Indian Tourist Visa for Cruise ship passengers

For tourists who love to travel the world via cruise ship, India is becoming a popular new destination. Traveling via cruise ship allows you to see more of this scenic country than they could have seen any other way. With Indian e-Visa India Immigration Authority has made it very simple and easy for Cruise ship passengers to visit India.

Cruise Ships are family friendly, you can visit multiple destinations and unpack only once and enjoy many different beaches along the way. Government of India had simplified the immigration procedure for cruise ship travellers by providing an Electronic Travel Authority or Indian e-Visa. You can apply for Indian Visa Application Form by filling a simple online form.

Authorised Seaports for Indian e-Visa

There are 5 authorised seaports for cruise ship passengers holding Indian e-Visa. The cruise ship must leave from and only stops at a mixture of the following ports. Tourist on cruises that are stopping at any sea ports that is not listed below will need to apply for traditional paper visa to India. You will need to submit documents by mail and may be required to visit Indian Embassy / High Commission.

• Chennai
• Cochin
• Goa
• Mangalore
• Mumbai

Refer to the list to stay up to date at seaports for authorised entry to Tourist Visa.

For more than 2 stops, India Tourist Visa for 1 year validity is Required

Keep in mind that each stop will involve an approval at the port by Indian Immigration Border staff before your entry with an Indian Online Visa (eVisa India). If your itinerary includes the cruise ship making more than 2 stops then in that case, 30 day Tourist e-Visa for India (Double entry Visa) is not valid and you must apply for a 1 year (multiple entry) e-Tourist Visa. Keep in mind that all stops must be an approved port of entry with an Indian e-Visa. Contact your cruise ship company regarding details around stops in India as it will save you a lot of hassle and headache. The tourists who want to visit the Indian through cruise ship and only stop at authorised seaports listed above should apply for an Indian Visa Online (eVisa India).

Tourists have the options to book India Visa Onlne prior to booking their slot for a cruise ship or after making a booking for cruise ship. Each cruise ship passenger will need to apply Indian e-Visa as there is no group e-Visa available.

The documents required are:

Biometric Data Information

The Indian Immigration Authority captures biometric information from cruise ship passengers whenever they visit India. However, this method is somehow taking too long for cruise ship passengers, may of whom were missing out on seeing sights as a result of them standing in line. India is investing in upgrading the system that collects biometric data, so that they will move cruise ship passengers through the method that is quicker and faster and has suspended biometric collection through to New Year's Eve 2020.

Obtaining the correct Indian e-Visa for a cruise ship to India is straightforward and simple. You ought to ensure that your cruise ship will dock at an authorised sea port. It is safest to apply for 1 year India Tourist Visa. The 1 year Tourist Visa for India is a multiple entry visa.

India Tourist Visa for Cruise ship: Important Information for Passengers

• Passengers of the eligible countries should apply online a week prior to the date of arrival.
• Obtainable only on Ordinary Passport.
• The 1 year Indian e-Visa entitles you to up to 60 days stay in India.
• The electronic Visa is non-extendable and non-refundable.
• Biometric details of the individual are obligatory captured at Immigration on arrival in India.
• Tourist Visa on Arrival once issued is non-convertible
• Indian e-Visa is not valid for visiting cantonment or Protected/Restricted or Army Areas
• The validity of 1 year Tourist Visa is from the date of issue .
• The validity of a 30 day Tourist Visa starts from the date of arrival and not the date of issue, unlike the 1 Year Tourist Visa
• You are recommended to apply for a 1 Year Tourist Visa instead of a 30 Day Tourist Visa
• Nationals of infectious disease affected countries should carry a yellow fever vaccination card at the time of arrival in India, otherwise, they'll be isolated for 6 days upon arrival in India.
• You will need to provide a scan or photograph of your face and initial page of passport

Port Not on Allowed List

• Travelers on cruises stopping at ports not listed above must apply for a different visa.
• The process resembles applying for a traditional visa at the Indian embassy.
• Submission of documents by mail and a potential interview may be required to obtain the visa.
• Once granted, travelers are allowed to cruise to India.

More Than 2 Stops

• If the cruise has more than 2 stops in India, the 30-day (2 entry) visa is not valid.
• In such cases, applicants should opt for a 1-year (multiple entry) visa.
• All stops must be considered approved ports of entry with an e-Visa.
• Travelers are advised to be well-informed about the trip's ports of arrival, contacting the travel agent or cruise line for India stop details.
• Proper knowledge and correct visa application prevent hassles during the vacation.

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Make sure that you have checked the eligibility for your India e-Visa.

United States citizens, United Kingdom citizens, Canadian citizens and French citizens can apply online for India eVisa.

Apply for a Indian e-Visa 4-7 days in advance of your flight.