Do I Need a Visa for India on a Cruise Ship?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re planning to visit India by cruise ship, you may be wondering if you’ll need to apply for a visa. The answer depends on the length of time you plan to stay in India, as well as the type of cruise you are taking.

If you are taking a short cruise that stops in India for less than 72 hours, it is likely that you will not need to get a visa. Most countries allow travelers who are on board a cruise ship to stay in port for up to 72 hours without a visa. However, it is always best to check with your cruise line and the Indian embassy before embarking on your voyage.

If your cruise is longer than 72 hours, or if you plan to disembark and explore the country, then it is necessary for you to apply for an appropriate visa before boarding the ship. Depending on the purpose of your visit and how long you plan to stay in India, there are different visas available.

Tourist Visa: The most common type of visa for travelers visiting India by cruise ship is the Tourist Visa. This allows visitors up to 6 months of stay in India and can be applied for online or through an embassy or consulate in your home country.

Business Visa: If your trip involves business activities such as meetings and conferences, then a Business Visa may be more appropriate. This visa allows up to 1 year of stay in India depending on the purpose of your visit and can be obtained through an embassy or consulate in your home country.

Conclusion: Depending on the length of time you plan to stay in India and what type of activities are involved during your visit, there may be different types of visas that need to be acquired before boarding a cruise ship for India. It is best practice to check with both the Indian embassy as well as with your cruise line before embarking so that all necessary paperwork can be taken care of beforehand.