Centre Grants Over 96 Lakh e-Visas In Five Years; Expands Access & Support For Pilgrims

The Union government announced that it has granted over 96 lakh e-visas between 2020 and July 20, 2025.

Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh shared the data in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, highlighting the expansion of India’s e-visa programme and the government’s continued support for Indian pilgrims travelling abroad.

India Granted 96.4 Lakh e-Visas Since 2020

The government has issued a total of 96,44,567 e-visas over the past five years, showcasing the growing popularity and accessibility of India’s digital visa platform.

The number of e-visa-eligible countries has also increased, rising from 171 in 2020 to 181 in 2025.

The Minister reported that 3,26,183 e-visas were issued for Ahmedabad airport, while 107 were granted for Surat, which was added as an e-visa-enabled airport on May 26, 2025.

Currently, 181 countries are eligible to select Ahmedabad and Surat as ports of arrival under the e-visa scheme.

Government Enhances Support for Indian Pilgrims Abroad

MoS Singh emphasised that the government continues to take steps to assist Indian pilgrims travelling abroad, particularly for major religious journeys like Haj.

The support includes administrative oversight, consular assistance, coordination with local authorities, and medical aid.

During the Haj pilgrimage, the government works closely with the Ministry of Minority Affairs, the Haj Committee of India, and Saudi authorities to provide comprehensive services such as:

• Medical support
• Accommodation
• Transportation
• Catering
• Sanitation and utilities

The Indian Consulate in Jeddah manages the smooth arrival and departure of pilgrims, ensuring support throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi authorities annually allocate a Haj quota for Indian pilgrims, which in recent years has averaged 1,75,025.

The Indian government coordinates with all relevant agencies to ensure efficient execution of the pilgrimage within this quota.

India Urges Pakistan to Remove Kartarpur Corridor Fee

Addressing concerns over the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, MoS Singh revealed that India has repeatedly urged Pakistan to waive the $20 fee per pilgrim per visit. Despite India’s appeals, Pakistan continues to impose the charge.

The two nations extended the agreement for another five years in October 2024, but the government suspended Kartarpur Corridor operations following the launch of Operation Sindoor, the Minister added.

The Centre’s e-visa achievements and proactive support for religious pilgrims reflect its focus on streamlining travel processes and protecting the interests of Indian citizens abroad.

India is set to further grow its digital visa ecosystem by continuously expanding the list of eligible countries and airports.

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