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All foreign nationals entering India are required to possess a valid international travel document in the form of a national passport with a valid visa from an Indian Mission/Post or eVisa (Limited Categories) from Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs.

Visa on Arrival for the nationals of Japan, South Korea and UAE (only for such UAE nationals who had earlier obtained e-Visa or regular/paper visa for India) Available at selected Airports

Advisory: Government of India has not authorized any agent or intermediary to charge any fee for facilitation of emergency / express Visa/eVisa. For travel to India a regular/eVisa along with passport is mandatory. Only categories exempted under bilateral arrangments may not need a visa. For persons of Indian origin (all categories), OCI card is mandatory.

e-Visa - Only Ordinary Passport holders may apply for eVisa application online. Select Visa Service as G20 eConference Visa and purpose as "To Attend G20 Conference/Meeting" .

Regular Visa - Diplomatic/Official/Ordinary Passport holders may fill online application and submit at concerned Indian Embassy/Mission in their country. Select Visa Service as Conference Visa and purpose as "To Attend G20 Conference/Meeting" .

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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

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Quick Facts

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

Two pages required.

Yes. Travelers must enter in either on a paper visa, valid for 10 years for U.S. citizens, or an e-tourist visa.

Required for yellow fever if the traveler is arriving from an infected area; others are suggested.

The possession of satellite phones is prohibited in India; Currency in excess of USD $5,000 must be declared. Please check with the Indian Embassy in Washington if you are planning to carry a large amount of currency into India.

Check local law for reporting requirements for exiting with large quantities of foreign currency and Indian rupees.

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 American 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 (Bombay) 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, Chhatisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, and the union territory of Diu and Daman, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

U.S. Consulate General Kolkata (Calcutta) 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani Kolkata - 700 071, West Bengal, India Telephone: +(91) (33) 3984-2400 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(91) 99030 42956 or +(91) (33) 3984-2400 then dial "0" Fax: +(91) (33) 2282-2335

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. [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Chennai (Madras) 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

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 Lakshwadeep Islands. [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad Survey No. 115/1, Financial District, Nanakramguda Hyderabad, Telangana, 500032 Phone: 040 6932 8000

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

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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. Travelers without valid documents or the correct type of visa may be denied entry into India. Indian visa regulations and instructions change frequently, often with little advance notice. Travelers are urged to 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 prior to their arrival. Please visit the  Indian government's website for electronic travel authorization for additional information and to submit an application.  

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 to individuals in the United States. Applicants may apply for Indian visas through the application link https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/apply-visa .

Diplomatic and Official visa applications are accepted directly at the Indian Embassy and Consulates. All U.S. government employees traveling on official orders, including military personnel, must obtain country clearance for travel to India. Once you have received your visa, check it carefully to ensure that the type of visa 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 downloading 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 visa from the Indian government. Replacing a lost visa, which is required in order to exit the country, may take four or five 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. The FRRO maintains 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 otherwise violate Indian visa regulations, you may require clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs to leave the country. Generally, you will be fined and, in some cases, may be jailed 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 of an exit permit under these circumstances can take up to 90 days and decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.  

For the most current information on entry and exit requirements, please contact the  Embassy of India  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, inquiries should be made 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 (including local customs and etiquette) and keep a low profile. Monitor local news reports, vary your routes and times in carrying out daily activities, and consider the level of security present when you visit public places, including religious sites, and when choosing hotels, restaurants, and entertainment and recreation venues.

India continues to experience terrorist and insurgent activities which may affect U.S. citizens directly or indirectly. Anti-Western terrorist groups, some on the U.S. government's list of foreign terrorist organizations, are active in India, including Islamist extremist groups such as Harkat-ul-Jihad-i-Islami, Harakat ul-Mujahidin, Indian Mujahideen, 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.  In eastern India’s Bihar state, 10 security personnel were killed and five injured in a Naxalite-triggered Improvised Explosive Device blast on July 18, 2016.  In the eastern state of Jharkhand, seven policemen were killed and eight others injured in a landmine blast by Naxalites on January 27, 2016.   

Beyond the threat from terrorism and insurgencies, 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. Large religious gatherings that attract hundreds of thousands of people can result in dangerous and often life-threatening stampedes. Local demonstrations can begin spontaneously and escalate with little warning, disrupting transportation systems and city services and posing risks to travelers. In response to such events, Indian authorities occasionally impose curfews and/or restrict travel. You are urged to obey such curfews and travel restrictions and to 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. 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. India generally goes on “High Alert” status prior to major holidays or events. You should monitor local television, print media, Mission India’s American Citizens Services  Facebook  page, and enroll with the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  for further information about the current situation in areas where you will travel.

The U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulates General in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai will post information about routine demonstrations on the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulates General websites, under the heading “Demonstration Notices.” Please monitor our websites regularly for information about protest activities in the country. Please note that the Embassy and Consulates General will issue emergency/security messages for other purposes, as necessary.

Religious violence occasionally occurs in India, especially when tensions between different religious communities are purposefully exacerbated by groups pushing religiously chauvinistic agendas. 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 the past. 

Swimming in India:  You should exercise caution if you intend to swim in open waters along the Indian coastline, particularly during the monsoon season. Every year, several 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. Trained lifeguards are very rare along beaches.

If you visit the Andaman Islands, be aware that there have been reports of crocodile attacks in salt water resulting in fatalities.  Ask local residents about dangerous sea life before swimming and keep a safe distance from animals at all times.

Wildlife safaris:  India offers opportunities for observation of wildlife in its natural habitat and 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 a good idea 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.

Trekking in India:  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 or with one or two companions. Altitudes in popular trekking spots can be as high as 25,170 feet (7,672 m); please make sure that you have had a recent medical checkup to ensure that 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 generally is 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 the death and serious injury of passengers.

Areas of Instability: Jammu & Kashmir:  The Department of State strongly recommends that you avoid 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. Since 1989, as many as 70,000 people (terrorists, security forces, and civilians) have been killed in the Kashmir conflict. 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).

India-Pakistan Border:  The Department of State recommends that you avoid 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 occasionally 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 the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, 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. U.S. officials traveling only to the capital cities in these states do not need prior authorization.

Restricted/Protected areas:  While the Indian Government has designated that travelers to “portions” of certain areas need special advance permission, actual practice has been to require a permit to enter any portion of certain states or territories. Areas requiring a permit 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, be aware the Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Center, 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  (Bombay),  Chennai (Madras),  Hyderabad , and  Kolkata  (Calcutta).

CRIME:  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 adept and women have reported having their bags snatched, purse-straps cut, or the bottom of their purses slit without their knowledge. If you are 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. Violent crime, especially directed against foreigners, has traditionally been uncommon, although in recent years there has been a modest increase. 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. ATM card scams have been used to clone credit card details to withdraw money.

Sexual Assault:  Travelers should be aware that there have been reported cases of sexual assault, including rape, of U.S. citizens traveling throughout India. U.S. citizens, particularly women, are cautioned not to travel alone in India. Women traveling in India are advised to respect local dress and customs. Customary everyday dress for Indian women throughout the country is conservative, and even more so in non-urban areas,  with women wearing clothing that covers their legs and shoulders. Exceptions are vacation resorts catering to foreign clientele and some neighborhoods of the major cities of 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 can 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 market places, 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 greater attention on addressing issues of gender violence. One outcome has been greater reporting of incidences of sexual assault country-wide, and Indian authorities report rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Among large cities, Delhi experienced the highest number of reported crimes against women. Although most victims have been local residents, recent sexual attacks against female visitors in tourist areas across India underline the fact that foreign women are at risk and should exercise vigilance.

Women should observe stringent security precautions, including avoiding use of public transport after dark without the company of known and trustworthy companions, restricting evening entertainment to well-known venues, and avoiding isolated areas when alone at any time of 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).

Scams:  Major airports, train stations, popular restaurants, and tourist sites are often used by scam artists looking to prey on visitors, often by creating a distraction. Beware of taxi drivers and others, including train porters, who solicit travelers with "come-on" offers of cheap transportation and/or hotels. Travelers accepting such offers have frequently found themselves the victims of scams, including offers to assist with "necessary" transfers to the domestic airport, disproportionately expensive hotel rooms, unwanted "tours," unwelcome "purchases," extended cab rides, and even threats when the tourists decline to pay.  There have been reports of tourists being lured, held hostage and extorted for money in the face of threats of violence against the traveler and his/her family members.

