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The Indian eVisa for Joining the Vessel is also referred to as the Seaman Visa or Crew Visa, and this electronic visa was specially designed and issued to seafarers who were needed to board ships or vessels that are docked or departing from Indian ports. This visa is a subcategory of Indian Business e-Visa.
Purpose of the Seaman eVisa
With the introduction of the Indian eVisa for Joining the Vessel or the Seaman Visa or Crew Visa, foreign seafarers or Indian nationals who are working as crew on foreign ships are allowed to enter India as they have joined a vessel at an Indian port or shipyard.
Who needs the Indian eVisa for Joining the Vessel or Seaman Visa?
The Indian Seaman eVisa or Crew eVisa is mandatory for individuals to obtain it who have plans to enter India entirely for the purpose of joining a ship or vessel. Below are listed the categories of people who need the Indian Seaman or Crew eVisa:
1. Foreign Seafarers/Crew Members
Only those foreign seafarers/ crew members need to obtain who have been employed as crew on ships docked or departing from Indian ports. So foreign nationals employed as officers, engineers, ratings, cadets, and other crew members can apply.
Example: An Indonesian seafarer/ crew member flying into Mumbai to join a ship/ vessel headed to Europe.
2. Crew Members Transiting Through India
Only those foreign seafarers/ crew members need to obtain who must transit through India (via airport or seaport) to join a ship/ vessel at an Indian or foreign port.
Example: A Filipino seafarer arriving at Chennai airport who will be joining a ship in Visakhapatnam sailing to Europe.
3. Indian Nationals Joining Foreign Vessels via India
Individuals who are Indian passport holders and are to join the foreign-flagged vessels through Indian ports, for them it is required to hold CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate) and to declare their intent at immigration.
Although as a citizen of India you may not need a visa, proper documentation and port clearance are an essential part of the process.
4. Ship Crew Flying into India to Join Offshore Installations or Rigs
Those foreign nationals who are working on the offshore supply vessels, drill ships, rigs, or floating production storage units whose operation takes place through the Indian territory, it is essential for them to apply.
Who Does Not Need the Indian Seaman or Crew eVisa?
- Foreign seafarers who are already staying in India with no intent of joining a vessel.
- Tourists or business travelers who do not have the purpose of joining a vessel.
- Those Indian nationals who are not working in the maritime sector are not required to apply.
What are the key requirements or documents required for a Seaman eVisa application?
To be eligible to apply for the Indian Seaman eVisa or Crew Visa, it is mandatory for individuals to fulfil the listed key requirements and documents:
1. Completed Indian Seaman eVisa Application Form
- Visit the Indian eVisa Portal to apply
- Fill out online form and choose Purpose of Visit as Business Visa. Later you will need to choose the reason of your Business Visit as TO JOIN THE VESSEL.
2. Valid Passport
- Provide a passport that’s valid, minimum 6 months beyond the intended date of arrival in India and returning as well.
- Ensure it has 2 blank pages which is important for getting visa stamps
3. Recent Passport-Size Photographs
- Usually 2 photos (check local Indian mission guidelines for photo instructions).
4. Letter of Appointment/Employment
From the shipping company or from the authorized manning the applicant will have to specify certain details like:
- Name of the vessel
- Port of joining (in India)
- IMO number
- Duration of contract
- Designation and duties
5. Seafarer’s Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC)
- Furnish a copy of the CDC, it must show details of the applicant and the status of the seafarer.
6. Copy of Vessel Details
The applicant needs to provide vessel details that have specified certain details like:
- IMO number
- Name of vessel
- Port of call and joining date
- Expected time of arrival (ETA) in India
7. Visa Fee Payment Receipt
- Pay to be made online by using debit/ credit card.
- Varies on certain factors like nationality and location.
8. Flight/Travel Itinerary
- Some countries require a copy of Seaman’s Book, this is a separate document
10. Letter from Indian Shipping Agent or Company (if applicable)
- Those applicants who have their joining being arranged by an Indian agent, furnish a letter confirming the arrangements.
Optional but Sometimes Requested:
- There will sometimes be offshore assignments, so necessary to furnish a Medical fitness certificate.
- Training certificates as evidence that previously completed service training.
Important Notes:
- Documents in English are accepted, so the documents furnished as proof should be in English or otherwise accompanied by certified English translations.
- Depending on your nationality, the requirement conditions may vary, so always check the official website of the Indian embassy/consulate in your country beforehand for clarification.
How to Apply for an Indian eVisa for Joining the Vessel or Seaman Visa?
So you have clearly read the eligibility conditions and the documents required for the Indian eVisa for Joining the Vessel (also referred to as Seaman Visa or Crew Visa), here is a short step-by-step guide, letting you know how to apply.
Step 1: Check Seaman Visa/ Crew Visa Eligibility and Requirements
- Before applying, check if you are entitled to apply as a foreign seafarer joining a vessel at an Indian port.
- Preparing the above listed docs are necessary (such as CDC, valid passport, vessel details, etc)
Step 2: Gather Your Documents for Seaman eVisa/ Crew eVisa Application
- Valid passport
- Letter of appointment from the shipping/manning agency who have their joining being arranged.
- Seafarer’s CDC
- Vessel details (for instance joining date, IMO number, joining port)
- Passport photos, sticking to Instructions
- Flight ticket or itinerary
Step 3: Fill Out the Seaman eVisa/ Crew eVisa Application Form
- Visit the Indian eVisa portal
- Select the visa type option as Business Visa as Seaman eVisa/ Crew eVisa is a subcategory of Business e-Visa.
- Complete the filling the Seaman eVisa/ Crew eVisa application form, should fill it accurately.
- Upload a passport-size photo (should be clicked and uploaded as per specifications only), if requested.
Step 4: Submit the Seaman eVisa/ Crew eVisa Application
Once you have filled in the application form and uploaded the requested documents, submit your application and pay the visa fee online via using a debit/ credit card.
Step 5: Track Your Seaman eVisa/ Crew eVisa Application
When you have submitted your Seaman Visa/ Crew Visa Application, you will have to wait for some days, around 3 to 7 working days for processing your application.
In the meantime what you can do is use the Indian eVisa portal website to track your application status to avoid any curiosity.
Step 6: Your Seaman eVisa/ Crew eVisa will be Mailed to you
If the Seaman eVisa/ Crew eVisa Application is approved you will receive the Indian Seaman eVisa by the email ID you have provided.
The entire process is online, from application submission to receiving it via email, you do not have to visit the embassy at any stage.
Notes:
- The Seaman eVisa/ Crew eVisa is typically a single-entry and short-term eVisa.
- Applicants cannot use Seaman eVisa/ Crew eVisa for tourism or other employment, its sole purpose is strictly for joining a vessel.
Duration & Validity
- The validity and duration offered in the Indian Seaman eVisa/ Crew eVisa is that it typically covers the entire period required to join the vessel, often days to a few weeks.
- Seaman should know that no other extra duration or validity offers.
- Those who have long-term Indian contracts, they will have to obtain the employment visa which is issued up to 1 year and extendable.