What Changed
With effect from 19 March 2026, India added 14 seaports to the list of entry points where e-Visa holders can complete immigration — taking the national total to 114 immigration check posts (ICPs). For cruise passengers, yacht crews and project staff arriving by sea, this removes a long-standing gap: an approved e-Visa that previously couldn't be used at the port where the vessel actually docked.
The New Ports
The newly enabled seaports are spread across four coastal states:
- Gujarat (7): Alang, Bedi Bandar, Bhavnagar, Porbandar, Hazira, Pipavav and Mandvi
- Tamil Nadu (3): Cuddalore, Nagapattinam and Tuticorin
- Andhra Pradesh and Odisha: the remaining newly notified ports
If your itinerary turns on one specific port, confirm it against the current official list on the Indian Visa Online portal before booking — port notifications are updated from time to time.
What Sea Arrivals Still Require
The expansion changes where you can enter, not what you need:
- A valid, approved e-Visa (ETA) obtained online before travel — carry a printed copy
- Biometrics on arrival at the port's immigration counter
- A passport meeting the standard validity requirements, with your photo and documents in order
Who This Actually Helps
- Cruise passengers — shore visits at more Indian ports without a paper visa run
- Project and technical crews — staff joining vessels, shipyards (Alang is the world's largest ship-recycling yard) and port projects along the Gujarat coast
- Yacht and private-vessel travellers — more compliant entry options on coastal routes
One unchanged rule worth knowing: your accommodation — including commercially operated vessels and hotels at port calls — still reports foreign guests under Form III, and your e-Visa's conditions (no employment, stay windows) apply exactly as they do at airports.
If Your Plans Are More Complicated
Working on a vessel in Indian waters, staying beyond your e-Visa window, or moving from ship to shore-based work are not tourist scenarios — they raise Employment Visa, visa extension and FRRO questions that are far cheaper to answer before travel than after. Ask us if your case isn't a simple port visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I enter India by cruise ship on an e-Visa?
Yes — e-Visas are accepted at designated seaports, and since 19 March 2026 the list covers substantially more ports across Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, within 114 total entry checkpoints. Confirm your specific port on the official portal.
Do I need anything extra to enter by sea?
The requirements match air arrivals: an approved e-Visa obtained before travel (carry it printed), biometrics at the port immigration counter, and a compliant passport.
Can I work on a ship or shore project using an e-Visa?
No. e-Visas do not permit employment. Crew and project staff taking up work in India need the correct work-authorising visa before travel — misusing an e-Visa at a port is treated like any other visa violation.
Where do I check if my arrival port accepts e-Visas?
On the official Indian Visa Online portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in) — the authoritative, current list of e-Visa airports and seaports.
Disclaimer
India Visa Experts is an independent private consulting firm, not affiliated with the Government of India. Port designations and e-Visa conditions are set by the authorities and change from time to time — the March 2026 expansion described here was verified against official and reputable sources in July 2026; always confirm your specific port and requirements on the official portal before travelling. This article is general guidance only and not legal advice.