Why this guide
It's a common assumption that an e-Visa works at any airport, the way a passport stamp does. It doesn't: entry is restricted to a specific list of designated airports and seaports set by the government. This page explains how that list works rather than reproducing it, since it's reviewed and expanded over time. Independent guide, not affiliated with the Government of India.
How entry points work
- e-Visa arrival is valid only through a government-designated list of airports, plus a smaller list of seaports for cruise arrivals
- The list includes most major international airports: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and others: but not every airport in the country
- Seaport entry is limited to a small named list of ports, relevant mainly to cruise travelers
- Overland land border crossings are generally not valid e-Visa entry points
The exact list of designated airports and seaports is published on indianvisaonline.gov.in and has been expanded periodically. Confirm your specific arrival airport or port is currently on the list before booking flights.
Departure is more flexible
- e-Visa holders can typically exit India through a broader set of authorized checkpoints than they can enter through, including some land border posts
- This distinction matters most for travelers planning a multi-country overland route after their India leg
Before you book flights
- Confirm your arrival airport is on the current designated list, especially if it's a smaller or regional airport
- Confirm the seaport if you're arriving by cruise
- Connecting flights through non-designated airports don't matter for this: only your final arrival point in India does