India visa for cruise ship passengers: everything you need to know

Cruise ship passengers must obtain a visa to visit India. e-Visas are available online and valid for 30 days with two entries through designated seaports. Specific document requirements vary depending on the port of arrival.

India is becoming a hot new destination for travelers who love to see the world via cruise ship. Many tourists find that traveling to India via ship allows them to see more of this beautiful country. Although rare, business and medical visa holders can enter India by cruise ship.

While India is working hard to attract cruise passengers, it is still required that each visitor has a visa. The situation is complex, so here’s everything about the India visa for cruise ship passengers and what voyagers need to know.

Is a visa to India required for cruise ship passengers

An India e-Visa is required for cruise ship passengers to enter the country. An electronic visa allows foreign nationals to enter the nation for tourism purposes via cruise ship. Applying for a regular visa to enter India via cruise ship is also possible.

However, it is important to note that e-Visas are specifically designed for cruise ship passengers. Travelers can easily access the country through various allowed seaports (with an online India visa), ensuring a seamless entry experience.

Allowed seaports with online visa

For travelers who come from countries where they can apply for the India e-Visa, that may be all they need for their cruise. As long as their cruise ship leaves from and only stops at any of the following ports, they don't need anything else. Ports include:

• Chennai
• Cochin
• Mormugao (aka Gao)
• Mumbai
• New Mangalore (aka Mangalore)

Documents required

Applying for the India Tourist e-Visa is a simple process. Travelers can access and fill out the application online. They will need the following documentation:

• A current, valid passport is required. It must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the arrival date in India. It must be an ordinary passport, not an official, diplomatic, or official passport.
• A valid credit card (for paying the application fee) is needed. Payment methods like AMEX, Visa, and Mastercard are accepted.
• A photograph of cruise passengers that meets the specifications outlined in the application. Most passport photos will do.
• A photograph of the passport's personal page, which includes the applicant's picture and personal data, is required.
• Details about the travel to, within, and from India are needed.

Once submitted, applicants should hear back about their e-Visa within 2-7 business days. This will depend on level of service selected.

If the port isn’t on the allowed list

Travelers who are on cruises that are stopping at any other port that is not listed above will need to apply for a different visa to India. This is more like applying for a traditional visa at the Indian embassy.

Travelers will need to submit documents by mail to book their cruise ship. They may be required to appear for an interview before the visa to India is granted. Once they have it, though, they can cruise to India.

If the travelers have more than 2 stops

The following information is very important, so pay attention. If the cruise makes more than 2 stops in India, the 30-day (2 entry) visa will not be valid for the trip. If this is the case, applicants should apply for a 1 year (multiple entry) visa. Keep in mind that all stops must be regarded as an approved port of entry with an e-Visa.

Please be well informed of the upcoming trip's ports of arrival. Contact the travel agent or the cruise line company for details regarding stops in India. Knowing all the stops and applying for the correct visa will save the visitor from any hassle during the much-needed vacation time.

Biometric data notice

Indian Immigration had suspended biometric collection for cruise ship passengers till December 31, 2020, because of the long wait times. This was done as the government had to upgrade its biometric collection system.

In all fairness, getting an Indian e-Visa for a cruise is easy. Just make sure the cruise ship docks at an authorized seaport.

Applying for a 1 year India tourist visa

A 1-year tourist visa is recommended over a 30-day tourist visa. For a 30-day tourist visa, the validity starts from the date of arrival, whereas for a 1-year tourist visa, it starts from the date of issue.

Cruise passengers must verify their India tourist visa at the port when starting their cruise journey in India, and this requires ample time, especially if the cruise necessitates a multi-entry visa to India. Applying for a 1-Year tourist visa is the safest option since it permits multiple entries into India.

India tourist visa for cruise ship passengers

When passengers decide to embark on a cruise ship journey that includes a stop at an Indian Seaport, their first task is to gather all the necessary legal information. They must be aware of the regulations set forth by the Indian government to ensure the safety and security of tourists.

Here are some vital pieces of information every traveler should be aware of:

• Passengers from eligible countries must apply for their visa online at least four days before their intended arrival date. For example, if applying on December 1, the earliest arrival date they can choose is December 5.
• If the application is late, passengers should opt for an urgent Indian visa.
• This visa is unavailable to Diplomatic/Official passport holders, International travel document holders, or Refugee passport holders. An ordinary passport is required.
• The visa on arrival allows for a stay of up to sixty days in India. Only a select few nations can avail of this facility.
• Individuals cannot be listed on a parent's/spouse's passport; each person must have their separate passport and e-Visa.
• The visa fee is non-refundable once submitted.
• Travelers must carry a soft or paper copy of their visa on arrival authorization.
• Biometric details of the individual will be captured at Immigration upon arrival in India.
• Once issued, the tourist visa on arrival is non-extendable and non-convertible.
• The Indian visa online (e-Visa to India) is not valid for visiting Protected/Restricted areas or Military cantonments.
• Travelers from countries affected by infectious diseases must carry a yellow fever vaccination card upon arrival in India, or they may be quarantined for 6 days.

Conclusion

The Government of India has streamlined the visa application process for cruise ship passengers to ensure it is user-friendly. Passengers must be well-informed about their travel itinerary, including the ports where the cruise will stop and start.

This knowledge is essential before applying for their e-Visa to India to ensure a smooth travel experience. Travelers should learn about Indian laws, visa rules, and regulations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.