indian government travel advisory

Government of india
Skip to main content

COVID-19 Travel Advisory

Please visit : https://incredibleindia.org/content/incredible-india-v2/en/covid-19-travel-advisory.html

Most Searched

Birth Certificate
Driving Licence
Travel Advisory

India at a Glance

India is a land of rich cultural heritage and geographic beauty. There are many places of tourist interests in India and every year many foreign tourists from different parts of the world come to explore the eternal beauty of this Nation. Tourists come for different purposes such as tourism, business, education, family reunions, etc. Foreign nationals planning to visit India for tourism, vacations or business should check the travel advisory bulletins of their respective countries. Before finalising your plans to travel to India it is advisable to check the travel advisory notifications of your country. These travel advisories are posted with specific information regarding the health and safety for prospective travellers. For travel tips to visit India please click here .

About India
Visit India
Discover India

India has a unique culture and is one of the oldest and greatest civilizations of the world. It stretches from the snow-capped Himalayas in the North to the Sun drenched coastal villages of the South. In this section, you will certainly get the best glimpse of this great country.

States of India
My India My Pride
National Symbols

India is a pictorial kaleidoscope of landscapes, opulent historical and royal cities, golden beaches, misty mountain retreats, colourful people, rich cultures and festivities. A trip to India is exceptional for the tourists, as this wonderland has always offered something new.

Where to stay
Modes of Travel
Travel Agents

India offers a different aspect of its personality – exotic, extravagant, elegant, and eclectic -- to each traveller to the country. With this section, we aim to help you choose that particular experience which will shape your vision of the country.

Culture & Heritage
People and Lifestyle
Places to Visit
Natural Wonders
Biogas Application Portal
Telephone directory of Jharkhand Commercial Tax Department
Find information about your area tax assessment officer
Get Key Contacts of Tamilnadu
Website of Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL)

Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution.

Travel Advisories |
Contact Us |
MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Before You Go

Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

Share this page:

Travel Advisory June 23, 2023

India - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with updates to health information.

Exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism.

Do not travel to:

The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir (except the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest .
Within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border due to the potential for armed conflict .

Country Summary : Indian authorities report rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crime, such as sexual assault, has occurred at tourist sites and in other locations.

Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and government facilities.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in rural areas from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to these areas.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to India.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined India has a moderate level of COVID-19. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to India:

Do not travel alone, particularly if you are a woman. Visit our website for Women Travelers .
Review your personal security plans and remain alert to your surroundings.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
Review the Country Security Report for India.
Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Avoid all travel to this state (with the exception of visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh). Sporadic violence occurs particularly along the Line of Control (LOC) separating India and Pakistan, and in tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. The Indian government prohibits foreign tourists from visiting certain areas along the LOC.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .

India-Pakistan Border – Level 4: Do Not Travel

India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official India-Pakistan border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in the state of Punjab between Attari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan. The border crossing is usually open but confirm the current status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel. A Pakistani visa is required to enter Pakistan. Only U.S. citizens residing in India may apply for a Pakistani visa in India. Otherwise apply for a Pakistani visa in your country of residence before traveling to India.

Northeastern States – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Incidents of violence by ethnic insurgent groups, including bombings of buses, trains, rail lines, and markets, occur occasionally in the northeast.

U.S. government employees at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India are prohibited from traveling to the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur without special authorization from the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata.

Central and East India – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Maoist extremist groups, or “Naxalites,” are active in a large swath of India from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal, particularly in rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and on the borders of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. The Naxalites have conducted frequent terrorist attacks on local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials.

Due to the fluid nature of the threat, all U.S. government travelers to states with Naxalite activity must receive special authorization from the U.S. consulate responsible for the area to be visited. U.S. officials traveling only to the capital cities in these states do not need prior authorization.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must be valid for six months beyond date of visa application to obtain a visa.

Two pages required.

Yes. Travelers must enter with a visa in their passport. The visa is valid for 10 years for U.S. citizens. Or they can use an e-tourist visa, which varies in validity. Note that the Indian authorities issue visas with dates in the DD/MM/YY format.

Travelers arriving from an infected area must have a yellow fever vaccination. Others are suggested.

You must declare currency over USD $5,000 at entry. Please check with the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C. if you are planning to carry a large amount of currency or gold into India.

Check local law for rules on reporting large amounts of foreign currency and Indian rupees when leaving.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy new delhi.

Shantipath, Chanakyapuri New Delhi - 110021 India Telephone: +(91) (11) 2419-8000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(91) (11) 2419-8000 Fax: +(91) (11) 2419-0017 [email protected]

The U.S. Embassy, New Delhi serves U.S. citizens in the Indian states of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh, the union territories of Chandigarh, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, and the country of Bhutan.

U.S. Consulate General Mumbai C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex Bandra East, Mumbai 400051 India Telephone: +(91) (22) 2672-4000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(91) (22) 2672-4000 If you are calling from within India, but outside Mumbai, first dial 022. Fax: 91-(0)22-2672-4786 [email protected]

The Consulate General in Mumbai provides consular services for the states of Goa, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, and the union territory of Diu and Daman, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

U.S. Consulate General Kolkata 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani Kolkata - 700 071, West Bengal, India Telephone: +(91) (33) 3984-2400 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(91) (33) 3984-2400 then dial "0" Fax: +(91) (33) 2282-2335 [email protected]

The United States Consulate General in Kolkata provides consular services for the states of Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Tripura, and Assam. .

U.S. Consulate General Chennai 220 Anna Salai at Gemini Circle Chennai, India 600006 Telephone: +(91) (44) 2857-4000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: (0) 44-2857-4000. Ask for American Citizen Services. (Within India, but outside Chennai, first dial 044. From the United States, first dial 011-(91) (44)) Fax: +(91) (044) 2811-2020 [email protected]

The Consulate General in Chennai provides consular services for the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and the Union Territories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Pondicherry, and the Lakshwadeep Islands.

U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad Survey No. 115/1, Financial District, Nanakramguda Hyderabad, Telangana, 500032 Telephone:+(91) (40) 6932 8000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 4033-8300 and ask for American Citizen Services. (If calling from within India, but outside Hyderabad, first dial 040. From the United States, first dial 011-(91) (40)) Fax: 4033-8306 [email protected]

The Consulate General in Hyderabad provides services to U.S. citizens in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha.

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on India for information on U.S.-India relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

All U.S. citizens need a valid passport as well as a valid Indian visa or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card to enter and exit India for any purpose. India may deny entry to travelers without valid documents or the correct type of visa. Indian visa rules and instructions change often. They often do so with little warning. Travelers should check the  website of the Indian Embassy in Washington D.C. before any travel to India to review the most current information. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in India cannot assist you if you arrive without proper documentation.

U.S. citizens seeking to enter India solely for tourist purposes for stays of less than 60 days may apply for an eVisa at least four days before their arrival. Please visit the  Indian government's website for electronic travel authorization for more information and to submit an application visit the Bureau of Immigration’s website.

U.S. citizens seeking to enter India as a tourist for longer than 60 days or for any other purpose must apply for a visa from an Indian embassy or consulate. The Government of India has appointed VFS Global to assist with visa services for individuals in the United States. Applicants may apply for Indian visas through the application link . Please exercise caution and check the correct website and as there are many fake webpages that will gather your personal information.

You can submit Diplomatic and Official visa applications directly to the Indian Embassy and Consulates. All U.S. government employees traveling on official orders, including military personnel, must get country clearance for travel to India. Once you have received your visa, check it carefully to ensure that the type of visa, validity dates, and number of entries is appropriate for your travel plans.

Keep copies of your U.S. passport data page, as well as the pages containing the Indian visa and Indian immigration stamps, with you at all times. Consider saving these documents to your mobile phone in case of emergency. If your passport is lost or stolen, copies will help you apply for a replacement passport and an exit permit from the Indian government. Replacing a lost visa, which is required to exit the country, may take several business days.  

U.S. citizens of Pakistani origin or descent are subject to administrative processing and should expect additional delays when applying for Indian visas.

Foreign citizens who visit India to  study, do research, work, or act as missionaries, as well as all travelers and residents planning to stay more than 180 days, are required to register their visit or residency within 14 days of arrival with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO)  closest to where they will be staying, in addition  to having the appropriate visa  when they enter India. Similarly, if you are traveling to India to give birth, you must register your newborn’s birth within 14 days with the FRRO office. Failure to do so will result in fines, fees, and penalties. The FRRO has offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru (Bangalore), Lucknow, Calicut, Goa, Cochin, Trivandrum, and Amritsar. District Superintendents of Police serve as Foreigners Registration Officers (FROs) in all other places. We recommend all U.S. citizens review the entry requirements described on the  Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)  section on the Indian Bureau of Immigration website.

If you overstay your Indian visa or break Indian visa rules, you may need clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs to leave. In general, authorities will fine you and, in some cases, may even jail you for months. Visa violators seeking an exit permit must visit  the Foreigners Regional Registration Office portal  to submit the application and pay any levied fines. Processing an exit permit can take up to 90 days in these cases. Decisions will be made case by case.

Possession of a satellite phone is strictly prohibited in India and may lead to detention or arrest.

For the most current information on entry and exit requirements, please contact the  Embassy of India’s Consular wing  at 2536 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 939-9806 or the Indian Consulates in  Atlanta ,  Chicago ,  Houston ,  New York , or  San Francisco . Outside the United States, you should inquire at the nearest Indian embassy or consulate.

General information regarding Indian visa and immigration rules, including the addresses and telephone numbers for the FRRO offices, can be found at the  Indian Ministry of Home Affairs Bureau of Immigration website.

HIV/AIDS RESTRICTIONS:  There are no disclosure requirements or restrictions for HIV/AIDS patients who enter India on a tourist visa. Disclosure regarding HIV/AIDS is required of anyone seeking a resident permit in India. Foreign residents found to be suffering from HIV/AIDS will be deported. Please verify this information with the  Embassy of India  before you travel.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

U.S. citizens should always practice good personal security and situational awareness. Be aware of your surroundings. This includes local customs and etiquette. Keep a low profile. Monitor local news reports, vary routes and times in carrying out daily activities, and consider the level of security present when visiting public places, including religious sites, and when choosing hotels, restaurants, and entertainment and recreation venues.

India intermittently experiences terrorist and insurgent activities which may affect U.S. citizens directly or indirectly. Some U.S.-designated terrorist groups are active in India, including Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e Tayyiba. The U.S. government occasionally receives information regarding possible terrorist attacks that could take place in India, monitors such information to determine credibility, and advises U.S. citizens accordingly. Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive messages from the Embassy automatically.  

Past attacks have targeted public places, including some frequented by Westerners, such as luxury and other hotels, trains, train stations, markets, cinemas, mosques, and restaurants in large urban areas. Attacks have taken place during the busy evening hours in markets and other crowded places but could occur at any time. Alerts are usually more frequent around major holidays. The Maoists (also known as “Naxalites”) are the most active insurgent group in India. The Naxalites typically attack Indian government officials, but have also derailed trains, targeted other government buildings such as police stations, and conducted other criminal activity. 

Demonstrations and general strikes, or “bandh,” often cause major inconvenience and unrest. These strikes can result in the stoppage of all transportation and tourist-related services, at times for 24 hours or more. U.S. citizens caught in such a strike may find they are unable to make flight and rail connections, as local transportation can be severely limited. Local media generally give an idea of the length and geographical location of the strike. You are urged to obey any imposed curfews and travel restrictions and avoid demonstrations and rallies as they have the potential for violence, especially immediately preceding and following political rallies, elections, and religious festivals (particularly when Hindu and Muslim festivals coincide). Tensions between castes and religious groups can also result in disruptions and violence.

There are active "anti-conversion" laws in some Indian states, and acts of conversion sometimes elicit violent reactions from Hindu extremists. Foreigners suspected of proselytizing Hindus have been attacked and killed in conservative, rural areas in India in years past. In some cases, demonstrators specifically block roads near popular tourist sites and disrupt train operations in order to gain the attention of Indian authorities; occasionally vehicles transporting tourists are attacked in these incidents. You should monitor local television, print and social media, and Mission India’s American Citizens Services  Facebook page

Swimming:  You should exercise caution if you intend to swim in open waters along the Indian coastline, particularly during the monsoon season. Every year, people in Goa, Mumbai, Puri (Odisha), off the Eastern Coast in the Bay of Bengal, and other areas drown due to strong undertows. It is important to heed warnings posted at beaches and to avoid swimming in the ocean during the monsoon season. Several years ago, there were reports of fatal crocodile attacks in the Andaman Islands. Trained lifeguards are very rare along beaches.

Wildlife Safaris:  Many tour operators and lodges advertise structured, safe excursions into parks and other wildlife viewing areas for close observation of flora and fauna. However, safety standards and training vary, and it is advisable to ascertain whether operators are trained and licensed. Even animals marketed as “tame” should be respected as wild and extremely dangerous. Keep a safe distance from animals at all times, remaining in vehicles or other protected enclosures when venturing into game parks or safaris.

Trekking:  Trekking expeditions should be limited to routes identified for this purpose by local authorities. Use only registered trekking agencies, porters, and guides, suspend trekking after dark, camp at designated camping places, and travel in groups rather than individually. Altitudes in popular trekking spots can exceed 25,000 feet (7,620 m); please ensure you are fit to trek at these altitudes and carry sufficient medical insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage.

Train Travel:  India has the third largest rail network in the world, and train travel in India is generally safe. Nevertheless, accidents and on-board fires are sometimes caused by aging infrastructure, poorly maintained equipment, overcrowding, and operator errors. Train accidents and fires have resulted in death and serious injury of passengers.

Areas of Instability: Jammu & Kashmir:  The Department of State recommends that you do not travel to the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir because of the potential for terrorist incidents as well as violent public unrest. A number of terrorist groups operate in the territory targeting security forces, particularly along the Line of Control (LOC) separating Indian and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir, and those stationed in primary tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. Foreigners are particularly visible, vulnerable, and at risk. In the past, serious communal violence left the territory mostly paralyzed due to massive strikes and business shutdowns, and U.S. citizens have had to be evacuated by local police. The Indian government prohibits foreign tourists from visiting certain areas along the LOC (see the section on Restricted Areas, below) and may require a travel permit to enter this area.

India-Pakistan Border:  The Department of State recommends that you do not travel to areas within ten kilometers of the border between India and Pakistan. Both India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official India-Pakistan border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in the state of Punjab between Atari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan. The border crossing is usually open, but you are advised to confirm the current status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel. A Pakistani visa is required to enter Pakistan. Only U.S. citizens residing in India may apply for a Pakistani visa in India. Otherwise, you should apply for a Pakistani visa in your country of residence before traveling to India.

Both India and Pakistan claim an area of the Karakoram Mountain range that includes the Siachen glacier. Travel or mountain climbing in this area is highly dangerous. The disputed area includes the following peaks: Rimo Peak; Apsarasas I, II, and III; Tegam Kangri I, II and III; Suingri Kangri; Ghiant I and II; Indira Col; and Sia Kangri. Check with the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi for information on current conditions.

Northeastern States:  Incidents of violence by ethnic insurgent groups, including bombings of buses, trains, rail lines, and markets, occur sporadically in the northeast. While U.S. citizens have not been specifically targeted, it is possible that you could be affected as a bystander. If you travel to the northeast, you should avoid travel by train at night, travel outside major cities at night, and crowds. U.S. government employees at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India are prohibited from traveling to certain areas in the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur without permission from the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata. Restricted Area Permits are required for foreigners to visit certain Northeastern states (see the section on Restricted Areas, below.) Contact the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata for information on current conditions.

East Central and Southern India:  Maoist extremist groups, or “Naxalites,” are active in East Central India, primarily in rural areas. The Naxalites have a long history of conflict with state and national authorities, including frequent terrorist attacks on local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials, and are responsible for more attacks in the country than any other organization through an ongoing campaign of violence and intimidation. Naxalites have not specifically targeted U.S. citizens but have attacked symbolic targets that have included Western companies and rail lines. While Naxalite violence does not normally occur in places frequented by foreigners, there is a risk that visitors could become victims of violence.

Naxalites are active in a large swath of India from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal, particularly in rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and on the borders of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. Due to the fluid nature of the threat, all U.S. government travelers to states with Naxalite activity must receive authorization from the U.S. Consulate responsible for the area to be visited, unless they are only visiting capital cities.

