entry process for legitimate visits to India for tourism, business, and medical reasons.
Point of View
The expansion of India's e-Visa facility to 172 nations marks a significant step toward fostering international tourism. This move not only simplifies the entry process for legitimate travelers but also demonstrates the government's commitment to enhancing bilateral relations and security measures. It is crucial for India to maintain a balanced approach, ensuring both the safety of its citizens and the welcoming of tourists.
NationPress
08/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the Indian e-Visa facility?
India’s e-Visa facility is currently available to citizens of 172 countries, allowing entry through designated international airports and major seaports.
How many sub-categories does the e-Visa have?
The e-Visa is available under 13 sub-categories, including e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Medical, and more.
What were the recent changes in e-Visa fees?
In 2019, a 30-day double-entry e-Tourist Visa was introduced for $25, with a reduced fee of $10 during the off-peak season.
What is the application process for the e-Visa?
The e-Visa application process is entirely online, allowing applicants to apply from anywhere in the world.
When was the e-Visa facility introduced?
The e-Visa facility was launched in November 2014, initially for nationals of 43 countries.