You should exercise care when hiring transportation and/or guides and use only well-known travel agents to book trips. Some scam artists have lured travelers by displaying their name on a sign when they leave the airport. Another popular scam is to drop money or to squirt something on the clothing of an unsuspecting traveler and use the distraction to rob them of their valuables. Tourists have also been given drugged drinks or tainted food to make them more vulnerable to theft, particularly at train stations. Even food or drink prepared in front of the traveler from a canteen or vendor could be tainted.

Some vendors sell carpets, jewelry, gemstones, or other expensive items that may not be of the quality promised. 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.

There have been a number of other scams perpetrated against foreign travelers, particularly in Goa, Jaipur, and Agra that target younger travelers and involve suggestions that money can be made by privately transporting gems or gold (both of which can result in arrest) or by taking delivery abroad of expensive carpets, supposedly while avoiding customs duties. The scam artists describe profits that can be made upon delivery of the goods, and require the traveler to pay a "deposit" as part of the transaction.

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 . 

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/or consulates are unable to provide legal advice or intervene on behalf of United States citizens with Indian courts on civil or criminal matters.  A list of local attorneys is available on the Embassy and Consulates General  websites .

In another common scam, family members in the United States, particularly older people, are approached for funds to help callers claiming 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 . 

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 our information on  victim’s 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

Please note that 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 are unable to take any meaningful action without the filing of a police report. 

If your passport is stolen, you should immediately report the theft or loss to the police in the location where your passport was stolen. A FIR is required by the Indian government in order for you to obtain an exit visa to leave India if the lost passport contained 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 determine if you have been injured and to discuss treatment and prevention options for diseases and pregnancy. You should be aware that in order 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. 

There are a number of resources in India 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 one can dial 1-800-425-2908 or 1098 for crimes in general.

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 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. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. 

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.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

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

Drugs:  Several U.S. citizens have been arrested at Indian airports for attempting to smuggle illegal drugs from India.  All claimed 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. The OCI program is similar to the Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) card except that PIO holders must still register with Indian immigration authorities, and PIO cards are not issued for an indefinite period. U.S. citizens of Indian descent can apply for PIO or 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 are required to travel on a U.S. passport when traveling in and out of the United States.

Religious activities and faith-based travelers:  See the Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report .  If you plan to engage in religious proselytizing you are required by Indian law to have a "missionary" visa. Immigration authorities have determined that certain activities, including speaking at religious meetings to which the general public is invited, may violate immigration law if the traveler does not hold 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 religious faith to another. If you intend to engage in missionary activity, you may wish to seek legal advice to determine whether the activities you intend to pursue are permitted under Indian law.

Tourists should also be mindful of restrictions and observances when planning to visit any religious establishment, whether Hindu temples, mosques, churches, or other locations considered sacred by 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 restrictions: Before traveling to or from India, you are urged to inspect all bags and clothing thoroughly to ensure they do not inadvertently contain prohibited items. Several U.S. citizens have been arrested or detained when airport security officials discovered loose ammunition (even spent individual bullets and casings) or weapons in their luggage. If you are found to have loose ammunition or bullets (including empty bullet shells used in souvenirs) on your person or in your bags, you could be charged with violation of the Indian Arms Act, incarcerated, and/or deported from India.

In addition, U.S. citizens have been arrested for possession of satellite phones. Satellite phones, personal locator beacons, and hand-held GPS devices are illegal in India.

Indian customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from India of such items as, antiquities, electronic equipment, currency, ivory, gold objects, and other prohibited materials. Permission from the Government of India is required 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 you are charged with any legal violations by Indian law enforcement, have an attorney review any document before you sign 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 Dehra Dun, 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 inavailability of goods and services, including supplies for multiple days after a severe weather event.

Accessibility: While in India, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation 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.

Women Travelers: Please review our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

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

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  Section 377 of India’s penal code makes same-sex sexual acts illegal in India. On September 6, 2018, the Supreme Court of India declared unconstitutional the application of Section 377, barring discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, effectively legalizing homosexuality in India. Reports of widespread discrimination and violence against LGBTQI+ persons, particularly in rural areas, persist. See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Zika is present in India. See the Centers 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. 

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas.  Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . 

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance (our webpage) 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. 

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 yellow-fever areas, Indian health regulations require that you present evidence of vaccination against yellow fever. If you do not have such proof, you could be subjected to immediate deportation or a six-day detention in the yellow-fever quarantine center. If you transit through any part of sub-Saharan Africa, even for one day, you are advised to carry proof of yellow fever immunization.

Dogs and bats create a high risk of rabies transmission in most of India. Vaccination is recommended 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 is transmitted 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. Influenza vaccine is recommended for all travelers during the flu season.

Outbreaks of avian influenza (H5N1 virus) occur intermittently in eastern India, including West Bengal, Manipur, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Assam. For further information on pandemic influenza, please refer to the Department of State's 2009-H1N1, Pandemic Influenza, and H5N1 Fact Sheet .

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

Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in India. For further information, please consult the CDC’s Travel Notice on TB .

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 Embassy’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.

For emergency services, 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.

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 taxis’ back seats. 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. 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, they are often driven fast, recklessly, and without consideration for the rules of the road. Accidents are quite 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.

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:

• 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 assessment 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.

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

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Guidelines for International Arrivals

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Explained: What are the Covid-19 guidelines for international passengers arriving in India?

New covid-19 guidelines: the centre has refreshed its guidelines for international arrival in a bid to curb the spread of the coronavirus, with a specific focus on those arriving from the united kingdom, brazil and south africa..

With newer variants of Covid-19 emerging and finding occurrences in India, the Centre has refreshed its guidelines for international arrival in a bid to curb the spread of the virus with a specific focus on those arriving into the country from the United Kingdom, Brazil and South Africa.

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Which international passengers are these new guidelines applicable to?

These new Standard Operating Procedures are applicable for all incoming international travellers coming in from the UK, Brazil or South Africa transiting through flights originating from the UK, Europe and Middle East. The broader categorisation for these locations has been done because there are no direct flights between India, and Brazil and South Africa; and most of the passengers arriving from these countries arrive through transiting flights from Europe or Middle East.

What are the guidelines for international passengers arriving from these places?

In addition to the usual procedures of filing out a self-declaration form and submitting it on the Air Suvidha portal at http://www.newdelhiairport.in , those arriving on flights from the UK, Europe and the Middle East will have to get an RT-PCR test done prior to their flight and will be mandatorily subjected to self-paid confirmatory molecular tests on arrival at the Indian port of entry. If the outcome of these tests at the airport is negative, the passengers have to undergo home quarantine for seven days and then get re-tested. If they again test negative, they must self-monitor their health for another seven days. However, in case they test positive at any stage after arrival, they will be put in isolation and the treatment protocols will be applicable.

What do passengers needs to keep in mind?

For passengers taking onward flights to smaller airports after arriving at one of the international hubs in India like Delhi , Mumbai , Bengaluru, Chennai , Kochi, etc it will be mandatory to declare their final destination while filling out the self-declaration form prior to taking the flight. Upon arrival at the port of entry, like all other passengers in this category, they will have to go through the mandatory self-paid confirmatory molecular tests, and will be allowed on their connecting flights only if they test negative. Therefore, the government has recommended that for all those taking connecting flights within India, there should be a gap of at least 6-8 hours between the two flights. For example, if someone taking a flight from Johannesburg to Ranchi via Dubai and Delhi, there should be at least 6-8 hours of time between the flight arriving into Delhi from Dubai and the one departing from Delhi to Ranchi.

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How will passengers arriving from Brazil, the UK and South Africa be identified?

The government has asked airlines to identify the international travellers arriving from or transiting through United Kingdom, Brazil and South Africa (during past 14 days) and segregate them in-flight or while disembarking to facilitate the authorities to follow the due protocol in respect of these travellers. The immigration officers of these airports will also ensure identification of travellers from their passports, who originated or transited from the UK, Brazil and South Africa during past 14 days.

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What about other international passengers?

For other passengers not falling in this category, the rules remain the same and they will be subject to the existing exemptions and quarantine norms upon arrival. However, all those who came in contact of travellers arriving from UK, South Africa and Brazil who test positive (either at the airport or subsequently during home quarantine period), shall be subjected to institutional quarantine in separate quarantine centers and would be tested on the seventh day (or earlier if develop symptoms).

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22 things you need to know before visiting India

Dec 15, 2023 • 14 min read

India is a feast for the senses and we've got everything you need to know before you visit © Andrii Lutsyk / Ascent Xmedia / Getty Images

India is a place that overwhelms your senses in the best possible way – nowhere else delivers quite the same barrage of sights, sounds and sensations as this continent-sized country at the heart of Asia.

