BEFORE YOU TRAVEL

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Virtually all-foreign nationals require a visa to enter India. Nationals of Bhutan and Nepal, only require a suitable means of identification. The rules regarding visas change frequently and arrangements for application and collection also vary from town to town so it is essential to check details and costs with the relevant office. These remains closed on Indian national holidays. In London, applications are processed in a couple of hours; arrive at 0830. Visitors from countries, which do not have an Indian representation, may apply to the resident British representative, or enquire at the Air India Office.

Three passport photographs and your passport should accompany an application on the prescribed form, which should be valid three months beyond the period of the visit. The following are the travel documents required:

Visas

Visa fees vary according to nationality. In mid-1999 the following visa rules applied.

• Transit visas, for passengers en route to another country.
• Tourist, one-month visa (entry must be within a month of issue), or six-month visa, from the date of issue with multiple entries.
• Business visa, up to one year from the date of issue. A letter from company giving the nature of business is required.
• Five year visa, for those of Indian origin only, who have held Indian passports.
• Student visa, valid up to one year from the date of issue. Attach a letter of acceptance from Indian institution, and an Aids test certificate. Allow up to three months for approval.

Visa Extensions :

Applications should be made to the Foreigners' Regional Registration Offices at New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata or Chennai, or an office of the Superintendent of Police in the District Headquarters. After 6 months, you must leave India and apply for a new visa the Nepal office is known to be difficult.

Restricted & Protected Areas

Some areas are politically sensitive. The border regions, tribal areas and Himalayan zones are subject to restrictions and special permits may be needed to visit them though the government is relaxing its regulations.

Currently the following require special permits: Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur (for five days), Mizoram, Nagaland and parts of Spiti. Apply to the Under Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Foreigners Division, Lok Nayak Bhavan, Khan Market, New Delhi-110003 at least four weeks in advance.

Special permission is no longer needed to visit some of the islands on arrival at Port Blair. Lakshadweep Islands Foreigners may visit Bangaram and Suheli Islands only; permits from the Lakshadweep Administration, Willingdon Island, Harbour, and Rd, Cochin 3.

Sikkim Permits for 15 days are issued by a large number of government offices.

Registration: No foreigner needs to register within the 180-day period of his or her tourist visa.

Income tax clearance all foreign visitors who stay in India for more than 180 days are required to get an income tax clearance exemption certificate from the Foreign Section of the Income Tax Dept in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata or Chennai.

Work Permits

Foreigners should apply to the Indian representative in their country of origin for the latest information about work permits.

Liquor Permits

Periodically some Indian states have tried to enforce prohibition. States, which have some degree of Prohibition in force in mid-1999, are Gujarat, Mizoram and Manipur. When applying for your visa you can ask for an All India Liquor Permit. You can also get the Permit from any Govt of India Tourist Office in Delhi or the state capitals.

Essentials for the Trip

It is always best to keep luggage to a minimum. A study rucksack or a hybrid backpack/suitcase, is more advisable then a rigid suitcase. Most essentials are available in the larger cities, and laundry services are generally cheap and speedy. Loose-fitting, light cotton clothes are good for travelling almost anywhere in India at any time of year. It is a good idea to have some very lightweight long sleeve. It is advisable to wear shoes or sandals best in hot weather. It is advisable to take a medicine kit from your home, though most medicine are available at local chemist. Most toiletries, contact lens cleaners, tampons and barrier contraceptives are available in the larger cities.

Money

Indian currency is the Indian Rupee. The exchange can be made available at airports through banks and airport counters. Major Credit cards are increasingly acceptable in the tourist cities. ATM’s are also available at metro cities. Travellers cheques are accepted at metro cities and most of the bank and travel exchange banks.

Rupees note are printed in denomination Rs. 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and Rs. 1. Coins are available in denominations of Rs 5, 2, 1 and 5, 25, 20, 10 paise.

The money changing can be done through licence moneychangers who have authorized dealers and offices in the commercial area.

Please see our Travel Exchange Network >>

Money can be transferred into/from India through our Money Gram through our network.

Documentation and Tax

Tools for Currency Conversion>>