For tourists who love to travel the world via cruise ship, India is becoming a popular new destination. Travelling 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, unpack only once, and enjoy many different beaches. The government of India has simplified the immigration procedure for cruise ship travellers by providing an Electronic Travel Authority or Indian e-Visa. You can apply for the Indian Visa Application Form by completing a simple online form.
Introduction to the Indian Tourist Visa for Cruise Ship Passengers
Firstly, it is essential to understand that two types of visas are available for travellers visiting India – an e-visa and a traditional visa. The e-visa is an electronic travel authorization document that can be obtained online before your trip. On the other hand, a traditional visa requires applicants to go through a more extensive application process at an Indian embassy or consulate in their home country.
Cruise ship passengers entering India via port cities such as Mumbai, Cochin, Chennai, and Mangalore must have either an e-visa or a traditional visa before arriving at these ports. However, if your stopover in India is at most 72 hours and you do not plan to leave the port area during this period, you may be eligible for a transit visa upon arrival.
To apply for an Indian tourist e-visa as a cruise ship passenger, here are the steps you need to follow:
- Visit the official website.
- Click on ‘Apply Now’ under ‘e-Visa Application’.
- Create an account by providing your personal details.
- Fill out your application form carefully with accurate information.
- Upload scanned copies of your passport-sized photograph and passport bio-page.
- Pay the required fee using credit/debit card or PayPal.
- Once approved (usually within 48-72 hours), you will receive your e-visa via email.
It is important to note that cruise ship passengers entering India on an e-visa can only enter and exit through the designated seaports: Cochin, Goa, New Mangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, and Mormugao. If your cruise does not dock at any of these ports, you must apply for a traditional visa.
Understanding the Different Types of Indian Tourist Visas
The first step in obtaining an Indian tourist visa for cruise ship passengers is to understand the different types of visas available. Various options exist depending on your purpose and duration of stay in India. Here, we will discuss the three main types of Indian tourist visas applicable for cruise ship passengers: Tourist Visa, Regular Tourist Visa and Transit Visa.
1. Tourist Visa
Also known as the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), this type of visa can be obtained online through our official website. It is a quick and convenient option for those planning to visit India for recreation or sightseeing. The Tourist Visa is valid for a single entry and allows a maximum stay of 30 days in India. However, it cannot be extended or converted into any other type of visa.
2. Regular Tourist Visa
This type of visa must be obtained before arriving in India and requires applying at an Indian embassy or consulate in your home country. The Regular Tourist Visa allows multiple entries and can be issued for a period ranging from 6 months to 10 years, depending on the applicant’s nationality and purpose of visit. However, each stay can be at most 180 days at a time.
3. Transit Visa
As the name suggests, this visa type applies to travellers who must pass through India en route to their final destination. A Transit Visa allows a maximum stay of up to 3 days and is only valid if you have confirmed onward travel tickets within that time frame.
It is essential to carefully assess your travel plans before choosing which type of tourist visa you require, as each has its restrictions and limitations.
Additionally, it should be noted that all tourists entering India by cruise ship must possess either an e-Tourist/Regular Tourist/Transit Visa along with a valid passport with at least six months validity remaining. It is also mandatory for all visitors to have a return ticket or onward travel arrangements.
Benefits of an Indian e-Visa for Cruise Ship Passengers
An Indian e-Visa for cruise ship passengers brings many benefits that make travelling to India for a cruise vacation much easier and more convenient. This section will discuss some of the key advantages of getting an Indian e-Visa specifically for cruise ship passengers.
Time-Saving and Convenient Process
One of the biggest benefits of obtaining an Indian e-Visa for cruise ship passengers is the time-saving and convenient process. Unlike traditional visas, which require multiple visits to the embassy or consulate and long processing times, an e-Visa can be obtained online within a few days. This eliminates the need to physically visit an embassy or consulate, saving time and effort.
Multiple Entry Option
Another advantage of having an Indian e-Visa as a cruise ship passenger is that it allows multiple entries into India during its validity period. This means you can leave your cruise ship at any designated port in India and explore different parts of the country without worrying about applying for another visa each time you enter.
No Need to Surrender Passport
When applying for a traditional visa, your passport needs to be surrendered during the application process, which can be inconvenient, especially if you have other travel plans before departing on your cruise from India. With an e-visa, there is no need to surrender your passport, as all documents are submitted online.
Easy Application Process
The application process for an Indian e-visa is straightforward and user-friendly. All you need is a valid passport, a digital photograph, and basic personal information such as name, address, date of birth, etc., which can be easily filled out online before your trip.
Customized Validity Periods Available
Cruise vacations vary in duration from person to person, depending on their itinerary or schedule. The good news is that with an Indian e-Visa, you can choose a validity period that best fits your travel plans. The e-Visa is available for 30 days, 1 year, and 5 years, giving you the flexibility to choose the best option.
Authorised Seaports for Indian e-Visa Entry
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. Tourists on cruises stopping at any sea ports not listed below will need to apply for a traditional paper visa to India. You must submit documents by mail and may be required to visit the Indian Embassy / High Commission.
- Chennai
- Cochin
- Goa
- Mangalore
- Mumbai
Refer to the list to stay updated at seaports for authorised entry to Tourist Visa.
India Tourist Visa for Cruise Ship: Important Information for Passengers
- Passengers of the eligible countries should apply online a week before the date of arrival.
- Obtainable only on Ordinary Passport.
- The 1 year Indian 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, 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 the initial page of your passport.
Port Not on Allowed List
- Travellers 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, travellers 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 invalid.
- 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.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
What is the processing time for the Indian Tourist Visa for Cruise Ship Passengers?
The processing time for the Indian Tourist Visa may vary depending on factors such as the volume of applications and peak travel seasons. It is advisable to apply well in advance to avoid any last-minute delays.
Can I apply for a visa extension while in India on a tourist visa obtained for cruise ship travel?
Yes, travelers can apply for a visa extension under certain circumstances, such as medical emergencies or unexpected delays. However, approval is subject to the discretion of the authorities, and applicants must adhere to the prescribed procedures.
Are there any specific health and safety guidelines for cruise ship passengers visiting Indian ports of call?
Cruise ship passengers are advised to adhere to health and safety protocols recommended by both the cruise line and local authorities. This may include vaccination requirements, mask mandates, and social distancing measures to mitigate the risk of illness.
Can I engage in employment or business activities while in India on a tourist visa for cruise ship passengers?
No, the Indian Tourist Visa prohibits engagement in employment or business activities. Travelers must abide by the terms and conditions of their visa category to avoid legal implications.
What should I do in case of a medical emergency during my cruise stopover in India?
In the event of a medical emergency, seek immediate assistance from the ship’s medical staff or local healthcare providers. Cruise ships typically have medical facilities onboard to address minor ailments, while serious emergencies may require evacuation to a shore-based medical facility.