Q
Can I enter India by cruise ship on an e-Visa?
Yes. India e-Visa is valid at 5 seaports: Kochi, Goa, Mumbai, Chennai, and Mangalore.
Private Visa Assistance
India e-Visa for Cruise Ship Passengers — Seaport Entry Guide
India's e-Visa system is valid not only for air arrivals but also for cruise ship passengers arriving at 5 designated seaports. This niche but important guide explains how the e-Visa works for maritime arrivals.
Start Your Application
Secure 256-bit Processing
Govt. Processing: 72-96h
Quick Answer
The India e-Visa is a fully digital travel authorization available to citizens of 160+ countries. Apply online in 5 minutes with your passport and photo — no embassy appointment needed. Government processing takes 72–96 hours. Our experts review every document before submission to prevent rejections.
Your Journey to India
4 Simple Steps to Submit
1. Apply Online
Fill our simplified 5-minute form.
2. Expert Review
We verify documents & fix errors.
3. Processing
Government review in 24-72 hours.
4. Government Decision
Receive your PDF visa via email once approved.
Which Indian Seaports Accept e-Visa?
As of 2025, the India e-Visa is valid for entry at 5 designated seaports: (1) Cochin/Kochi (Kerala), (2) Goa (Mormugao Port), (3) Mumbai (Mumbai Harbour/Nhava Sheva), (4) Chennai (Chennai Port), and (5) Mangalore (New Mangalore Port). If your cruise ship docks at any other Indian port, you would typically need a standard sticker visa.
How Cruise Ship e-Visa Entry Works
When you arrive at one of the 5 designated seaports, you present your printed e-Visa ETA document, valid passport, and completed immigration form to the immigration officer at the port. You will have fingerprints taken (biometrics) and your e-Visa verified electronically. The process is similar to air arrival, but at the seaport immigration hall.
Day-Trip Shore Excursions: Do You Need a Visa?
If your cruise ship briefly stops at an Indian port for a shore excursion during the same voyage and you return to the ship before departure, you still need a valid Indian visa or e-Visa to disembark. There is no 'shore excursion exemption' for India — every passenger who steps off the ship onto Indian soil needs a valid visa.
e-Visa Application Tips for Cruise Passengers
When filling in your e-Visa application, under 'Port of Arrival', select the seaport you will arrive at (e.g., 'Cochin Sea Port'). For 'Intended Address in India', you can use the cruise ship's port agent's address or your hotel if you plan to stay onshore. Apply at least 7–10 days before your cruise departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q
Do I need a visa for just a day trip shore excursion in India?
Yes. Any passenger disembarking in India — even for a day — needs a valid visa.
Q
What if my cruise ship docks in Hampi or another non-listed port?
Only the 5 listed seaports accept e-Visa. For other ports, a standard sticker visa from an Indian Embassy/Consulate is needed.
Q
Can I get a visa on arrival at Indian seaports?
There is no visa on arrival at Indian seaports. The e-Visa must be applied for in advance online.
Related Guides
When Should I Apply?
India e-Visa Timing Calculator
Enter your travel date to see exactly when to apply
India e-Visa takes 72–96 hours to process
Expert Document Review
"Your application is in safe hands. We manually verify all travel documents before government submission to help avoid common rejection reasons."
PCI-DSS Compliant Gateway
Secure Card Processing
2026 Policy Compliant
24h
Rush Option
24/7
Live Support
Ready for your Indian journey?
Join thousands of international travelers who trust our expert team to handle their digital entry authorization.
Apply Securely NowNorton SecuredGeoTrust Certified256-Bit SSL
Disclaimer: We are an independent visa assistance service and are not affiliated with the Government of India. Official e-Visa applications can be submitted via the Government of India portal.