It would take a lifetime to see all of India , let alone understand every nuance and facet of this nation of 1.4 billion inhabitants. But with a little preparation, you can learn to navigate the richness of this country, from its snow-capped peaks and velvety beaches to its historic temples and luxuriant palaces.

We've collated the top things you need to know about visiting India, but the journey begins before you leave home. Apply for your Indian visa online for a smooth arrival on the subcontinent. Read on for 22 more insider tips that will help make your vacation unforgettable.

1. Plan your trip around the seasons

India has a reputation for being hot and humid, but with beaches, mountains, hills, coastlines and plains all jammed into a relatively small geographical area, the climate is quite diverse. The southwest monsoon brings rainy weather to most of the country from June to September, but this is the best time of year to visit the high-altitude deserts of Ladakh , although depending on the route you take, you risk encountering landslides and floods.

In the far south, there’s also a milder rainy season from October to December. The ideal weather window for travel is from October to May, though temperatures and humidity climb to agonizing levels from March onwards in the run-up to the monsoon. If you find yourself in India in the spring, head to the Himalayan foothills for milder temperatures and good trekking conditions.

2. Get your jabs before you travel

There is no official requirement for vaccinations to enter India (although yellow fever vaccination is needed if you are traveling from a country where the disease is endemic).

That said, it is important that you contact a health professional at least eight weeks before you travel to ensure your jabs are up to date. Vaccinations for diphtheria and tetanus, hepatitis A and B, polio and typhoid are usually recommended, on top of childhood vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella.

Vaccinations worth considering for longer trips include Japanese B encephalitis, meningitis and rabies. Monkeys, dogs and cats can all carry the rabies parasite, and infection is fatal if untreated.

3. Take malaria precautions

Depending on where in India you are traveling to, you may want to speak to your healthcare provider about taking a course of anti-malarial tablets. For instance, northeastern and eastern parts of India, as well as the city of Mangalore, have a higher malaria risk.

Always take precautions to avoid mosquito bites – this will also help you avoid dengue fever, a viral infection that is transmitted by mosquitoes to humans. Sleeping under a mosquito net, wearing long sleeves and trousers in light colors, and using a repellent and/or a plug-in mosquito killer with a high concentration of DEET (diethyltoluamide) is advisable.

4. Get insured

Travel insurance is essential for India. Depending on where you travel to, you may find public hospitals are poorly equipped. Additionally, most private clinics and hospitals require payment ahead of treatment. Make sure you are covered for emergency evacuation and also for any adventure activities you plan to get involved in.

If you’re unlucky enough to be a victim of crime, contact the local police station or dial 100 or 112, the national emergency number. You’ll need to get the police to file a report (a “FIR" – First Information Report) to make a claim on your travel insurance.

5. Book ahead for busy times and festivals

India can get very busy from November to February, so affordable accommodation is usually swamped in peak season. It’s a good idea to book ahead, either directly with the venues or via booking aggregator sites such as Agoda and MakeMyTrip .

Also, book train tickets in advance where possible , particularly for popular routes. Tickets can be booked (with a fair amount of hassle) via the government booking site IRCTC or more easily through local booking sites such as 12Go or Cleartrip .

6. Plan your comms before you travel

Many things in India (including train bookings or ordering food online) get easier if you have a local SIM card. Bring an unlocked phone from home (or pick one up locally) and get a phone shop to sign you up for a local pay-as-you-go SIM package on arrival. You’ll need to bring passport photos and photocopies of your passport ID pages to complete the application.

7. Check your lunar calendars

While India officially follows the Gregorian calendar, the major festivals for Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Islam and several other religions follow lunar calendars and fall on different dates from year to year. Always check festival dates before you book your trip (bearing in mind these dates are subject to change); the Indian government maintains a useful online list of public holidays .

8. Learn local etiquette

English is the  lingua franca in most metropolitan areas in India, and you’ll get away with polite hellos, goodbyes and thank yous in smaller towns too. However, if you’re traveling in northern India, you can say "namaste" (I bow to you) with your hands together in a prayer-like gesture in front of your chest. Similarly, when meeting Muslims in north India, you can say "salaam alaikum" (peace be with you) – the correct response is "alaikum salaam." Most of the time, it’s the effort that’s welcomed over pronunciation, so don’t be shy!

Shaking hands is a standard business greeting between men, but outside metropolitan regions, men and women rarely shake. Only ever use your right hand. The same rule applies when passing things to people – including money.

If you get invited to someone’s home, bring a small gift (flowers or sweets are always a safe bet) and remove your shoes before entering. It’s polite to eat and drink what you are offered, even if you don’t really fancy it.

9. Dress modestly

Depending on where in India you are, modesty is taken seriously – especially for women. Travelers of any gender will have an easier time if they wear loose-fitting clothing that covers their legs and arms. Swimwear is only appropriate for the beach – although it is not uncommon to see locals swim fully clothed. To fit in, consider investing in a kurta pyjama (a traditional garment resembling a long shirt and loose trousers for men) or a salwar kameez (a long shirt, loose trousers and scarf for women).

10. What to eat and how to eat it

Many religions in India have their own dietary rules. Muslims avoid pork, many Hindus avoid beef, and some Hindus and Buddhists are vegetarian or vegan. Many Jains are vegetarians who avoid some vegetables (most notably onions, garlic and potatoes) and who try to avoid causing harm to all living creatures. These rules mean vegan and vegetarian food is often easy to find in India.

Eating with your hands is the norm in many restaurants, particularly in parts of southern India. Take your cue from other patrons in the restaurant, and remember to eat with your right hand. Mix rice and curry into balls with your fingers and push it into your mouth with your thumb. Some thalis (plate meals consisting of multiple dishes served in tandem) are served not on a plate but on a washed and flash-heated banana leaf.

11. Haggling is not a game of life and death

Haggling for a fair price when buying things – in street stalls and open-air markets – is a way of life in India. Although it can sometimes be a frustrating experience, losing your temper is extremely bad form – if you can’t agree on a price with the vendor that you are both happy with, politely decline and shop somewhere else.

The rules of the game are as follows. The vendor will quote you a price that is more than the item is worth, then you’ll come back with a counter-offer, working up from there until you reach a mutually agreeable figure.

The “walking away” trick may bring a few last-minute adjustments, but before long, you’ll reach a threshold that the vendor won’t go below. Throwing in extra items may bring a discount on the overall cost. Many travelers prefer not to haggle in places where the money goes directly to artisans.

12. Respect etiquette at religious sites

Religion is taken very seriously in India, so it pays to know the rules and expectations for visits to temples, mosques, monasteries, gurdwaras (Sikh shrines), synagogues and churches. Always check if you are allowed to enter – some temples and mosques are closed to people who don’t follow the faith. Mosques may also be closed to visitors during prayers or on Fridays.

If asked to do so, remove your shoes before entering any religious building, and be prepared to cover your head with a scarf or shawl. Generally, always cover your legs and arms (a sarong can be handy as an emergency cover-all). Some temples also ban leather goods, and many religious sites do not allow photography.

Avoid pointing the soles of your feet towards a person or deity – this is considered disrespectful. The same goes for touching any person or effigy on the head. It is conventional to walk around Buddhist and Hindu shrines in a clockwise direction, in a ceremonial circuit known as a parikrama .

Making an offering or leaving a donation is often expected – locals always offer something, but be wary of people waving receipts showing huge donations. Giving something is appropriate, but don’t feel pressured into leaving large sums.

13. Giving alms is common but up to you

The giving of alms has a long history in India, and foreigners can expect to be approached regularly with requests for money. Whether you give or not is a personal choice, but many Indians give on a daily basis, particularly when visiting temples and mosques. Be aware that some requests for money will be scams, and you may be able to do more good by giving your time or cash to charity or aid organizations you’ve taken time to research, rather than handing out cash.

14. Respect local social attitudes

India has complex social rules about respect for elders. Depending on where you are traveling to, older people are often greeted with the honorific “auntie” or “uncle,” and the ending ji may also be added to someone’s name as a sign of respect.

Outside bigger cities, India can be quite conservative when it comes to interactions between unmarried men and women. Also, most parts of India are conservative when it comes to same-sex relationships. Whatever your sexuality, it’s best to avoid public displays of affection.

15. Street harassment is unfortunately common

Although harassment can happen anywhere, parts of India are constantly in the news owing to a lack of women’s safety. Beyond long, unwelcome stares and persistent attempts to start a conversation, more serious assaults are also a risk. Groping is common in crowds (particularly during festivals).

Exercise caution like you would anywhere else, and remain alert. Never get into a taxi or auto rickshaw containing anyone other than the driver, and avoid walking alone in quiet areas, particularly at night. Decline offers of food or drinks from strangers.

