India

The Land of Spices
and Spirituality

Flag of India

India, a vast and diverse country in South Asia, is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and incredible landscapes. From the snow-capped Himalayas in the north to tropical beaches in the south, India’s geography is as varied as its culture. Indian culture, influenced by Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist, and other traditions, is expressed through colorful festivals, art, music, and dance.

The cuisine is world-renowned, with regional flavors and dishes like biryani, masala dosa, butter chicken, and samosas. Known for its spirituality, history, and warmth, India is a captivating blend of ancient traditions and modern dynamism.

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Toll

Driving

Currency

Laws

Legal

Safety

Flights

Travel Documents

Travel Documents: What You Need to Know

Passport Requirements

  • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: A valid passport is generally required for entry into India.
  • Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in India.

Visa Requirements

  • Visa-exempt countries: Citizens from Nepal and Bhutan can enter India with a valid passport or other identification (e.g., voter ID for Nepalese) and stay indefinitely without a visa. Maldives citizens can stay for up to 90 days without a visa.
  • Visa-required countries: Travelers from most other nations must possess a valid passport and obtain a visa prior to entering India, though many nationalities are eligible for an e-Visa or visa on arrival (for specific purposes).

Special Entry Provisions

  • Holders of valid, multiple-entry Schengen visas (previously used in a Schengen state) do not automatically qualify for visa-free entry; an Indian visa is required unless the traveler’s nationality is visa-exempt.
  • Citizens with valid, multiple-entry US or UK visas (previously used in the issuing country) do not automatically qualify for visa-free entry; an Indian visa is required unless visa-exempt.
  • Holders of valid residence permits from Schengen states, the US, or the UK do not qualify for visa-free entry; an Indian visa is required unless visa-exempt.
  • ID Card Entry: Only citizens of Nepal and Bhutan can enter India using a valid national ID card (e.g., voter ID for Nepalese) in lieu of a passport for land border crossings.

Visa Types

  • Type "C" Visa: Allows entry and stay for up to 60 days (e-Tourist Visa). Can be single or multiple entry, with validity up to 1 year for some nationalities (e.g., US, UK, Canada).
  • Type "D" Visa: For stays longer than 90 days (e.g., work, study, or family visa). Valid for one year or more, allowing application for a residence permit with registration at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).

Important Links

Additional Considerations

  • Length of stay: Visa-free stays for Maldives citizens are limited to 90 days. e-Tourist Visas allow a 60-day stay with double entry (extendable in some cases).
  • Purpose of visit: Different rules apply for work, study, or long-term stays; work visas ("E" visa) require sponsorship. Restricted areas (e.g., parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim) require a Protected Area Permit (PAP) in addition to a visa.
  • COVID-19 measures: Always check for current health-related entry requirements or restrictions, as India may reintroduce measures like mandatory health declarations or testing.
Toll

Driving in India

Current Toll Roads

  • As of 2025, India has an extensive network of toll roads, including:
    • NH 44 (Delhi to Chennai): India’s longest highway with multiple toll plazas (e.g., Panipat, Agra).
    • Mumbai-Pune Expressway: A major toll road connecting Mumbai to Pune.

Toll Rates and Payment

  • Toll rates vary based on vehicle type and distance traveled. For example, a standard car may pay approximately INR 100-300 per toll plaza on major highways (e.g., INR 1,500 for Delhi to Chennai). For the most current rates, visit the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) website: https://www.nhai.gov.in/
  • Payment Methods:
    • Cash: Indian Rupee (INR) is accepted at all toll booths.
    • Credit/Debit Cards: Major cards are accepted at most toll booths on national highways.
    • Electronic Toll Collection: FASTag (an RFID-based system) is mandatory for all vehicles on national highways; purchase and recharge via https://www.nhai.gov.in/ or mobile apps like PayTM.

Driving in India

  • Drive on the left side of the road.
  • Seat belts are mandatory for front-seat occupants, though enforcement varies.
  • Speed limits:
    • Urban areas: 50 km/h
    • Rural roads: 80 km/h
    • Highways: 100-120 km/h (e.g., Mumbai-Pune Expressway)
  • Road conditions vary; major highways like NH 44 are well-paved but congested, while rural roads can be narrow, potholed, or flooded during monsoon season (June-September).
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your national driver’s license, valid for up to 1 year. Indian licenses are required for longer stays.

Important Considerations

  • Vignette System: India does not use a vignette system; tolls are collected at specific points on highways.
  • Road Safety: Driving can be chaotic due to heavy traffic, pedestrians, livestock, and erratic drivers. Night driving is risky due to poor lighting and road hazards.
  • GPS and Maps: GPS is reliable in urban areas (e.g., Delhi, Mumbai), but connectivity can be spotty in rural regions; use apps like Google Maps and keep an updated physical map as a backup.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 112 for emergencies.

Useful Links

India Currency

The official currency of India is the Indian Rupee (INR).

Key Information

  • Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 2000 INR
  • Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10 INR
  • Symbol: ₹ (often written as INR)

Currency Exchange

  • Exchange services are available at banks, airports, and authorized money changers in major cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
  • ATMs are widely available in urban areas for direct INR withdrawals, but may be scarce in rural regions.

