The Information given below is a personal opinion of Tarun Raikhy,
who has spent 11 years in the Tourism industry sepcialising in
Foreign Tourist to India. We are not liable for any type of
responsibility for any action related with the information given
here. If you require exact information of any sort, kindly contact
the Indian missions in your country or Indian Tourist centers (where
all the information & guidelines are issued by the Government of
India)
Tourist Information of India - General
FIRST RULE, make photocopies of all the travel documents you are
carrying into India, including your credit cards & traveller cheques.
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India is a relatively safe place but it is advisable to take some
precautions. Women traveling alone should avoid going out after
dark. On board a train, women traveling alone may request to be
accommodated near other women travelers .
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It is advisable to follow the code of conduct while visiting a place
of religious significance like Temples, Mosques and Gurudwaras. .
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There is no restriction regarding the amount of money that can be
taken to India. However, if this amount exceeds USD 1000, it needs
to be declared on arrival and the Customs Authorities will issue a
certificate. .
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Always exchange your money at banks or official moneychangers.
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Discourage beggars as once you encourage them, they could continue
to pester you. .
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It's always better to seek the services of a professional and
authorized Guide than to fall into the trap of fouls. .
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Don't open your luggage in a crowded place as it could invite
unwanted trouble. Never leave an unlocked suitcase in a hotel room.
Never leave suitcases unattended on airports or train stations. .
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Never leave your valuables and important documents unattended
especially on a hotel reception counter or rail ticket reservation
center. .
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Always seek travel related advises from a government recognized
travel agency as it is the best way to gather relevant information.
.
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Avoid getting over friendly with strangers specially while
travelling in a train or bus. .
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Carry proper maps as they can prove to be very useful in the absence
of signboards. These can be obtained from the State Tourism Offices.
.
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Everyone should be alert in crowds for pickpockets. Wear a money
belt. .
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One should be careful while using his or her credit cards. .
.
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Tips on Arrival
Do not feel pressurized by local porters at the airport when you
arrive. Most airports have carts available, so you can collect and
transport your own luggage if you wish.
.
Get your entire luggage and do not allow anyone to quickly move off
with your bags.
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Most taxis and ground transportation can be arranged through
counters inside the airports.
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If you have to take a domestic flight [Jet Airways, Indian Airlines,
Sahara Airlines] usually these airlines provide FREE transportation
between the airports.
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Banks are also located inside the international airports, so you can
change some money immediately.
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We strongly recommend you exchange part of your money inside the
airport and not outside the airport with touts.
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Mishandled / Lost Baggage
If your baggage is mishandled or lost in transit, you should obtain
a certificate to this effect from the airline and have it
countersigned by the customs.
.
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Lost passport
Foreigners should file a report with the local police regarding loss
of passport. After obtaining new travel documents the foreigner
should approach for grant of visa / exit permit with the following
details:
Customs on Arrival
>> Clearance
There are two customs clearance channels. The green channel is for
travellers carrying no dutiable items. The red channel is for
travellers carrying dutiable items.
>> Items allowed duty-free
Duty free items which you may bring to India include personal
effects like clothing, travel souvenirs, gifts, Cigarettes, Cigars,
Tobacco, Alcoholic Liquors but not if this is commercial
merchandise.
All expensive electronic equipments must be declared at the customs,
which will be rechecked, on departure.
You should obtain an Export Certificate for these items if you are
travelling to neighbouring countries and intend a multiple entry.
Special Concessions For Tourists Of Indian Origin to Bring Articles
On Payment Of Duty, Foreign Exchange/Currency.
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Customs Enquiry / Complaints
For any enquiry or clarifications, at the International Airport,
contact:
Assistant Collector of Customs OR Commissioner of Customs
New Customs House, Near IGI Airport
New Delhi 110037
Tel: 5696042
Health
Health Precautions
Foreign tourists should be in possession of their Yellow Fever
Vaccination Certificate conforming to International Health
Regulation, if they are originating or transiting through Yellow
Fever endemic countries.
Health Certificate
Citizens and travellers coming from the United States, Canada, or
the United Kingdom, do not require any vaccination certificate or
inoculations.
Vaccinations
As a precautionary measure vaccination against Hepatitis B is
recommended, if staying for a longer duration.
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Precautionary Measures
To avoid Malaria, Dengue, carrying mosquito repellents, nets,
clothes covering the body and using sprays against insects in rooms
is sufficient.
A first aid kit carrying adhesive bandages, thermometer,
water-purification tablets, antibiotics, antiseptic creams and
mosquito repellents is advisable.
Drinking only mineral or boiled water curbs down the chances of
stomach ailments, thus whenever going out carrying a bottle always
comes handy.
At Eating Joints, though sticking to a vegetarian diet is
recommended, eating only thoroughly cooked meat is advisable.
Avoid Pork products, fried food from vendors, dishes using excessive
oil
Kinds of Visa
Tourist Visas: Usually, a multi-entry visa, valid for a period of
180 days, is granted for the purpose of tourism. The visa is valid
from the date of issue.
Collective Visas: The facility exists for group tours consisting of
not less than four members and sponsored by a travel agency
recognized by the Government of India.
Transit Visas: Transit visas are granted by Indian Missions abroad
for a maximum period of 15 days.
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Visa for purposes other than tourism
If a foreigner wishes to come to India for a purpose other than
tourism, he should come after obtaining one of the following visas:
Business Visa: A foreigner can obtain one from an Indian Embassy
abroad. A multiple entry visa is valid for 5 years, provided he
wishes to come for some business. Foreigners of Indian origin can
obtain a 5-year multiple entry visas for business, to meet their
relatives etc.
Student Visa: A student visa can be obtained from the Indian Embassy
on the production of proof of admission and means of sustenance
while in India, etc. The visa is valid for one year but can be
extended in India for the duration of the course.
Conference Visa: Delegates coming to attend international
conferences in India can be granted Conference Visa to cover the
conference as well as for tourism in India. Delegates are advised to
apply to Indian Embassies well in advance.
Employment Visa: Foreigners desirous of coming to India for taking
up employment should apply for an Employment Visa, which are issued
by Indian Missions abroad. Initially granted for a period of one
year, it can be extended in India up to the period of contract.
Recreation: Foreigners wishing to undertake any international
sporting event, trekking, botanical expeditions, yoga, journalists,
media men, documentary and feature film makers may obtain visas
after due formalities from the Indian Embassy.
Exemption from Registration
Foreigners coming to India on tourist visas for 180 days or shorter
period are not required to register themselves with any authority in
India.
They can move about freely in the country, except to
restricted/protected areas and prohibited places.
Nationals of Bangladesh are exempted from registration up to six
months. If their stay exceeds six months, they have to register
themselves.
Individuals without nationality (stateless persons; IRO refugees,
persons receiving legal or political protection, etc.) should have
valid passports, identity documents or sworn affidavits along with
the visa for which they should apply two months in advance.
Family passports issued by other governments are recognized without
discrimination. Extension of Visa: As a rule no extension of stay is
granted on a Tourist Visa.
Date & type of visa.
Name of Indian Mission from where visa was granted.
Port of arrival including flights number / details of vessels.
Places visited in India.
