If you’ve ever worried about long waits for an India e-visa, there’s good news: India has slashed e-visa processing time to just one day, making travel planning smoother than ever.
The Big Update
According to the latest government push, e-visas—which now account for more than 65% of all visas issued in India—are being processed in just one day, down from several weeks previously. This change comes from a recent high-level meeting chaired by Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar, aimed at simplifying visa procedures and modernizing immigration checkpoints.
What’s Changed?
- Fewer visa categories: The number of main categories dropped from 26 to 22, and subcategories shrank from 104 to 69, reducing confusion and streamlining the application process.
- Modern tech upgrades: Automated document scanning and biometric systems have been rolled out at more immigration checkpoints. Since 2014, checkpoints have expanded from 82 to 114 across air, road, rail, and sea entry points .
- Trusted Traveller Program (FTI-TTP): This program now operates in several major airports (including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and more). Pre-registered travelers can pass through immigration within just one minute. Expansion to additional airports is already underway .
- Enhanced support for OCIs: The revamped OCI portal and new mobile apps are making processing smoother for Overseas Citizens of India.
What This Means for Travelers
- Faster e-visa turnaround—apply and get approved within a day.
- Simpler application process with fewer categories and clearer guidelines.
- Quicker immigration clearance at checkpoints—especially with FTI-TTP.
- Better digital support for OCIs and simplified visa journeys overall.
Final Thoughts
India’s e-visa system is evolving fast. With processing now down to just one day, automated immigration tech, and streamlined visa categories, travelers can enjoy a faster and more efficient journey—right from application to arrival.
