India Travel Guide

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Passports and Visas

Individual tourists requiring visas should preferably apply for a tourist visa and not for an ordinary visa, to avoid problems on departure. Visa extensions are possible, by applying for them through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Holders of multiple-entry Tourist Visas (visa type code "T"), with a validity ranging from above three months and up to 10 years, are required to leave a gap of at least two months between visits. This will be noted as a stamp in their passport upon their departure from India (this rule does not apply to those visiting neighboring countries, such as Nepal). Those wishing to re-enter before two months have expired must contact an Indian mission abroad to obtain permission, which, if granted, will be in the form of a letter. Within 14 days of re-entry, the visitor is required to register with the Foreigner's Regional Registration Office (FRRO). Any waiver of this restriction will be endorsed on the visa page in the visitor's passport. Note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required, if arriving in India within six days of leaving or transiting through heavily infected areas. Also note that the following areas of India are restricted, and require that visitors obtain a permit BEFORE entering them: (Protected Areas) parts of the state of Manipur, parts of the state of Mizoram, parts of the state of Arunachal Pradesh, the whole state of Nagaland, the whole of State of Sikkim, parts of the state of Uttaranchal, parts of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, parts of the state of Rajasthan, parts of the state of Himachal Pradesh; (Restricted Areas) the whole of the union territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, part of the state of Sikkim. If surface travel is involved, and nationals travel via restricted areas, they require a "pass" issued by either the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (located in each major Indian city), or the Superintendent of Police (located in each Indian district), or the diplomatic representation of India in Bhutan or Nepal. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Americans

US citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival, and a visa, to enter India.

UK Nationals

British citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival, and a visa, to enter India.

Canadians

Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival, and a visa, to enter India.

Australians

Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival, and a visa, to enter India.

South Africans

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival, and a visa, to enter India.

Irish Nationals

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival, and a visa, to enter India.

New Zealanders

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival, and a visa, to enter India.

Healthcare

There are a many health risks associated with travel to India and although no vaccinations are required for entry into India travelers should take medical advice on vaccinations at least three weeks before departure. Outbreaks of Dengue fever and Chikungunya virus occur, both being transmitted by mosquitoes. Malaria outbreaks are common in areas above 6,562 feet (2,000m), particularly in the north-east. Outbreaks of cholera occur frequently. Travelers from an infected area should hold a yellow fever certificate. Food poisoning is a risk in India; all water and ice should be regarded as contaminated and visitors should drink only bottled water and ensure that the seal on the bottle is intact. Meat and fish should be regarded as suspect in all but the best restaurants and should always be well cooked and served hot. Salads and unpeeled fruit should be avoided. Health facilities are adequate in the larger cities but limited in rural areas. Travelers should have medical insurance and bringing a standard first-aid kit complete with a course of general antibiotics is advisable. Diarrhea is common amoung travelers to India and is best treated with re-hydration salts; if symptoms persist for more than two days visiting a private hospital is recommended. Bird Flu has been a problem in the past and travelers should take the necessary precautions when eating poultry and egg dishes. Rabies is also a hazard and should you get bitten by a dog, cat or rat it is best to consult a medical practitioner immediately. Travelers to the Himalayan Mountains should be aware of the risks of altitude sickness.

Safety

Travelers in India must be aware of the high general threat from terrorism. Recent attacks in Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Agra and Bangalore occurred in popular tourist amenities including hotels, railway stations, markets and temples. There is the threat that public places frequented by Western tourists in the metropolitan centers (Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai) may be targeted in future. Tourist areas such as Goa are also at risk. Travelers visiting large religious events are advised that these ceremonies, which attract hundreds of thousands of people, can result in life-threatening stampedes. Increased security at major airports means travelers can expect delays.