Total eVisa Granted by India from 2015 to 2024

India’s eVisa program has experienced an incredible journey of growth, disruption, and recovery over the past decade. It started off modestly in 2015, issuing 516,510 eVisas, but quickly gained momentum, more than doubling to 1,180,933 in 2016. The upward trend continued at an impressive pace, setting new records each year—1,901,419 in 2017, 2,470,273 in 2018, and peaking at 2,887,235 in 2019. This pre-pandemic boom translated into a remarkable compound annual growth rate of around 54%, primarily driven by India’s expansion of eVisa eligibility to more nationalities and visa categories.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought an abrupt and severe downturn to global travel, which was clearly reflected in India’s eVisa numbers. In 2020, issuances nosedived by 76% to just 697,719 as international borders shut down and governments imposed strict travel restrictions. Things got even worse in 2021, with the number dropping to a mere 134,757 eVisas—a shocking 95% decline from the 2019 peak. It was one of the worst disruptions to international travel in recent history, bringing India’s tourism and business travel sector to a virtual standstill.

The recovery phase that followed in 2022 was nothing short of impressive. With pandemic-related restrictions easing and global travel demand bouncing back, India saw eVisa issuances skyrocket to 1,383,680—an astonishing tenfold jump from 2021. The momentum continued in 2023, with 2,725,362 eVisas issued, nearly reaching pre-pandemic figures. Then, in 2024, the program not only rebounded but hit a record high, issuing 3,095,517 eVisas—the highest ever recorded, exceeding the pre-pandemic peak by about 7%. This three-year recovery period saw an extraordinary compound annual growth rate of 184%, a clear indication of pent-up travel demand and India’s robust digital visa infrastructure enabling this resurgence.

Looking at the bigger picture, India’s eVisa program showcases a larger narrative of digital transformation in government services, the temporary but severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international travel, and, ultimately, the resilience of global tourism. The program’s ability to not only recover but surpass previous records suggests that India has positioned itself firmly in the post-pandemic travel landscape. Whether it’s spiritual and cultural tourism, medical visits, or business travel, India continues to attract a growing number of international visitors—solidifying its status as a key global travel destination.