Bhubaneswar: The expansion of India’s electronic visa infrastructure marks a significant step forward for global travel accessibility, with eastern coastal hubs like Odisha standing to benefit from the streamlined entry system. Following the notification of 11 new international entry points by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the total number of designated ports handling foreign travelers with e-Visas nationwide has reached 88, comprising 37 international airports, 38 seaports, and 13 land ports.
For Odisha, this robust digital travel framework plays a central role in connecting the state with international tourists, business executives, and maritime trade partners. Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar serves as the primary gateway for international e-Visa holders arriving by air, facilitating direct access to the state’s cultural heritage, eco-tourism destinations, and economic corridors.
On the maritime front, Odisha’s coast is integrated into the national e-Visa grid through key maritime facilities including Paradeep Port and Dhamra Port. The inclusion of these major ports allows international vessels, foreign crews, and cruise travelers to complete immigration formalities efficiently via electronic travel authorization, boosting maritime logistics and coastal tourism in the Bay of Bengal region.
The nationwide modernization drive—guided by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah—combines simplified visa procedures with enhanced security infrastructure. With approximately 95 percent of e-Visa applications processed within 72 hours, Odisha’s airports and maritime ports are well-positioned to support increased international arrivals, driving growth across tourism, trade, and industrial sectors.