rayc2009

Hi Sirwolf and Simon, Thank you for finding that web site amongst all those agencies trying to earn a dollar, I am now in touch with the correct site to issue my ETA at zero cost.

Many thanks and I will contibute to the site more as I get used to how it works, looking forward to my cruise

Regards

Ray Cooper Melbourne Aust

Hi, I have spent 4 hours trying to obtain a free ETA  in Transit (cruise) for Sri Lank, however I am finding it difficult to find the government site, I keep completing application to find they are only agent seeking $60 per person which is outragous considering the ETA for Australian's are free.

I have read on cruise critic about being sucessful applying for the free ETA but nothing is displayed about the site to apply to without getting pushed on to an agent

Appreciate any assistance with resolving my issue

Regards

Ray Cooper

A little background: We were in Mumbai and Cochin two years ago on a cruise two years ago and have no desire to go there again. At the time it took three weeks to obtain a visa with numerous hassles in communicating with the company that had the contract with the Indian Consulate. I also have no desire to deal with their current contractor, Cox and King. However, almost every cruise ship that goes from Asia to either the Middle East or Africa stops in India. We took the second half of this Spring's WC, from Hong Kong to FLL and hoped to do the same this Spring from Singapore to FLL. But this year they stop in India. I called the World Cruise desk at HAL to inquire if we could just stay onboard when they stopped in India. They checked and said that I needed the visa whether I stayed aboard or not. She did mention that the requirement might go away sometime in the near future. So we won't repeat the half WC this time.

My questions are: Has anyone else heard that India might be liberalizing their visa requirements for cruise passengers? And have others skipped or cancelled cruises rather than giving the Indian Government a copy of your bank statement?

Just applied for an Indian visa via an agent as recommended via Cruise Critic process was easy however 2 travelers was AU

$237