Visa for India - change in rules

[excitedofharpenden]

There has been much chatter on the Celebrity board regarding visas for India. It now seems that since the start of this year EVisas are sufficient for entry by cruise ship passengers entering through five named ports (Mumbai, Mormugoa, New Mangalore, Kochi and Chennai). This seems to be in discussion because Celebrity Constellation is doing cruises there now. Anyone on an upcoming Azamara cruise heard anything?

 

http://www.seatrade-cruise.com/news/news-headlines/india-waives-biometric-capture-for-arriving-cruise-tourists.html

 

Phil

[uktog]

There has been much chatter on the Celebrity board regarding visas for India. It now seems that since the start of this year EVisas are sufficient for entry by cruise ship passengers entering through five named ports (Mumbai, Mormugoa, New Mangalore, Kochi and Chennai). This seems to be in discussion because Celebrity Constellation is doing cruises there now. Anyone on an upcoming Azamara cruise heard anything?

 

http://www.seatrade-cruise.com/news/news-headlines/india-waives-biometric-capture-for-arriving-cruise-tourists.html

 

Phil

 

 

Thank you Phil, no I have heard nothing and I am on the 8th April Singapore-Dubai that stops at Kochi, Mormugoa and Mumbai. I was about to embark on the visa process, the last information I had from Azamara, which reflects what their website still says, was that E visas were not acceptable.

 

There is quite a cost difference (and stress level difference) if we could get e visas so I hope we can get a very quick update from Azamara given that Celebrity are already on the case and getting the information out to their guests.

 

Bonnie, would you be able through your channels to get us a quick response as that would be very helpful.

[excitedofharpenden]

Everything I’m reading on the Celebrity board indicates there would be no need for me to apply for a full paper visa any longer. It just came too late for me as I was on Celebrity Constellation to India back end of last year, but it would help in future Azamara trips I might take.

 

Phil

[manc]

we were recently advided that we had to get a paper visa because going into more than one port

[uktog]

we were recently advided that we had to get a paper visa because going into more than one port

That was what I originally thought but then when I read the link that Phil posted above, I discovered Constellation was visiting three ports as I will be which is why I am hoping Bonnie can get the information for us. Its pointless asking agencies like Visa Central as their advice is biased towards the most expensive option regardless of whether you need it or not as its in their financial interests.

[tamarac]

We are also on Azamara November 7th cruise. Have read conflicting answers. We will send an email to Nicole today. Wondering if we need a Visa for any other ports. Let’s keep posting any and all information.

 

 

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[BBMacLaird]

It would be great if India allowed E-visas!

I'm sending this query off to HQ.

Hopefully we can get an answer for you quickly. (yn)

[uktog]

It would be great if India allowed E-visas!

 

I'm sending this query off to HQ.

 

Hopefully we can get an answer for you quickly. (yn)

 

 

 

Thank you!

 

 

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[excitedofharpenden]

It would be great if India allowed E-visas!

I'm sending this query off to HQ.

Hopefully we can get an answer for you quickly. (yn)

Thanks Bonnie.

 

Phil

[Globehoppers]

Everything I’m reading on the Celebrity board indicates there would be no need for me to apply for a full paper visa any longer. It just came too late for me as I was on Celebrity Constellation to India back end of last year, but it would help in future Azamara trips I might take.

 

Phil

 

India Tourist visas are generally multiple entry and valid for ten years.

[uktog]

India Tourist visas are generally multiple entry and valid for ten years.

 

 

 

No guests from many countries such as UK can only get a 6 or 12 month Visa the time limit is determined by the authorities same price regardless of 6 or 12 months

 

 

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[excitedofharpenden]

India Tourist visas are generally multiple entry and valid for ten years.

Look at my location.

 

Phil

[BBMacLaird]

Our Port Security team confirms that e-visas for India are now valid for cruise guests but only on itineraries with two or less Port calls. So they are valid for our guests on the Journey, April 8 voyage. Here's the statement going out to those guests:

 

"India Electronic Tourist Visa

Your cruise line is accepting the India e-visa which is easier and faster to obtain. The e-visa is good for two or fewer entries during a 60 day period. Your cruise meets these requirements.

You can apply for the India e-visa at least 4 days prior to entry and no more than 120 days in advance of entry to India. If you would like to proceed with securing the evisa, please click here: https://visacentral.com/india-evisa . Please note, if you are applying for the e-visa, you will need to enter this address in the section where you provide your reference while in India: Name: JM Baxi & Co.

Address: Godrej Coliseium, Mumbai, India 400 022

telephone: 91 22 240 35131."

[uktog]

Thanks Bonnie. I will await the official communication and then head down that route. Can I suggest the communication explains to guests that although we visit three ports it is still just one entry otherwise people will be back challenging the response

[dcyonce]

Our Port Security team confirms that e-visas for India are now valid for cruise guests but only on itineraries with two or less Port calls. So they are valid for our guests on the Journey, April 8 voyage. Here's the statement going out to those guests:

 

"India Electronic Tourist Visa

Your cruise line is accepting the India e-visa which is easier and faster to obtain. The e-visa is good for two or fewer entries during a 60 day period. Your cruise meets these requirements.

You can apply for the India e-visa at least 4 days prior to entry and no more than 120 days in advance of entry to India. If you would like to proceed with securing the evisa, please click here: https://visacentral.com/india-evisa . Please note, if you are applying for the e-visa, you will need to enter this address in the section where you provide your reference while in India: Name: JM Baxi & Co.

