India - Security
India Security for Yachts
Overall Crime & Safety
UK, USA and Australia government websites indicate that visitors to India should exercise a high degree of caution overall due to the threat of terrorism and crime and the risk of civil unrest. Higher levels apply in some areas and there have been a number of recent (September 2024) bomb threats at airports and on flights to and from India.
The UK Foreign Office website says terrorist attacks have mainly targeted Indian government interests. Security has been strengthened, including at major hotels and transport hubs. However, terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals.
Maritime Issues
Although piracy has not so far affected India’s territorial waters, it poses a significant threat in parts of the Indian Ocean. Mariners should follow shipping industry guidelines on precautions to take.
Ships and crew must have the necessary authorisation and paperwork before entering Indian territorial waters and follow Indian laws and regulations. See Clearance for details.
If carrying weapons on board ships in Indian territorial waters, you must follow Indian laws and regulations.
It is advisable to consult a travel advice website for advice on the latest security situation.
- UK India Safety and Security Travel Advice
- US Embassy and Consulates in India
- Australia – Smartraveller – India Security Travel Advice
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We cleared in at Kochi after sending pre-arrival notification (PANS). First Port (Harbor) Control came to see us, but they asked questions without coming on board. Then Health, who came on board, did a temperature check but no masks required (and he did not ask about our vaccination status) and finally Port Marina and Immigration.
They all had 3 copies of questionnaires and wanted to know the last 10 ports visited(one wanted to know the last 10 countries visited). They wanted to see the ships papers, number, port registration, etc. etc. They wrote everything down on all 3 copies.
The day after the visits on board, we had to visit the office of immigration. They entered some of the data into a computer. Then we had to go to the Port Marina office and answer some more questions. We had to pay (me and 1 crew) around 1200 rupies (approx. $15). We got a statement that we would be allowed to leave the anchorage and move to the marina. Then we had to go to customs .. which by mistake were not informed. A questionnaire was prepared and a Customs officer went with us in the dinghy back to the boat. He inspected the boat and put the Iridium Go phone in a compartment and sealed it. Then he wrote down some food we had .. white beans 3 cans, red beans 2 cans, fruit peach 2 cans … and so forth.
Back at the Customs office he guided us to another Customs department where my ships papers were taken as a deposit. We then had to wait around 30 minutes while that guy then got some other departments informed. Then we could leave.
There is a local guy that helps you. He and his brother took over the “service” from their father. He contacts sailors and offers help. He is not a clearing agent nor an approved importer, but he knows his way around all the offices. He’s called Nisam – phone +91 97464 62686.
27 hours after arrival we could proceed to the marina.
In general India (or at least the state of Kerala), probably doesn’t understand the cash / income they could make with yachts visiting. Maitenance of the marina is bad.
What comes first? Infrastructure for boats or the boats? I would not recommend others to stop here.
E-Visa normally processed in 72hours not 60days. Took 12 hours for our visas to be granted.
Lakshadweep Islands: Update received from Indian boat owner who was granted a permit to visit these islands for a period of 9 days in February 2015. He reports that the process is difficult and one must push to get an answer from the Island Administrator. See RESTRICTIONS above in the Formalities section for details of how to apply for a permit.
Posted on behalf of Brian Thurlow from Cochin, India:
It is difficult, or nearly impossible for foreign boats to visit the Lakshadweep Islands. We have one Indian owned catamaran in the marina who did the trip last year with at least one European crew. I will contact him for details. He said it was difficult, but not impossible. Waiting for an update.
Does anyone have any info on visiting the Lakshadweep islands?
Was in Kochi (Cochin) at the end of February 2014 on s/y Anima. Stay in International Marina. You must anchor off near Port Control for clearance. Port security comes onboard to check the boat, after that you will go ashore with a security officer for customs and immigration. Be ready to spend a whole day (or more, if you come on Sunday). After clearance, you’ll go to the Harbourmaster office to take permission to go to Marina. Channel to the marina is good markered, but not so good dragged – there was 1.8 minimal depth at MHWS, take care! Marina is empty but still works. Maybe you will meet Bebe – tuk-tuk driver. You can solve almost any problem with his assistance.