Surat Joins India’s e-Visa Network: A New Gateway for Global Travel and Gujarat Tourism

Surat Joins India’s e-Visa Network: A New Gateway for Global Travel and Gujarat Tourism

India Expands e-Visa Access with Surat International Airport Addition

In a significant move to accelerate inbound tourism and improve regional airport accessibility, Surat International Airport has officially joined India’s list of e-Visa-enabled international entry points, effective May 30, 2025. The inclusion makes Surat the 32nd airport in India authorised to process international e-Visa arrivals.

This strategic development reflects India’s broader initiative to boost digital travel solutions, ease visa access, and unlock tourism growth across Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

What is an Indian e-Visa?

The Indian e-Visa is a digital travel authorisation that allows foreign nationals to enter India for tourism, medical treatment, or business purposes. Applicants can complete the process entirely online—no embassy visits or physical visa stamps required. The document must be presented upon arrival at one of the designated e-Visa ports.

Why Surat Was Added to the List

Located along the Tapi River in Gujarat, Surat is a rising star in both tourism and trade. Famously known as the “Diamond Capital of the World,” it handles nearly 90% of global diamond cutting and polishing, making it a hotspot for international gem traders, business delegates, and investors.

With its fast-growing airport infrastructure and proximity to destinations like Dumas Beach and Saputara Hill Station, Surat is emerging as a preferred entry point for international travellers headed to Gujarat.

Benefits for Airlines and Immigration Authorities

According to the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Surat’s inclusion enhances operational efficiency by:

• Reducing congestion at major hubs like Mumbai and Ahmedabad

• Speeding up immigration and customs clearance

• Streamlining documentation through digital systems

• Encouraging point-to-point connectivity from global aviation partners
  
  

For airlines, this also opens new route possibilities, especially from Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

Updated List of e-Visa Entry Points in India (2025)

International Airports (32):

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

Seaports (6):

Chennai, Cochin, Goa, Mangalore, Mumbai, Port Blair

Tip for Travel Agents: Always ensure your clients’ port of entry is on this approved list to avoid immigration delays or denied boarding.

Impact on the B2B Travel Industry

For travel consolidators and agency partners, this opens new opportunities to:

• Offer direct itineraries to Surat for trade events or family travel

• Promote Gujarat as a standalone destination instead of a day trip from larger metros

• Forge tie-ups with local DMCs, hotels, and tour providers in Surat and beyond

• Reduce transit costs and wait times for inbound passengers
  
  

The upgrade is expected to strengthen regional tourism circuits, drive footfall to less-explored destinations, and give corporate travel planners better flexibility in crafting efficient itineraries.

Travel Tips for e-Visa Holders

• Apply through the official Indian e-Visa portal

• Use only authorised ports for entry/exit

• Carry a printed copy of your e-Visa approval

• Your passport must have at least 6 months' validity

• Double-check entry rules and duration of stay before travelling
  
  

Final Takeaway: A Gateway to Gujarat’s Growth

Surat’s inclusion in India’s e-Visa network is more than just a travel update—it’s a clear signal of the government’s commitment to balanced regional development, ease of doing business, and modernised travel infrastructure.

Whether you're assisting business clients, MICE travellers, or diaspora tourists, Surat now offers faster, more direct access to Gujarat’s booming travel economy.

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