Entry Ports and Airports in India

Where International Travelers Can Land or Dock

India, being a vast and diverse country, offers multiple points of entry for international travelers—through both air and sea. Understanding the major entry ports and international airports can help plan your arrival and internal connections better.

1. Major International Airports

India has over 30 international airports, with several being primary hubs for foreign arrivals. The most popular and well-connected ones include:

• Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (DEL)
  North India’s busiest international gateway

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai (BOM)
  Key entry point for western India and financial capital

• Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR)
  Tech city hub, also well-connected globally

• Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (HYD)
  Modern, high-tech airport in south-central India

• Chennai International Airport (MAA)
  Southern India’s primary entry for Southeast Asian routes

• Cochin International Airport (COK)
  First airport in the world to run completely on solar power

• Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (CCU)
  Eastern India’s primary international gateway

These airports support e-Visa entry for eligible nationals and offer immigration, customs, currency exchange, transport, and tourist assistance services.

2. Sea Ports for Cruise & Cargo Arrivals

India also allows foreign arrivals through designated sea ports, particularly for cruise tourists or long-distance travelers by ship. Some important ports include:

• Mumbai Port

• Chennai Port

• Cochin Port

• Mormugao Port (Goa)

• Kolkata (Haldia) Port

Note: Sea-based arrivals usually require prior visa clearance and are subject to stricter checks.

3. Land Border Check Posts

India shares land borders with Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. Some recognized land border checkpoints include:

• Wagah Border (Punjab, with Pakistan)

• Raxaul and Sunauli (with Nepal)

• Phulbari-Banglabandha (with Bangladesh)

Travelers entering through land borders must have a valid visa in advance—e-Visa is usually not applicable for land entries.

Travel Tip:

Always confirm if your port of entry supports your visa type—especially if you are using an e-Visa. Only select airports and seaports accept e-Visas.