Context:

• The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) notified 14 new seaports as Immigration Check Posts (ICPs) in April 2026, allowing foreign nationals holding e-Visas to enter India through these ports.

List of 14 Newly Notified Ports:

• The newly added ports are mainly located in four states:
• Gujarat (7 ports): Alang, Bedi Bandar, Bhavnagar, Porbandar, Hazira, Pipavav, and Mandvi
• Tamil Nadu (3 ports): Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, and Thoothukudi
• Andhra Pradesh (2 ports): Kakinada and Krishnapatnam
• Odisha (2 ports): Paradip and Dhamra

Key Points:

• e-Visa Infrastructure: With this expansion, India now has a total of 114 Immigration Check Posts (including air, sea, land, rail, and river routes). Out of these, 37 are seaports functioning as ICPs, and 33 seaports allow entry through e-Visa.
• Objective: To simplify the entry process for tourists and business travelers arriving via sea routes (such as cruise passengers, technicians, and surveyors).
• Eligibility for e-Visa: Currently, India’s e-Visa facility is available to citizens of 207 countries (except countries like China, Pakistan, Yemen, and Iran).
• Categories: The visa is issued under various categories including tourism, business, medical, student, and transit.

Immigration Check Posts (ICP):

• These are designated locations where government authorities verify travel documents (such as passports and visas) of individuals entering or leaving India.
• The primary objective is to ensure national security and prevent illegal entry.

Types and Distribution of ICP in India:

Mode of Route :

• Airports: Major international airports enabling foreign travel (e.g., Delhi, Mumbai)
• Seaports: 37 seaports function as ICPs, of which 33 are notified for e-Visa entry
• Land Borders: Located at borders with Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan (e.g., Attari, Petrapole)
• Rail & River Routes: Designated points for international rail services (e.g., India–Bangladesh routes)

Management:

• ICPs in India are primarily managed by the Bureau of Immigration (BoI) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• Some smaller checkpoints are operated by state police authorities.

e-Visa:

• An official digital document that allows foreign nationals to enter and travel within India.
• It is a modern and faster alternative to the traditional “sticker visa,” and is obtained completely online.

Key Features of e-Visa:

• Fully Online: No need to visit an embassy or consulate; application, document upload, and fee payment are done online.
• Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): After approval, a PDF document (ETA) is sent via email, which must be carried while traveling.
• Passport Stamping: Final visa stamping is done at the Immigration Check Post upon arrival in India.

Validity:

• Minimum: 30 days (for e-Tourist and e-Conference visas)
• Maximum: Up to 5 years (for e-Tourist and e-Student visas)

Categories of e-Visa:

• e-Tourist Visa: For tourism, sightseeing, or visiting friends (30 days, 1 year, or 5 years options)
• e-Business Visa: For business meetings or investments
• e-Medical Visa: For medical treatment in India
• e-Medical Attendant Visa: For up to two attendants accompanying a patient
• e-Conference Visa: For attending conferences
• Other Categories: e-Transit, e-Film, e-Student, e-Ayush

Eligibility and Rules:

• Countries: Available to citizens of around 207 countries
• Entry Points: e-Visa holders can enter India through 33 international airports and 33 notified seaports (including the newly added 14 ports)
• Restrictions: Not available for Pakistani-origin individuals or diplomatic passport holders; they must follow the regular visa process
• Important Update: From 31 March 2026, all foreign nationals must fill a digital e-Arrival Card before arrival in India, in addition to the e-Visa requirement