If traveling by public transport as a woman, it's best to seek out train carriages and designated seating reserved for women. Wearing a wedding ring (even if not married) and using dark sunglasses and headphones can buy you some privacy on public transport. If you are being hassled, drawing loud attention to the intrusion may encourage others to come to your aid.

16. Keep track of security situations in India

India has seen deadly attacks by separatist and Marxist groups and Kashmiri insurgents. Monitor the local news and be alert for suspicious behavior, particularly around major tourist sites. Always check the security situation before traveling to Srinagar and the Kashmir Valley in case of flare-ups of unrest. Strikes, demonstrations and protests are also best avoided, as violence is a risk. It goes without saying but in the event of trouble, obey local curfews and stay inside – your hotel is probably the safest place to be.

17. Take the altitude seriously when hiking

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a risk when traveling above 2500m (8202ft), which covers most of the Indian Himalayas . AMS can be fatal, so always ascend slowly and take rest days to allow your body to acclimate to significant elevation changes. If you begin to feel ill while hiking in the mountains, stop, and if your symptoms don’t improve, descend immediately.

18. Familiarize yourself with local rules and regulations

India has a few laws and regulations that visitors might be unfamiliar with. For instance, taking photographs of bridges, the periphery of military camps and border crossings – or flying drones over them – is considered a serious security issue.

When traveling by plane internally in India, you may be asked to surrender batteries from devices in your cabin bags. Smoking is banned in most public places, and a few states also have bans on the consumption of beef – killing or injuring a cow in a road accident, even accidentally, can lead to violent reprisals.

To avoid sticky situations, take the time to research where you’re going, and talk to staff at your hotel or hostel or your B&B host for advice on things to be aware of.

19. Steer clear of drugs

India may have a reputation amongst travelers as a place to push boundaries, but its drug laws are strict. Possessing even small amounts of drugs for personal use can lead to a prison sentence.

Some religious groups are permitted to consume marijuana for ceremonial purposes, but that often doesn’t extend to tourists. You can, however, find bhaang – a marijuana mixture made with the leaves (rather than the bud) of the cannabis plant – at government-approved bhaang shops.

20. Avoid the tap water

The tap water in India is not potable. Drinking or brushing your teeth with it can be a fast track to stomach troubles – the most common illness tourists experience in India. Stick to purified or bottled water (or even better, purify your own to avoid contributing to India’s plastic waste mountain).

The water rule extends to ice (be wary of ice in drinks and ice cream) and to uncooked foods, particularly salads and dishes such as coriander chutneys, which may have been washed with contaminated water. When eating fruit, stick to things you can peel or wash thoroughly yourself, and be cautious of freshly prepared juices. Hot drinks are generally fine, so drink your fill of chai (milky tea, often spiced and sweet).

21. Watch local news to keep track of natural disasters

Some geographical areas in India are prone to natural disasters, and the risk is higher in certain seasons. Hilly areas of Himachal Pradesh, for instance, often see flash flooding and landslides during the monsoon. Be alert to signs of natural disasters and keep an eye on the local news so you know which areas to avoid. Follow the Indian Meteorological Department’s website as well as their social media handle for timely updates.

If you are caught up in a natural disaster, follow the advice of emergency workers and try to leave the area quickly.

22. Spot the scams

India has a reputation for scams designed to separate tourists from their money, and touts and confidence tricksters can often be found where tourists gather. Get tourist information and make bookings at official offices, rather than “tourist offices” you have been led to by people offering unsolicited help.

If anyone steers you to a hotel, shop or other establishment without you asking, they may be angling for a commission, which will be added to the price you pay. Be dubious of claims that the place you want to go is “closed” – always check yourself to be sure.

Exercise common sense and be wary of deals that sound too good to be true – for example, the gem scam, where travelers are tricked into buying worthless gems to “sell at a profit back home.”

This article was first published March 2022 and updated December 2023

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India’s Latest Guidelines on International Travel

This timeline summarizes the most recent developments in the rules and regulations governing international travel to and from India.

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February 2023

• From February 13, 11 AM , passengers coming to India from or via China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand will not require a negative RT-PCR report from a pre-departure test for COVID-19. Travelers from these five countries will no longer have to fill the self-health declaration form on the Air Suvidha portal either. The 2% random testing on arrival in India [from any country of origin] policy that was started December 24 last year, shall continue.

January 2023

• Reported by Times of India , all Indians traveling to Sri Lanka will have to follow the country’s revised COVID-19 protocols. Sri Lanka has announced that all tourists to the country will be required to carry their vaccination cards, and unvaccinated travelers must carry a negative PCR report obtained 72 hours prior to their arrival.

December 2022

December 29, 2022.

• On December 29, 2022, India’s Federal Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that RT-PCR test would be mandatory from January 1, 2023 for international passengers travelling to India from China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Thailand . The test must be conducted within 72 hours of undertaking the journey to India. 
• These negative RT-PCR reports must be uploaded on the Air Suvidha portal before travel.
• This requirement is in addition to the random two percent tests of all international passengers in all incoming international flights on their arrival in India irrespective of their port of departure.

December 28, 2022

Air India Express, India’s first international budget carrier that offers flights to the Middle East and Southeast Asia, has issued guidelines for the maintenance of Covid-appropriate behaviour by travellers travelling from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to India. The guidelines include:

• All passengers from UAE should preferably be completely immunised as per the approved primary schedule of Covid vaccination. 
• All visitors should preferably use masks and follow physical distancing on flights/travel and at all points of entry.
• Post-arrival random testing is not required for children under the age of 12. However, if they have Covid-related symptoms upon arrival, they have to undergo testing in accordance with protocol. 

December 26, 2022

• On December 24, 2022, Indian Health Ministry announced that international arrivals from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Thailand will have to mandatorily present RT-PCR test results . In case any passengers from these countries are symptomatic or test positive for Covid-19, they will be quarantined. 
• Economic Times reporting that Air Suvidha form filling to declare current health status will also be made compulsory for international passengers arriving from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Thailand.
• Times of India reporting that Qatar has reinstated visa-on-arrival (VOA) facility for Indian travellers , which were temporarily halted due to FIFA World Cup 2022 in the country. Indian nationals can get a free VOA in Qatar for a maximum stay of 30 days or as per the hotel reservation and under the following conditions: valid passport for at least six months, confirmed return tickets, and confirmed hotel reservation through ‘Discover Qatar’ website only.
• Times of India  reporting that effective from January 1, 2023 , Serbia has discontinued visa-free travel regulations for Indian citizens , keeping in line with the requirements of European Union (EU) visa policy and measures to control illegal migrants. 

December 23, 2022

New guidelines applicable for international arrivals from December 24, 2022: “All travelers should preferably be fully vaccinated as per the approved primary schedule of vaccination against COVID-19 in their Country.” See here for the official Ministry of Health and Family Welfare notification issued December 22.

India will randomly test 2 percent of international travelers arriving in the country’s airports for COVID, with effect from Saturday (December 24) 10 am IST , as announced by Mansukh Mandaviya, Health Minister on Thursday December 21. Travelers will be allowed to leave the airport after submitting their sample. After the random testing, if found COVID-positive, the person’s sample shall be sent for genomic testing at a designated INSACOG laboratory network; reports shall be hared with Integrated Disease Surveillance Program at [email protected] by the concerned testing laboratory (besides sharing with the airport health organization APHOS) to be in turn shared with concerned state or union territory for further follow-up action.

• India is becoming increasingly cautious after a surge in cases recorded in neighboring China as well as in Brazil, US, Japan, and Korea, besides it being the ongoing holiday and festive season, which witnesses a jump in travel. In another move, visitors to the Taj Mahal (Agra, Uttar Pradesh state), will undergo a COVID-19 test before they enter, as per reporting from news agency ANI. While wearing masks are not currently mandatory in most parts of the country, it will likely be increasingly encouraged. For example, the southern state of Karnataka has made wearing masks mandatory indoors and in closed spaces in guidelines released December 22.

December 14, 2022

• DNA  reporting a travel advisory issued due to the ongoing chaos at Delhi international airport: “To ensure a quick security check, Air India has urged all travelers to bring just one piece of carry-on luggage and arrive at least 3.5 hours early.”
• Times of India  reporting that Hong Kong and Nigeria are among the latest to remove COVID-19 travel rules for international travelers. 
• Business Today  reporting that IndiGo has announced 32 connecting flights between India and Europe – flying to Milan, Manchester, Birmingham, Rome, and Venice – starting December 7, 2022. These international flights will operate in partnership with Turkish Airlines.

