India Travel Guideline

1. Visa & Entry Requirements

Types of Visas Available

• e-Tourist Visa (Most Common):
  • Available to citizens of over 160 countries.
  • Apply online at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in.
  • Processing Time: 3–5 working days.
  • Valid for: 30 to 180 days, depending on nationality.
  • Multiple-entry allowed.
• Visa on Arrival (VOA):
  • Only for Japan, South Korea, and UAE (conditions apply).
  • Processed at select international airports.
• Regular Tourist Visa:
  • Long-term travel or multiple extended visits.
  • Must apply at Indian consulates or embassies.
  • Can be valid for up to 10 years for U.S. citizens.

Documents You’ll Need:

• Passport (valid for 6+ months with 2 blank pages)
• Visa approval printout
• Return/onward ticket
• Proof of funds or accommodation (occasionally asked)

🧾 2. Foreigner Registration (FRRO Requirements)

• When it’s needed: If you're staying longer than 180 days or on specific visa types (e.g., Student, Employment).
• Deadline: Must register within 14 days of arrival.
• Online Portal: https://indianfrro.gov.in
• Documents: Passport, visa, passport photo, lease/hotel address, etc.

💉 3. Health, Safety & Medical Tips

Vaccinations to Consider:

• Routine: MMR, DPT, Polio, Influenza.
• Recommended: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Rabies (for extended rural travel), Japanese Encephalitis (if visiting villages in monsoon).
• COVID-19: Not mandatory, but recommended. Carry vaccine certificate if planning to attend large events or temples.

Health Essentials:

• Carry a medical kit with:
  • Antidiarrheals (Loperamide)
  • Oral rehydration salts (ORS)
  • Antihistamines
  • Painkillers
  • Insect repellent (DEET-based)
  • Sunblock
  • Prescription medications in original packaging

Water & Food Tips:

• Drink only bottled or filtered water.
• Avoid raw vegetables, tap water ice cubes, and dairy unless pasteurized.
• Choose busy food stalls with fast turnover.
• Eat fruits you can peel (bananas, oranges).

🛡️ 4. Safety, Scams & Smart Travel Practices

Common Scams to Avoid:

• Fake travel agents: Only book tours through verified platforms.
• Tuk-tuk detours: Drivers offering “special” temples or gem stores are likely working on commission.
• Overpriced taxis: Use Uber/Ola instead of negotiating blindly.
• “Closed” monuments: If someone says a site is closed and offers an alternative, ignore—check with officials.

General Tips:

• Don’t display valuables (jewelry, large cameras).
• Use a money belt or RFID-blocking wallet.
• Keep photocopies or digital scans of your ID and visa.
• Women travelers should dress conservatively, especially in rural and religious areas.
• Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.

💱 5. Money, Currency & Payments

Currency:

• Indian Rupee (INR). 1 USD ≈ ₹83 (as of 2025).
• Denominations: ₹10, ₹20, ₹50, ₹100, ₹500, ₹2000 (rare).

Tips:

• Always carry small denominations for taxis, tips, and street purchases.
• ATMs are available in all cities—but may not work with foreign cards in remote areas.
• Inform your bank before traveling to avoid card blocks.

Digital Payments:

• UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is everywhere—super convenient.
• Apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm are popular, but you’ll need:
  • Indian SIM card
  • Indian bank account (not always practical for short visits)

📶 6. SIM Cards, Wi-Fi & Internet Access

Best Carriers:

• Jio, Airtel, and Vi (Vodafone Idea) have the best nationwide coverage.
• Buy a prepaid SIM at the airport or verified kiosk. You'll need:
  • Passport copy
  • Visa copy
  • Passport-size photo

Wi-Fi Availability:

• Hotels and cafes offer free Wi-Fi.
• Expect slower speeds in rural areas and government guesthouses.

🕌 7. Cultural Etiquette & Social Norms

Dress Code:

• Cover shoulders and knees in religious and rural settings.
• Shoes off before entering temples, homes, and mosques.
• In South India, men may wear dhotis and women saris or salwar kameez.

Greetings & Manners:

• Say “Namaste” with palms together and slight bow.
• Avoid touching people of the opposite sex unless they initiate a handshake.
• Don’t point your feet at people or deities.
• Right hand only for eating, giving or receiving items.

Photography:

• Always ask permission, especially when photographing people or religious events.
• Avoid photographing inside temples unless clearly allowed.

🚕 8. Transportation & Getting Around

Air Travel:

• India has an extensive domestic network—book early for cheaper fares.
• Budget carriers: IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa, Vistara.
• Baggage limits: 15kg (check-in), 7kg (carry-on).

Trains:

• Book in advance via IRCTC or use apps like Cleartrip or RailYatri.
• Classes: 2AC, 3AC, Sleeper Class (budget), Executive Chair Car (for short daytime trips).
• Bring snacks, sanitizer, toilet paper.

Taxis & Rickshaws:

• Prepaid booths at airports/stations are safest.
• In cities, ride-hailing apps (Uber, Ola) are reliable.
• Auto-rickshaws: Always negotiate fare unless meter is used.

Long-Distance Buses:

• Ideal for budget travelers and reaching hill stations.
• Book via Lets Go Travel or local .

🧳 9. What to Pack for India

Clothing:

• Cotton or linen for heat/humidity.
• Light layers for A/C indoors or desert nights.
• Warmer clothes (sweaters, jackets) for North India in winter.
• Raincoat/umbrella for monsoon (June–September).

Other Essentials:

• Universal plug adapter (India uses Type C, D, and M)
• Power bank for phone
• Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen
• Reusable water bottle with filter (e.g., Life Straw)

☎️ 10. Emergency Numbers & Apps