India has quietly expanded its e-Visa entry network, adding new maritime gateways as part of its push to simplify international travel and boost cruise tourism.

Recent updates linked to the Ministry of Home Affairs confirm that 14 additional seaports have been enabled for e-Visa entry, significantly widening access for foreign travellers arriving by sea.

What the Official Notification Confirms

• 14 new seaports added as Immigration Check Posts (ICPs)
• Effective from March 2026
• Applies to foreign nationals holding valid e-Visas
• Ports spread across Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha
• Focus on the western and southern coasts of India

This means travellers arriving by cruise ships or private vessels now have more direct entry options, without relying solely on major ports.

Full List: 14 Newly Notified e-Visa Seaports

Here’s the complete list of 14 newly notified seaports now authorised for Indian e-Visa entry, expanding India’s maritime access and offering more flexible arrival options for international travellers.

Gujarat (the largest share of new ports)

• Porbandar
• Pipavav
• Hazira
• Bhavnagar
• Okha
• Mandvi
• Mundra (expanded access)

Maharashtra

• Dharmatar

Tamil Nadu

• Nagapattinam
• Cuddalore
• Karaikal

Andhra Pradesh

• Kakinada

Odisha

• Dhamra
• Gopalpur

It is worth noting that many of these are non-major or private ports, now upgraded to handle immigration for e-Visa travellers.

Updated Entry Network: What the Numbers Actually Look Like

Here’s the current structure based on government-linked updates:

• 33 international airports
• 19+ seaports (now increased further with 14 additions)
• 4 land border crossings

With these additions, India is moving toward a 100+ immigration checkpoint network, though not all are equally active for tourists yet.

Full List of India e-Visa Entry Points

Here’s a complete overview of India’s authorised e-Visa entry points, including airports, seaports, and select land borders currently open to international travellers.

Designated Airports (33+ Major International Hubs)

Key airports currently allowing e-Visa entry include:

• Delhi
• Mumbai
• Chennai
• Bengaluru
• Hyderabad
• Kolkata
• Goa (Dabolim & Mopa)
• Ahmedabad
• Jaipur
• Lucknow
• Amritsar
• Cochin
• Gaya
• Guwahati
• Chandigarh
• Varanasi
• Madurai
• Nagpur
• Indore
• Port Blair
• Pune
• Surat
• Tiruchirappalli
• Thiruvananthapuram
• Vijayawada
• Visakhapatnam
• Kannur
• Bagdogra
• Coimbatore
• Mangalore
• Bhubaneswar

These remain the primary and most commonly used entry points.

Designated Seaports

Previously approved and widely used seaports:

• Mumbai
• Cochin
• Chennai
• Goa
• Mangalore
• Port Blair

Expanded list (including newer additions):

• Kandla
• Mundra
• Nhava Sheva
• Visakhapatnam
• Kolkata
• Kamarajar
• Kattupalli
• Vallarpadam
• Agatti
• Calicut

Plus 14 newly added ports (2026 update), bringing the total maritime network much higher.

Land Border Entry Points (Limited Access)

Only two land borders currently allow e-Visa entry:

• Raxaul (India–Nepal)
• Rupaidiha (India–Nepal)

Important: Most land borders are not valid for e-Visa entry.

Why This Expansion Matters

1) Boost for Cruise Tourism

India is positioning itself as a cruise destination, especially along the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

2) Direct Coastal Access

Travellers can now:

• Enter closer to regional destinations
• Avoid major hubs like Mumbai or Chennai

3) Decentralised Immigration

More ports mean:

• Less congestion
• Faster processing
• Better regional tourism distribution

Important Rule Travellers Must Know

Even with expansion:

• Entry is allowed only through the notified airports, seaports, or select land borders
• Attempting entry through non-designated ports can lead to denial of entry

What This Means Going Forward

This is one of the biggest structural upgrades to India’s e-Visa system since its launch.

• The focus is shifting from airport-only entry → multi-mode entry (air, sea, land)
• Coastal states like Gujarat and Tamil Nadu are becoming key international gateways
• Expect more ports to be added as cruise traffic grows

Final Thoughts

India’s expanded e-Visa entry network signals a clear shift toward easier, more flexible travel. For visitors, it means more choices, smoother arrivals, and better access to India’s diverse coastal destinations.

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