November 2022

• Times of India  reporting that Germany is relaxing visa appointment rules for Indian tourists. According to German Missions in the country, Indian travelers can book their visa appointment at any VFS global Visa Application Centre in major Indian cities and the Schengen visa can be applied for three months before the travel date. However, this relaxation does not apply to the D-visa category – students, employment, and family reunion visas, among others.
• New Air India flights announced between India and US, Europe ( Business Traveller ): – Air India is launching new flights connecting Mumbai with New York, Paris, and Frankfurt, and resuming non-stop flights connecting Delhi with Copenhagen, Milan, and Vienna. The new daily Mumbai-New York service to John F Kennedy International Airport will commence February 14, 2023, which will take Air India’s India-US frequency to 47 non-stop flights per week. – The new Air India flights from Delhi to Europe announced are: four weekly Delhi-Milan from February 1, 2023 and three weekly flights each on the Delhi-Vienna and Delhi-Copenhagen routes starting February 18 and March 1, 2023, respectively. – From Mumbai, new Air India flights are currently being planned to Paris* (thrice-weekly) and Frankfurt* (four weekly) from the next quarter. 
• India is discontinuing the Air Suvidha self-declaration form starting November 22, 2022. Passengers flying into India will no longer need to fill out the Air Suvidha form from November 21-22 midnight and will not need to take an RT-PCR COVID-19 test.

On November 14, the Canada  government concluded an expanded Canada-India Air Transport Agreement “to allow unlimited flights between both countries”. The announcement said: “The expanded agreement allows designated airlines to operate an unlimited number of flights between the two countries. The previous agreement limited each country to 35 flights per week. The new rights under the expanded agreement are available for use by airlines immediately. Money Control reports that this will give Canadian airlines access to the Indian cities of Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai while Indian airlines will receive access to Toronto, Edmonton, Montreal, and Vancouver as well as two additional points (Canadian cities) selected by India. India is Canada’s fourth largest international air transport market and there are an estimated 1.5 million Indians living in Canada. Presently the only non-stop direct flights in this market are from Air India and Air Canada.

October 2022

The Financial Express  reports plans of Air India to add 20 weekly, non-stop flights to the US and UK between October and December. “With five additional flights a week to Birmingham, nine additional flights to London, and six additional flights a week to San Francisco, Air India said it will be able to offer over 5,000 additional seats every week.” Soon there will be seven Indian cities offering direct Air India flights to London.

September 2022

• No new updates were made to the “Risk Levels” and “Safety and Security” sections of the Canadian government’s travel advisory for India: The Hindu report .
• Hong Kong is lifting compulsory quarantine requirement for arrivals starting from September 26. There will be three days of medical surveillance during which inbound persons are free to go out but are obliged to comply with Amber Code restrictions under the Vaccine Pass, followed by a four-day self-monitoring period, making it a 7-day observation period in total, as per the Hong Kong government’s notification .
• Taiwan will end mandatory quarantine for travelers arriving in the country from October 13 as per reporting from Reuters . Speaking to the media, Taiwan’s Cabinet spokesperson Lo Ping-cheng stated that from September 29, visa-free entry will be resumed for overseas travelers that previously enjoyed that status. Under its ‘New Taiwan Model’, the government is set to increase weekly arrival limits for international travelers to 60,000 from 10,000 and will not require PCR tests for arrivals. If the pandemic situation is stable, the country will end quarantine from around October 13 and increase the weekly arrival limit to 150,000.
• Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced travel relaxations in Japan while in New York for the UN General Assemebly session. “… from 11 October, Japan will relax border control measures to be on par with the US, as well as resume visa-free travel and individual travel.”  BBC  reports that the cap on daily arrivals will also be lifted.
• Fiji removed its COVID-19 test requirements for international travelers from September 5, 2022.
• Media is reporting that Indians traveling to Indonesia can fast track their visa applications on arriving in Jakarta as VFS Global has reached an exclusive agreement with the Indonesian Immigrant Department.
• See India’s guidelines for international arrivals – dated September 2, 2022 – which came in effect the next day. The document provides protocols to be complied by international travelers as well as those to be followed by airlines and all points of entry (airports, seaports, and land border). 
• International flights resumed operations starting September 3, in Guwahati’s (Assam state) Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBIA), after a gap of two years. In the next few months, officials speaking to the  Hindustan Times said that the LGBIA airport will start flights from Guwahati to Yangon (Myanmar), Kathmandu (Nepal), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Hanoi (Vietnam), and Bangkok (Thailand).

