India Extends e-Tourist Visa Application Window to Four Months, Adds Raxaul Land Entry

In a move aimed at enhancing convenience for international travelers and boosting tourism, India has officially extended the validity window for its 30-day e-Tourist Visa. As of Thursday, December 18, applicants can now submit their e-Visa requests up to four months (120 days) prior to their intended arrival date in India. This significant change is complemented by the addition of Raxaul, a key location on the India-Nepal border, as the first authorized land entry point for e-Visa holders.

Enhanced Planning for Tourists

Previously, the application window for the 30-day e-Tourist Visa was limited to just 30 days before arrival, posing a challenge for travelers planning their trips well in advance. The new policy, effective for Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETAs) approved from December 18 onwards, allows for greater flexibility in travel planning. This extension means that tourists can secure their e-Visa much earlier, facilitating smoother arrangements for their journeys to India. It is important to note that this change applies to the application window, while the maximum duration of stay for the 30-day e-Tourist Visa remains 30 days from the date of arrival. The official Indian e-Visa portal, indianvisaonline.gov.in, reflects these updated guidelines, enabling applicants to specify an arrival date within the 120-day period.

Raxaul: A New Gateway by Land

Another pivotal development in India's e-Visa framework is the inclusion of Raxaul as an authorized entry point. Situated on the bustling India-Nepal border, Raxaul marks the first land border crossing where international visitors holding an e-Visa can enter the country. Historically, India's e-Visa program restricted first entry to 32 international airports and 6 seaports. The integration of Raxaul as a land entry point is expected to significantly ease regional travel, particularly for individuals traversing South Asia who prefer or require land-based entry into India without the need for a traditional visa obtained through an embassy or consulate. Raxaul serves as a crucial trade route between India and Nepal and operates as an Integrated Check Post (ICP), equipped with facilities for security, immigration, customs, and quarantine.

Broader Visa Modernization Efforts

These recent adjustments are part of India's ongoing commitment to liberalize and streamline its visa regime, aiming to boost inbound tourism and enhance the overall travel experience. Beyond the 30-day e-Tourist Visa, India also offers other e-Visa categories, including:

• One-year e-Tourist Visa: Allowing stays of up to 90 consecutive days (or 180 days for nationals of certain countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and Japan) with a 120-day arrival window.
• Five-year e-Tourist Visa: Offering similar stay durations and application windows.

In addition to these e-Visa enhancements, India has also introduced an e-Arrival Card, a digital arrival form designed to further simplify border formalities and reduce paper usage. These comprehensive measures underscore India's strategic efforts to digitize its immigration processes and cater to a diverse range of international visitors.