India rolls out e-group cruise visa for travellers from 172 countries
Representative image-241
To facilitate advance immigration processing, the group visa application must be filed at least three days before the cruise ship reaches its first Indian port.
India has introduced a dedicated electronic group visa facility for international passengers arriving by cruise from 172 countries, in a move aimed at simplifying entry procedures and strengthening the country’s position as a global cruise tourism destination.
The special e-group visit visa (cruise) scheme has been introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, as part of wider efforts to facilitate international cruise travel and make Indian ports more accessible to overseas visitors.
Under the new digital system, eligible foreign travellers can enter India through designated seaports enabled for e-visas, provided they are travelling on approved cruise itineraries. The initiative is also expected to make India more attractive to international cruise lines by easing administrative requirements and offering greater convenience to passengers.
Rather than requiring each traveller to complete a separate individual visa procedure, the cruise operator or its authorised agent can submit a consolidated application for the group through the designated government portal or mobile application.
To facilitate advance immigration processing, the group visa application must be filed at least three days before the cruise ship reaches its first Indian port. Applications submitted beyond this stipulated timeframe will not be accepted, enabling immigration authorities to complete the necessary verification procedures before the vessel and its passengers arrive in India.