Address: Godrej Coliseium, Mumbai, India 400 022

telephone: 91 22 240 35131."

 

Thanks for the clarification Bonnie !

[BBMacLaird]

Thanks Bonnie. I will await the official communication and then head down that route. Can I suggest the communication explains to guests that although we visit three ports it is still just one entry otherwise people will be back challenging the response

 

Thanks uktog. I've shared this with the PS team.

And I realize that perhaps it is ME who is confused by the statement "two or fewer entries". I read that as, and relayed it as Port Calls. I've asked for clarification.

[Globehoppers]

No guests from many countries such as UK can only get a 6 or 12 month Visa the time limit is determined by the authorities same price regardless of 6 or 12 months

 

 

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No. India also has a 5-year multiple entry visa available to UK citizens.

 

Maybe they have concerns letting in former colonialists 😋

[travelberlin]

Our Port Security team confirms that e-visas for India are now valid for cruise guests but only on itineraries with two or less Port calls. So they are valid for our guests on the Journey, April 8 voyage. Here's the statement going out to those guests:

 

"India Electronic Tourist Visa

Your cruise line is accepting the India e-visa which is easier and faster to obtain. The e-visa is good for two or fewer entries during a 60 day period. Your cruise meets these requirements.

You can apply for the India e-visa at least 4 days prior to entry and no more than 120 days in advance of entry to India. If you would like to proceed with securing the evisa, please click here: https://visacentral.com/india-evisa . Please note, if you are applying for the e-visa, you will need to enter this address in the section where you provide your reference while in India: Name: JM Baxi & Co.

Address: Godrej Coliseium, Mumbai, India 400 022

telephone: 91 22 240 35131."

Thanks for this information! Great! Now I can look for cruises including India. Hopefully Azamara will keep it to two ports in order to be able to qualify.

Ivi

[uktog]

No need to keep to two ports. Three four or however many ports counts as one entry. You enter India at the first port and leave at the last. With the two entry system you can have a cruise like we had to the Seychelles - Mumbai-Kochi (one enttry) -Seychelles etc - Goa Mumbai (second entry)

[uktog]

No. India also has a 5-year multiple entry visa available to UK citizens.

 

Maybe they have concerns letting in former colonialists 😋

 

Well that is news to the Visa specialists I work with! Can you send a link so we can follow up

[Globehoppers]

Well that is news to the Visa specialists I work with! Can you send a link so we can follow up

 

http://www.vfsglobal.com/india/uk/Tourist.html

 

Requires biometrics and 333GBP

[uktog]

http://www.vfsglobal.com/india/uk/Tourist.html

 

 

 

Requires biometrics and 333GBP

 

 

 

Thanks. I spoke to Visa Central late this afternoon and this fairly recently introduced offering is not recommended so many agents don’t now about it. This is because if you can use e Visa unless you expect to visit a lot given that a one year e Visa that covers 2 trips is £65. That’s the reason it’s hard to find but thanks for reminding us that for c$500 we could get a Visa longer than 12 months

 

 

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[excitedofharpenden]

No. India also has a 5-year multiple entry visa available to UK citizens.

 

Maybe they have concerns letting in former colonialists 😋

The reason I started this thread was to try and be helpful and point out that hopefully full Indian visas are no longer required. Azamara’s Chief Blogging Officer has now confirmed the changes. The subject of Indian visas has always been a much discussed topic on relevant roll calls I’ve been part of and hopefully the process is now much simpler. I don’t know why you continue to talk of the variety of full visas available. It’s irrelevant to what is being discussed here.

 

Phil

[Globehoppers]

The reason I started this thread was to try and be helpful and point out that hopefully full Indian visas are no longer required. Azamara’s Chief Blogging Officer has now confirmed the changes. The subject of Indian visas has always been a much discussed topic on relevant roll calls I’ve been part of and hopefully the process is now much simpler. I don’t know why you continue to talk of the variety of full visas available. It’s irrelevant to what is being discussed here.

 

Phil

 

Phil,

 

Actually, its not "irrelevant." We cruised Quest from Mumbai to Piraeus several years ago - great trip/cruise through the canal and ports along the way. Had a heck of a time obtaining the visa, and costly. Their embassy visa service employs native Indians who have little allegiance to the customer. The reason its pertinent is that some people, as we did, include significant time touring the country in addition to the port stops. And some desire multiple entry supporting their travel plans. The eVisa is a real benefit to the causal tourist.

[uktog]

Phil,

 

Actually, its not "irrelevant." We cruised Quest from Mumbai to Piraeus several years ago - great trip/cruise through the canal and ports along the way. Had a heck of a time obtaining the visa, and costly. Their embassy visa service employs native Indians who have little allegiance to the customer. The reason its pertinent is that some people, as we did, include significant time touring the country in addition to the port stops. And some desire multiple entry supporting their travel plans. The eVisa is a real benefit to the causal tourist.

 

Even if you are touring the country in the manner you mention the e-visa is what you now use. It is very important that information on these boards relates to the current position and not the past in India. At last the Indian authorities have recognised the positive impact the cruise industry has on their indigenous tourist industry.

To be clear, on the eVisa you enter India by either seaport or airport. You travel within India by road, rail, sea or air. You leave India (and moving by sea from one port for another Indian port is not leaving) for another country.

You can actually come back and do the same thing again on an e visa.

Each visit can by 60 days in length.

 

So unless you leave India for another country three times, there is no need to talk about any other form of visa

Phil's thread is therefore very timely and I believe his subsequent comment about being relevant is paramount.

Edited February 2, 2018 by uktog