Some parts of the country are restricted areas and require a special permit. Travelers planning to go to the far northwest of the country or to the islands should check with
India Tourism for the latest information.
Americans: United States citizens must have a valid passport and a visa.
UK nationals: British citizens must have a valid passport and a visa.
Canadians: Canadians require a valid passport and a visa.
Australians: Australians require a valid passport and a visa.
South Africans: South Africans require a valid passport
and a visa.
Irish nationals: Irish citizens require a valid passport and a visa.
New Zealanders: New Zealand citizens require a valid passport and a visa.
Health
There are a number of health risks associated with travel to India, including malaria and dengue fever, and 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 northeastern state of
Assam. Outbreaks of cholera also occur frequently. Those traveling from an infected area should hold a yellow fever certificate. Food poisoning is a major 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 are advised to take out medical insurance. Bird flu was first discovered in domestic poultry in February 2006, but no human infections have been reported. The risk for travelers is low, but as a precaution close contact with wild, domestic and caged birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes should be well cooked.
Safety
The vast majority of visits to India are trouble-free, however in light of the dispute with
Pakistan most governments advise against all travel to the Jammu (except
Jammu City) and Kashmir regions, all but essential travel to
Srinagar (fatal attacks continue), and anywhere near the border with Pakistan, with the exception of Ladakh via Manali or by air to Leh, as well as to Jaisalmer and
Amritsar. A number of recent grenade attacks in Srinagar, Kashmir, have targeted tourists and tourist buses, causing several deaths and numerous injuries.
Manipur and
Tripura should also be avoided and travel to
Imphal is not recommended. There has been an increase in the severity of terrorist attacks in the east and northeast of the country with a spate of bomb attacks, and visitors should keep up to date with the situation. Many people, including tourists, have been killed. Violent extremist groups are active in
Bihar, Jharkland,
Chattisgarh,
West Bengal and
Orissa where attacks and violent crime has caused fatalities. In July 2006, seven near-simultaneous bomb blasts tore apart commuter trains in suburban
Mumbai killing 187 people and injuring over 700, and in February 2007 over 60 people were killed in bomb blasts on the Samjhauta Express traveling between
Delhi and
Lahore; security has been increased at transport hubs in Delhi and Mumbai. Visitors should be aware that there are tensions between the Muslim and Hindu populations, and there is a risk of terrorism throughout India, and they should remain particularly vigilant in public places, on public transport and at tourist sites, especially around Mumbai and Delhi. Crime is an issue at major tourist spots and visitors are advised to keep an eye of their valuables and, in particular, passports. Be aware of confidence tricksters, often involving fake jewelry, particularly in
Agra and
Jaipur, and never accept food from strangers, particularly on trains as travelers have been drugged and robbed. Road accidents are common and claim hundreds of lives every year. Bus accidents are blamed on reckless driving and speeding, and old vehicles. The monsoon season, usually from June to September, causes great flooding, loss of life and destruction in India every year.
