In a significant boost to international connectivity and religious tourism, the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has notified the Tirupati (Renigunta) International Airport as an authorised entry point for foreign nationals holding e-visas. The move will allow overseas devotees visiting Lord Venkateswara temple to land directly in Tirupati, bypassing major metro airports.
At present, international travellers heading to Tirupati must first arrive at airports in Chennai, Bengaluru or Hyderabad to complete immigration formalities before proceeding to the temple town by road or domestic flights. With the e-visa facility set to become operational soon, foreign nationals will be able to complete immigration procedures directly at Tirupati Airport, officials said.
The decision comes amid renewed efforts by the Centre and the state government to operationalise international flight services from Tirupati. Although the airport was granted international status in 2007, followed by an official notification in 2017, no international flights have been operated from the facility so far. The sanctioning of an e-Visa centre marks a major step toward activating its international operations.
Officials explained that foreign travellers can apply for an Indian e-Visa online by paying the requisite fee at least 10 days in advance, eliminating the need to visit an Indian embassy. Nearly 95 per cent of applications are processed within 72 hours, with approvals communicated via email. Travellers can then carry a printout of the e-Visa and complete immigration formalities upon arrival.
The development is also expected to benefit residents of the Rayalaseema region, particularly those travelling to Gulf countries for employment, who currently rely on airports in Chennai, Bengaluru, or Hyderabad due to the absence of international flights from Tirupati.
Authorities indicated that plans are underway to commence international flight operations from Tirupati Airport as early as October, further enhancing connectivity and easing travel for both pilgrims and outbound passengers.
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