Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Simplified e-Visa Process
India's e-Visa system has been expanded for 2026, allowing eligible travelers to apply online for tourist, business, or medical visas with faster processing times of 2-4 days. The fee starts at $25 USD, and it's valid for multiple entries over 30-365 days depending on the type.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from India, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Ensure it has not been damaged or reported lost, as this could lead to denial at immigration.
Children under 18 traveling alone or with one parent need additional notarized consent letters and birth certificates for verification.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan can enter visa-free for tourism or business stays up to 90 days, but must carry valid ID and proof of onward travel. Other nationalities require a visa, though transit without visa is allowed for up to 72 hours at select airports like Delhi and Mumbai.
Always confirm with the Indian embassy, as rules can change based on bilateral agreements.
Visa Applications
Apply for an e-Visa online via the official Indian government portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in), uploading a passport photo, passport scan, and proof of funds or accommodation. Tourist e-Visas allow 30 or 60 days stay with double entry, while longer options up to one year are available for multiple entries.
Processing typically takes 72 hours, but apply at least two weeks in advance to account for peak seasons or holidays.
Border Crossings
India has 99 international airports, but major entry points like Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), and Chennai (MAA) handle most arrivals with e-gates for faster immigration. Land borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh require special permits, while Nepal and Bhutan crossings are straightforward for visa-exempt travelers.
Expect biometric scans and questions about your itinerary upon arrival; have hotel bookings and return tickets ready.
Travel Insurance
While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip delays is highly recommended due to India's variable healthcare standards. Policies should include coverage for adventure activities like trekking in the Himalayas or wildlife safaris, starting at $1-2 per day.
Ensure it covers COVID-19 related issues, as health protocols may still apply in 2026.
Extensions Possible
e-Visas cannot be extended, but regular tourist visas can be extended up to 180 days by applying at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in major cities like Delhi or Mumbai, with fees around ₹1,000-5,000. Provide reasons like medical treatment or extended tourism, along with proof of funds and accommodation.
Overstaying incurs fines of ₹500 per day and potential deportation, so plan accordingly.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
India uses the Indian Rupee (₹). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Delhi or Mumbai by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially during festivals like Diwali.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at street vendors or dhabas for authentic meals under ₹200, skipping upscale restaurants to save up to 70% on food costs. Look for vegetarian thalis in local eateries for filling, flavorful options.
Markets like Chandni Chowk in Delhi offer fresh snacks and bargaining opportunities for even better deals.
Public Transport Passes
Opt for an Indrail Pass for unlimited train travel starting at ₹2,500 for 7 days, drastically reducing intercity costs across India's vast rail network.
City metro cards in Delhi or Mumbai cost ₹150 and include unlimited rides, plus discounts on attractions.
Free Attractions
Explore public sites like the Red Fort gardens, Varanasi ghats, or Mumbai's Marine Drive beaches, which are free and provide immersive cultural experiences without entry fees.
Many temples like the Golden Temple in Amritsar offer free entry and community meals (langar) daily.
Card vs Cash
Cards are accepted in cities and hotels, but carry cash for rural areas, street vendors, and small shops where digital payments may not work.
Use ATMs from major banks like SBI for the best rates, avoiding airport exchanges that charge high commissions.
Museum Passes
Purchase the ASI Monument Pass for ₹1,000 to access multiple UNESCO sites like Qutub Minar and Hampi over 5 days, saving 40-50% on individual tickets.
It covers over 3,600 heritage sites, making it ideal for history buffs on a circuit tour.
Smart Packing for India
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack modest, lightweight cotton clothes covering shoulders and knees for temples and conservative areas, including long pants, scarves for women, and breathable shirts for the heat. Layers are key for varying climates from Rajasthan deserts to Kerala backwaters.
Include quick-dry fabrics for monsoons and neutral colors to blend in while respecting local customs at sites like the Taj Mahal.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter for Type C, D, and M plugs (230V), a portable power bank for long train rides, and a VPN-enabled device for reliable internet in areas with restrictions. Download offline maps like Google Maps and translation apps for Hindi and regional languages.
A good camera or smartphone with extra storage is essential for capturing vibrant festivals and street life.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a basic first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptics, and diarrhea meds, plus prescriptions for any chronic conditions. Mosquito repellent, high-SPF sunscreen, and hand sanitizer are musts due to tropical climates and pollution in cities like Delhi.
Vaccination records for hepatitis, typhoid, and rabies should be up-to-date; consult a doctor for malaria prophylaxis in rural areas.
Travel Gear
Pack a lightweight daypack for sightseeing in crowded markets, a reusable water bottle with purification tablets (avoid tap water), and a money belt or neck pouch for valuables amid pickpockets in tourist spots. Include photocopies of passport, visa, and insurance in a waterproof folder.
A scarf or shawl doubles as a picnic blanket or modesty cover for unexpected needs.
Footwear Strategy
Choose comfortable walking sandals or closed-toe shoes for dusty streets and temple steps, plus sturdy trekking boots for Himalayan hikes or Rajasthan forts. Avoid high heels; opt for easy-to-remove pairs for frequent security checks at airports and trains.
Extra socks and blister treatment are vital for long days exploring sites like the streets of Old Delhi.
Personal Care
Include travel-sized biodegradable toiletries, wet wipes for limited facilities, and lip balm with SPF to combat dry air in northern winters or humid south. A compact umbrella or poncho is essential for sudden monsoons, and earplugs for noisy overnight trains.
Feminine hygiene products may be scarce in rural areas, so pack accordingly for longer trips.
When to Visit India
Winter (October-March)
The peak season with pleasant weather of 15-25°C across most regions, ideal for sightseeing in Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur without extreme heat. Festivals like Diwali and Holi add vibrant energy, though crowds swell at icons like the Taj Mahal.
Northern India is comfortable for camel safaris in Rajasthan, while southern beaches in Goa remain balmy.
Summer (April-June)
Hot and dry with temperatures up to 45°C in the north, best avoided for plains travel but suitable for hill stations like Shimla or Ooty where it's 20-30°C cooler. Budget accommodations are cheaper, and fewer tourists mean peaceful temple visits.
Focus on coastal areas like Kerala for Ayurvedic retreats to escape the scorch.
Monsoon (July-September)
Rainy season brings lush greenery and dramatic landscapes, with 25-35°C humidity; great for indoor cultural experiences or trekking in the Western Ghats. Prices drop 30-50%, but flooding can disrupt trains in low-lying areas like Mumbai.
Enjoy tea plantations in Assam or fewer crowds at Varanasi's spiritual rituals amid the rains.
Post-Monsoon (Late September-November)
Transitional period with clearing skies and mild 20-30°C weather, perfect for wildlife safaris in Ranthambore where animals gather at waterholes. Harvest festivals in Punjab offer cultural immersion with golden fields and folk dances.
South India shines with post-rain vibrancy, ideal for exploring ancient ruins in Hampi.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Indian Rupee (₹). ATMs are widespread; exchange at banks for best rates. Cards accepted in cities, but cash needed for rural areas.
- Language: Hindi and English are official; regional languages like Tamil, Bengali vary. English suffices in tourist spots and business.
- Time Zone: Indian Standard Time (IST), UTC+5:30
- Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. Type C, D, M plugs (multi-type adapters essential)
- Emergency Number: 100 for police, 102 for ambulance, 101 for fire
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated; 10% at restaurants, ₹20-50 for porters or guides
- Water: Tap water unsafe; drink bottled or purified water only to avoid Delhi Belly
- Pharmacies: Easily found as "chemist shops"; carry prescriptions for imports