Restricted/Protected areas:  Certain states or portions of states require Restricted Area Permits. These include:

The state of Arunachal Pradesh
Portions of the state of Sikkim
Portions of the state of Himachal Pradesh near the Chinese border
Portions of the state of Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal) near the Chinese border
Portions of the state of Rajasthan near the Pakistani border
Portions of the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir near the Line of Control with Pakistan and certain portions of the union territory of Ladakh
The union territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands
The union territory of the Laccadives Islands (Lakshadweep)
Portions of the state of Manipur
Portions of the state of Mizoram
Portions of the state of Nagaland

More information about travel to/in restricted/protected areas can be found from India’s  Bureau of Immigration .

Restricted Area Permits are available outside India at Indian embassies and consulates abroad, or in India from the Ministry of Home Affairs (Foreigners Division) at Jaisalmer House, 26 Man Singh Road, New Delhi. The states of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim maintain official guesthouses in New Delhi, which can also issue Restricted Area Permits for their respective states for certain travelers. While visiting Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) in Tamil Nadu, you should be aware that the Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Center in Kalpakkam is located just south of the site and is not clearly marked as a restricted and dangerous area.

For the latest security information, travelers should enroll in  STEP  to receive updated security information and regularly monitor travel information available from the  U.S. Embassy in New Delhi  as well as the U.S. Consulates General in  Mumbai  ,  Chennai ,  Hyderabad , and  Kolkata .

Crime:  Violent crime, especially directed against foreigners, has traditionally been uncommon. Petty crime, especially theft of personal property (including U.S. passports), is common, particularly on trains or buses, at airports, and in major tourist areas. Pickpockets can be very skilled and travelers have reported having their bags snatched, purse-straps cut, or the bottom of their purses slit without their knowledge. If traveling by train, lock your sleeping compartments and take your valuables with you when leaving your berth. If you travel by air, be careful with your bags in the arrival and departure areas outside airports. Be cautious about displaying cash or expensive items to reduce the chance of being a target for robbery or other crime, and be aware of your surroundings when you use ATMs. Scammers have used ATM card scams to clone credit card details and withdraw money.

Individuals have reported cases of sexual assault, including rape, against U.S. citizens traveling throughout India.

The U.S. government cautions citizens, especially women, not to travel alone in India. Please observe stringent security precautions. When traveling without known and trustworthy companions, use public transport specifically designated for “women-only” travelers, which is a free service offered by the Indian government in many metropolitan cities including Delhi and Hyderabad. Please restrict evening entertainment to well-known venues and avoid isolated areas when traveling alone at any time of the day. Keep your hotel room number confidential and make sure hotel room doors have chains, deadlocks, and peep holes. Travel with groups of friends rather than alone. In addition, only hire reliable cars and drivers and avoid traveling alone in hired taxis, especially at night. Use taxis from hotels and pre-paid taxis at airports rather than hailing them on the street. If you encounter threatening situations, call “100” for police assistance (“112” from mobile phones). If you use app-based services like “Uber” or “Ola” share your ride information with a friend.

Travelers in India are advised to respect local dress and customs. Indian women typically wear conservative everyday dress. This is the norm throughout the country, and even more so in rural areas. They wear clothing that covers their legs and shoulders. Exceptions are vacation resorts catering to foreign clientele and some neighborhoods of major cities like New Delhi and Mumbai. Western women, especially those of African descent, continue to report incidents of verbal and physical harassment by individuals and groups of men. Known locally as “Eve-teasing,” these incidents of sexual harassment can be quite frightening and quickly cross the line from verbal to physical. Sexual harassment can occur anytime or anywhere, but most frequently has happened in crowded areas such as in marketplaces, train stations, buses, and public streets. The harassment can range from sexually suggestive or lewd comments to catcalls to outright groping.

The Government of India has focused more on addressing gender-based violence. One outcome has been more reports of sexual assault nationwide. Indian authorities report rape is one of India's fastest growing crimes.

If you find yourself in a life-threatening situation, you should call the police immediately and follow up with a call to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. We can sometimes connect you with an Indian non-governmental organization that may be able to provide assistance.

Please review our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

If you are victimized overseas, you may be entitled to receive compensation for counseling and/or other services such as relocation back to the United States. For further information, visit the U.S. Department of Justice page for violence against women.

Scams are common at major airports, train stations, popular restaurants, and tourist sites. Scam artists prey on visitors by creating distractions. Be careful of taxi drivers and others. This includes train porters. They solicit travelers with "come-on" offers of cheap transportation and/or hotels. Travelers who accept such offers are often the victims of scams. These include offers to help with "necessary" transfers to the domestic airport, overpriced hotel rooms, unwanted "tours," unwelcome "purchases," long cab rides, and even threats when the tourists decline to pay. Tourists have reported being lured and extorted for money in the face of threats of violence against the traveler and his/her family members. Be careful when hiring transportation and guides. Use only well-known travel agents to book trips.

Some vendors sell carpets, jewelry, and gemstones. These items may be expensive and not of the promised quality. Deal only with reputable businesses and do not hand over your credit cards or money unless you are certain that goods being shipped are the goods you purchased. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it is best avoided. Most Indian states have official tourism bureaus set up to handle complaints. Do not agree to transport any goods on behalf of strangers in exchange for money.

India-based criminals use the internet to extort money from victims abroad. In a common scam, the victim develops a close romantic relationship with an alleged U.S. citizen they meet online. When the “friend” travels to India, a series of accidents occur and the victim begins to receive requests for financial assistance, sometimes through an intermediary. In fact, the U.S. citizen “friend” does not exist; they are only online personas used by criminal networks. Victims have been defrauded of thousands of dollars in these schemes. Do not send money to anyone you have not met in person and carefully read the Department of State’s advice on   international financial scams . 

In another common scam, family members in the United States, especially older people, are asked for money. The scammers claim to be grandchildren or relatives who have been arrested or are without money to return home. Do not send money without contacting the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General to confirm the other party’s situation. You can also call our Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 888-407-4747 (from overseas: 202-501-4444). Review our information on  emergency assistance to Americans abroad.

U.S. citizens have had problems with business partners, usually involving property investments. You may wish to seek professional legal advice in reviewing any contracts for business or services offered in India. The U.S. Embassy and consulates cannot give legal advice. They also cannot help U.S. citizens with Indian courts on civil or criminal matters. A list of local attorneys is available on the Embassy and Consulates General  websites .

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for more information on scams.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should first contact the local police, then inform the U.S. Embassy or local Consulate.

Report crimes to the local police by calling “100” or “112” from a mobile phone.

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

help you find appropriate medical care
assist you in reporting a crime to the police
contact relatives or friends with your written consent
explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
provide a list of local attorneys
provide information on victims’ compensation programs in the U.S.
provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
replace a stolen or lost passport

You should ask for a copy of the police report, known as a “First Information Report” (FIR), from local police when you report an incident. Local authorities generally can't act without a police report. 

If your passport is stolen, report the theft or loss right away. Report it to the police in the place where your passport was stolen. You need an FIR to get an exit visa to leave India. The Indian government requires it if the lost passport had your Indian visa. Although the Embassy or Consulate General is able to replace a stolen or lost passport, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) are responsible for approving an exit permit. This process usually takes three to four working days but can take longer.

In cases of sexual assault or rape, the Embassy or Consulates General can provide a list of local doctors and hospitals, if needed, to discuss treatment and prevention options for diseases and pregnancy. You should be aware that for evidence of an assault to be submitted in a court case, Indian authorities require that the medical exam be completed at a government hospital. Therefore, if a victim goes to a private hospital for treatment, the hospital will refer them to a government hospital for this aspect of the medical process. 

India has many resources for victims of rape and sexual assault. The specific toll-free Women’s Helpline Service number in Delhi is 1091; in Mumbai it is 103; in Kolkata, 1090; in Chennai, 1091 or 2345-2365; and in Hyderabad 1098.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in India is “100.” An additional emergency number, “112,” can be accessed from mobile phones.

Please see our  information for victims of crime , including possible victim compensation programs in the United States. 

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy or Consulates for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. You may face arrest, imprisonment, and/or deportation if you violate local laws, even unknowingly.

Furthermore, some activities are crimes under U.S. law and can be prosecuted in the U.S. regardless of whether they are allowed under local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the Department of Justice website.

If police or prison officials arrest or detain you, immediately ask them to notify the U.S. Embassy. See our  webpage  for further information.

Alcohol: Each of India’s states has its own rules for buying and drinking alcohol. Legal drinking ages range from 18 to 25 and can vary by beverage type. Some states permit alcohol use for medicinal purposes only while others require you to hold a permit to buy, transport, or consume alcohol. Penalties for violation can be harsh.

Several U.S. citizens at Indian airports have been arrested for attempting to smuggle illegal drugs from India. Many claim that they did not realize they were carrying narcotics. Never transport or mail packages that do not belong to you and maintain direct control of your luggage at all times.

Beef and Cow Hide:  Several states in India impose various types of prohibition on beef. In some rural areas, cow protection vigilantes have attacked people they suspected of selling or consuming beef, or possessing items made with cow hide.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:

Dual Nationality:  India does not permit its citizens to hold dual nationality. In 2006, India launched the "Overseas Citizens of India" (OCI) program, which does not grant Indian citizenship but is similar to a U.S. "green card" in that you can travel to and from India indefinitely, work in India, study in India, and own property in India (except for certain agricultural and plantation properties). If you are a U.S. citizen and obtain an OCI card you will not become a citizen of India; you will remain a citizen of the United States. An OCI card holder does not receive an Indian passport, cannot vote in Indian elections, and is not eligible for Indian government employment.

U.S. citizens of Indian descent can apply for OCI cards at the Indian Embassy in Washington or at the Indian Consulates in Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Atlanta, and Houston. Inside India, U.S. citizens can apply at the nearest FRRO office (please see “Entry/Exit Requirements” section above for more information on the FRRO). U.S. citizens must use a U.S. passport when traveling in and out of the United States.

Faith-based travelers and those participating in religious activities should refer to the Department of State's Report on International Religious Freedom. Indian law mandates that individuals engaging in religious proselytizing obtain a "missionary" visa. Immigration authorities have determined that engaging in certain activities, such as speaking at religious meetings open to the general public, could violate immigration law if the traveler does not possess a missionary visa. Foreigners with tourist visas who engage in missionary activity are subject to deportation and possible criminal prosecution. The states of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh have legislation that regulates or places restrictions on conversion from one religion to another. If you plan to engage in missionary activity, you may want to seek legal advice to find out if Indian law permits the activities you plan to pursue.

Tourists should also mind restrictions and observances when planning to visit any religious establishment. These include Hindu temples, mosques, churches, and other sacred places to the local population. Many individual temples and mosques do not permit non-members to enter all or parts of the facilities, and may require the removal of shoes, the covering of the head, or have other specific requirements for appropriate attire.

Customs rules are strict. Before traveling to or from India, inspect all bags and clothes well. Make sure they do not contain banned items. Airport security officials have arrested or detained several U.S. citizens after discovering loose ammunition (including spent individual bullets and casings) or weapons in their luggage. If authorities find loose ammunition or bullets (including empty bullet shells used in souvenirs) on your person or in your bags, they will charge you with violating the Indian Arms Act, and may incarcerate or deport you from India.

Additionally, Indian authorities have arrested and prosecuted U.S. citizens for possessing satellite phones, which is strictly prohibited in India.

Indian customs authorities enforce strict regulations. They cover temporary importation into or export from India of items like antiquities, electronics, currency, ivory, gold objects, and other banned materials. You need permission from the Government of India to bring in restricted items, even if you are only transiting through India. If you do not comply with these regulations, you risk arrest or fine or both and confiscation of these items. If Indian law enforcement charges you with any legal violations, make sure to have an attorney review any document before signing it. The Government of India requires the registration of antique items with the local police along with a photograph of the item. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of India in Washington or one of India's consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements. More information is available from the Indian Central Board of Excise and Customs.

Indian customs authorities encourage the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) Carnet for the temporary admission of professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes. ATA Carnet Headquarters, located at the  U.S. Council for International Business , 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, issues and guarantees the ATA Carnet in the United States. For additional information call (212) 354-4480, or  email USCIB  for details. Please see our section on  Customs Information  for more information.

Natural Disaster Threats:  Parts of northern India are highly susceptible to earthquakes. Regions of highest risk, ranked 5 on a scale of 1 to 5, include areas around Srinagar, Himachal Pradesh, Rishikesh and Dehradun, the northern parts of Punjab, northwest Gujarat, northern Bihar, and the entire northeast. Ranked 4 (high damage risk) is an area that sweeps along the north through Jammu and Kashmir, Eastern Punjab, Haryana, Northern Uttar Pradesh, central Bihar and the northern parts of West Bengal. New Delhi is located in zone 4. Severe flooding is common in hilly and mountainous areas throughout India. Flooding in 2013 in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and other areas left thousands of people presumed dead and temporarily stranded dozens of U.S. citizens.

Typhoons/cyclones and subsequent flooding are common along the Indian coasts, in particular the Eastern coastal states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal, and have at times resulted in massive loss of life. Tourists and residents in areas prone to these events should remain vigilant during severe weather, monitor local media for latest developments, and heed all municipal warnings. Residents in these areas should have contingency plans for loss of power and unavailability of goods and services, including supplies for multiple days after a severe weather event.

Accessibility:  Individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation in India very different than what you find in the United States. Despite legislation that all public buildings and transport be accessible for disabled people, accessibility remains limited. One notable exception is the Delhi metro system, designed to be accessible to those with physical disabilities.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips.

LGBTQI+ Travelers: The Supreme Court of India decriminalized same-sex relationships in 2018. Since then, state and union governments have been directed to develop reforms that protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) persons, including efforts to provide gender neutral bathrooms at schools and colleges and separate housing for gender-nonconforming and transgender persons in prison.

Although Indian law prohibits discrimination by state and nonstate actors based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics, the government is inconsistent in implementing and enforcing these laws, and reports of widespread discrimination, harassment, threats, and violence against LGBTQI+ persons, particularly in rural areas or by local police, persist. See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our  Human Rights  report for further details.

For emergency services in India, dial 112 from a cell phone; from a land line, dial 100 for police, 102 for ambulance (108 in parts of South India), and 101 for fire.

Ambulances are not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment, and traffic does not yield to emergency vehicles. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance. Most hospitals require advance payment or confirmation of insurance prior to treatment. Payment practices vary, and credit cards are not routinely accepted for medical care.

Zika, dengue, malaria, measles, and other diseases are present in India. See the Center for Disease Control’s website for more information.

The quality of medical care in India varies considerably. Medical care in the major population centers approaches and occasionally meets Western standards, but adequate medical care is usually very limited or unavailable in rural areas.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. 

Make sure your health insurance covers care overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of India to ensure the medication is legal in India. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. 

Pharmaceuticals: Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with limited controls. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. When buying medication, consult with a medical professional and purchase from reputable establishments. Please visit the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention website on counterfeit drugs for more information.

Water Quality: Water is a common vehicle for the transmission of disease. Impure drinking water can transmit serious diseases such as typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery. You can make water safe for drinking by filtering/boiling, distilling, or using chemicals. Bottled water is generally safe for consumption. It is best to stick to the major brands. The water bottle seal or cap should be intact.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If you are arriving in India from Sub-Saharan Africa or other areas with yellow-fever risk, Indian health regulations require that you present evidence of vaccination against yellow fever. If you lack such proof, authorities may immediately deport you or detain you in the yellow-fever quarantine center for six days. If you travel through any part of sub-Saharan Africa, even for one day, health authorities advise you to carry proof of yellow fever immunization.

Dogs and bats create a high risk of rabies transmission in most of India. Health authorities recommend vaccination for all prolonged stays, especially for young children and travelers in rural areas. It is also recommended for shorter stays that involve occupational exposure, locations more than 24 hours from a reliable source of human rabies immune globulin and rabies vaccine for post-exposure treatment, adventure travelers, hikers, cave explorers, and backpackers. Monkeys also can transmit rabies and herpes B, among other diseases, to human victims. Avoid feeding monkeys. If bitten, you should immediately soak and scrub the bite for at least 15 minutes and seek urgent medical attention.

Influenza transmission occurs from November to April in areas north of the Tropic of Cancer (north India) and from June through November (the rainy season) in areas south of the Tropic of Cancer (south India), with a smaller peak from February through April; off-season transmission can also occur. All travelers are at risk. During the flu season, health authorities recommend that all travelers get the influenza vaccine.

Outbreaks of avian influenza (H5N1 virus) occur intermittently in eastern India, including West Bengal, Manipur, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Assam.

Malaria risk depends on time of year and area the traveler is visiting. Please consult the  CDC website for India for more information. Dengue fever presents significant risk in urban and rural areas. Health officials report the highest number of cases from July to December, with cases peaking from September to October. The CDC recommends taking daytime insect precautions, such as wearing long-sleeved shirts and mosquito repellent.

Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in India. Please visit the CDC website or more information.

Further health information:

World Health Organization
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in India, and you should consult your doctor prior to travel and consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you. The air quality in India varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons. It is typically at its worst in the winter. Anyone who travels where pollution levels are high is at risk. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include: 

Infants, children, and teens 
People over 65 years of age 
People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema 
People with heart disease or diabetes 
People who work or are active outdoors

Current air quality data can be found on the  Department of State’s air quality page . The data on this site are updated hourly. 

Rh-negative blood may be difficult to obtain as it is not common in Asia. 

Medical Tourism:  Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. Companies offering vacation packages bundled with medical consultations and financing options provide direct-to-consumer advertising over the internet. Such medical packages often claim to provide high quality care, but the quality of health care in India is highly variable. People seeking health care in India should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations.

Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and  refer to the information from the CDC . Persons traveling to India for medical purposes require the proper “medical” visa. Please check with the nearest Indian embassy or consulate for more information. 

Despite reports of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in hospitals, in general travelers should not delay or avoid treatment for urgent or emergent medical situations. However, health tourists and other travelers who may be contemplating elective procedures in this country should carefully research individual hospital infection control practices. 

Surrogacy:  Commercial surrogacy is illegal for foreigners in India, subject to complex local regulation. For additional information,  visit the Government of India’s official information on foreigner surrogacy .

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in India maintain lists of local doctors and hospitals, all of which are published on their respective websites under "U.S. Citizen Services." We cannot endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. 

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Travel by road in India is dangerous. India leads the world in traffic-related deaths and a number of U.S. citizens have suffered fatal traffic accidents in recent years. You should exercise extreme caution when crossing streets, even in marked pedestrian areas, and try to use only cars that have seatbelts. Seatbelts are not common in three-wheel taxis (autos) and in back seats of taxis and rideshare vehicles. Helmets should always be worn on motorcycles and bicycles. Travel at night is particularly hazardous. 

On Indian roads, the safest driving policy is always to assume that other drivers will not respond to a traffic situation in the same way you would in the United States, including the use of driving lanes. Buses and trucks often run red lights and merge directly into traffic at yield points and traffic circles. Cars, autos, bicycles, and pedestrians behave only slightly more cautiously. Use your horn or flash your headlights frequently to announce your presence. It is both customary and wise. 

Inside and outside major cities, roads are often poorly maintained and congested. Even main roads frequently have only two lanes, with poor visibility and inadequate warning markers. On the few divided highways one can expect to meet local transportation traveling in the wrong direction, often without lights. Heavy traffic is the norm and includes (but is not limited to) overloaded trucks and buses, scooters, pedestrians, bullock and camel carts, horse or elephant riders en route to weddings, bicycles, and free-roaming livestock. 

Public Transportation:  Buses, patronized by hundreds of millions of Indians, are convenient in that they serve almost every city of any size. However, in some areas, they are often driven fast, recklessly, and without consideration for the rules of the road. Accidents are common. 

Traffic Laws:  Traffic in India moves on the left. It is important to be alert while crossing streets and intersections, especially after dark as traffic is coming in the "wrong" direction. Travelers should remember to use seatbelts in both rear and front seats where available, and to ask their drivers to maintain a safe speed. 

In order to drive in India, you must have either a valid Indian driver’s license or a valid international driver’s license. Because of difficult road and traffic conditions, you may wish to consider hiring a local driver. Your U.S. driver’s license will not work. 

If a driver hits a pedestrian or a cow, the vehicle and its occupants are at risk of being attacked by passersby. Such attacks pose significant risk of injury or death to the vehicle's occupants or risk of incineration of the vehicle. It could be unsafe to remain at the scene of an accident of this nature, and drivers may instead wish to seek out the nearest police station.    Protestors often use road blockage as a means of publicizing their grievances, causing severe inconvenience to travelers. Visitors should monitor local news reports for any reports of road disturbances. 

Please refer to our  Road Safety  page for more information. 

Emergency Numbers:  The following emergency numbers work in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata: 

National Emergency 112 
Police 100 
Fire Brigade 101 
Ambulance 102

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of India’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of India’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s Safety Management page . Travelers are urged to use caution while booking private helicopters for travel, especially in the northeast.

For additional travel information

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories .
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook .
See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips.

India was cited in the State Department’s 2023 Annual Report to Congress on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with respect to international parental child abduction. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in India . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, learn about your destination, enroll in step.

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Make two copies of all of your travel documents in case of emergency, and leave one with a trusted friend or relative.

Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba

Bosnia and Herzegovina

British Virgin Islands

Burkina Faso

Burma (Myanmar)

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Cote d Ivoire

Curaçao

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Falkland Islands

France (includes Monaco)

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French West Indies

Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies)

Guinea-Bissau

Isle of Man

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Republic of North Macedonia

Republic of the Congo

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

The Bahamas

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Vatican City (Holy See)

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

Media Login
Skip to main content
Screen Reader Access
Please select Language --> English हिन्दी -->

Ministry of External Affairs Government of India

Organization Structure
Internship with Us
Disclosure of Gifts received in Toshakhana
Immovable Property Returns of IFS Officers
President Visits
Vice President Visits
Prime Minister Visits
Incoming Visits
Virtual Meetings
Facilitation of Foreign Media
Media Accreditation
Documentary Filming in India
MEA Media Campaigns
Speeches & Statements
Press Releases
Bilateral/Multilateral Documents
Response to Media Queries
Media Briefings
Photo Gallery
Media Advisory
Rajya Sabha
India in Business
Other Offices
Other Publications
OIA Publications
NAI Archives
Bilateral Briefs
Development Partnerships
Voice of Global South Summit
India and the United Nations
Disarmament and International Security Affairs
Indian Treaties Database
ISA Founding Conference
India’s G20 Presidency
Guide to Consular Services
Attestation/Apostille
Bachelorhood / Single Status Certificate
Consular Access
Transfer of Sentenced Persons
Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT)
Passport Services
Online Indian Visa
Diplomatic / Official Visa
Verify Foreign Visa / Permit / CDCs
Visa Facility for Indian Nationals (Ordinary Passports)
For Diplomatic Passports
Visa Facilitation Agreements
Visa Services Provided By FRROs
Checklist for FRRO Registration Formalities
Outsourced CPV Services
Overseas Citizenship of India Scheme
Know India Programme
Know Goa Programme
Scholarship Programmes for Diaspora Children
Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra
Bharat ko Jaaniye Online Quiz (BKJ)
Students Registration Portal
Marital Issues of Indian nationals married to overseas Indians
Overseas Employment
How to enrol as an Overseas/NRI elector
National Voters' Service Portal
Brochure for Overseas Electors
Brochure for Service Voters
OWRC, MRC and PBSK
Welfare Compensation Claims
Pravasi Bhartiya Bima Yojana (PBBY)
Indian Community Welfare Fund
Details of Organisations/NGO's registered with Indian Missions/Posts Abroad
Indian Students Abroad
Transfer of Mortal Remains
Multilateral Co-operation
Model Contracts
Notification
Social Security Agreements
Labour Mobility Partnership (LMPA)
Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs)
India Centre for Migration (ICM)
Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA)
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
Population of Overseas Indians
Distinguished Lectures
Documentaries
Documentary / Feature Film Catalogue
India Perspectives
Bharat Ek Parichay
Lodge Complaint
Integrity Pact
Complaints Committee
Acts, Legislations & Rules
Demands for Grants
Grants-in-aid to Autonomous Bodies
Citizens' Charter
Travel Advisories
The President of India
Vice President of India
Prime Minister of India
Indian Parliament
United Nations News
Protocol Division
Indian Council of Cultural Relations
Monthly Major Achievements of MEA
Guidelines for International Arrivals
Fight Against COVID19
Vaccine Maitri
Mutual recognition of Covid-19 vaccination certificates
Important links
Indian Mission

Home › Media Center › Press Releases

Travel advisory for Iran and Israel

April 12, 2024

In view of the prevailing situation in the region, all Indians are advised not to travel to Iran or Israel till further notice.

All those who are currently residing in Iran or Israel are requested to get in touch with Indian Embassies there and register themselves.

They are also requested to observe utmost precautions about their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum.

New Delhi April 12, 2024

Search form

स्वास्थ्य एवं परिवार कल्याण मंत्रालय Ministry of Health & Family Welfare स्वास्थ्य एवं परिवार कल्याण विभाग Department of Health & Family Welfare

About the Ministry

Who's Who
Minister of State
Social Media Update
Contact Details
Organisational Chart
Work Allocation
Constitutional Provisions
Departments of Health and Family Welfare
Department of Health Research
Central International Health Division
Autonomous Bodies
State Health Departments
State Health Societies
Teaching Institutions
Research Institutions
National Health Mission
Department of AIDS Control
Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP)
National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC)
National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP)
National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (NVHCP)
National Mental Health Programme (NMHP)
National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly(NPHCE)
National Programme for Prevention and Control of Deafness (NPPCD)
National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS)
Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme under NHM
National programme for Prevention & Management of Trauma & Burn Injuries (NPPMT&BI)
Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana - PMSSY
Poor Patients-Financial Support
Infrastructure Maintenance
Other National Health Programmes
Health Melas
PM- Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM)
Universal Immunization Programme (UIP)
Pulse Polio Programme
Result Framework Document (RFD)
Expenditure Budget
Outcome Budget
Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA)
Publications
Central Health Services (CHS)
Hospital-II
PH Division
Recruitment Rules
Program Guidelines
1st Quarterly Review Meeting With States/ Union Territories 19 & 20 September 2019
Implementation of AB-HWCs in the States/UTs
Vision, Mission and Objective Statement for MoHFW
WHO Regional Committee session 2018
Digital Payment
National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR)
Advanced Clinical Oncology
Basic of Clinical Oncology
Medical Education & Counselling
e-Clearance for Afterlife Remains (eCARe)
Citizen's Charter
CS(MA) Central Services Medical Attendant
Notifications
Standards for Health Sector
Public Grievances
Photo Gallery
News and Highlights
Events/Announcements
Disease Alerts
Key Developments
Major Achievements
Rajya Sabha
Directory of DoHFW
Web Information Manager
National AIDS Control Organisation
Directorate General of Health Services
STATES/UTS OFFICIAL
Public Grievance Officer Details
Name and address of organisation
Nodal Officer under provision of Information Technology (procedures and safeguards for blocking of access of information by Public) Rules, 2009
International Day of Yoga 2023
Most Searched

Initially the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had two Departments, Each of these Departments was headed by the Secretary to the Government of India:-Department of Health & Family Welfare and Department of Health Research. On August 7, 2014 vide extraordinary Gazette notification Part II Section-3, Sub Section(ii) New Delhi Thursday August 7, 2014, Department of AIDS Control has been merged with Department of Health & Family Welfare and now be known as National AIDS Control Organization (NACO)... Read More

Hon'ble Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers

Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Ministry of AYUSH and Minister of State of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India

Hon'ble Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India

Press Releases

Releases in English

Releases in Hindi

Press Photos

Photos (English Caption)

Photos (Hindi Caption)

Niramaya-NCD Newsletter

News & Highlights

I mportant Events

हिन्दी Hindi
অসমীয়া Assamese
বাংলা Bengali
ગુજરાતી Gujarati
ಕನ್ನಡ Kannada
മലയാളം Malayalam
मराठी Marathi
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ Punjabi
தமிழ் Tamil
తెలుగు Telugu

Home | MyGov

White to Black
Poll/Survey
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Arunachal Pradesh
Chhattisgarh
Jammu And Kashmir
Madhya Pradesh
Maharashtra
Himachal Pradesh
Uttarakhand
Uttar Pradesh
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
Transforming India
Self4Society
Innovate India
About MyGov
Work at MyGov
Associate with MyGov
MyGov Media
MyGov Tenders
Weekly Newsletter
Pulse Newsletter
Website Policies
Points & Badges
Meity Dashboard
Usage of Aadhaar
Web Information Manager
Terms & Conditions
Public Grievance

Guidelines for International arrivals (updated on 29th December 2022)

Advisory category:.

Travel Advisories
Log in or register to post comments

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Passports, travel and living abroad
Travel abroad
Foreign travel advice

Safety and security

Read this guidance alongside FCDO’s overall travel advice and warnings for India.

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .

Terrorism in India

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in India.

There is a heightened risk of terrorism in some Indian regions. Read our advice on regional risks in India for more information.

Terrorist and insurgent groups operating in India include:

Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LET), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM) in Kashmir
Naxalite (radical communist insurgent) groups active in India’s eastern states
Khalistani extremists operating mainly in Punjab
Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL), Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), and other groups may also be planning attacks

Terrorist attacks have mainly targeted Government of India interests. Security has been strengthened, notably at major hotels and transport hubs. However, terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreign nationals, such as:

restaurants, hotels, bars, and markets
stations and airports
places of worship and tourist attractions
festivals, sports venues, and beaches

Take particular care during periods of national or religious significance, such as:

Republic Day (26 January)
Independence Day (15 August)
Diwali (usually in October or November)
Eid (date changes each year)

Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Political situation

Strikes (sometimes referred to as ‘bandh’ or ‘hartal’), political rallies and demonstrations occur frequently and can become violent. The risks are higher during elections and after the death of party or government leaders. Protests may also occur at short notice, especially around days of national importance. Local authorities may impose curfews and other restrictions at short notice. Transport and public services including mobile and internet network coverage may be disrupted at short notice.

You should:

avoid protests and be cautious around large gatherings, including at religious sites, sports stadiums and shopping centres
follow the advice of the local authorities and your travel company
monitor local media and follow any curfew restrictions

If you’re the victim of crime, call Police helpline number 100 or National Emergency Number 112 and ask for police assistance.

India’s Women Helpline Number is 1091.

Protecting your belongings

Keep a copy of your passport, visa, and flight ticket separately from originals when travelling. Leave copies at home where others can access them, and also store them electronically so you can access them easily. If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the police immediately and get a police report.

Take particular care of your possessions on buses, trains and in crowds. Criminals may ride past on motorbikes and snatch valuables.

Be cautious in tourist areas, where scammers, pickpockets and ticket touts target foreigners.

Cybercrime, internet scamming, card skimming, and confidence scams are common. These scams come in many forms and can pose great financial loss for the victims.

Criminals often use the details of British High Commissions and embassies to carry out their fraud. Be cautious and check the authenticity of details before responding.

Drink and food spiking

As in the UK, be wary of accepting drinks or food from strangers or of leaving drinks unattended. There have been reports of spiked drinks and food, with travellers, including British nationals, subsequently being robbed, or assaulted.

Sexual assault

Sexual assaults occur. This includes attacks on foreign female visitors in tourist areas and cities.

Female travellers often experience verbal and physical harassment by individuals or groups of men. Serious sexual attacks involving both Indian and foreign nationals have been reported. British women have been victims of sexual assault, including rape, in Goa, Delhi, Rajasthan, Mumbai and Kerala. Avoid isolated areas, including beaches, when alone at any time of day.

Read our advice for women travelling abroad .

Laws and cultural differences

There may be serious legal penalties for doing something which may not be illegal in the UK.

Women travelling in India should respect local customs and dress codes.

Alcohol laws and bans

Laws on alcohol, including buying, drinking and the legal drinking age, vary by state. Get advice from your travel agent, hotel, or the authorities about the laws in areas you are visiting.

It is an offence to drink alcohol in public places, such as public parks.

In some states, foreign nationals and non-resident Indians can buy 30-day alcohol permits.

There is often a ban on the sale of alcohol during major religious festivals, national holidays, and elections.

The consumption, production or transportation of alcohol is banned in:

the region of Lakshadweep

If you drink or possess alcohol in these states, you could be arrested without bail. Charges can carry a prison sentence of 5 to 10 years.

Smoking and e-cigarette bans

Smoking is banned in most public places. You should only smoke in designated smoking areas.

E-cigarettes and related products are banned. You will be unable to buy e-cigarettes in India or bring them into the country.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Do not get involved with any illegal drugs. Drugs are not categorised as they would be in the UK, into Class A, B and C. There is a minimum sentence of 6 months for possession of small amounts deemed for personal consumption only. A 10-year sentence for possession of other amounts applies. The judicial process is slow and being detained for several years whilst your case is processed is normal.

Using cameras and binoculars in secure areas

Activities involving cameras and binoculars, like photography, bird-watching, or plane spotting, may be misunderstood. Be particularly careful near military sites, government buildings, airports, and railway stations.

Swimming safety

Every year, several people drown due to strong currents in the sea. There are strong currents off many coasts. Most beaches do not have warning signs, flags, or lifesaving equipment. Take local advice, follow warnings and instructions issued by lifeguards. Emergency service standards may differ from those in the UK.

