How do I apply for an Indian Tourist Visa if I’m on a cruise ship? It’s possible to get an Indian tourist visa, but you will need to jump through some additional hoops in order to obtain one while you are on the ship. This article details the application process and steps that must be taken to ensure your successful visa approval. In addition, it provides tips and insight into what other options may be available to you if the tourist visa route doesn’t work out. The only thing left to do now is to pack your bags and set sail! Your Indian vacation awaits you!
When can you apply?
The Indian government requires that you apply no less than 2 days and no more than 90 days prior to arrival. For example, if you want to arrive in India on November 4th, your cruise ship must sail from its last foreign port by October 31st. Similarly, if you need to be back on your cruise ship by January 1st, you must leave India no later than December 31st. Make sure that time frameworks for your itinerary—if not, it’s better to go ahead and book now. Remember: While it might seem like there are many months of summer left before winter arrives, time passes quickly and schedules fill up fast. Indian Tourist Visa for Cruise Ship
What kind of visa do you need?
It’s important to note that Indian tourist visas only allow cruise ship passengers to stay in India for up to 30 days. If you wish to visit India for longer than 30 days, you will need an Indian business visa or another visa. Your travel agent should be able to help you apply for such a visa. For example, if you have friends or family living in India whom you wish to visit, it is possible (though more difficult) to apply directly through their local Indian consulate office instead of dealing with your travel agent (though they can still help). In either case, check with your travel agent and see what kind of visa they recommend based on how long you will be staying in India.
How long does it take?
The Indian embassy recommends that you apply at least 60 days in advance of your departure date. To make sure everything goes smoothly, it’s better to file well in advance and double-check that all your documents are in order. Some paperwork (such as a yellow fever certificate) may take weeks or months to process, so allow plenty of time. However, you can apply up to 120 days before departure and still be granted visa approval on arrival—so if you’re really tight on time, get your application in early!
Do I need any other documents?
What kind of documentation do I need when I apply for an Indian Tourist Visa? For example, if you’re applying from Canada and have no previous travel to India, then you don’t need any additional documents other than your application form. However, if you are traveling to India on a cruise ship or via air with a visa-on-arrival (VOA), then you will need to submit your passport details; in addition, some countries require proof of sufficient funds. In both cases, proof of sufficient funds is required so that authorities can ensure that you won’t overstay your tourist visa in India and become an illegal resident. Apply for India Business Visa
Are there any exemptions?
Not all citizens need to apply for an Indian tourist visa if they’re visiting India on a cruise ship. Citizens of Singapore, Maldives, and Indonesia are eligible to receive 90-day exemption visas without applying in advance. Still, it’s best to contact your cruise line to confirm that you can travel without applying first—most lines advise passengers to apply anyway. If you’re worried about time running out on your visa, just make sure you don’t leave home until after you’ve received confirmation from both your cruise line and Indian Embassy that it’s possible for you to get by without a tourist visa. Many people will want or need extra time once they arrive in India—may be because of Indian bureaucracy or maybe because of how quickly vacation days fly by when you’re having fun!
What if my visa application is rejected?
If your visa application is rejected, you are legally entitled to a refund of your fee. It’s always worth submitting your application as soon as possible, as fees do vary according to nationality and seasonality. It may be worthwhile waiting until just before you travel to apply if it saves you more than £50. To avoid delays in processing applications, make sure you have all of your documents with you when submitting them – including copies rather than originals wherever possible. If anything does go wrong and you do have to reapply, make sure that it is done well ahead of your departure date in order to avoid having any holiday plans ruined.
Other things to know about applying for a Tourist Visa for India
Depending on where you live, it might be easier or harder to get your tourist visa to India. Some countries have visa-on-arrival options, which can make applying pretty simple. Others do not. The Indian Embassy in Canada is currently implementing new policies requiring all non-Indian nationals to apply in person, starting May 16th of 2015. This could be inconvenient depending on where you live and work. Regardless of what country you call home, plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to apply—as a lot goes into getting one and your chances are much better if you submit sooner rather than later.
