India ETA: 14 Maritime Ports Added to Eligible Entry Points

Entering India by sea has long posed administrative hurdles for global travelers and tourism professionals. Good news for cruise operators and crews: the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has officially expanded access for e-Visa (electronic visa) eligibility to 14 new maritime ports.

Yet India’s maritime entry regulations remain stringent. While this update simplifies procedures for many routes, several historic and major tourist ports still reject electronic visas.

Expanded Maritime Entry Points

India manages immigration flows via Immigration Check Posts (ICPs). Historically, the e-Visa was designed primarily for air arrivals. With this new directive, India’s network now includes 33 approved maritime ports allowing travelers with an electronic travel authorization to enter.

Among the 14 newly added maritime ports are key entry points across four states:

• Gujarat: Alang, Bedi Bandar, Bhavnagar, Porbandar, Hazira, Pipavav and Mandvi.

• Tamil Nadu: Cuddalore, Nagapattinam and Tuticorin.

• Andhra Pradesh: Kakinada, Krishnapatnam

• Odisha: Paradeep, Dhamra

India’s official e-Visa portal: indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html

This expansion offers substantial benefits to cruise operators and international travelers transiting the Indian Ocean. The e-Visa process is less costly and eliminates the need to send physical documents to an Indian embassy or consulate.

Major Ports Where ETA Remains Invalid

This is where many travelers face setbacks. India does not apply visa reciprocity across its territory. Arriving with an ETA at a non-approved port results in immediate refusal of entry, with no on-site remedy.

If your vessel or cruise calls at any of the following ports, you must obtain a regular consular visa (paper sticker in passport) in advance:

Port of Mormugao (Goa)
Despite Goa’s status as India’s premier tourist destination, its main maritime port does not accept e-Visas. International cruise passengers stopping in Goa must apply for a regular visa.

Port of Cochin (Kochi, Kerala)
A cruise highlight in the Arabian Sea and gateway to the Backwaters, Cochin requires a traditional visa for all maritime disembarkations.

Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva, Mumbai)
India’s largest container port and a global logistics hub, yet travelers and crew cannot use the electronic system here.

Port of Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
Located on the Coromandel Coast, this key international hub is not yet equipped to accept visas on arrival or honor E-Visas.

Port of Kolkata (West Bengal)
Including the Hooghly River port, this eastern gateway to India demands a consular visa for foreign nationals.

Port of Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh)
Known as Vizag Port, this major industrial hub on India’s east coast also mandates traditional visas, regardless of visit duration or purpose.

Plan Your Journey: Three Key Steps

To avoid denial at Indian customs, preparation is essential. India’s immigration laws (Immigration Check Posts laws) leave no room for improvisation.

Check with your cruise line: Before starting your application, confirm your cruise’s exact list of Indian call ports and stops. Identify the first point of entry: The Indian visa activates only at the first entry point. Touching a “Visa Classique” port before an “E-Visa” port triggers the need for a traditional visa. Allow sufficient processing time:

For an ETA: Allow 3–5 business days via our service. For a consular visa: Plan for at least 15–30 days depending on nationality and where you apply (biometric fingerprinting is typically required).

Need help securing your India stop? Visit our destination page for e-Visa guidance: visamundi.co/destinations/inde.