Trekking in India

Trekkers should:

travel in groups
use reputable local guides and stay on established routes
check if you need any special permits

Leave details of where you’re going and when you expect to return with your accommodation. You are extremely unlikely to have a phone signal in the mountains, so make sure your accommodation provider registers your whereabouts using the online C-form .

It is illegal to possess or operate satellite phones without prior permission of the Indian authorities.

The following hazards exist throughout the year, especially above 3,000 metres (m):

altitude sickness - see our advice on Health in India
sudden weather changes, including thunderstorms
avalanches and snow drifts
landslides, flooding, and rock falls

Make sure your insurance policy covers you for altitudes over 2,400m and mountain rescue and helicopter costs.

There are no commercial mountain rescue services operating above 3,000m. In some border areas only the Indian Air Force can carry out air rescues. However, they are under no obligation to perform them and only carry out rescues during working hours.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relationships are legal in India. However same-sex marriage is still illegal. Indian society remains conservative. This includes attitudes to LGBT+ people, which can be less accepting than in the UK. There is a risk of harassment and discrimination, especially outside of big cities.

Showing affection in public can receive unwanted attention.

Read our advice for LGBT+ travellers .

Child custody and family law

Indian family law is very different from UK law. Special caution is needed when child custody becomes an issue. In case of dispute, consult a local lawyer to find out more about the relevant laws.

Commercial surrogacy is illegal for foreign nationals in India. Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) can seek legal guidance on surrogacy if at least one partner is an Indian passport holder.

Wildlife, animal products and souvenirs

It is illegal to buy, sell, kill, or capture any protected wild animal or trade its parts without a licence. India has a strong legal framework to regulate and restrict wildlife trade and is also a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). If you’re caught purchasing or trafficking such goods illegally, you will be prosecuted and receive a prison sentence or fine.

Sexual offences against children

The penalties for child sex offences are severe. There is a minimum jail term of 20 years, which may go up to life imprisonment, or a death sentence for those convicted of raping a child aged under 12.

Transport risks in India

Be wary of unofficial transport at airports.

British tourists have been scammed by drivers who offer cheap transportation or hotels, unwanted tours, and extended taxi rides. Travellers who accept these offers have reported being threatened with violence when they have declined to pay.

Taxis and rickshaws

When using taxis or rickshaws:

avoid travelling alone and hailing taxis on the street, especially at night
use official taxi ranks. Pre-paid taxi services are available from inside all airport terminal buildings and many hotels offer transfers. Ride-hailing services like Uber and Ola are also widely available in India
if you’re being collected at the airport by a hotel driver, make sure they properly identify themselves before you set off
if you book a taxi online, there’s usually a way to share journey details with your contacts who can then follow your location

Cars and motorbikes

Road accidents including car and motorbike accidents are one of the biggest causes of injury and death overseas. Police figures estimate more than 150,000 people are killed every year in road accidents across India. Several British nationals are either injured or killed each year on Indian roads.

Road traffic hazards include:

reckless driving and manoeuvring
poorly maintained vehicles
poor quality and congested roads
roads shared with pedestrians, carts, cattle and other livestock
vehicles running red lights
protests - see our advice on the Political Situation in India
extreme weather and natural disasters - see our advice on Extreme weather in India

Driving in India

If you are planning to drive in India, see information on driving abroad .

You can drive with a UK licence and an accompanying international driving permit after you arrive, but rules on how long you can drive on a UK licence vary from state to state.

Driving can be dangerous in urban and rural areas due to wandering livestock, including cows. Cows are considered sacred in India and road accidents involving cows can draw crowds or potentially lead to violence. If you are involved in a road accident, you may be attacked or become a victim of extortion, even if you were not driving the vehicle. If you hit a cow or pedestrian, you should comply with the police if they are at the scene. If the police are not present, it could be unsafe to remain at the scene of an accident of this nature, if safe to do so you may prefer to find the nearest police station.

It is common to use your horn or flash your headlights frequently to announce your presence on the road.

If possible, avoid travelling at night and in fog as accidents are common due to low visibility and there is a higher risk of crime at night. Always travel in a well-maintained vehicle. Seatbelts are not common in three-wheel taxis (autos) or in the back seats of taxis. Try to use only cars that have seatbelts.

If you travel by motorbike, wear a helmet and proper footwear.

Buses are a convenient mode of transport, serving almost every city across India. However, they are often driven fast and recklessly. Accidents are common.

Vehicles drive on the left in India. Pedestrians should exercise caution when crossing streets, even in marked pedestrian areas and especially at night, as vehicles sometimes drive on the wrong side of the road.

When you are travelling through an airport, allow enough time to complete check-in and security procedures, as your baggage may need to go through screening equipment and checks. Allow time for transiting between flights if you need to change from international terminals to domestic terminals, even if using the airport shuttle service.

Tourists flying on charter flights booked through a tour operator can only fly into and out of the country by using the services of the same charter operator. Chartered flight passengers are not permitted to fly on inward or outward journeys using a scheduled airline.

Rail travel

India has a large passenger train network throughout the country. Although train travel in India is generally safe, accidents do occur and have previously resulted in death and serious injury. There are police or guards on trains and stations if you need help.

When travelling by train:

do not accept food or drinks from strangers
thefts are common - take care of your passport and valuables
avoid people at railway stations offering tickets and tours as you may be scammed

Tourist boats and other small crafts rarely carry life-saving equipment.

Although piracy has not so far affected India’s territorial waters, it poses a significant threat in parts of the Indian Ocean. Mariners should follow shipping industry guidelines on precautions to take.

Ships and crew must have the necessary authorisation and paperwork before entering Indian territorial waters and abide by Indian laws and regulations. If carrying weapons on board ships in Indian territorial waters, you must follow Indian laws and regulations.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

India can experience extreme weather events that can be hazardous to life and disrupt infrastructure, including buildings, roads, and communications.

Plan your travel so that you are aware of seasonal weather events, such as monsoon rains, as well as what to do if there is a natural disaster. Follow the advice of local authorities and your travel company. Consult the Indian Meteorological Department for local and international weather updates .

Highest risk: June to October

Monsoon rains can cause:

flooding and landslides, sometimes leading to significant loss of life
towns and villages to be cut off for days
serious disruption to road and train travel
disruption in big cities due to flooding
other services including telephone lines, internet services and electricity supply to be affected

Cyclones and tropical storms

Highest risk:

East coast of India (September to December)
Bay of Bengal (April to June and September to December)
South India (June to November)

Tropical cyclones can cause:

high winds: buildings can be damaged or destroyed, trees, power and telephone lines toppled, flying debris can be dangerous
storm surges: can provoke a temporary rise in sea level of several metres which can flood coastal areas and damage buildings on the shoreline
very heavy rainfall: this can cause localised or widespread flooding and mudslides

See our advice on Extreme weather and natural hazards for more information .

Earthquakes

Several parts of India lie on highly active fault zones (including areas of the North and North-east). The most active are along the length of the Himalayas. Earth tremors are common in these regions and can cause landslides. Limited emergency response vehicles, equipment, and medical facilities could increase the impact an earthquake has.

Check you know what to do before, during and after an earthquake (US government site) .

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab) .

You are using an outdated browser. Upgrade your browser today or install Google Chrome Frame to better experience this site.

India Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

Packing List

After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in India. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

Global Measles May 28, 2024 Many international destinations are reporting increased numbers of cases of measles. Destination List: Afghanistan, Angola, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of South Sudan, Republic of the Congo, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Togo, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Zambia

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

Chickenpox (Varicella)
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
Flu (influenza)
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see Your COVID-19 Vaccination for more information.

COVID-19 vaccine

Chikungunya

There has been evidence of chikungunya virus transmission in India within the last 5 years. Chikungunya vaccination may be considered for the following travelers:

People aged 65 years or older, especially those with underlying medical conditions, who may spend at least 2 weeks (cumulative time) in indoor or outdoor areas where mosquitoes are present in India, OR
People planning to stay in India for a cumulative period of 6 months or more

Chikungunya - CDC Yellow Book

Cholera is presumed to be present in India. Cholera is rare in travelers. Certain factors may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease ( more information ). Avoiding unsafe food and water and washing your hands can also help prevent cholera.

Vaccination may be considered for children and adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission.

Cholera - CDC Yellow Book

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to India.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to India. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to India.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Japanese Encephalitis

Recommended for travelers who

Are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live
Spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis
Frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis

Consider vaccination for travelers

Spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets
Going to areas with Japanese encephalitis who are uncertain of their activities or how long they will be there

Not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese encephalitis season.

Japanese encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine for US Children

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of India take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find country-specific information about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for India.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Dogs infected with rabies are commonly found in India.

Rabies is also present in some terrestrial wildlife species.

If rabies exposures occur while in India, rabies vaccines are typically available throughout most of the country.

Rabies pre-exposure vaccination considerations include whether travelers 1) will be performing occupational or recreational activities that increase risk for exposure to potentially rabid animals and 2) might have difficulty getting prompt access to safe post-exposure prophylaxis.

Please consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether you should receive pre-exposure vaccination before travel.

For more information, see country rabies status assessments .

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Arrive within 6 days of leaving an area with risk for YF virus transmission, or
Have been in such an area in transit (exception: passengers and members of flight crews who, while in transit through an airport in an area with risk for YF virus transmission, remained in the airport during their entire stay and the health officer agrees to such an exemption), or
Arrive on a ship that started from or touched at any port in an area with risk for YF virus transmission ≤30 days before its arrival in India, unless such a ship has been disinsected in accordance with the procedure recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), or
Arrive on an aircraft that has been in an area with risk for YF virus transmission and has not been disinsected in accordance with the Indian Aircraft Public Health Rules, 1954, or as recommended by WHO.
Africa: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Uganda
Americas: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago (Trinidad only), Venezuela

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
Avoid contaminated water and soil
Avoid floodwater

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever

Tick bite
Touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF
Avoid Bug Bites
Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

Sand fly bite
An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

Avian/bird flu.

Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets
Avoid domestic and wild poultry
Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
Bite from an infected rodent
Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
Avoid rodents and areas where they live
Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Avoid skin contact

Antimicrobial-resistant (ar) ringworm.

Close contact with infected person
Shared objects (e.g., towels, bed sheets)
Shared surfaces (e.g., locker room and shower floors)
Keep skin clean and dry.
Do not share bedding, towels, or clothes.
Avoid touching the infected area so it does not spread to other parts of your body.
Consult a healthcare provider for treatment and testing.
Avoid steroid creams, as they can make the ringworm worse.
Use prescribed or over-the-counter (OTC) antifungals exactly as directed and contact a healthcare provider if treatment is not working.
Topical antifungals and oral terbinafine are frequently ineffective against AR ringworm.

Emerging Severe and Antimicrobial-Resistant Ringworm | Ringworm | CDC

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in India, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in India. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
2-undecanone
Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Some diseases in India—such as dengue, Zika, filariasis, and leishmaniasis—are spread by bugs and cannot be prevented with a vaccine. Follow the insect avoidance measures described above to prevent these and other illnesses.

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in India include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
Do not dive into shallow water.
Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis and leptospirosis, infections that can be spread in fresh water, are found in India. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
Go to a doctor right away.
Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

Use latex condoms correctly.
Do not inject drugs.
Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call India’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in India. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

Wear a seatbelt at all times.
Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of India may be poor.
Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
If you choose to drive a vehicle in India, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Traffic flows on the left side of the road in India.

Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.

For information traffic safety and road conditions in India, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for India .

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
Follow all local laws and social customs.
Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

To call for emergency services while in India, dial 100 or, from a mobile phone, 112. Write these numbers down to carry with you during your trip.

Learn as much as you can about India before you travel there. A good place to start is the country-specific information on India from the US Department of State.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for India for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

Other Destinations

If you need help finding travel information:

Message & data rates may apply. CDC Privacy Policy

File Formats Help:

Adobe PDF file
Microsoft PowerPoint file
Microsoft Word file
Microsoft Excel file
Audio/Video file
Apple Quicktime file
RealPlayer file
Zip Archive file

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

Search Smartraveller

Latest update

Exercise a high degree of caution in India overall due to the threat of terrorism and crime and the risk of civil unrest.

Higher levels apply in some areas.

Asia (PDF 2.21 MB)

Local emergency contacts

All emergencies, fire and rescue services, medical emergencies, advice levels.

Exercise a high degree of caution in India overall.

Exercise a high degree of caution in India overall due to the threat of terrorism and crime and the risk of civil unrest. (see Safety ).

Do not travel to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir; and the India-Pakistan border (except the Atari-Wagah border crossing). This doesn't apply to the Union Territory of Ladakh, which was established as its own union territory of India in October 2019, separate from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Do not travel to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir; and the India-Pakistan border (except the Atari-Wagah border crossing) due to the danger of armed clashes, terrorist activities and violent demonstrations.

This doesn't apply to the Union Territory of Ladakh, which was established as its own union territory of India in October 2019, separate from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. (see ' Safety ')

Reconsider your need to travel to the Atari-Wagah border crossing, north-eastern states of Assam (except Guwahati), Nagaland and Manipur; and Chhattisgarh and the border areas of neighbouring states.

Reconsider your need to travel to:

the Atari-Wagah border crossing
North-eastern states of Assam (except Guwahati), Nagaland and Manipur;
Chhattisgarh; and
the border areas of neighbouring states

due to the high risk of violence (see ' Safety ').

Terrorist activities, violent demonstrations and armed clashes sometimes occur in India. Avoid crowded places and possible targets. Large crowds at religious ceremonies and gatherings can also be dangerous. People have been killed in stampedes. Always have an exit plan.
Women may face higher levels of verbal and physical harassment or sexual assault. Avoid travelling alone, even in major cities and tourist sites.
Travellers have been robbed and assaulted after consuming spiked drinks or food. Don't leave your food or drinks unattended or accept food or drinks from strangers. Petty theft is common in crowded areas such as markets and public transport. Thieves on motorbikes snatch bags and jewellery. Carry only what you need. Pay close attention to your belongings.
Scams are common. These can involve fake tour guides, ATM and credit card skimming, and fraudulent access to government services. If you're a scam victim, report it to the police to get an official report for your travel insurer.
Severe weather is common. This includes heat waves and dust storms in summer and flooding during the monsoon season. Check with your tour operator for possible disruptions.

Curfews and restrictions have been imposed in parts of Manipur following violent demonstrations, resulting in casualties. Security agencies have increased their presence in the region. Mobile internet and transport services continue to be affected. Further restrictions may be imposed at short notice. If you are in Manipur, you should avoid demonstrations and large public gatherings, monitor local media for updates, follow the advice of local authorities, and take official warnings seriously.

Full travel advice: Safety

Medical facilities in major cities have adequate treatment standards. The availability of treatment can be very limited or unavailable in remote and rural areas. You may need to be evacuated if you're seriously ill or injured. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
Various strains of influenza occur throughout India.
Malaria is a risk in many parts of India, including major cities. Dengue is widespread, especially during the monsoon season. Zika virus outbreaks may occur. Other insect-borne diseases include Japanese encephalitis, chikungunya and filariasis. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. Use insect repellent. Get vaccinated. If you're pregnant, discuss this with your doctor.
HIV/AIDS is widespread. Take precautions if you engage in high-risk activities.
Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are very common. These include cholera, typhoid and hepatitis. Drink only treated or bottled water. Avoid raw or undercooked food.
Air pollution can reach dangerous levels, especially in winter. It can disrupt transport and cause breathing problems. Discuss your travel plans with a doctor if you have an existing health condition.

Full travel advice: Health

Always carry your passport and ensure you have a valid visa. It's illegal not to. Conducting missionary work without a proper visa is illegal.
Carrying or using a satellite phone or device without official permission is illegal. You may be arrested for carrying a satellite phone or device.
Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and include mandatory sentences and the death penalty.
Check local alcohol laws before you visit. Laws on the legal drinking age and alcohol purchase vary between states.
It's illegal to import, possess or use e-cigarettes, vaporisers or their components, such as refills. Penalties include imprisonment.
It's illegal to fly drones and other unmanned aircraft without official permission. Contact local police for advice. It's illegal to carry or export antiquities without a permit. Contact your nearest Indian embassy or consulate for advice. It's illegal to photograph airports, military sites and dams. Some places of worship also prohibit photography.
Cows roam freely in India. It's illegal to maim or kill them deliberately. In some states, the penalty is up to 5 years in jail.
India has strict dress and behaviour codes, especially at religious sites. Physical contact between men and women in public might be considered inappropriate.

