The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has made a new set of 14 seaports as Immigration Check Posts (ICPs) for foreign nationals who have obtained an electronic visa. According to a report published by The Hindu on April 22, 2026, the facility of electronic visas became available from March 19 at seven seaports in Gujarat, namely Alang, Bedi Bandar, Bhavnagar, Porbandar, Hazira, Pipavav, and Mandvi; apart from that, in the state of Tamil Nadu, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, and Tuticorin were also considered.The addition of these seaports has further expanded India’s immigration network, which already consists of a total of 114 ICPs at air, sea, land, rail, and river ports, among which there are 37 seaports as ICPs. E-visa holders can enter India only via 32 selected airports and 33 selected seaports.Why ports need a visaIndia regulates entry into the country through immigration check posts (ICPs) which include seaports and are established to ensure that identity verification and security checks are conducted as well as ensuring that the immigration laws are followed. A visa is needed since ports serve as the entry point from where foreigners will have entered the country. With the e-visa facility, the process becomes easier although it can only be used at designated ports by the government.
Port in Goa
In India, all seaports are not visa free; foreigners need to obtain visas to enter through seaports. The important point here is that some seaports may be designated to accept the e-visa while others will require travelers to get the traditional visa.Indian major seaports where e-visas are not accepted (regular visa required)Jawaharlal Nehru Port – Nhava Sheva, MumbaiAs the largest container port in India and one of the largest in terms of volume of international shipping, the importance of Nhava Sheva can hardly be overemphasized. Nonetheless, while this major port connects India with the world via the sea routes, it is not a destination for visa-on-arrival for foreign travelers. Instead, visitors will have to obtain a visa in advance.Chennai Port, Tamil NaduChennai port is one of the largest ports of the country located on the Coromandel Coast. In addition to handling shipments, this strategic location plays an important role in Indian international shipping and maritime logistics. However, the port is not included in the list of visa on arrival seaports, which means that e-visas cannot be used here either.Kolkata Port, West BengalThe Kolkata port including the Hooghly river port caters to the international shipping needs of eastern India. Nevertheless, despite its importance in maritime shipping, the port is not included in the list of e-visa seaports.Cochin Port, Kochi, KeralaCochin Port is one of the important ports situated in the southwest coast of India, facilitating trade and cruise operations in the region of the Arabian Sea. This port, however, does not fall under the category of authorized e-visa ports, and therefore individuals visiting this port need to have an ordinary visa.Visakhapatnam Port, Andhra PradeshCommonly known as Vizag Port, this industrial port handles the cargo of the region located along the eastern coast of India. Although Visakhapatnam Port is an important port of international maritime significance, foreigners visiting this port need to hold an ordinary visa.Mormugao Port, GoaAlthough Mormugao is an important seaport located in Goa, it is more recognized as an international cruise and coastal port. Nonetheless, unlike the reputation of Goa as an important tourist destination in the country, Mormugao Port is not included in the list of ports where an individual can enter using an e-visa.