January – August, 2022

• Airlines and travel agents in India have to share details of international travelers with the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBIC) 24 hours before departure and arrival. The information will be provided to the National Customs Targeting Centre-Passenger (NCTC). While this rule had been proposed five years ago, to combat tax avoidance and tax evasion, the government has only now developed a regulatory framework to implement this. India is among 60 countries collecting such details of international passengers. The Ministry of Finance issued the notification on August 8, 2022, as per media reports .
• China no longer requires COVID test information for international arrivals from August 31, 2022 : On Thursday, August 25, 2022, China’s General Administration of Customs released  a new health declaration form for international arrivals, which removes the requirement for visitors to report their nucleic acid test results, infection status, and vaccination dates. This ninth version of the health declaration form will be implemented starting from August 31, 2022, and international visitors can report their health status online by filling out a form on the related WeChat account or webpage. Some  media  interpret that with this update, the current entry requirement, that is, the requirement to have international passengers take two PCR tests for COVID-19 within 48 hours of their departure, the second of which must be within 24 hours of their departure — will be lifted.  However, considering that China is still sticking to its dynamic zero-COVID strategy, we recommend that international travelers double-check with their flight companies for further information.
• The Chinese Embassy in India has updated its “ Application Procedures and Material Requirements of China Visa “, to be implemented from August 24, 2022. See here for the list of requirements and procedures for various types of Chinese visas, including the M-Visa (commercial and trade activities) and the X1-Visa (long-term study): http://in.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/lsfw/qz/202208/t20220822_10748221.htm 
• The  Business Standard  noted in a report that China was working to facilitate the return of foreign students, including from India, who have been stuck due to the COVID-19 visa restriction. The paper quoted Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin who told media that the Chinese side were working intensively for the return of foreign students to China. In updated comments on the foreign ministry website, Wenbin said: “We are confident in seeing the return of the first group of Indian students in the near future. Building on that, the Chinese side will further proceed with the return of other Indian students in a well thought-out and orderly manner.”
• India’s domestic air fare caps will end from August 31, as the civil aviation regulator DGCA rolls back restrictions imposed in 2020. This minimum to maximum price band had been introduced to avoid sky high ticket prices due to pent up demand in the domestic travel market. 
• India’s passport offers visa-free access to 60 countries , including Bhutan, Nepal, Macao, Oman, Qatar, and Fiji. According to the latest Henley Passport Index, published by immigration consultancy Henley & Partners, India’s passport ranked 87th. India had ranked 90th in Q3 and Q4 in 2021. The latest index is topped by Japan, whose passport offers visa-free access to 193 countries, followed by South Korea and Singapore (at 192 countries each), and Germany and Spain (190). As per reporting by the Hindustan Times: Indians have ‘visa-on-arrival’ access in Thailand, Indonesia, Maldives, and Sri Lanka as well as 21 countries in Africa.
• Speaking at the World Economic Forum on Tuesday, the Chinese Premier, Li Keqiang, promised to relax restrictions on international travel in an “orderly” way , which would include facilitating the return of foreign students to rejoin Chinese colleges. Around 500,000 foreign students are enrolled at universities in China, including 23,000 Indians. Li said: “All international students may return to China to continue their studies should they so wish, and outbound commerce and trade activities and cross-border travel for labor services will be advanced in an orderly fashion.” The comments were made during a Special Virtual Dialogue with Global Business Leaders hosted by the forum. Foreign diplomatic missions in China are presently trying to speed up the process to facilitate the return of international students to China. While this is now in a small-scale trial mode, any large-scale opening can be expected only when the country’s epidemic outbreaks slow down.
• Competent authorities in China and India are communicating on securing the resumption of flights and to bring back the first group of Indian students to China at the earliest as reported in  The Economic Times.
• Bhutan is allowing travelers into the country from September 23, 2022 – after a two-year gap. Tourists from India should note the levy of a sustainable development fee (SDF), charged at 1,200 ngultrums (approx. INR 1200) per day; children between the age of six and 12 are charged INR 600 per day and no fee is charged from children below the age of five. The SDF fee is not applicable everywhere – there are exemptions to the levy in 11 districts in the less popular Eastern Bhutan region, until December 2024. 
• India is working to roll out e-passports as per its external affairs minister S. Jaishankar. The minister also informed that the Passport Seva System had been integrated with the DigiLocker system to facilitate paperless documentation. Jaishankar added: “The Ministry in collaboration with the Department of Posts operationalized 428 Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) to reach out to our citizens at their doorsteps. The Ministry has successfully integrated the passport issuance systems in 178 of our Embassies and Consulates abroad.” 
• Saudi Arabia has lifted COVID-related travel restrictions on citizens travelling to India, Ethiopia, Turkey, and Vietnam and is accepting pilgrims for the forthcoming annual Hajj season, The Hindu  reports June 20, 2022. The requirement to wear face masks in closed places has also been relaxed.
• China has updated its visa policy for Indians , including Indian professionals and students. China will accept visa applications of foreign nationals and their accompanying family members seeking to return to China for resumption of work in all fields. Visas for tourism and private purposes remain suspended. The details of over 12,000 Indian students have reportedly been forwarded to the Chinese government for visa processing. (Over 23,000 Indian students – mostly enrolled in medical colleges in China – had to return to India and were stuck during the last few years due to the coronavirus pandemic, which first broke out December 2019.) However, China is yet to announce resumption of normal flight facilities between the two countries.
• The US does not require arriving international travelers to take a COVID-19 test within a day before boarding their flights to the country from June 12, Sunday. “As of 12:01AM ET on June 12, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will no longer require air passengers traveling from a foreign country to the United States to show a negative COVID-19 viral test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board their flight. For more information, see Rescission: Requirement for Negative Pre-Departure COVID-19 Test Result or Documentation of Recovery from COVID-19 for all Airline or Other Aircraft Passengers Arriving into the United States from Any Foreign Country .”
• Media reports say the DGCA has made masks mandatory at Indian airports and during flights. India recorded 7,240 new cases in 24 hours [ June 9 MoHFW update], the highest since March.
• On Wednesday, June 8, India’s aviation regulator DGCA announced fresh guidelines for COVID-appropriate behavior. The wearing of masks is now mandatory inside the flight / throughout the air travel , and mask removal is permitted only under exceptional circumstances. Violators could be treated as ‘unruly passengers’ and removed from the flight before departure. This is in line with a Delhi High Court order, which stipulates that violators can be put on ‘no fly list’. 
• India’s  overall passenger traffic  (both domestic and international) at airports reached 93 percent of pre-COVID levels in May 2022. International passenger traffic reached 63 percent and 72 percent of pre-COVID levels in April and May, respectively. Recovery of domestic travel reached 98 percent of pre-COVID levels in May 2022.
• Turkey has relaxed all the conditions for Indian travelers entering the country, Turkiye Tourism Board said on Monday, June 6.​​ Now, Indian travelers no longer have to show proof of vaccination or proof of recovery from COVID-29 or negative RT-PCR test report.
• The United States Embassy in India has tweeted (8.23pm, May 29): “The US Mission to India is pleased to announce that we are resuming routine in-person tourist visa appointments in September 2022. Previously scheduled placeholders have now been cancelled. Applicants whose placeholder appointments were cancelled may now reenter the scheduling system to book regular appointments. Appointments have been opened through 2023.”
• Media reports say that Israel has removed COVID-19-linked travel requirements for foreign visitors, such as presenting a negative RT-PCR test prior to departure, undergoing an RT-PCR test upon arrival, and quarantine observation.
• Livemint reports: “Malaysia Airlines will add new routes, increase frequencies and upgrade aircraft to cater to the Indian market, which remains a key geography for the airline.”
• Saudi Arabia has banned its citizens from travelling to sixteen countries, including India, Indonesia, and Vietnam, after the Gulf state has recorded a five-fold rise in COVID-19 cases. News18 reports : “Saudi Arabia’s General Department of Passports dropped several Covid-19 restrictions towards the end of last year but are now reimposing some of them as Covid-19 cases are being reported from various parts of the world and China and North Korea bearing the brunt of the Omicron variant which is leading to fresh cases.”
• Indian announced on May 12 that citizens planning to travel abroad are now eligible to get a third (booster/precaution) dose of vaccine three months after their second dose. The rules otherwise stipulate a nine-month gap between the second dose and booster shot. 
• Scoot, the budget airline from Singapore Airlines Group, has launched daily flight services between Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) and Singapore, up from three times a week. As per reporting by The Hindu  [April 27, 2022], Scoot has a network of 42 destinations in 16 countries and territories, including Australia and Southeast Asia.
• VietJet has announced that it will resume operations of six flights – on the Delhi-Hanoi route and Delhi-Ho Chi Minh City route from April 29, 2022. New flights have also been added by VietJet on the Mumbai-Phu Quoc route and New Delhi-Phu Quoc route, which are scheduled to start from September 9, 2022.
• Hong Kong has banned Air India flights till April 24 due to COVID-19 as three passengers on board one of its flights had reportedly tested positive on arrival.
• On April 11,  Times of India  reported that fully vaccinated passengers from the UAE traveling to India will not necessarily require a pre-departure RT-PCR test at the airport. The move is on a reciprocity basis. However, UAE travelers will need to fill out the passenger locator form on the Air Suvidha portal – same as travelers from any other destination visiting India. Also, travelers need to upload their COVID-19 vaccination certificate onto the Air Suvidha portal.
• Scheduled international flight services have resumed from Sunday, March 27, 2022 after being suspended for two years due to COVID-19. Starting March 27, six Indian airlines and 60 foreign airlines will connect India with 63 countries . Under the new summer schedule (March 27 to October 29), foreign airlines will operate 1,783 weekly flights and Indian carriers will operate 1,466 departures every week. Among domestic airlines, IndiGo will operate 505 departures per week, followed by Tata Group-owned Air India at 361 weekly flights and its subsidiary Air India Express will operate 340 flights per week.
• From the  Indian Express : More international airlines add flights to India : “Emirates said… it will be operating the 35 weekly flights from Mumbai, 28 from Delhi, 24 from Bengaluru, 21 each from Chennai and Hyderabad, 14 from Kochi, 11 from Kolkata, nine from Ahmedabad and seven from Thiruvananthapuram.”
• On March 21, 2022, Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced  that from April 1, the Government will lift the flight ban on nine countries (i.e., Australia, Canada, France, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, the UK, the USA, and Nepal)  and cut the hotel quarantine period for arrivals. Currently, passenger aircraft from these nine countries are not allowed to land in Hong Kong. The Chief Executive also announced the preconditions for boarding a flight to Hong Kong and the COVID-19 control and prevention measures to be implemented upon arrival. Given this, there are  comments  saying that traveling to Hong Kong will not get much easier even after the ban is lifted. Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. plans just one inbound flight every two weeks for fear to be subjected to the city’s 14-day ban on airlines that carry too many passengers found to be infected with COVID-19.