Full travel advice: Local laws

You must apply for a visa before arrival. Check your eligibility and apply online for an e-visa by visiting the Government of India's Indian Visa Online website. For information on other visa types and immigration requirements, see the eFRRO and Bureau of Indian Immigration websites or contact the nearest high commission/embassy or consulate of India for the latest details.
You may need permission from Indian authorities to visit 'restricted' or 'protected' areas, particularly in the north-east.
Travelling by road in India can be dangerous, particularly at night. Accidents are common.

Full travel advice: Travel

Local contacts

The Consular Services Charter details what we can and can't do to help you overseas.
For consular help, contact the Australian High Commission in New Delhi , or the Australian Consulate-General in Mumbai, Chennai or Kolkata.
To stay up to date with local information, follow the High Commission's social media accounts.

Full travel advice: Local contacts

Full advice

Terrorist attacks are possible in India anywhere and at any time.

The Australian Government continues to receive reports that terrorists are planning attacks in India.

The Indian Government regularly issues public alert warnings about possible terrorist attacks.

Terrorist attacks could target foreigners. Violence directed at others may affect you.

Terrorists have targeted popular tourist areas, including:

hotels, markets and cinemas
restaurants, bars and cafes
tourist and religious sites
transport hubs and public transport networks
sporting events
local courts and Indian security and political establishments

Targets could also include major tourist attractions and shopping centres.

Attacks could happen during significant times such as:

Republic Day, 26 January
Independence Day, 15 August
periods of religious significance
other major holidays - noting each state has different holidays

Many terrorist attacks in India have involved multiple explosions, one after the other. These attacks have caused a high number of deaths.

Militants have crossed the border into India to conduct attacks in the past. This will likely continue.

Attacks on the military and police in Jammu and Kashmir often lead to violent clashes.

Outside of major cities, security on public transport is limited, including on buses and railways.

Security at airports has improved due to the threat of terrorist attacks against Indian aviation interests.

To protect yourself from terrorist attacks:

check the media for threats
take official warnings seriously
consider the level of security at your destination
avoid areas that are possible terrorist targets
have a clear exit plan for crowded places and potential targets
report suspicious activity or items to the police

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe to. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

Jammu and Kashmir

On 5 August 2019, the Government of India announced constitutional changes that affected the internal political status of Jammu and Kashmir.

A heightened Indian security presence is now in place, with additional restrictive measures applying to public gatherings and internet and telecommunications services. Monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.

In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir there is a high risk of:

armed clashes
terrorist attacks
violent demonstrations

There is a higher risk in rural areas and areas close to the border with Pakistan.

Terrorists have kidnapped foreigners in Jammu and Kashmir. Terrorists have also targeted tourist buses.

People have been killed and seriously injured in widespread violent protests. More police have been sent to the region.

Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

Maoist insurgents, known as Naxalites, have attacked rural and forested areas of the state of Chhattisgarh.

There is a risk of Naxalite violence in border regions of:

Maharashtra
Andhra Pradesh

Borders with Pakistan

Parts of the India-Pakistan border have a high risk of:

cross-border attacks

Always be alert to possible threats near the Atari-Wagah border crossing.

North-eastern states of Assam (except Guwahati), Nagaland and Manipur

The north-eastern states of Nagaland, Manipur and Assam, except Guwahati city, have a high risk of:

armed robbery
separatist and insurgent violence

This includes rural areas.

Insurgent groups in these states have:

attacked civilians
bombed buildings

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas while travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.

There have been incidents of kidnappings in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Rajasthan and the Northeastern Region.

If, despite our advice, you travel to an area with a high risk of kidnapping, our ability to provide consular assistance in these destinations will be limited.

To reduce the risk of kidnapping:

always be alert to your personal security and surroundings
get professional security advice for travel in locations with a heightened kidnap risk
check your accommodation has appropriate security measures
avoid isolated locations, particularly when travelling alone
vary your movements, and don't set patterns
notify family or friends of planned travel, and share your location
avoid talking about your money or business affairs
use ATMs in public places and during daylight hours
avoid giving personal details to strangers online or over the phone

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Paying a ransom to terrorist groups will likely break Australian counter-terrorism financing laws.

More information:

Civil unrest and political tension

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

Violent protests and demonstrations occur from time to time. They can happen with little or no warning.

Many people have died due to civil unrest and communal violence in India.

Triggers for demonstrations include:

international events
political developments in the region
election periods
local events

Demonstrations may affect public transport.

Large crowds at religious ceremonies and gatherings can be dangerous. They have led to life-threatening situations such as stampedes.

Indian authorities may:

set curfews
limit mobile network availability
restrict activity

To protect yourself from civil unrest and violence:

avoid demonstrations, political events, rallies, processions and large public gatherings
check the news and other sources for information
avoid areas affected by civil unrest
follow the advice of local authorities
plan your activities to avoid days of national and commemorative significance

Be prepared to change your travel plans if there's an incident.

If you're affected by transport disruptions, contact your airline, travel agent or insurer for help.

Demonstrations and civil unrest

Sexual assault

Women in India may experience:

unwanted attention
sexual assault

It is rare for people who commit these crimes to be successfully prosecuted by the law.

There are consistent, ongoing allegations and reports of sexual misconduct. These reports have involved religious groups and their leaders. If you're visiting India for religious reasons, find out about your hosts before travelling.

Avoid travelling alone if you're female, even in major cities and tourist sites.

Advice for women
Sexual assault overseas

Drink and food spiking

Many travellers have been robbed and assaulted after consuming spiked drinks or food.

Home-made or unlabelled alcohol can be poisonous.

Drink spiking incidents have occurred:

on public transport
in hotels, restaurants and bars

Drink and food spiking is rare at:

business-class hotels
upscale bars and restaurants

The risk of drink and food spiking is higher in smaller establishments.

To protect yourself from food and drink spiking:

don't accept food or drinks from strangers
don't leave drinks unattended
if you're not certain your drink is safe, don't drink it

Petty crime

Petty theft is common in crowded areas such as:

trade fairs
airports and train stations
public transport, including overnight and long-distance trains

Thieves on motorcycles snatch bags and jewellery.

To protect yourself from petty crime:

pay close attention to your personal belongings, especially in crowded areas
keep car doors locked, windows up, and valuables out of sight, when parked and when moving
carry only what you need, including your passport
leave valuables in a secure location
avoid wearing expensive watches, jewellery and cameras
avoid carrying bags that are easy to snatch

If you're walking, stay on footpaths, if possible, and:

away from the curb
with your bag held away from traffic

Avoid travelling alone, especially at night:

in cars, taxis and rickshaws

Avoid less populous and unlit areas. This includes city streets, village lanes and beaches.

Scams in India can involve:

ATM and credit cards
train tickets
temple donations
tour guides

Tour guide scams

Tour guides attempt to sell fraudulent tour packages. Some guides may try to 'prove' that your existing tour package is invalid to sell you their package. Strangers posing as 'guides' may attempt to take travellers to tourist areas. The fake guide transports the victim to an isolated area, where they then attempt to rob and assault them. Check that any person holding a placard with your name knows where you are going.

Card skimming scams

Card skimming devices copy details from the magnetic strip on your ATM and credit cards. These details are transferred onto a blank card for the criminal to use. There is a high risk of card skimming at ATMs.

To avoid credit and debit card scams:

keep your credit card in sight at all times
don't show your PIN to others, especially when using ATMs
check your transaction statements

Government services scams

Touts or agents near government offices tell foreigners they can provide faster services for a fee. They may be present around places such as the Foreigner Regional Registration Office.

Reporting scams

If you're the victim of a scam report it immediately to the nearest police station. You may not be able to get your money or goods back. However, the police can give you an official report so you can make a claim with your insurer. See Local contacts.

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations with social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

Cyber security when travelling overseas

Tours and adventure activities

Touts may use aggressive tactics to persuade you to buy tickets for tours. You'll often see them at:

railway stations
bus stations

They may not have any connection to tour services. You may be overcharged.

Businesses don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes:

tour operators
adventure activities

If you plan to do an adventure activity :

check if your travel insurance policy covers it
check the credentials of the operator
ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Wildlife safety

Tigers attack and kill people in India.

Monkeys may attempt to steal items from people at temples and busy tourist attractions.

If you plan to observe or photograph wildlife:

always respect wildlife laws and park regulations
only use reputable and professional guides
keep a safe distance

Climate and natural disasters

Severe weather.

India experiences natural disasters and severe weather , including:

heatwaves and drought
floods and landslides
cyclones and storms
dust storms
earthquakes and tsunamis

If there's a natural disaster:

always carry your passport in a waterproof bag
keep in touch with family and friends
check the media, the India Meteorological Department website and other local sources for information

Heatwaves and drought

The climate in India is varied.

Heatwaves can cause droughts and water shortages in summer.

Floods and landslides

Monsoon rains occur. The highest risk is from June to October.

Monsoon rains can cause:

extensive flooding and landslides
disruptions to transportation
areas to be cut off from roads for many days
disruption to services, including phone, internet and electricity

High-risk areas include:

Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in the north and east
Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Karnataka and Tamil Nadu in the south

Floods have affected millions of people and caused many deaths.

If you're travelling during monsoon season, ask your tour operator if services have been affected.

Cyclones and storms

Cyclones are common in Indian waters from April to December. They are particularly common around the Bay of Bengal in eastern India.

Coastal and some inland areas are vulnerable to storm surges, particularly:

Odisha, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry
Lakshadweep
the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Western India (Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat)

Cyclones and storms can disrupt critical services, including:

emergency and medical care
telecommunications
food and water supplies

If there's a cyclone or storm:

you may get stuck in the area
flights could be delayed or suspended
available flights may fill quickly
adequate shelter may not be available

If you arrive during the wet season, contact your tour operator to check if services are affected.

Dust storms

Dust storms occur during summer and have caused deaths.

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Earth tremors are common in India, particularly in the north-eastern states.

Earth tremors can cause landslides in hilly and mountainous areas.

If there is an earthquake, expect severe disruptions to services.

To stay safe during an earthquake:

know the emergency plans at your accommodation
follow the instructions and advice of local authorities
follow evacuation orders

All oceanic regions of the world can experience tsunamis. However, the Indian and Pacific Oceans experience large, destructive tsunamis more often. Be alert to warnings. A tsunami could quickly follow a tremor or earthquake.

Move to high ground straight away if:

local authorities advise you to
you feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
you feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
you see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
you hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings. Once on high ground, monitor local media and weather services.

Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you travel.

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

what activities and care your policy covers
that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

have a basic health check-up
ask if your travel plans may affect your health
plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

Mental health treatment and services can differ to those in Australia.

General health advice
Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Medications

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in India. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

what the medication is
your required dosage
that it's for personal use

Health risks

Various strains of influenza, including Swine flu or influenza A (H1N1) , occur throughout India.

Talk to your GP or travel doctor about vaccinations before you leave Australia.

Insect-borne diseases

Malaria is a risk in most parts of India, including major cities.

Dengue is widespread, especially after the monsoon season.

Other insect-borne diseases are common, including:

Japanese encephalitis
chikungunya

Zika virus outbreaks can occur in India. There's no vaccination available for the Zika virus.

If you're pregnant:

talk to your doctor about your travel plans
defer non-essential travel to affected areas

To protect yourself from disease:

make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
use insect repellent
wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

Zika virus fact sheet (WHO)

Nipah Virus

Nipah virus outbreaks can occur in India. There’s no vaccination available for the Nipah virus. Nipah virus is usually transmitted through contact with an infected person or through infected animals, such as bats, as well as food and materials contaminated with their saliva or urine.

HIV/AIDS is widespread in India. Take precautions if you engage in activities that expose you to the risk of infection.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are very common, including:

tuberculosis

Tap water is not safe to drink.

To protect yourself from illness:

drink treated water or drink bottled water with intact seals
avoid ice cubes
avoid raw and undercooked food
don't swim in freshwater
avoid contact with dogs, monkeys and other mammals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, seek medical help straight away.

Get medical attention if you suspect food poisoning or have a fever or diarrhoea.

Infectious diseases

Air quality

Air pollution levels in parts of India can spike to hazardous levels during the winter months, October to February.

Severe pollution can cause:

flight delays
traffic delays

It can also increase the risk of breathing problems.

People who have pre-existing medical conditions, particularly heart and lung conditions, may be especially affected.

If you're concerned about the levels of air pollution:

seek medical advice
follow advice from local authorities about methods to reduce exposure
monitor an air quality index
reduce your exposure
System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting Research (SAFAR)
Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC)

Medical care

Medical facilities.

Medical facilities in major cities have adequate treatment standards. Facilities in remote and rural areas can be very limited or unavailable.

If you're seriously ill or injured, you may be evacuated to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive with long lead times.

Restrictions on airspace in some locations (including, but not limited to, Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir) may prevent commercial medical evacuation. Should you be involved in a serious accident, air evacuation by the Indian Air Force may be the only option. Costs can be in the tens of thousands of dollars.

Medical tourism

Medical tourism has become more common in India, including for:

cosmetic procedures
experimental stem cell treatments
dental treatments

Standards at a discount and uncertified medical establishments can be poor.

Serious and possibly life-threatening complications can and do occur.

If you plan to visit India for medical tourism:

research and choose your medical service providers carefully
don't use discounts or uncertified medical service providers

Decompression chambers

Decompression chambers are available at:

the Indian Navy base in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
the Goa Medical College, Goa

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

If you're arrested for a major offence, you could go to prison for several years before you receive a verdict.

If you're imprisoned, there could be delays in getting help from the Australian Government. This is due to India's consular access approval requirements.

Satellite phones and satellite enabled navigation devices

It is illegal to carry or operate satellite phones or enabled devices in India without a licence. Australian citizens have been detained for carrying satellite phones and satellite-enabled navigational devices into the country without prior permission. This may occur even in the case of transits.

Drugs and alcohol

Penalties for drug offences are severe and can include mandatory sentences and the death penalty. There is a minimum sentence of 6 months imprisonment for possession of small amounts deemed for personal consumption only. A 10-year prison sentence applies for possession of other amounts. The judicial process is slow, and it is normal for you to be detained for months or years while your case is processed.

The legal drinking age varies, depending on the state. The legal drinking age can vary for different types of alcohol.

Some states permit alcohol use for medicinal purposes only. Others require you to hold a permit to buy, transport or drink alcohol.

Some states prohibit alcohol from being brought in from outside the state, and police may check vehicles to enforce this law.

Check the alcohol laws of each place you plan to visit.

E-cigarettes and vaporisers

It is illegal to import, possess or use e-cigarettes, vaporisers or their components, such as refills. Penalties include imprisonment.

Surrogacy laws

Commercial surrogacy is illegal in India.

Going overseas for international surrogacy
Going overseas to adopt a child

It's illegal to give or receive a dowry.

Courts can issue arrest alert notices for dowry claims a wronged party's request.

If you've been involved in giving or receiving a dowry or a case has been filed against you for dowry and harassment, you could be arrested on arrival into India.

It's illegal to fly unmanned aircraft systems, such as drones, without official permission, particularly:

within a 30km radius of India Gate in New Delhi
near military, transport and power facilities

Contact local police for advice and to get permission.

Antiquities

Possessing or exporting antiquities without official permission is illegal. For information contact the Indian Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs or an embassy or consulate of India .

Photography

It's illegal to photograph or trespass on:

military establishments

It's also illegal to take pictures or videos of some places of worship. Always check with the building's administrative office before taking photos or videos.

In India, it's illegal to:

not carry your passport and a valid visa
possess firearms or ammunition
do religious missionary work without an appropriate visa

In some states, attempting to convert a person to another religion is illegal by force or other enticement.

It's also illegal to maim or kill a cow deliberately. The penalty is up to 5 years imprisonment in some states.

Serious crimes

Some crimes may result in the death penalty, including:

kidnapping for ransom
armed robbery with murder
rape, in certain circumstances
Staying within the law and respecting customs
Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers
Doing business

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

Staying within the law

Local customs

Codes of dress and behaviour are strict in India. These are particularly important at religious sites.

Physical contact between men and women in public might be considered inappropriate. Take care not to offend.

If in doubt, seek local advice.

In some areas of India, the Islamic holy month of Ramadan is observed. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking may be illegal in public during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence.

Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.

Dual citizenship

The Indian constitution doesn't recognise dual nationality.

Indian law allows people of Indian origin in some countries to apply for Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI). This includes people in Australia.

Check the Overseas Citizenship of India section of the Indian Government's Ministry of Home Affairs website for details.

Dual nationals

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.

Visa requirements

You must apply for a visa before arrival. Check if you're eligible for an e-visa on the Indian Visa Online website. For information regarding other visa categories or entry and exit requirements, see the Indian High Commission in Australia website. For information and advice regarding Indian visas and immigration regulations while in India, see the FRRO/FRO and the Bureau of Immigration websites.

