Travel Tips
VISA
Citizens of all countries other than Bhutan and Nepal need a visa to travel to India.
Whether you are going to India for business or you are on a study tour to India or just plain recreational traveling, in all cases you are required to apply for a visa.
If your are a student or going to India on business then you have to apply for a student visa or a business visa, other wise all general travelers will need a standard tourist visa.
In general the tourist visa is valid for six months from the data of issue. As you are asked to specify at the time of applying, whether you need a single entry or multiple entry visa, it’s advisable to go for multiple entry.
It is important to note that as a general rule of thumb, visa extensions are not possible from within India. You are required to go out of the country and re-apply after 6 months if need be.
As the cost is the same, it’s much more prudent to have a multiple entry visa, just in case you travel to nearby countries and need to re-enter India for any reason.
Perhaps the best place to get a visa is from Indian embassy or high commission in your own country of residence. You can also look at the website addresses of some of the addresses of Indian consulates in different countries. Also incase you stay over 180 days you are required to get a tax clearance certificate available at foreigners department in every major city. It is best to check the requirement for getting the visa on the local embassy site. Click here to see the list of various countries with Indian embassy site and visa information. Another popular service for people to get the visa is the local visa service. Your local agents can help you get the visa for a charge. If you are unable to find information of your local agent who can help you through the process please send us an email us.
HEALTH
For as much as health is a concern for any traveler, being to fussy will unnecessarily rob you off doing things you would do in experiencing a new culture. Like any other tropical countries, there are precautions that need to be taken care of when traveling in India. Health services in the country are very good; remember nearly 40% doctors in U.S. are Indians. However it is advisable, to either go to a good hospital (ask a chemist if you do not know of a reliable person) or to a private practitioner in case you need to see a doctor. Most of the medicines can be purchased over the counter in India and one does not need prescription for it.
Perhaps the most important thing while traveling in India is, to be particular of what you eat and drink. A poor diet lowers your resistance and also deprives you of essential nourishment needed in such hot climates. Eat only at restaurants that seem respectable, till you are able to use your discretion.
Drinking ‘bottled water’ or commonly referred as ‘Mineral Water’ is one thing you should stick to throughout your travel in India. Make sure you drink ample of water or intake enough fluids to keep yourself replenished.
Personal Hygiene is something that one has to be careful about. Wash your hands before eating, do not share other people’s drinks, or cigarettes or razors and tooth brushes. Also remember to carry your own ‘Toilet Paper’ with you. It is very possible that you will come across situations where you will find Bathrooms without the Toilet Paper.
VACCINATIONS
Even though no inoculations are legally required for entry into India, however it is recommended that you have jabs of meningitis, typhoid and hepatitis, especially if you are planning a long trip to the country. If you are arriving in India from a country infected with Yellow Fever, you will be asked for an inoculation certificate.
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