India Details New Group eVisa for Cruise Ship Visitors

The Indian government confirmed the "e-Group Visit Visa (Cruise)" on 21 July 2026, with further details emerging on 4 September 2026. This electronic visa offers multiple entries within a 30-day validity period, specifically for foreign tourist groups on fixed cruise itineraries. Unlike individual e-Visas, cruise operators or ship agents will submit collective applications for passengers three days before the vessel's first port call. Applications will include passenger names, nationalities, and passport details, with no limit on group size.

Upon approval, a QR code will facilitate immigration checks at any of India's 38 authorised seaports. Although announced, this new group visa is not yet available on the official Indian Visa Online portal, and no launch date has been specified. It aims to significantly boost cruise tourism, with eligibility expected for nationals from 172 or 174 countries.