• Singapore announced it is lifting restrictions for all vaccinated travelers from next week. According to officials, from April 1, fully vaccinated adults and unvaccinated children will be allowed to enter Singapore without quarantining, if they take a pre-departure test . Only travelers on a ‘restricted list’ will face curbs in entering Singapore; as of March 24, 2022 – there are no countries on this list.
• On March 21, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) announced relaxed COVID-19-related regulations. NDTV reports MoCA saying “cabin crew members need not wear PPE kit, airlines need not keep three seats vacant on international flights for medical emergencies and security personnel at airports can resume pat-down search of passengers.” However, the use of face mask and maintenance of hand hygiene/sanitizer continues to be mandatory . Airlines may carry additional PPE protective gear, sanitizers, and N-95 masks to handle any respiratory infections related to cases on air – for passengers as well as the crew.
• Cochin International Airport announces summer schedule (March 27 to October 29) with 1,190 weekly operations (international and domestic flights). 20 airlines will operate flights to destinations abroad (including 16 international carriers). Indigo has the most weekly departures to international destinations (42) and Air India Express accounts for 38 weekly departure operations. Other prominent carriers are Air Asia Berhad, Ethihad, Emirates, Oman Air, Qatar Air, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Thai Airways, Sri Lankan Airlines, Gulf Air, and Fly Dubai. 44 weekly departures are scheduled for Dubai, followed by Abu Dhabi with 42. Air India Express will continue its weekly operations to London and Thai Air Asia will resume Kochi operations in June, with 4 weekly direct flights to Bangkok. Source:  The Hindu Business Line
• Useful Quick Links from the Air India portal: – Official Circular on Restoration of Indian Visa (E-Tourist Visa and Tourist Visa) for Foreign Tourists   – Circular For Generating and Accessing International Digital Covid 19 Vaccination Certificate – International Travel Advisories
• Singapore Airlines Group press release: All Singapore Airlines flights from India to Singapore will operate as vaccinated travel lane (VTL) services from March 16, 2022. This will provide eligible customers with quarantine-free entry into Singapore from eight points across India. Scoot, SIA’s low-cost subsidiary, will also progressively convert its non-VTL services from Amritsar, Coimbatore, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchi, and Visakhapatnam to VTL services. Short-term visitors and Singapore work-permit holders who seek to avail VTL services must apply for a Vaccinated Travel Pass (VTP) prior to their visa application. VTP applications should be made between three and 60 calendar days before the person’s intended date of entry into Singapore. Travelers must ensure their eligibility to use the VTL services before their flight. 
• Regular international flights to resume March 27, 2022 after two years suspension. This is the start of the summer schedule 2022.
• Economic Times reporting “ Global travel shedding Covid baggage as several nations ease restrictions for Indians “. 
• India has once again extended its ban on regular commercial international passenger flights – until further orders – as per a circular dated February 28, 2022 issued by the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Flights under air bubble arrangements and international cargo flights will continue.
• On February 28, 2022 , the Indian government updated its “ List of Countries/Regions in respect of which primary vaccination schedule completion certificate is allowed to be uploaded ” on the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website: see document here . There are 88 countries now on this list . (The Union health ministry has removed the at-risk categorization of countries.) 
• India and Thailand have finalized an air bubble arrangement, bringing the total number of such bilateral flight agreements to 37. Airline carriers between India and Thailand will begin operating flights starting in March, which will be subject to approval from the government. Thai Airways will commence flights between India and Thailand starting March 1 under this air bubble. Travelers should note the health protocols and the respective schedules of approved flights between Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Bangkok. Meanwhile, on February 25, SpiceJet announced it will launch six new international flights to Bangkok, commencing from March 10 in a phased manner. SpiceJet plans to launch flights connecting Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata with Bangkok. India reportedly has plans to reopen its regular international travel from March 15, but this is still a tentative date.
• Singapore, UAE, and Kuwait have updated their travel guidelines and COVID-prevention protocols for travelers from India. See here to know more.
• The Airport Authority of India has updated its state-wise guidelines for arriving passengers – by region. The PDF links may be accessed here: COVID Guidelines India Northern Region 14-02-2022 COVID Guidelines India Western Region 21.02.2022 COVID Guidelines India Southern Region 22-02-20212 COVID Guidelines India Eastern Region 18-02-2022 COVID Guidelines India North East Region 17-02-2022
• Dubai ends rapid RT-PCR rules for Indian travelers. Under the new rules , travelers from India have to produce a negative COVID-19 test certificate issued by an approved health service provider and generated 48 hours before scheduled departure of the flight. Passengers will undergo a PCR test upon arrival in Dubai. Transit passengers will be expected to follow rules governing entry at their final destination.
• It is being reported in The Economic Times that the aviation ministry has requested approval from the health ministry to allow resumption of international flights from mid-March. Reason cited by unnamed government source is that domestic traffic has rebounded.
• The government has removed restrictions on the number of flights that can be operated between India and Ukraine under their bilateral air bubble arrangement to facilitate travel of Indians from the eastern European country. India has advised its citizens to temporarily leave Ukraine amid its deteriorating relations with Russia.
• Indian media are reporting that the government is soon to make a decision on whether regular international flights can resume in the summer (March/April). It is being reported by The Economic Times that the aviation ministry has set an internal target of resuming international flight services once domestic airlines capacity touches 80% of pre-COVID flights. (Domestic airlines operated over 2,800 flights before the pandemic struck in 2020; as of February 13, they operated 2,058 flights. To reach the 80% mark, this number has to exceed 2,200.)
• No testing or mandatory quarantine required for international travelers from February 14, 2022: On February 10, India revised guidelines for international arrivals, which will come into effect February 14, 2022 (Monday, 00.01 Hrs IST). The new guidelines remove the category of ‘at risk’ countries and has scrapped the seven-day mandatory quarantine. Instead, India’s health authorities recommend self-monitoring of 14 days for symptoms . The Union Health Ministry stated that there is “need to monitor the continuously changing” COVID-19 virus but accepted that “economic activities need to be taken up in an unhindered manner”. As per the latest guidelines, all foreign arrivals have to fill a self-declaration form online (Air Suvidha web portal), including a travel history of the past 14 days. They must also upload a negative RT-PCR test conducted within 72 hours of the departure date. Alternatively, they can upload a certificate confirming that they are fully vaccinated. This alternative option is only available for passengers arriving from the 72 countries whose vaccination program are recognized by the Indian government. They include Canada, Hong Kong, USA, UK, Bahrain, Qatar, Australia, New Zealand, and some European countries. See here for the official notification on the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare portal.
• Australia will reopen its borders for international tourists from February 21 , subject to conditions. The move comes after almost two years of pandemic-linked travel restrictions. Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison said while making the announcement: “The condition is you must be double vaccinated to come to Australia. That’s the rule. Everyone is expected to abide by it.” However, travelers to Australia should note the state-wise rules and restrictions.
• Vietnam reported to reopen for tourism, welcome foreign travelers from March 15, 2022. See here for information pertaining to travel to Vietnam .
• On February 5, Bali reopened its borders for international travelers and resumed direct international flights. See here for information on travel to Indonesia .
• On February 4, the state of Kerala released revised guidelines for international travelers. ( See here for the official notification by the Kerala government.) Any international traveler coming to Kerala, irrespective of their duration of stay, must undergo symptom surveillance. If they are found symptomatic, they must undertake an RT-PCR test at cost at the airport and take further action as per the test results. The revised rules advise home quarantine for international travelers who do not show symptoms; they must self-monitor their health for 7 days from the date of arrival and undergo testing if they develop symptoms. Rapid Antigen Test is advised on the 8th day after arrival. There will be random testing of 2% of international travelers on the flight, irrespective of the country of departure, and the costs will be borne by the Kerala state government. 
• Singapore Airlines has restarted the vaccinated travel lane (VTL) with India. VTL flights allow quarantine-free travel into Singapore. There are VTL flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai into Singapore. (Singapore has also restarted its vaccinated travel lane with Malaysia.) Passengers should note that there are limited flights and reduced seat quota on these routes.
• The West Bengal state government announced on January 31, that it is rolling back its ban on all international direct flights coming from the United Kingdom to Kolkata.
• Indians who are fully vaccinated can reportedly travel to these seven countries: UK, Thailand, Singapore, Cyprus, Vietnam, Israel, and Saint Lucia in the Caribbean.
• Canada has relaxed COVID-19 testing requirements for travelers from India, starting January 28, 2022. People traveling on direct flights or on a one-stop flight from India do not have to show a negative RT-PCR test done at the Delhi airport within 18 hours of their departure. However, Canada still requires travelers from India to show an RT-PCR test report from an ICMR-approved lab . Fully vaccinated travelers must upload their relevant details onto the ArriveCAN app or website. 
• India’s Ministry of External Affairs – Guidelines for International Arrivals – Quick Access to Documents: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/GuidelinesforInternationalarrivalsupdatedon10thFebruary2022.pdf 
• India has extended the ban on scheduled international commercial flights to 23:59 February 28, 2022: Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This ban does not apply to international all-cargo operations and the DGCA-approved flights. The notification was released by the DGCA on January 19, 2022.
• Hong Kong bars flights from India, U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, France, Pakistan, and Philippines over Omicron fears, reports The Hindu (Jan.5, 2022).
• Countries reported to be requiring mandatory vaccine booster shots for travelers include Kuwait, Netherlands, Switzerland, France, Croatia, Austria, Greece, and Israel. 
• Gulf News is reporting that India is currently making a “day to day” assessment on the resumption of normal international flights. “One has to balance the concerns of public safety and travel,” said Rakesh Kumar Verma, Additional Secretary, Tourism, Government of India. “We will take very expeditious action as and when things improve and the assessment is carried out. I’m hopeful that [full] international travel will resume soon.”
• Starting January 1, 2022, India’s air bubble arrangement with Saudi Arabia will be in effect. 
• India has reached an air bubble agreement with Australia. According to reporting from Livemint : “Australian airline Qantas has recently started flights between Sydney and New Delhi. The airline is also set to start flights between New Delhi and Melbourne before Christmas. Air India also operated direct commercial flights connecting New Delhi with Melbourne and Sydney before scheduled international flights were suspended by the Indian government. Air India flights between India and Australia will resume in coming days, said a senior official with the airline.”
• As of December 7, 2021 , India’s Civil Aviation and Health Ministry has made contactless self-declaration at Air Suvidha Portal mandatory for purpose of contact tracing. Exemption forms from the Air Suvidha portal has been discontinued. All international passengers arriving in India must fill in all the details.
• 108 countries recognize India’s COVID-19 vaccination certificate for travel purpose as per data available on December 6, 2021 .

