Surat: In-principle approval has been granted for e-visa travel to Surat airport from international destinations. The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce had made a representation before the Central government for granting e-visa facilities at Surat airport for incoming passengers.

Diamond industry buyers previously had to arrive at Ahmedabad, Mumbai, or Delhi airports from destinations abroad and then travel further to Surat, as travel on an e-visa was not allowed at Surat airport. With the approval for e-visa arrivals at Surat airport, passengers, including foreign buyers in the diamond industry from Dubai and Sharjah, can now directly arrive at Surat airport on an e-visa.

The implementation of this decision may take a few more months. It will require more immigration staff, a separate counter/cabin, and the replacement of the current immigration service offered by the State Police with the Bureau of Immigration. DeshGujarat