Indian e-Visa for Cruise Ship Travelers
Government of India allows entry to India via water and air. Cruise Ship passengers can travel to India. We cover all details here in this complete guide for Cruise Ship visitors.
Coming to India By Cruise Ship
India has been a favourite destination for foreign cruise ship travellers. India looks exceptional when viewed from a cruise ship. Obtaining an Indian e-Visa will enable a global traveller to travel to India by sea. There are only two options to enter India for Indian e-Visa holders- Air & Sea. If you plan to enter India by cruise ship, this article is for you. Let’s examine many things related to the Indian e-Visa for cruise ship travellers, here.
Why is the Indian eVisa important even for cruise ship travelers?
Entry requirement:It serves as a compulsory requirement for travelers coming from Indian eVisa eligible countries to apply.
Improve efficiency of the visa process: The Indian eVisa makes it easy and simple to apply, without the tedious task of physically visiting the embassy.
Manage and monitor visitors to the nation: It helps the authority to keep a track of the visitors visiting India by cruise ships, so that illegal immigrants enter the nation by sea.
For security of the nation: The Indian eVisa, enhances security of the nation by pre-screening the travelers, thus ensuring those entered are eligible and non-risk travelers.
Overall, the Indian eVisa is important for travelers to apply, so that the government is able to ensure security while preventing the country from illegal immigrants and travelers who are a risk to the country.
What is the Indian e-Visa?
Indian e-Visa is an electronic travel document that enables international travellers to enter India. Foreign citizens can choose an e-Visa type. There are 5 types of Indian e-Visas namely Indian Tourist e-Visa, Indian Business e-Visa, Indian Medical e-Visa, Indian Medical Attendant e-Visa, and Indian E-Conference e-Visa.
So the travelers entering India by cruise ship are required to apply for the Indian Tourist E-Visa, which is for tourism purposes.
What is an Indian Tourist e-Visa?
India Tourist e-Visa allows international tourists to enter India for tourism purposes. Sightseeing, Family & Friends gatherings, and short-term courses like yoga cooking, etc allowed in this e-Visa. It comes in 3 varieties. Please go through the table given below. Types, Validity, Entries & Duration of Stay are specified there.
Types of Tourist e-Visas | Validity | Entries | Duration of Stay |
1- month | 30 days | Double | 30 days |
1-Year | 365 days | Multiple | 90 days |
5-Year | 5 years | Multiple | 90 days |
What are the Documents required to fill the Indian eVisa Form?
Cruise ship passengers who are entering India require to have the following documents and fill the information:
- Passport: A valid passport from an Indian eVisa eligible country and should be valid for 6 months including return.
- Recent passport photo: Upload a recent passport size photo of yourself, meeting the photo requirements.
- Payment method: Debit or credit card to pay the Indian Tourist eVisa fees.
- Travel details, should share their travel plans like date of entering India, return, accommodation, etc.
How to Apply for an Indian e-Visa for Cruise Travelers?
The steps required to apply for the Indian eVisa for travelers coming by cruise ship is easy and simple, here is a short guide to let you know how to apply:
Online Application Form
The applicant can access the Indian e-Visa Application Form from the Indian e-Visa website. Then the applicant should select the Indian tourism e-Visa from the e-Visa type column. After that start the application process.
Cruise ship travelers filling the Indian Tourist eVisa form will require filling in:
- Personal information like nationality, your name, date of birth, etc.
- Passport details like passport issuing country, expiry date, date of issue.
- Contact details like a valid email ID and a mobile number that is in use, as all the not the notifications will be sent in both.
Upload Document
During the application process, one must upload essential documents. The applicant should possess the digital form of all those documents. Some of them are listed below-
Please ensure you have given the active and personal email ID during the process.
Make the Payment
You should carry a debit/credit card for making the final payment.
Approval of your Application
It may take 2-3 business days to process your Indian e-Visa application. Frequently check your given email address. The approved e-Visa will be sent to that email address.
Points to Remember Before Applying
The applicant should read the guidelines first. Understand the entire procedure. Here are some things to remember to check before you begin.
Eligibility
First and foremost, you should ensure your eligibility. As of 2024, 171 nations can submit the Indian e-Visa application. So, please check whether your country is on the list or not.
Entry Ports
Below are the designated sea ports
- Mumbai
- Chennai
- Cochin
- Margoan or Goa
- New Mangalore
- Port Blair
Choose one according to your convenience. Entry through seaports which are not on the list needs a regular visa at nearest Indian Embassy. Complete list of authorised airports and seaports can be found here.
Purpose
The purpose varies from tourism to medicine. But mostly Indian e-Visa for cruise passengers encourages tourism purposes only.
There are so many enthralling destinations in India.
Voyage through the blues to enjoy this exceptional land!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I extend my Indian Cruise Ship e-Visa?
No. Indian Cruise Ship Visas are not extendable.
Do minors need an Indian cruise ship e-Visa to enter India?
Yes. Everyone needs an Indian cruise ship e-Visa to enter India, including minors.
Is it necessary to print my Indian cruise ship e-Visa?
Yes. You need to present them in the ports.
Are the Indian Tourist e-Visa and India Cruise Ship e-Visa the same?
Yes, you need to obtain an Indian Tourist e-Visa to travel and enter India by sea.
If you meet all eligibility conditions and requirements for the Visa to India for Cruise Ship Passengers, and are applying at least 4-7 days in advance of your entry into the country, then you should be able to quite easily apply for the Indian Visa.