Notification opens direct international arrivals for pilgrims and travellers
The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has designated Tirupati (Renigunta) International Airport as an authorised entry point for foreign nationals holding Indian e‑Visas, officials said, a development expected to simplify travel for overseas devotees bound for the Lord Venkateswara temple and to boost regional connectivity.
Until now, foreign travellers visiting Tirupati were required to clear immigration at major international gateways such as Chennai, Bengaluru or Hyderabad and then proceed by road or domestic flight. With the new notification, travellers carrying an e‑Visa will be permitted to complete immigration formalities directly at Tirupati Airport, according to the reporting.
Officials explained that an e‑Visa must be applied for online at least 10 days before travel and that nearly 95 per cent of applications are processed within 72 hours, with approvals sent by email. Travellers can print the e‑Visa approval and present it on arrival to complete immigration procedures at the airport.
“The sanctioning of an e‑Visa centre marks a major step toward activating the airport’s international operations,” the report said.
Background and immediate impact
Tirupati Airport was granted international status in 2007 and received an official notification in 2017, but international flights have not operated from the facility so far. Authorities reported that the e‑Visa facility is a key procedural step and that plans are underway to commence international flight operations from Tirupati Airport as early as October.
- Designated e‑Visa entry point: Tirupati (Renigunta) International Airport.
- Application timing: apply online at least 10 days before travel.
- Processing statistic: almost 95% of e‑Visa applications processed within 72 hours.
What this means for the region
Officials said the change will particularly benefit residents of the Rayalaseema region and the large overseas pilgrim market. At present, many passengers from Tirupati and the surrounding districts travel to Chennai, Bengaluru or Hyderabad to use international services; direct arrivals could shorten travel time and reduce onward transit costs for foreign devotees and for outgoing international travellers, including those heading to Gulf countries for employment.
The expansion of e‑Visa entry points nationwide was also reported concurrently by national outlets, which listed Tirupati among 11 new designated entry points added with effect from 10 August 2026. The broader move increases flexibility for international arrivals by adding regional airports and land ports to the authorised list.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| International status first granted | 2007 |
| Official notification | 2017 |
| New e‑Visa designation effective | 10 August 2026 (national expansion) |
| Target for international flights | As early as October (reported plan) |
Practical considerations for travellers and local stakeholders
Travel agents, hoteliers and transport operators in Tirupati are likely to see increased demand if international services begin. For foreign pilgrims, the direct entry will remove the need to schedule transfers through other cities for immigration clearance. However, the exact airlines, routes and frequencies that might operate from Tirupati were not disclosed in the reports, and the timeline for the start of scheduled international services remains contingent on operational clearances and carrier decisions.
Officials indicated the e‑Visa facility will simplify entry procedures for most eligible foreign visitors, while standard visa eligibility and validity conditions continue to apply. The development forms part of coordinated efforts by the Centre and the Andhra Pradesh government to expand international connectivity from Tirupati, which could have wider implications for tourism, pilgrimage-related commerce and outbound labour travel from the region.