If your visa has expired or you have overstayed your visa, make sure you regularise your immigration status with the FRRO/FRO before you seek to travel. Immigration authorities may prevent you from leaving India on an expired visa.

If you have had a baby in India, you need to register the baby with the FRRO and secure an exit permit before you travel.

Electronic visas

You may be eligible for an Electronic Visa (e-Visa) for:

medical reasons

Get your e-Visa at least 4 days before you arrive.

Check that you're eligible before you apply. See the Government of India's Indian Visa Online website for details.

Tourist e-Visa

Indian Tourist e-Visas can be granted for 30 days, one year or five years. Additional conditions regarding the maximum length of stay may apply depending on the nationality shown on your passport. Detailed information regarding your visa validity and the maximum length of stay for each visa category can be found on the Indian Visa Online and Ministry of Home Affairs websites.

Beware of fake websites offering e-Visa services.

Carry a printed copy of your e-Visa, known as an electronic travel authorisation (ETA).

You'll get a formal visa in your passport when you arrive in India.

Long queues are common at immigration counters in India, regardless of visa type.

Not all international airports in India allow passengers to enter with an e-Visa. Check with your nearest Indian consulate, embassy or agent and organise a visa before you arrive.

If you present an e-Visa at an entry point where the e-Visa is not recognised, you:

won't be able to apply for any other visa
won't be allowed to enter India
will be deported

If you have an e-Visa, you can leave India from any authorised immigration checkpoint.

Other visas

All other visa applicants should contact the nearest Indian embassy or consulate.

Other conditions

If you don't have a valid passport or visa, you could be deported by Indian authorities.

Some visas require you to register yourself within 14 days of your arrival. Failing to do so may prevent you from departing India. Visit the Ministry of Home Affairs website for details.

The Australian High Commission and Australian Consulate-Generals in India can't help you to stay if you don't have the correct documents.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the Indian High Commission in Canberra for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Ministry of Home Affairs

Volunteering

If you're considering volunteer work, talk to the nearest embassy or consulate about visa requirements before travelling. This includes students visiting India under the New Colombo Plan.

Volunteer responsibly.

Make sure you are contributing in an ethical and meaningful way.

Overstays and exit visas

You could incur heavy penalties for overstaying your visa, including being jailed.

Check your visa conditions and make sure you comply.

Leave India before your visa expires.

If your passport is lost or stolen while you're in India, contact the nearest Australian mission to get a replacement travel document. You'll then need to get an exit visa through the online portal Foreigner's Regional Registration Office (FRRO) before you leave.

If your passport is lost or stolen:

report it to the police
arrange a replacement travel document from the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate
apply for an exit visa from the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs

Other formalities

Currency laws.

Laws controlling the import and export of Indian rupees, foreign currency and other goods can change with little notice.

Contact your nearest Indian embassy or consulate for up-to-date information.

Yellow fever vaccination

You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter India if you travel from an area where yellow fever occurs.

See the Indian Government's Bureau of Immigration for advice.

Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 152KB)

Long-stay registration

If you plan to stay in India for more than 180 days and do not hold an OCI card, register within 14 days of arrival with the Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in major cities.

In other areas, you can register with the Superintendent of Police.

All visitors on long-term visas must register. This includes the following visas:

project visas

You must register even if you're a foreigner of Indian origin.

If you don't register, you could face fines or imprisonment.

You may not be able to leave India until the Bureau of Immigration grants permission.

If you or someone you're travelling with has a short-term Tourist Visa and is hospitalised, you may be able to extend or 'convert' to a Medical Visa .

Some countries require you to have at least 6 months of validity remaining on your passport after the date you plan to leave. This can apply even if you're transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service .
If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

LGBTQIA+ travellers

ATMs that accept international debit and credit cards are widely available in larger cities and towns. However, they're harder to find in rural areas.

Cash shortages at ATMs can be a problem in rural areas.

Traveller's cheques are not widely accepted.

Counterfeit currency is in circulation. Take care when dealing with cash.

Reserve Bank of India

Local travel

Travel delays.

Travel delays are common.

Expect delays around days of national significance, including:

Fog often affects northern India, particularly during December and January. Fog may cause:

delays to air and rail travel
dangerous road travel conditions

Travel restrictions

You may need permission from Indian authorities to visit areas designated as 'restricted' or 'protected', particularly in the north-east.

Some state and union territory governments restrict foreigners from travelling around these areas. Additional permission may be required for foreigners born in certain countries. This also applies to Australians born in those countries, even if travelling on an Australian passport.

There are heavy penalties for entering a protected or restricted area without permission.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has temporarily excluded the following areas from the Protected Area regime. Visit the Bureau of Indian Immigration webpage for details.

If you plan to visit a protected or restricted area or to confirm if additional requirements apply to your circumstances:

seek advice from an embassy or consulate of India or the Ministry of Home Affairs
apply at least 4 weeks in advance

Driving permit

You can drive without an Indian driver's licence for 3 months if you have both:

an International Driving Permit
your current Australian driver's licence

Your licence must be valid for the type of vehicle you are driving.

You need an Indian driver's licence if you plan to drive in India for over 3 months.

Your insurance may be void if you have an accident without the correct licence. You could be liable for the accident as an unlicensed driver.

Road travel

Travelling by road in India can be dangerous. Accidents are common.

Hazards include:

poorly maintained vehicles
poor quality and congested roads
roads shared with pedestrians, carts, cattle and other livestock
vehicles travelling in the wrong direction, often without warning

Travelling by road at night is particularly dangerous due to:

insufficient or non-existent lighting
other vehicles driving with headlights off or on high beam

If you hit a pedestrian or cow, you're at risk of being attacked or becoming a victim of extortion, even if you weren't driving the vehicle.

If it's unsafe to remain at the scene of an accident, go to the nearest police station.

To stay safe when driving:

avoid driving at night
avoid driving in fog
if you hit a pedestrian or cow, go straight to the nearest police station

Driving or riding

Motorcycles

If you plan on riding a motorbike:

check that your travel insurance policy covers you
exercise caution
always wear a helmet

Use a pre-paid taxi service when you arrive at the airport.

It's difficult to verify if street taxis are legitimate.

Use taxi services booked from hotels or taxi stands. Don't hail taxis on the street.

Don't use unmarked private cars as taxis.

Rideshare apps are widely used in major cities. You can use these apps with a SIM card.

Public transport

Bus and train services can be dangerous due to the following:

overcrowding
poor maintenance
drivers who don't have adequate training

If you travel by train, find out where the emergency exits are located.

Transport and getting around safely

There may not be safety equipment, such as life jackets, on:

tourist boats
other small commercial craft

Before you book, check the operators' credentials and safety equipment.

Travelling by boat

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check India's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

Call 1800 11 1363 for 24/7 tourist helpline (in 12 languages), run by the Ministry of Tourism.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Ministry of Tourism

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

family and friends
travel agent
insurance provider

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact:

Australian High Commission, New Delhi

No. 1/50 G Shantipath (Gate 1) Chanakyapuri New Delhi 110 021

Phone: (+91 11) 4139 9900 Fax: (+91 11) 2687 2228

Website: india.highcommission.gov.au

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: Australia in India

X: @AusHCIndia

Instagram: AusHCIndia

Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

Australian Consulate-General, Mumbai

Level 10, A Wing Crescenzo Building, Opp MCA Cricket Club G Block, Plot C 38-39 Bandra Kurla Complex Mumbai 400 051

Phone: (+91 22) 6757 4900 Fax: (+91 22) 6757 4955

Website: mumbai.consulate.gov.au

Email: [email protected]

Australian Consulate-General, Chennai

9th Floor, Express Chambers Express Avenue Estate Whites Road Royapettah Chennai 600 014 Tamil Nadu

Phone: (+91 44) 4592 1300 Fax: (+91 44) 4592 1320

Website: chennai.consulate.gov.au

Email: [email protected]

Australian Consulate-General, Kolkata

1A, Ho Chi Minh Sarani Kolkata 700 071 West Bengal

Phone: (+91 11 4910 5980)

Website: kolkata.consulate.gov.au

Email: [email protected]

Australian Consulate-General, Bengaluru

The Ritz-Carlton 99 Residency Road Bengaluru, Karnataka 560025

Phone: (+91 11) 4910 5960

Website: bengaluru.consulate.gov.au

Email: [email protected]

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas

1300 555 135 in Australia

Travelling to India?

Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.

India Travel Advisory

Navin pathak | updated sep 10, 2019 04:07 pm.

Before finalizing your plan for traveling to India, it is advisable to check any travel alerts or warnings that either the Government of India or your country of origin has issued.

US Department of State , travel.state.gov Choose the country India under International travel. The site provides travel warning, alerts, travel insurance, medical facilities, etc.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , cdc.gov , 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) The site provides information on vaccinations and other health precautions.
World Health Organization’s (WHO), http://who.int/countries/ind/en The site provides information on disease outbreaks in India and lists reports & guides on health risks and safe food for international travelers.who.int/countries/ind/en
Many places in India require Govt. of India’s permission to visit. For details, visit Foreigners’ Division, Ministry of Home Affairs website mha.nic.in or call, +91-11-2309-2011.

local_offer Tags: travel advisory

Skip to main content
Skip to "About this site"

Language selection

Search travel.gc.ca.

Help us to improve our website. Take our survey !

COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

India travel advice

Latest updates: Editorial change

Last updated: June 5, 2024 06:24 ET

In and around Bengaluru, Chandigarh and Mumbai - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in and around Bengaluru, Chandigarh and Mumbai. Consular services in-person are temporarily unavailable in those cities or surrounding areas. If you need consular services, contact the High Commission of Canada in India, located in New Delhi. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

Parts of Northeastern India - Avoid non-essential travel

Union territory of jammu and kashmir - avoid all travel.

This advisory excludes travelling to or within the Union Territory of Ladakh.

Border areas with Pakistan - Avoid all travel

This advisory excludes the Wagah border crossing.

General elections are scheduled to take place between April 19 and June 1, 2024. Demonstrations could occur before, during and after the elections.

Disruptions to traffic and public transportation may also occur. Curfews may be imposed without notice.

Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
Follow the instructions of local authorities
Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Security situation

In the context of recent developments in Canada and in India, there are calls for protests and some negative sentiment towards Canada in traditional media and on social media. Demonstrations, including anti-Canada protests, could occur and Canadians may be subjected to intimidation or harassment. In Delhi and the National Capital Region, you should keep a low profile with strangers, and not share your personal information with them. Avoid crowded areas, including public transportation. You should always travel with someone and inform a friend or a family member of your travel plans.

Consular services in person are temporarily unavailable in and around Bengaluru, Chandigarh and Mumbai. Consular services in person at the High Commission of Canada in New Delhi will remain available.

Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir

The security situation in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is tense. There are high risks of violent protests, civil unrest and acts of terrorism and militancy.

Violent clashes between militants and security forces occur regularly. Terrorist attacks against security forces have led to civilian casualties. Further attacks could take place at any time. You could find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The Indian army has enhanced powers in this territory. Authorities may impose curfews and security restrictions on short notice.

Avoid gatherings and demonstrations
Always carry ID
Expect a heightened security presence and security checks

Border areas with Pakistan

The level of tension between India and Pakistan may change suddenly. You could experience difficulties when travelling between the two countries. You may be subject to scrutiny if officials from either country become aware that you have recently travelled to the other.

The security situation along the border with Pakistan, especially along the Line of Control (LoC), which separates the Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh from Pakistan-administered Kashmir, remains volatile. Cross-border gunfire and shelling are occurring sporadically along the LoC. The presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance also constitute a risk.

Although international travellers regularly use the Wagah border crossing linking Amritsar, India, to Lahore, Pakistan, it remains vulnerable to attack. Security measures are in place. You may experience long delays.

Parts of Northeastern India

Several extremist and insurgent groups are active in the northeastern states of Assam and Manipur. They regularly target local government and security forces and may use various criminal activities to finance their activities.

Ethnic tensions in the State can also lead to conflict and civil unrest.

There is a threat of terrorism in India, particularly in:

the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir
the State of Manipur
the State of Assam
areas of East India where Naxalites groups are active

Maoist extremist insurgents, known as Naxalites, are responsible for the majority of terrorist attacks in India. These groups are usually based in rural and forested areas within zones of concerns, as defined by the Government of India, which include:

Andhra Pradesh
Chhattisgarh
Madhya Pradesh
Maharashtra
Uttar Pradesh
West Bengal

Extremist and insurgent groups usually target government and security forces, and sometimes, trains and railway tracks. While tourists are not usually specifically targeted, bystanders could be affected. Be particularly vigilant during election periods and in the lead-up to, and during, religious holidays and times of national significance, such as:

Republic Day (January 26)
Independence Day (August 15)

Targets of terrorist attacks could include:

government buildings, including schools
places of worship
airports and other transportation hubs and networks
public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

While in India:

always be aware of your surroundings when in public places
if you see a suspicious package, immediately leave the area and report it to authorities

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common. Criminals may target foreigners, especially in major cities and tourist areas.

Be vigilant in all crowded locations
Don’t carry large sums of money
Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times

Petty crime frequently occurs on public transportation and overnight trains.

Ensure that the train compartment contains packages belonging only to you and other occupants
Store personal belongings in a safe place, and don’t leave the compartment unattended
Securely lock the doors

Serious crime against foreigners is less frequent, but incidents do occur.

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Exercise caution in tourist areas and airports where scammers particularly target foreigners.

Scams involving the exportation of jewels, gemstones, carpets, and other items have occurred. Taxi drivers may approach you, offering money to export such items.

Don’t accept any offer, no matter how convincing
Beware of offers for cheap transportation or accommodation, extended taxi rides and unsolicited guided tours

Romance scams

If you’re travelling to India to meet someone you’ve otherwise only met online, you may be the victim of a scam.

Be alert to attempts at fraud by persons who profess friendship or romantic interest over the internet.

Investment scams

Unsolicited emails offering attractive business or financial opportunities are most likely fraudulent.

Don’t travel to India to obtain restitution after losing money to a scam.

Overseas fraud

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Women’s safety

Crimes committed against women frequently occur in India. Foreign women are often the target of unwanted attention.

Staring, verbal abuse, groping, and other forms of sexual harassment can occur anywhere, including in tourist sites and areas. Attackers sometimes act as a group.

Reports of rape and assault against foreign women have increased. You should be particularly vigilant:

on all forms of public transportation
at Yoga centres, ashrams and other places of spiritual retreats

Local authorities may not always respond adequately to reports of sexual violence and harassment.

Avoid travelling alone, particularly at night
Be extremely vigilant on public transportation, taxis and auto-rickshaws
Be careful when dealing with strangers or new acquaintances
Be wary of accepting snacks or beverages from new acquaintances
Avoid less populous and unlit areas
Respect local customs and dress codes
Reach police immediately if you feel threatened

If you are the victim of a sexual assault, you should report it immediately to local authorities and the nearest office of the Government of Canada.

Advice for women travellers

Forced marriages

Forced marriage affecting foreigners occurs, sometimes without the affected person’s prior knowledge or consent.

Some Canadians have been forced into marital arrangements and have been detained against their will. They have been subjected to threats, intimidation and violence by family members.

If you’re in Canada

If you’re in Canada and you believe that you’re being forced to travel overseas to marry, you should call your local police for assistance.

If you’re in India

If you’re in India and you believe that you’re being forced to marry, contact the nearest office of the Government of Canada. You may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre .

Family members may retain passports to prevent victims from returning to Canada. Keep digital or physical copies of your travel documents in a safe place.

General information and advice about forced marriage

Demonstrations and mass gatherings

Protests in manipur.

Violent demonstrations have been taking place in Manipur State since May 3, 2023, resulting in casualties. Protests have led to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Curfews have been imposed in several districts and mobile and internet services may be limited.

If you are in Manipur:

monitor local media for the most recent information
follow the instructions of local authorities
be prepared to modify your plans in case of disturbances
expect enhanced security measures and an increased police presence

Demonstrations, mass gatherings, general strikes, “bandh” or “hartal,” take place frequently. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

Stampedes have occurred during mass gatherings, including religious ceremonies, and resulted in deaths and injuries.

Local authorities may impose curfews and other restrictions on short notice.

Follow the instructions of local authorities, including curfews

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety are poor throughout the country. Most roads, including major highways, are poorly maintained. There is severe traffic congestion. Driving conditions may be hazardous during the rainy season, and some roads can become impassable.

Drivers don’t respect traffic laws. They are often aggressive or reckless. Driving can be hazardous due to the presence of livestock or wandering cows, including in urban areas.

Fatal road accidents are frequent. They can lead to mob anger and assault.

