International travelers arriving in India on an e-Visa can now complete biometric registration faster at Kolkata Airport. The Bureau of Immigration has introduced self-service biometric kiosks at Kolkata Airport to simplify immigration processing for eligible passengers. The system has reduced the time required at the e-Visa immigration counter from around six to seven minutes per passenger to less than a minute once biometric registration is completed.

What Are the New Biometric Kiosks at Kolkata Airport?

The new biometric kiosks at Kolkata Airport allow passengers to complete mandatory biometric registration on their own instead of waiting for an immigration officer to perform the entire process. The Bureau of Immigration has installed four kiosks for this purpose. The kiosks scan the passport and capture a live facial image and fingerprints. After completing the process, passengers receive a confirmation slip that they can take to the immigration counter. Immigration officials can then verify the passenger’s passport and complete the remaining formalities more quickly.

Who Needs to Use the Biometric Kiosks?

The new facility mainly helps foreign nationals arriving in India for the first time on an e-Visa. Travelers who receive regular or sticker visas may complete biometric formalities earlier through an Indian embassy, consulate, or visa facilitation centre. However, people traveling with an Indian e-Visa generally complete their required biometric verification after arrival. India’s official e-Visa portal states that authorities require e-Visa applicants to provide biometric details on arrival.

By moving this process to self-service kiosks, Kolkata Airport can reduce the time passengers spend at immigration desks.

How Does the Kolkata Airport Biometric Kiosk Work?

Foreign travelers who need to complete biometric registration can follow a simple process after arriving at Kolkata Airport:

• Go to the self-service biometric kiosk before proceeding to the immigration counter.
• Scan the passport using the kiosk.
• Capture a live photograph.
• Place the required fingers on the scanner to record fingerprints.
• Complete the biometric registration.
• Collect the confirmation slip generated by the machine.
• Take the slip and passport to the immigration counter.
• Complete the remaining immigration checks.

The system moves the longer biometric process away from the immigration desk and allows officers to focus on passport verification and clearance.

Why Do India E-Visa Travelers Need Biometric Verification?

India requires foreign nationals to hold a valid passport and an appropriate visa or e-Visa unless an exemption applies. For e-Visa travelers, biometric verification forms part of the immigration process after arrival. India’s official visa portal confirms that authorities capture biometric details at immigration for e-Visa applicants. Biometric checks help immigration authorities confirm a traveler’s identity using fingerprints and facial information. The new self-service system does not remove this requirement. Instead, it gives eligible passengers a faster way to complete it.

How the New Kiosks Could Improve International Arrivals at Kolkata Airport

The new self-service biometric kiosks can make the arrival process easier for foreign visitors at Kolkata Airport. By allowing passengers to complete fingerprint and facial scans before reaching an immigration officer, the system can reduce time at the counter and help immigration queues move faster.

The initiative also reflects India’s wider push toward automated immigration services. Along with FTI-TTP and immigration e-gates, biometric kiosks can help make international arrivals faster while maintaining identity and security checks. For foreign travelers entering India on an e-Visa, the biggest change is simple: they can now complete an important part of the immigration process themselves and spend less time waiting at the counter.

If you are flying from the USA to India, check the latest visa and immigration requirements before departure. For affordable international flights, explore Indian Eagle deals for travel between the United States and India.

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Traveling to India with an e-Visa is becoming more convenient. The government has added 11 new international entry points where eligible foreign visitors can enter the country with an electronic visa. This update gives travelers more options when planning holidays, business trips, medical visits, and other journeys. Here is what you need to know about the latest e-Visa changes.

What Has Changed for India e-Visa Travelers?

India has officially approved 11 additional locations for foreign nationals entering with an e-Visa. The newly approved points include:

• 2 airports
• 9 land ports

With these additions, India now allows e-Visa entry through 37 airports, 38 seaports, and 13 land ports, bringing the total to 88 approved locations. This expansion gives visitors more flexibility, especially those traveling to cities or border regions that previously had fewer electronic visa entry options.

Which New Airports Accept India e-Visas?

Two airports have joined the approved list:

• Bhopal Airport
• Tirupati Airport

Eligible e-Visa holders can now enter India through Bhopal and Tirupati airports. Bhopal offers easier access to central India, while Tirupati provides another gateway to the popular pilgrimage destination in Andhra Pradesh. Travelers should still confirm their flight route and immigration arrangements before booking.

Which New Land Ports Accept e-Visa Holders?

India has also added nine land border entry points:

• Agartala
• Darranga
• Gede
• Ghojadanga
• Haridaspur
• Jaigaon
• Dawki
• Moreh
• Attari (Road)

Can You Enter India Through Any Airport With an e-Visa?

No. Having an approved India e-Visa does not mean you can enter through any airport, seaport, or land border. You must arrive at an immigration point authorized to accept electronic visas. Because approved locations can change, check the latest government information before confirming your journey. You may generally leave India through an authorized Immigration Check Post, subject to applicable immigration rules.

How to Apply for an India e-Visa

You can complete the entire e-Visa application online. Travelers can follow these basic steps:

• Visit the official India e-Visa portal.
• Select the appropriate visa category.
• Complete the online application form.
• Upload the required photograph and passport documents.
• Pay the applicable visa fee.
• Check the application status online.
• Confirm that your Electronic Travel Authorization shows “Granted.”
• Carry a copy of the authorization when traveling to India.

Use only the official government portal when submitting sensitive passport and payment information. 

What Should Travelers Check Before Flying to India?

Before starting your journey, make sure you:

• Qualify for the required e-Visa
• Select the correct visa category
• Meet the passport validity requirements
• Confirm that your ETA status shows GRANTED
• Carry the passport used for your application
• Arrive through an approved e-Visa entry point
• Have a return or onward ticket when required
• Carry a copy of your Electronic Travel Authorization

If authorities issued your ETA on an old passport and you later received a new one, the official portal advises carrying the old passport associated with the authorization as well.

What Does the New e-Visa Update Mean for International Travelers?

The expansion to 88 entry points gives eligible foreign visitors more flexibility when planning a trip to India. Visitors can choose from more arrival locations, access additional regions directly, and use more approved checkpoints for certain cross-border journeys. However, not every international airport or border crossing accepts an e-Visa. Always verify your arrival point before booking transportation.

The addition of 11 new e-Visa entry points gives international visitors more flexibility when planning the journey. With 88 approved locations, eligible travelers now have more ways to enter the country by air, sea, or land.

If you are planning a trip to India from the USA, explore Indian Eagle deals on international flights to compare routes and find affordable fares.

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