Payment Methods

  • Cash is preferred, especially in rural areas and small establishments.
  • Credit/debit cards are widely accepted in cities, hotels, and larger establishments, but less common in rural areas. Digital payments like UPI (e.g., Google Pay, PhonePe) are popular in urban centers.

Travel Tips

  • Inform your bank of travel plans to avoid card issues.
  • Carry some cash for small purchases and in rural areas, as digital payments are not universal.
  • Check for currency conversion fees when using cards; the INR fluctuates against major currencies. Consider setting up a UPI app if staying longer.
  • For current exchange rates, visit the Reserve Bank of India website: https://www.rbi.org.in/
Laws

Legal Essentials for Traveling in India

Understanding local laws and regulations is crucial for a safe and compliant visit. Below are key legal considerations for travellers in India, updated as of 2025.

Local Laws & Restrictions

  • Drugs: Strict penalties for possession or trafficking, including life imprisonment or the death penalty for trafficking. Even small quantities can lead to severe charges.
  • Alcohol & Smoking:
    • Alcohol laws vary by state; some states (e.g., Gujarat, Bihar) are dry, and public intoxication can lead to fines or detention.
    • Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces and on public transport; some states (e.g., Delhi) also ban smoking in outdoor public areas.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Respect local customs; dress modestly at religious sites (e.g., cover shoulders and knees at temples like the Golden Temple). Avoid discussing sensitive topics like Kashmir or religious tensions.
  • LGBTIQ+ Rights: Same-sex relationships are legal (decriminalized in 2018), but same-sex marriage is not recognized. Public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention, especially in rural areas.
  • Photography: Restricted near military sites, government buildings, and some religious sites (e.g., inside the Taj Mahal’s main mausoleum). Always ask permission for portraits of locals, especially at sacred sites.

Duty-Free Limits

  • Alcohol: 2L spirits.
  • Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars.
  • Cash: Declare amounts over INR 25,000 or USD 5,000 (or equivalent).

Prohibited Items

  • Narcotics, weapons, satellite phones, and certain animal products (e.g., ivory, shahtoosh shawls).
  • Counterfeit goods may face fines or confiscation.

Luggage Issues

  • Report lost/damaged luggage within 21 days via a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport (e.g., Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi).

Complaints

  • Submit grievances to the Ministry of Tourism or the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.

Beach Access

  • Public beaches (e.g., Goa, Kerala) must allow free access within 5 meters of the shoreline. Wheelchair access is mandated but not always implemented.

Key Resources

India Travel Safety

India is generally safe for travellers, with varying crime rates depending on the region and a reputation for hospitality. However, travellers should remain aware of health precautions, road safety, and emergency protocols. Below is a concise guide to staying safe and healthy in India.

Safety Overview

  • Crime: Petty theft (e.g., pickpocketing, bag-snatching) is common in crowded areas like markets (e.g., Chandni Chowk in Delhi) or tourist sites (e.g., Taj Mahal). Violent crime against tourists is rare but can occur in urban centers.
  • Solo/Female Travelers: India is moderately safe, with locals often eager to help. Female travelers should dress modestly, avoid isolated areas at night, and be cautious of scams or harassment (e.g., in busy cities like Delhi).
  • Road Safety:
    • Driving can be challenging due to chaotic traffic, pedestrians, livestock, and erratic drivers.
    • Avoid night driving due to poor road lighting and frequent accidents, especially in rural areas.
    • Seat belts and helmets (for motorbikes) are mandatory but enforcement is lax.

Health Risks

  • Food/Water Safety:
    • Avoid tap water; drink bottled water only (check the seal).
    • Practice safe eating habits to prevent travellers’ diarrhea; street food can be risky if not freshly prepared.
  • Vaccinations:
    • Recommended: Hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, COVID-19, and rabies (for rural travel).
    • Yellow Fever: Required if arriving from a risk country.
  • Insect-Borne Diseases: Use insect repellent to guard against dengue, malaria, and chikungunya, especially during monsoon season (June-September).
  • Altitude Sickness: Risk exists in areas above 2,500 meters (e.g., Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh). Ascend gradually and stay hydrated.

Medical Facilities

  • Hospitals: Private facilities like Apollo Hospitals and Fortis Hospitals in Delhi and Mumbai offer excellent care. Rural areas often lack advanced medical services.
  • Pharmacies: Available in cities; carry essential medications for rural travel, as English may not be widely spoken.
  • Insurance: Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation, as rural care is limited.

Emergency Contacts

  • General Emergency: 112 (works for police, ambulance, and fire).
  • Ambulance: 102 | Fire: 101 | Police: 100.
  • Tourist Police (Delhi): +91 8750 875 100.

Travel Tips

  • Roads: Avoid self-driving; use public transport (e.g., trains, metros) or hire a local driver. Check insurance coverage for rentals.
  • Hiking: Use local guides for treks in areas like the Himalayas (e.g., Roopkund Trek); weather can change rapidly.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Avoid wearing revealing clothing; remove shoes when entering temples or homes.
  • Air Quality: Pollution can be high in cities like Delhi; monitor via the World Air Quality Index.

Key Links

Flying to India

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