Avoid travelling outside urban centres after dark
Avoid driving or riding motorcycles in India, even if you are an experienced motorcyclist
Be very careful when crossing the street, even at pedestrian crossings
If involved in an accident, contact local authorities immediately

Public transportation

India has an extensive passenger train system. Rail accidents are common, mostly due to poor maintenance. Thefts are frequent on certain train lines.

If you use a taxi, get it from a reputable hotel, an official taxi stand, or a trusted ride-sharing app. At the airport, use officially marked taxis or pre-paid transport services.

Negotiate fares in advance, or insist that the driver use the meter, as you may be overcharged
Avoid travelling alone, especially at night
Don’t share taxis with strangers

Maritime transportation

Maritime accidents occur regularly due to the overloading and poor maintenance of some vessels.

Don’t board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy
Always wear a life jacket

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau

Water activities

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Riptides are common. Several drownings occur each year.

Beaches are not usually supervised by lifeguards. Many beaches don’t display warnings of dangerous conditions.

Seek local advice before swimming
Avoid swimming if red flags are flown
Avoid swimming during Monsoon season
Always wear a life jacket if you use a boat or a small embarkation

Water safety abroad

No commercial mountain rescue services are operating above 3,000 metres.

If you intend on trekking:

never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
ensure that you’re adequately equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp
know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
obtain detailed information on trekking routes or ski slopes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails or slopes

Wildlife viewing

Wildlife viewing may pose risks, particularly on foot or at close range. If you plan on visiting a wildlife area such as a tiger reserve:

always maintain a safe distance when observing wildlife
only exit a vehicle when a professional guide or warden says it’s safe to do so
only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators
closely follow park regulations and wardens’ advice

Large groups of monkeys are present in several parts of India, including some urban regions. Monkeys can get aggressive and rapidly overwhelm travellers in their search for food. They can also steal your belongings.

Be vigilant when in the presence of monkeys.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Indian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for 6 months from your date of entry into India and must contain at least two blank pages for use by immigration officials.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

Foreign Representatives in Canada
Canadian passports

Certain types of Indian visa services for Canadians have resumed. For additional information, please contact the visa service provider directly.

Latest information – Indian Visa Application Center in Canada

Ensure you apply for the proper type of visa for the specific purpose of your trip. If you are denied entry by immigration officials, you will be returned to your point of departure.

Canadian-Pakistani citizens are subject to different visa application and registration procedures.

You can only stay in India for up to 180 consecutive days on a tourist visa, even when its validity exceeds 180 days.

Residency registration

If you stay in India for more than 180 days, you must register within 14 days of arrival with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).

e-FRRO online portal (for Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru) – India's Bureau of Immigration
FRRO Contact List – India's Bureau of Immigration

Penalties for overstaying

Strict penalties are enforced for overstaying. If you overstay, you could be subject to fines, detention and a future travel ban.

If you have overstayed your visa, you must request an exit visa from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). This process can be lengthy.

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Dual citizenship

If you hold an Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card, you must present it upon entry and exit.

You must present a boarding pass and a photo identification to access airport departure terminals and public areas.

Lost or stolen passport

If your passport is lost or stolen, an exit visa is required to leave India.

To obtain an exit visa, you must present the FRRO with:

a police report
two current passport-size photographs
a letter providing details of the loss or theft from the High Commission of Canada to India in New Delhi or Consulate General of Canada in either Chandigarh or Mumbai

The FRRO will verify the entry details before issuing an exit visa. This process can take several days.

Restricted and Protected Areas

Special permits are required to visit certain parts of India designated as restricted or protected areas.

Restricted or protected areas – India's Bureau of Immigration

Poliomyelitis

You may need to produce proof of polio vaccination if you are arriving in India from:

Afghanistan
the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Confirm this requirement with the nearest Indian diplomatic office before travelling.

Foreign Representatives in Canada
Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary.

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

Vaccination is not recommended.
Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
Contact a designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain. It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.

Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:

travelling long term (e.g. more than 30 days)
making multiple trips to endemic areas
staying for extended periods in rural areas
visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak
engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos (e.g., entomologists)

Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus. Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.

The flu occurs worldwide.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to April.
In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and October.
In the tropics, there is flu activity year round.

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Travellers going to countries in South Asia should speak to a health care professional about getting vaccinated.

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes. There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination.

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving. Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times: • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin. • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area. • Wear permethrin-treated clothing. If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living.

In this destination, rabies is carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. Rabies treatment is often available in this destination.

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals).

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs.

Cholera is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk.

To protect against cholera, all travellers should practise safe food and water precautions .

Travellers at higher risk of getting cholera include those:

visiting, working or living in areas with limited access to safe food, water and proper sanitation
visiting areas where outbreaks are occurring

Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers, and should be discussed with a health care professional.

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
Minimize exposure to insects
Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. The risk may vary between regions of a country. Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is a viral disease that can cause fever, pain and bleeding under the skin. In some cases, it can be fatal. It spreads to humans through contact with infected animal blood or tissues, or from the bite of an infected tick. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from tick bites and avoid animals, particularly livestock. There is no vaccine available for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.

Visceral leishmaniasis (or kala azar) affects the bone marrow and internal organs. It is caused by a parasite spread through the bite of a female sandfly. It can also be transmitted by blood transfusion or sharing contaminated needles. If left untreated it can cause death. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from sandfly bites, which typically occur after sunset in rural and forested areas and in some urban centres. There is no vaccine or medication to protect against leishmaniasis.

Lymphatic filariasis , also known as elephantiasis, is caused by filariae (tiny worms) spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause a range of illnesses. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine available for lymphatic filariasis although drug treatments exist.

In this country, dengue is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus is a risk in this country.

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel.

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

There is a risk of Nipah virus infection in this country. Nipah virus infections can range from asymptomatic (no symptoms) to severe illness and death.

Nipah virus is spread to people from animals (such as fruit bats) but it can also be spread through contaminated food or close contact with someone who is ill.

Travellers to areas where Nipah virus is found should:

avoid consuming date palm sap products, including raw date palm juice
thoroughly wash and peel fruit before consumption
wash hands regularly with soap and water
discard fruit with signs of bites or fruit that has been found on the ground
avoid contact with fruit bats and areas where they are known to roost

For more information on preventing Nipah virus infection, visit Nipah virus: Prevention and risks .

There is no vaccine or medication that protects against Nipah virus infection.

Human cases of avian influenza have been reported in this destination. Avian influenza is a viral infection that can spread quickly and easily among birds and in rare cases it can infect mammals, including people. The risk is low for most travellers.

Avoid contact with birds, including wild, farm, and backyard birds (alive or dead) and surfaces that may have bird droppings on them. Ensure all poultry dishes, including eggs and wild game, are properly cooked.

Travellers with a higher risk of exposure include those:

visiting live bird/animal markets or poultry farms
working with poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks)
hunting, de-feathering, field dressing and butchering wild birds and wild mammals
working with wild birds for activities such as research, conservation, or rehabilitation
working with wild mammals, especially those that eat wild birds (e.g., foxes)

All eligible people are encouraged to get the seasonal influenza shot, which will protect them against human influenza viruses. While the seasonal influenza shot does not prevent infection with avian influenza, it can reduce the chance of getting sick with human and avian influenza viruses at the same time.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

washing your hands often
avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

The quality of health care varies significantly throughout the country.

Medical care in major cities may be good, but it’s usually very limited or unavailable in rural areas.

Government hospitals provide free services or at a minimal cost. Private facilities often offer a higher level of care but can be expensive. Most hospitals require up-front payment or confirmation of insurance coverage before commencing treatment.

Specialised treatment for psychiatric illness may not be available outside major cities.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Ambulances are often equipped with basic and old medical equipment.

Response times can be very slow. Traffic doesn’t yield to emergency vehicles.

In case of serious illness or injury, you may consider taking a taxi or private vehicle to go to the hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

Medical tourism

Some Canadian citizens have had severe health complications following cosmetic or other elective surgeries abroad.

Before leaving for medical travel:

make sure you have done your research
use competent health-care providers only

Receiving Medical Care in Other Countries

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines and jail sentences. Detention during the investigation is common and can be lengthy.

Laws regarding the purchase and consumption of alcohol, including the legal drinking age, differ from state to state. Authorities often call for dry periods during:

religious festivals
national holidays

Drugs, alcohol and travel

It is prohibited to import, possess or use e-cigarettes, vaporisers and their refills.

Beef consumption

Cows are protected and venerated by several groups of faith in India.

Several states impose prohibitions on beef slaughter and consumption. In some rural areas, cow protection vigilantes have attacked people suspected of selling, consuming, or possessing beef or items made with cowhide.

Avoid consuming beef or its derived products while in India.

Religious proselytism

In certain states, it’s illegal to engage in religious proselytism, such as preaching, possessing, or distributing religious literature or material with the intent of converting. Indian authorities require foreign missionaries to obtain a missionary visa.

If you plan to conduct religious activities in India, ensure that:

the activities are legal
you possess the proper visa for the activities you plan to perform

Satellite devices

It’s illegal to carry or use a satellite device in India.

Photography

It is prohibited to take pictures of military installations, airports and dams.

Ask permission before photographing places of worship such as temples or mosques.

Imports and exports

There are strict regulations on the importation or exportation of items such as:

antiquities
electronic equipment
local currency
ivory and gold objects
protected animals
pornographic material

Among others, you must register antique items for export with local police, with a photograph of each item.

Customs Guide for Travellers - India’s Central Board of Excise and Customs

Dress and behaviour

India is a traditional, conservative and multi-faith society. To avoid offending local sensitivities:

Dress conservatively
Behave discreetly
Respect religious and social traditions
Avoid displays of affection in public
Avoid using footwear in places of worship

Indian family law is very different from Canadian law.

In case of dispute, consult a local lawyer to be fully aware of local laws regarding marital fraud, dowry abuse or extortion, custody, guardianship and visitation rights. Individuals facing charges may be forced to remain in India until their cases have been settled or charges dismissed.

Commercial surrogacy

If you’re planning to visit India to commission surrogacy arrangements, you should consider the potential challenges involved in pursuing international surrogacy. Seek specialist legal advice on Indian and Canadian laws before making any arrangements.

A proposed Indian government ban on foreign commercial surrogacy could affect Canadians travelling to India to enter into a surrogacy agreement.

You should also consult with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on current policies regarding citizenship through descent and the issuance of Canadian travel documents.

Land and property disputes

If you plan on buying property or are involved in a land dispute in India, you should seek legal advice. Do so before making commitments. Related disputes could take time and be costly to resolve.

The offices of the Government of Canada in India can’t provide assistance or legal advice related to private legal matters.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Indian law doesn’t criminalize sexual acts or relationships between persons of the same sex.

However, 2SLGBTQI+ travellers could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in India.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of India, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and India.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in India by an abducting parent:

act as quickly as you can
consult a lawyer in Canada and in India to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
Request emergency assistance

Identification

You must carry your passport and Indian visa at all times.

Traffic drives on the left.

You must carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

The currency in India is the Indian Rupee (INR).

Non-residents are prohibited from importing or exporting the Indian rupee. A limit of 25,000 rupees is imposed on residents.

Upon entering or leaving India, you must make a declaration to customs if you have USD 5,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies.

India is prone to extreme weather events such as:

dust storms
earthquakes

Extreme temperatures can occur in both spring and summer.

The rainy (or monsoon) season extends from June to September.

Heavy rain can cause flooding throughout the country, resulting in significant loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure. Seasonal flooding and landslides can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

India’s coastline is subject to cyclones, particularly between April and December. These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.

If you decide to travel to a coastal area:

know that you may expose yourself to serious safety risks
be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
Large-scale emergencies abroad
Weather forecasts and warnings - Indian Meteorological Department
Current cyclone activity - Tropical storm risk

Seismic activity

Parts of India are located in active seismic zones. Earthquakes occur.

In the event of an earthquake, follow the instructions of local authorities.

What to do during an earthquake

Air pollution

Smoke haze and other types of air pollution can be extremely hazardous in urban areas and cities such as Delhi. It’s typically at its worst in winter. In rural areas, air quality can be affected by agricultural burning.

Dust storms also occur across northern India.

Monitor air pollution levels, which change quickly, especially if you suffer from respiratory ailments or have pre-existing medical conditions.

During periods of high pollution:

limit your activities outdoors
monitor local media
System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting and Research - Ministry of Earth Science of India
Real time ambient air quality data - Delhi Pollution Control Committee
Air pollution in India - World Air Quality Index

In mountainous regions, avalanches present a risk and have resulted in fatalities.

Monitor local media and weather forecasts
Follow the advice of local authorities

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

police: 100/112 from cellular telephones
firefighters: 101
medical assistance: 102
victims of sexual harassment: 1091

General services

The Indian Ministry of Tourism offers 24-hour general advice for tourists.

Dial: 1-800 111-363.

Consular assistance

The Consulates General of Canada in Bengaluru, Chandigarh and Mumbai are temporarily suspending in-person operations. You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information from the High Commission of Canada in New Delhi.

Consular services in person remain available at the High Commission of Canada in New Delhi.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Pondicherry, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

For emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Canada in India, in New Delhi and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

India’s Travel Sector Has Recovered, But International Is Still a Pain Point

Bulbul Dhawan , Skift

July 4th, 2024 at 12:01 AM EDT

India is cementing its position as a significant source market for travel across the world. However, on its own turf, all is not well.

Bulbul Dhawan

India’s travel and tourism sector has recovered significantly, according to a new report from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), but international travel spend in India continues to remain below pre-Covid levels.

The WTTC report revealed:

The travel and tourism sector’s contribution to Indian GDP stood at INR 19.13 trillion ($230 billion) in 2023, nearly 10% increase over 2019 levels.
Employment in the industry increased 8% to 43 million.
Domestic tourist spending was INR 14.64 trillion ($175 billion) last year, up 15% from pre-Covid levels.
International visitor spending was over 14% behind the 2019 levels.

Key Role of Domestic Tourism

Consulting firm McKinsey and Company had earlier projected that India will become the fourth-largest domestic travel market in terms of spending by 2030.

Online travel agency EaseMyTrip co-founder Rikant Pittie agreed with the WTTC report. He said, “Domestic travel and the tourism sector, in recent times, has become the backbone of India’s economic growth, especially with the government’s focus on promoting India as an equivalent to a global destination.”

According to recent data from aviation analytics firm OAG, India is now the third-largest domestic aviation market, after the U.S. and China. India’s domestic air passenger traffic in 2023-24 also surpassed pre-Covid levels ,

Earlier this year, Hyatt Hotels CEO Mark Hoplamazian also spoke about his company’s focus on India, specifically its domestic travelers. “The country’s leisure travel market is primarily driven by Indians traveling within India and discovering the country,” he said .

“The Indian market started seeing a rebound since the end of last year with the leisure hotel segment leading the way. Especially post Covid, India inbound became the buzzword. Indian travelers also started finding India more appealing due to the joint effect of increased marketing efforts and high international airfares,” said Arindam C Bahel, general manager of The Fern Brentwood Resort, Mussoorie.

2024 Outlook for Tourism in India

According to the WTTC report, the tourism industry in India is projected to be ahead of 2019 by the end of this year across four metrics: Contribution to Indian economy, employment, domestic visitor spending, and international visitor spending.

It estimates that:

The sector will contribute almost INR 21.15 trillion ($253 billion) to India’s GDP in 2024.
Jobs in the industry will increase by 2.45 million this year, equaling one in 11 jobs in India.
International visitor spending will grow more than 17%.
Domestic visitor spending will increase by nearly 10%.

There are risks to these projections, however: During the peak domestic travel period in summer, a record number of travelers left due to the heatwave in North India . The extreme weather condition also led to a nearly 40% decline in sale of inbound flights in May from April 2024.

Pain Points

Despite these strong projections from WTTC, Sarovar Hotels and Resorts managing director Ajay Bakaya has shared a different perspective.

“2023 was a phenomenal year. Our domestic tourists went up everywhere we were operating. We have seen changes in 2024. We had a really good first quarter from January to March, and April witnessed reasonable growth. But we have some places that have seen a decline in May and June. It could be the elections, but the results were far below expectations and budgets,” he said, adding that he hopes for it to be a short-term blip.

Bakaya also shared that while the overall tourism sector in India has been performing well, the picture is not so favorable for hill stations. “All across Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, tourism this year has been below 2022 and 2023 levels. The reason is that our outbound travel is now healthier and stronger due to more options, easier visas, and more economical flights.”

He believes that in the long-term hill stations will go back to pre-Covid levels of reasonable business, but won’t witness a booming business. Goa, he explained, is also not seeing the growth that it should as probably the top tourism destination in India. “So, the picture is very good and very positive, but it is not all hunky dory. We’ll have some challenges before we scale the peak,” he said.

