Passport Requirements
All travellers to India must possess a valid passport. It is advisable to carry your passport on your person all the while in India for possible identification requirements. Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan can travel without passport but they have to carry some special permits.
1. Each passport should be accompanied by the completed application form and three passport photographs.
2. There should be at least three clear pages on the passport before the visa is issued.
3. When applying for the visa at the Indian Embassy/High Commission, payment should be made in cash or postal order (cheques are normally not accepted) and a stamped self addressed envelope should be included. One month should be allowed for postal applications.
4. Certain parts of India (mainly in the North East) are “restricted areas” and require special permits.
5. Personal applications may be made to the Indian Embassy/High Commission.
Visas Requirements
Visas are required by all visitors except those from Bhutan and Nepal. All foreign tourists to India must possess a valid visas. Visas are not issued on arrival. the cost of Visa is US$ 30 for up to six months. US$ 50 for up to one year and US$ 100 for more than one year. Contact the Indian embassy or consulate in your country for issuing of visas. A tourist visa is valid for three to six months. Tourist visas allow multiple entry to simplify visits to neighbouring countries. You will be required to fill in a disembarkation card on your way to India which will have to be submitted at the Immigration counters at the entry airport. Visas are available for the following durations:-
Transit visa
3 month visa
6 month visa
1 year visa
5 year visa
Exemption from Registration
Foreigners coming to India on tourist visas for 180 days or a shorter period are not requird to register themselves with any authority. They can move about freely in the country, except to the restricted/protected areas and prohibited areas.
Nationals of Bangladesh are exempt from registration for up to six months. If their stay exceeds six months, they have to register themselves. Family passports issued by other governments are recognized without any discrimination.
Extension of Visa
As a rule, no extension of stay is granted on a Tourist Visa. Tourist visas are available for a maximum period of 180 days. No charges are levied for visa extension within the maximum period of 180 days. Identical passport photographs are required.
However, in the case of an extension beyond 180 days, which is allowed only in exceptional cases, an extension fee which varies from country to country is charged. In case a foreign tourist has obtained extension beyond three months of stay in India, he will have to surrender his Certificate of Registration and residential Permit before leaving India. For extension to your tourist visa in Delhi, Calcutta, Mumbai and chennai, contact :-
The FRRO in any of the cities mentioned above.
In state capitals and district headquarters submit your application to:
The Home Department in the state capital or as applicable. or,
The Police Commissioner’s office. or,
The Senior Superintendent of Police. or,
The Superintendent of Police.
Health Requirements
| Ailment | Reason | Prevention/Cure |
| Common Cold | Dust, Allergies, Temperature Variations. | Carry Cold-relief tablets, Vitamin-C tablets and Nasal decongestant solution and anti-allergic medicines in your medical kit. (Local brands- Coldarin for Cold/Cough, Celin (Vitamin C tablet) |
| Allergic Fever | Fatigue, Temperature Variations, Cough etc. | Carry Paracetamol, do not stress yourself too much. Eat proper and light food. |
| Stomach Upsets | Could be due to adulterated food or excessive intake of spicy and rich taste food items. | Eat according to your appetite. Eat lightly. carry Oral Rehydration solution (Electral- Local brand of ORS). |
| Mosquito Related Diseases | Tropical hot climate and lack of hygiene. | Use Cream and vapour based mosquito repellents while sleeping. (Local brands of repellents- All Out, Mortein, Odomos, Mos free). |
| Skin Rashes | Due to harsh climatic conditions in some areas. Excessive sun rays. Excessive cold conditions in Himalayan region. | Use sunscream in summers. Wear light colored full bodied clothes. bath daily with an antiseptic soap. |
| Sun Stroke | Excessive travel on hot summer days. | Drink plenty of fresh fruit fluids like lemon juice. Consult doctor in case of sun stroke. |
| Minor Injuries | Trekking, Minor Accidents etc. | Keep an antiseptic lotion, cream etc. Do take Anti Tetanus injection in case of injury due to rusted iron. |
| Sexually Transmitted Diseases | Sexual contact with local prostitutes. | Avoid sex during travel or use a safe and effective condom barrier. |
Medical treatment in India is comparatively inexpensive, though India has a pool of some of the best doctors in the world. Most hotels have a doctor on call.
Precautions
Strong sunshine, heat, digestive upsets and insect bites can spoil one’s trip, so it is a good idea to take a few basic precautions:
1. Avoid eating ice creams sold by roadside vendors, undercooked meat, unpeel able fruit or vegetable, drinking tap water or having unbolted drinks or even ice in drinks outside the hotel.
2. Carry a kit containing sunscreens and other lotions for protection from the sun, insect repellants and sting relief creams, water sterilising tablets and medicines for possible stomach upsets or indigestion.
3. Be careful about mosquitoes when outside in the evenings – use an insect repellant, socks and a long sleeves shirt are good deterrents.
General
Currency – Rupee (Re.) Rs. 1 = 100 Paise
Coins are in denominations of 25, 50 Paise and 1,2,and 5 rupees.
Notes are in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 rupees.
Exchange Rate: US $ 1 = Rs. 44 approx There are no restrictions on the importation of foreign currency by tourists, provided a Declaration Form is completed on arrival. The import and export of the Rupee is, however, prohibited and may not be spent in Duty Free Shops or on board aircrafts. Receipts of all currency must be kept, as it may be reconverted on departure.
It is advisable to carry money in the form of travellers’ cheques preferably in US Dollars as it is widely recognised and accepted. Changing money through unauthorised persons is illegal as well as risky in respect of receiving counterfeit money.
Credit Cards
Most hotels, restaurants and some shops accept major credit cards such as (1) American Express, (2) Diners Club (3) Visa and (4) Mastercard.
Time
GMT + 5 hours and 30 minutes.
Business Hours
| Government Offices/Shops | Monday – Friday | 09:30 – 18:00 hrs |
| Commercial Offices | Monday – Friday | 09:30 – 17:30 hrs |
| Saturday | 09:30 – 13:00 hrs | |
| Shops (most large stores) | Monday – Sunday | 10:00 – 20:00 hrs |
| Banks | Monday – Friday | 10:00 – 14:00 hrs |
| Saturday | 10:00 – 12:00 hrs |
Some government and commercial offices are open on alternate Saturdays.