Tirupati Airport has now been added as an authorised port of entry for foreign nationals holding Indian e-Visas. The government has added 11 more international ports of entry, including Tirupati and Bhopal airports. The total number of e-Visa entry points has risen to 88. The expansion was announced in August 2026. The change is particularly significant for foreign devotees visiting Tirumala and the Sri Venkateswara Temple. 

According to available sources, Tirupati Airport is expected to start international passenger services soon. Its e-Visa designation will make it easier for eligible foreign travellers to enter India directly through Tirupati once these services begin. This could boost international connectivity and make travel to Tirumala more convenient. 

Earlier e-Visa Entry Restrictions at Tirupati 

Previously, foreign tourists holding an Indian e-Visa could not use Tirupati Airport as an authorised e-Visa entry point. They generally had to enter India through another authorised international airport before travelling onward to Tirupati. 

Now, Tirupati is an authorised e-Visa entry point, allowing eligible e-Visa holders to enter India through the airport when qualifying international services operate. 

The move could also make travel more convenient for foreign devotees visiting Tirumala. If international flights eventually begin operating from Tirupati, travellers could follow a much simpler route:

International origin → Tirupati Airport → Immigration → Tirumala

Instead of:

International origin → Chennai/Bengaluru/Hyderabad → Immigration → Tirupati → Tirumala 

This could benefit devotees travelling from the US, UK, UAE, Singapore, Malaysia and other countries with large Indian and Hindu communities.

Tirupati Airport infrastructure 

Tirupati Airport has undergone infrastructure development to support larger aircraft. The runway has been extended from 2,286 metres to 3,810 metres to support operations by larger Code-E aircraft. Andhra Pradesh’s Socio-Economic Survey also says the extended runway can handle aircraft such as the Airbus A330 and Boeing B787. The airport’s current aeronautical information publication lists Tirupati Airport under the ICAO code VOTP. 

Also Read: Tirumala NRI Darshan 2026

Rayalaseema and Gulf Connectivity

Tirupati Airport could also improve international connectivity for the wider Rayalaseema region. Many people from Rayalaseema and neighbouring districts travel to Gulf countries for work and currently use major Indian airports for onward international connections. Direct international flights could make these journeys more convenient while also supporting business travel and family visits. Along with Gulf connectivity, the airport could serve foreign devotees visiting Tirumala and overseas Indians travelling to the region.

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