Visas, etc.

[jimbob]

Hi we are heading to India from Egypt mid August does anyone know if we can get a visa when we arrive and also cruising permits,thanks also if anyone could tell us about anchorages and prices we would be grateful,from there we will be heading to Thailand but we would like to stay in India for a while james sandy and blossom aboard swordfish

[GordMay]

Generally, you get a Visa prior to arriving.

For specific information,
Goto ➥ Embassy of India, Cairo

[Laidback]

Follow Gord's advice re getting the visa - however, depending where you are if not in Egypt (where it will takes at least 4 working days) go to the Indian Embassy in whatever country.
As far as arriving in India by boat - suggest Cochin on the West coast as being the most commonly used port of call where cruising boats are understood.
From there one can go down to Uligan in the far north of the Maldives - give
Srilanka a miss -- and as your visa is valid for 6 months well worth going to the Andamans prior to going to to Thailand,(here you can get a permit to stay for 30 days -- extendable by another 15 days) , these are really good value :- http://www.and.nic.in/
Southeast Asia Pilot - the definitive cruising guide for the Andaman Sea...and more

[MarkJ]

I think the people in Thailand applying for the Indian visa had to send their passports away for 2 weeks.

We never heard any positive reports about Cochin. ( Kochi formerly known as Cochin).

India isn't really cruisier friendly yet
[QUOTE]
(10 May 2010)

Mumbai's first marina in prospect
By IBI Magazine / David Robinson

OK my post disappeared... lol Theres a new marina just opened in Cochin too

[Laidback]

Hi Mark.
True if one sends passports via an "Agent" in Patong it could be longer than 2weeks. At the Embassy in Bangkok - 3 days max.

Cochin has an annual mix of yachts that call there - I can give very +ve reports of boats that have been there many times.

I have heard of this 'new' marina but have NO detail or location in Cochin - mind you there are miles of inland waters connect to Cochin's sea entrance.

Richard

[Kiwis]

Mark you havent been talking to the right people. We havent been there but talking to several boats who visited this year 2010 they had good experiences although boats ended up a little dirty, but dirt washes off easier than misinformed negative comments.

[fishwife]

Noonsite seems to be up to date Noonsite: India

The country profile is not exactly wildly enthusiastic about cruising yachts visiting.

P

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by Kiwis

We havent been there

So how do you know I'm misinformed?

[barnakiel]

When in doubt, stay out - get the visa prior to the visit and you cannot go wrong.

b.