Meanwhile, international inbound is lagging. And India has slashed its global tourism promotion budget by 97% .

Bakaya said, “We’re all pinning our hopes on what happens starting October 2024 (the inbound tourism season in India), but so far we have seen very little inbound travel. It has been disappointing.”

Skift India Report

India is booming. Discover the subcontinent’s most important travel news here every Tuesday-Thursday.

Have a confidential tip for Skift? Get in touch

Tags: domestic tourism , easemytrip , Hyatt Hotels , india , india outbound , india travel , international tourism , international travel , mark hoplamazian , sarovar hotels , tourism , Travel industry , Travel Trends , wttc

Photo credit: According to the WTTC report, the tourism industry in India will be ahead of 2019 by the end of 2024. Godson Bright / Pexels

UK election latest: New cabinet in place - but 'shock' as PM Keir Starmer snubs senior figure

Sir Keir Starmer has named the bulk of his cabinet, with Rachel Reeves the first female chancellor. Rishi Sunak said "sorry" to voters as he resigned as Tory leader. His party endured a torrid election night, with the Lib Dems (71 seats) and Reform (five seats) making big strides.

Saturday 6 July 2024 05:00, UK

General Election 2024

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Need to know

Sir Keir Starmer pledges to 'end era of noisy performance' after winning landslide | Work to bring change starts 'immediately'
New PM names cabinet | Emily Thornberry snubbed
Sam Coates: One of the most orderly and stable entrances to power
Tory wipeout: Sunak says sorry as he resigns as Tory leader | Liz Truss shock loss | 12 cabinet ministers booted out
Nigel Farage one of five Reform MPs - but speech sabotaged by protesters
Record 71 seats for Lib Dems | SNP collapse
Sam Coates analysis : A loveless landslide
Jon Craig: Who will become next Tory leader?
Labour vote share down in areas with large Muslim populations
How Reform vote compares to UKIP in 2015 - is it really a big gain?
How night unfolded in eight videos - from exit poll to defeated Rees-Mogg's film quote
Ed Conway : The new political geography
Results in every constituency

Live reporting by Samuel Osborne, Mark Wyatt, Emily Mee and Bhvishya Patel

It's been a historic moment after a landslide Labour victory in the General Election.

Here is a quick update of the latest appointments:

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer got straight to work assembling his cabinet ad Rachel Reeves was confirmed as Britain's first woman chancellor;
Angela Rayner is Sir Keir's deputy prime minister and retained the levelling up, housing and communities brief, and Yvette Cooper is home secretary.
David Lammy was appointed foreign secretary.
The first surprise in the assembly was the promotion of Lisa Nandy to culture secretary, after the holder of the brief in his shadow cabinet, Thangam Debbonaire, lost her seat to the Green Party.
Otherwise, the cabinet mirrors Sir Keir's shadow team, including Pat McFadden, who played a central role in shaping Labour's election campaign, being named chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster;
Then there was John Healey who is defence secretary, Shabana Mahmood justice secretary, Wes Streeting health secretary, Bridget Phillipson education secretary and Ed Miliband energy secretary;
Shadow attorney general Emily Thornberry will not take on the post in government, with Sir Keir instead choosing barrister Richard Hermer KC.

A new government is now in power and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer got straight to work assembling his cabinet after promising to rebuild trust in politics and restore hope to the nation.

After 648 of the 650 Commons seats had been declared, Labour had a majority of 176.

Labour had 412 seats and the Tories 121, the worst result in the party's history.

Here, we take a look at how new MPs spend their first day...

The historic nature of the general election results has largely focused on the seismic reversal of the previous Tory majority and the magnitude of the Labour landslide.

But amid discussion of those headline developments, the new governing party recorded a less heralded milestone in Earley and Woodley in Berkshire, a constituency being contested for the first time after boundary changes.

There, Yuan Yang claimed a narrow victory for Labour over the Conservatives' Pauline Jorgensen - in the process becoming the first Chinese-born candidate to be elected to British parliament.

Previously she has been a journalist for the Financial Times.

England manager Gareth Southgate has wished new Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer well.

Asked if he had any advice for the new PM, Southgate replied: "Well, I'm not envious of his job. No, I don't have any advice.

"I think when you're in a position of responsibility, as I am, you realise that advice comes from every direction.

"Everybody has a simple solution to complex problems, so I'm sure he's going to be inundated with that sort of feel.

"Yeah, having been in the role I have, the one thing I would do is not be offering any additional issues for him by speaking publicly about anything, so I wish him well.

"We want a strong country. We all want the best possible conditions in the UK and whoever is in charge, whichever government is in charge, that's what we all desire."

So, the UK has yet another new prime minister - the fifth since David Cameron resigned in 2016.

But this election has not only delivered a new PM, it has also put a different party in power.

It is the biggest change in the UK political landscape since 2010.

If you are not British - and find the whole thing a little confusing - we have put together the following explainer...

Former defence secretary Ben Wallace has tweeted his congratulations to Labour's John Healey, who has taken up the role.

Mr Healey had served as shadow defence secretary since 2020, while Mr Wallace was defence secretary between 2019 and 2023.

Mr Wallace said he wished his former opposition well, adding: "We agreed on much in my time."

Sir Keir Starmer took the keys to Downing Street yesterday after voters handed Labour a landslide victory in the general election.

While timings might change, here is a look at the new PM's next few days in power...

The new cabinet will meet for the first time this morning.

Appointments of junior ministers are likely to continue, as will calls from world leaders and first ministers of the devolved nations.

Legislative priorities and the timing of any major policy announcements will also need to be worked out.

Sir Keir has signalled that at least three housing announcements could be made in the first two weeks of a Labour government.

The new parliament will be summoned to meet.

The first business will be to choose a Commons Speaker - with Sir Lindsay Hoyle set to be re-elected.

Congratulating the Speaker will be Sir Keir's first opportunity to speak at the despatch box as prime minister and he will likely offer some rhetoric on the future.

Swearing-in could begin on the same day or the next and will continue for several days.

MPs and peers will take the oath, with the government going first, followed by some other established figures.

MPs are not allowed to speak in debates, vote or receive their salary until they make an oath or solemn affirmation of allegiance to the Crown.

The King will preside over the pageantry of the state opening of parliament, marking the formal start of the new parliamentary session at the Palace of Westminster.

A key component of the ceremony is the King's Speech, where he sets out the government's legislative programme for the coming session.

The UK is hosting a gathering of the European Political Community, the body that brings all 27 EU member countries together with 20 others from outside the bloc.

Sir Keir will welcome about 50 heads of government to Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, giving him an opportunity to set the tone for his government's approach to the UK's relationship with the EU.

If you didn't manage to stay up, we've collected the key moments from a dramatic election night in the video below.

They include the first result to be declared, the first Tory to lose to a Labour candidate, and the cabinet ministers who lost their seats.

Plus Rishi Sunak's admission of defeat, and Sir Keir Starmer's victory speech.

Watch it all unfold below...

Politics is showbusiness for ugly people - according to the crude and perhaps unfair saying by American political consultant Paul Begala.

However, occasionally famous faces from the world of entertainment and sport do cross over into the ruthless, back-stabbing world of politics.

Sometimes they are hugely successful - just look at the case of the late US actor Ronald Reagan or former Pakistani cricket star Imran Khan, who both ended up running their respective countries.

In the UK, former actress Glenda Jackson, ex-GMTV presenter Esther McVey and Olympic gold medallist Sebastian Coe are among those who have switched careers in the spotlight to become MPs.

However, this time around, the story was mostly one of failure for the celebrities - and sort-of celebrities - who ran in the 2024 UK general election...

Read more from our reporter Daniel Binns below...

US secretary of state Antony Blinken has held a call with the UK's new Foreign Secretary David Lammy this evening.

During the call, the US official congratulated Mr Lammy for his appointment, spokesperson Matthew Miller said.

Mr Miller said: "The pair emphasised the enduring and essential importance of the US-UK special relationship in addressing the most pressing global challenges, including reaching an immediate and enduring ceasefire in Gaza, and supporting Ukraine against Russia's brutal aggression.

"The secretary noted that he looks forward to welcoming the foreign secretary to the NATO summit in Washington next week."

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

IMAGES

SBS Language
Consulate General of India, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam : Additional
Travel Advisory issued by the Government of India.
Additional travel advisory for COVID-19 for Indians intending to travel
Travel Advisory issued by the Government of India.
US Issues Four Travel Advisories for India This Year: Details Here

VIDEO

Dutch government travel advisory map #netherlands #mapping
Who Is the Largest Landowner in India After the Indian Government? #land #property
India Canada Issue
Gillard dismisses Indian travel warning
Bangkok To Pattaya By Road on Mahindra Scorpio-N 😍 |India To Australia By Road| #EP-77
In the Streets of Myanmar 🇲🇲 *They Love Us*

COMMENTS

India Travel Advisory
Travel Advisory. June 23, 2023. India - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. O U T C. Reissued with updates to health information. Exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism. Do not travel to: The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir (except the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest ...
Travel Advisories
Travel advisory for Iran and Israel. April 12, 2024. Advisory for Indian nationals traveling abroad. July 08, 2020. Government of India Ministry of Health & FW Additional Travel Advisory for Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) (March 16, 2020) March 16, 2020. Travel Advisory for Indian nationals travelling to Iraq. February 18, 2020.
COVID-19 Travel Advisory
Website Content Managed by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India Designed, Developed and Hosted by National Informatics Centre ( NIC ) Last Update : 02-07-2024Ministry of Tourism, Government of India Designed, Developed and Hosted by National Informatics Centre ( NIC ) Last Update : 02-07-2024
Guidelines for International Arrivals
COVID-19, Guidelines for International Arrivals, For latest guidelines for international arrivals, Ministry of External Affair, Government of India
Travel Advisories
Israel, the West Bank and Gaza Travel Advisory : Other: June 27, 2024: Liechtenstein Travel Advisory: Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions: July 26, 2023: North Macedonia Travel Advisory: Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions: July 26, 2023: Nauru Travel Advisory: Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions: July 24, 2023: Palau Travel Advisory
Latest Information and Guidance For Travel To India
The Indian government issued the latest advisory guidance for international travel to India that mandates all travellers to undergo home quarantine for seven days and undertake an RT-PCR test on ...
Travel Advisories
Travel Advisories . Guidelines for International Arrivals (updated on 19th July 2023) - Source : mohfw.gov.in . Facebook ... This website belongs to MyGov, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India. Platform is designed, developed and hosted by National Informatics Centre.
PDF all international flights from certain high risk countries*
Government of India, through concerned airlines before they are allowed to undertake the journey that they would abide by the decision of the appropriate government authority for any post arrival requirement including home/institutional quarantine/ self-health monitoring, as warranted. A.2. During Travel iii.
PDF Government of India Ministry of Health and Family Welfare ...
COVID-19 vaccination coverage both globally as well as in India. Scope This document provides protocols to be complied by international travellers as well as points of entry (airports, seaports and land border) and shall be valid w.e.f. 22nd November 2022 (00.01 Hrs IST) till further orders. A.1. Planning for Travel i.
Travel Advisory| National Portal of India
National Portal of India provides a single-window access to information and services that are electronically delivered from all Government Departments, Institutions and Organizations. It has been a popular source of information to a wide range of stakeholders - from citizens, to government, business and Indian Diasporas. It is a gateway to access Indian Government websites at Centre, State and ...
India Health Alert
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice and the Department of State has issued a Level 4 Travel Advisory advising against all travel to India. Level 4 is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. During an emergency, the U.S. government may have ...
India International Travel Information
Reissued with updates to health information. Exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism.. Do not travel to: The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir (except the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest.; Within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border due to the potential for armed conflict.; Country Summary: Indian authorities report rape is ...
Travel advisory for Iran and Israel
April 12, 2024. In view of the prevailing situation in the region, all Indians are advised not to travel to Iran or Israel till further notice. All those who are currently residing in Iran or Israel are requested to get in touch with Indian Embassies there and register themselves. They are also requested to observe utmost precautions about ...
MoHFW
11.03.2020 Consolidated Travel Advisory - 11 March 2020; 11.03.2020 Visa restrictions issued by Bureau of Immigration (BOI) ... 2020 to all Government of India Ministries on COVID-19 management; 06-03-2020 Advisory for Exemption to mark biometric attendance in AEBAS;
PDF As on 26-02-2020 Government of India Ministry of Health & FW
Consolidated Travel advisory in view of COVID-19 In view of the spurt of cases being reported from China and other countries, travelers are advised the following: Indian citizens are advised to refrain from travel to China. People travelling to China henceforth will be quarantined on return. Those planning a visit to India from China:
India travel advice
Manipur. FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Manipur. In April-May 2023 violent ethnic clashes broke out across Manipur, including in the state capital Imphal. Curfews ...
Guidelines for International arrivals (updated on 29th December 2022)
This website belongs to MyGov, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India. Platform is designed, developed and hosted by National Informatics Centre. Certified Quality Website
Safety and security
Serious sexual attacks involving both Indian and foreign nationals have been reported. British women have been victims of sexual assault, including rape, in Goa, Delhi, Rajasthan, Mumbai and ...
India
Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home. Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace. While at your ...
India Travel Advice & Safety
You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter India if you travel from an area where yellow fever occurs. See the Indian Government's Bureau of Immigration for advice. More information: Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 152KB) Long-stay registration
India Travel Advisory
US Department of State, travel.state.gov Choose the country India under International travel. The site provides travel warning, alerts, travel insurance, medical facilities, etc. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cdc.gov, 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) The site provides information on vaccinations and other health precautions.
India
The Department of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to Jammu and Kashmir, including the cities of Srinagar and Jammu. Irish citizens in the Union Territory of Ladakh should remain vigilant, follow the advice of local authorities, and monitor developments in the local and Indian media. We advise against all travel in the vicinity of the ...
Travel advice and advisories for India
If you plan on buying property or are involved in a land dispute in India, you should seek legal advice. Do so before making commitments. Related disputes could take time and be costly to resolve. The offices of the Government of Canada in India can't provide assistance or legal advice related to private legal matters. 2SLGBTQI+ travellers
India's Travel Sector Has Recovered, But International Still Lags
The travel and tourism sector's contribution to Indian GDP stood at INR 19.13 trillion ($230 billion) in 2023, nearly 10% increase over 2019 levels. Employment in the industry increased 8% to 43 ...
Several US military bases in Europe on heightened alert amid ...
Several US military bases across Europe were put on a heightened state of alert over the weekend, with the level of force protection raised to its second-highest state amid concerns that a ...
UK election latest: New cabinet in place
Sir Keir Starmer has named the bulk of his cabinet, with Rachel Reeves the first female chancellor. Rishi Sunak said "sorry" to voters as he resigned as Tory leader. His party endured a torrid ...

Most Searched

India at a Glance

Most Viewed

Security Alert May 17, 2024

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Learn About Your Destination

Travel Advisory June 23, 2023

Embassy Messages

Quick Facts

Embassies and Consulates

Destination Description

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Safety and Security

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Travel and Transportation

For additional travel information

Travel Advisory Levels

External Link

Ministry of External Affairs Government of India

Travel advisory for Iran and Israel

Search form

स्वास्थ्य एवं परिवार कल्याण मंत्रालय Ministry of Health & Family Welfare स्वास्थ्य एवं परिवार कल्याण विभाग Department of Health & Family Welfare

About the Ministry

I mportant Events

Home | MyGov

Guidelines for International arrivals (updated on 29th December 2022)

Cookies on GOV.UK

Safety and security

Terrorism in India

Political situation

Protecting your belongings

Drink and food spiking

Sexual assault

Laws and cultural differences

Alcohol laws and bans

Smoking and e-cigarette bans

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Using cameras and binoculars in secure areas

Swimming safety

Trekking in India

LGBT+ travellers

Child custody and family law

Wildlife, animal products and souvenirs

Sexual offences against children

Transport risks in India

Taxis and rickshaws

Cars and motorbikes

Driving in India

Rail travel

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Cyclones and tropical storms

Earthquakes

Related content

Help us improve GOV.UK

India Traveler View

After Your Trip

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

Routine vaccines

Chikungunya

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B

Japanese Encephalitis

Yellow Fever

Avoid contaminated water

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

Clinical Guidance

Airborne & droplet

Avoid skin contact

Eat and drink safely

Prevent bug bites

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

What type of insect repellent should I use?

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Stay safe outdoors

Stay safe around water

Keep away from animals

Reduce your exposure to germs

Avoid sharing body fluids

Know how to get medical care while traveling