Commercial international flights were suspended in India since March 25, 2020 due to the coronavirus outbreak. Travel restrictions have begun to be gradually relaxed from October 2021.

Below we highlight the latest guidelines for international travel to and from India.

Latest updates

Status of india’s international air operations.

• On March 8, an order from the government confirmed resumption of regular international flights from March 27, 2022 . “After being recognized the increase of vaccination coverage across the globe and in consultation with the stakeholders, the government of India has decided to resume scheduled commercial international passenger services to/from India from March 27, 2022, ie [that is] start of the summer schedule 2022,” said the order. India had suspended international flights for the first time in March 2020 and began operating air bubble arrangements since July 2020. 
• As of February 28, 2022, India has extended its suspension of scheduled international flights “till further orders”. 
• India rolled back its intention to resume normal international flight schedules from December due to the emergence of the Omicron COVID variant. On December 9, 2021, the civil aviation regulator announced announced the postponement of international scheduled commercial flights till February 28, 2022. Air bubble and evacuation flights schedules, approved flights, and air cargo will function.

India releases periodic guidelines for international passengers coming into India based on the trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic and emergence of regional variants and their threat assessment. The latest travel guidelines for international arrivals to India were released on February 10, 2022 (and supersede previous notifications): https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/GuidelinesforInternationalarrivalsupdatedon10thFebruary2022.pdf

• The Air Suvidha portal for submission of Self Declaration Form, which is mandatory: https://www.newdelhiairport.in/airsuvidha/apho-registration 

For evacuation flight schedule Phase 14 (October 1, 2021 to March 26, 2022), see Air India Vande Bharat Mission here (download PDF): https://www.airindia.in/images/pdf/VBM-schedule-dtd-30sep2021-PHASE14.pdf . The evacuation mission has been in place since May 7, 2020. For destinations operated under air bubble arrangement Phase 13 ( September 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021), click here for PDF download .

• As of April 15, 2021, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has restored electronic visa (e-visa) facility for foreigners from 156 countries. The e-visa facility is applicable for international tourists who wish to visit India for conferences, medical purposes, or business. The e-visa also extends to medical attendants.

Air Transport Bubbles

India has also established “Transport Bubbles” or “Air Travel Arrangements”, which are temporary arrangements between two countries aimed at restarting commercial passenger services when regular international flights are suspended as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. They are reciprocal in nature, meaning airlines from both countries enjoy similar benefits.

The details of such arrangements were last updated in February 2022.

India now has 37 air bubble arrangements in place: Afghanistan, Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Canada, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Iraq, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Ukraine, UAE, UK, USA, and Uzbekistan.

More details can be seen on the government website here: https://www.civilaviation.gov.in/en/about-air-transport-bubbles 

• Full service carrier Vistara has started non-stop flight services to Paris from Delhi under the air bubble agreement between India and Europe, according to reporting from The Economic Times . Under the air bubble pact, Vistara’s Boeing 787-9 (Dreamliner) aircraft will fly twice a week between Delhi and Paris – on Wednesday and Sunday. London, Frankfurt, Dubai, Doha, Sharjah, and Male are the other international destinations covered by Vistara, which is a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines.
• The US will be lifting travel restrictions on foreign countries from November 8, Monday. Travelers must show proof of vaccination (WHO-approved vaccines); unvaccinated minors will be subject to testing requirements; and all travelers will need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test 72 hours before departure to the US. See here for Reuters coverage of the changing rules.
• Air India will offer non-stop flights between Delhi and Sydney starting November 15, 2021. Air India will operate the thrice-a-week service on the Delhi-Sydney-Delhi route under the Vande Bharat Mission. Australia has also formally recognized Covaxin, India’s COVID-19 vaccine.
• India’s new visa norms stipulate that visas will be granted to foreigners only if they use water and air routes, not land routes. The Ministry of Home Affairs has allowed the gradual resumption of international travel to start from October 15, 2021 and tourist and e-visas will be issued for only a single entry per month. From November 15, all individual foreign nationals (on fresh tourist visas) will be allowed to enter India after observing prevailing COVID-19 protocols as notified by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. 
• The Union Home Ministry announced on Thursday that India will allow foreign tourists traveling by chartered flights (Vande Bharat and air bubble flights) from October 15, rest from November 15, 2021. Foreigner tourists will be allowed to come in on non-charter flights from November 15 unless the extended restrictions on scheduled flights is substantially lifted. See the Home Ministry’s press briefing here  and reporting by the Economic Times here .
• The Hindustan Times reporting on October 2 : “Australia’s visiting trade and tourism minister Dan Tehan said foreign students will be able to start “returning towards the end of this year and the beginning of next year”, ahead of the start of the first semester in February-March 2022. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia listed Covishield and China’s Coronavac (Sinovac) as “recognised vaccines” after an initial assessment of data on protection offered by the two jabs.”
• CoWin, India’s digital platform for COVID-19 vaccination, is allowing travelers to download an international version of their COVID-19 vaccine certificate, which is compliant with WHO’s international travel guidelines. This feature went live on September 30, 2021, and allows fully vaccinated individuals to update their existing photo identity to passport number and date of birth to get their International Travel Certificate. See website: https://www.cowin.gov.in/
• The Indian Bureau of Immigration noted the specific categories of foreign nationals who are permitted to enter India by water routes or by flights, including those under the Vande Bharat Mission, or ‘Air Bubble’ (Bilateral Air Travel Arrangements) Scheme, or by any non-scheduled commercial flights as allowed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in its notice MHA O.M. No.25022/24/2020-F.V/F.I dated October 21, 2020. See here for reference.
• Air India has said it will run direct services between Muscat and Vijayawada “once a week or thrice from the first week of July”. The Vijayawada International Airport resumed international flights to Gulf destinations, such as Dubai, Kuwait, Muscat in June, to Singapore in April.
• Budget carrier Air India Express will operate a total of 64 flights between Malaysia and India in July under Vande Bharat Mission. More below.
• Foreign nationals who wish to travel to India for medical treatment can apply for a fresh visa under this category and choose one attendant to accompany them as per the visa category provisions (that is, if the original applicant has their medical visa approved).
• On October 8, 2020, India’s civil aviation authority said the future of international flights will depend on the availability of a vaccine, hinting at the extension of air travel bubble arrangements into March-April next year.
• Low-cost carrier SpiceJet announces its new flight operations connecting Delhi and Mumbai with London, starting December 4, which will come under the India-UK air bubble agreement.
• New standard operating protocol announced August 22, 2020 for non-scheduled commercial flights under the repatriation scheme, Vande Bharat Mission, and Air Transport Bubble Agreements.

(Note: This article was originally published on August 4, 2020 and last updated on February 10, 2023.)

India Briefing  is produced by  Dezan Shira & Associates . The firm assists foreign investors throughout Asia from offices across the world, including in  Delhi  and  Mumbai . Readers may write to   [email protected]  for business support in India.

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India’s Current Guidelines for International Arrivals from High-risk and Non-risk Countries

The current guidelines for inbound international travelers to India took effect on 1 January 2023 . With six countries having been classified as high-risk, travelers even from non-risk countries are looking to know India’s entry regulations in view of COVID resurgence in some parts of the globe. Currently, China, Singapore, Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong have been identified as high-risk countries.  

Are you traveling to India from or through a high-risk country? If yes, you are required to take an RT-PCR test within 72 hours before your international departure and upload the negative report on the Air Suvidha portal. You will be able to travel only if you are COVID negative. Asymptomatic children under 12 years of age are exempted from pre-departure testing.         

Are you traveling to India from a non-risk country like the United States? If yes, you’re good to travel to India. Neither pre-departure RT-PCR testing nor Air Suvidha applies to your travel on nonstop flights to India from USA , or one/two-stop flights to India with transit in a non-risk country. However, the government of India recommends you should be fully-vaccinated and carry your vaccination proof.

Air Suvidha for International Travel to India

After 40 days of being eliminated with effect from 21 November 2022, the Air Suvidha portal has been reinstated for travelers coming from or transiting in the high-risk countries . Whether you need to fill out an Air Suvidha form online or not, it depends on your travel origin and international transit. Is Air Suvidha mandatory for your US to India travel? Yes if your itinerary has international transit in any of the high-risk countries: Singapore, Japan, China, Thailand, South Korea, and Hong Kong. We recommend checking our Air Suvidha guide for up-to-date information on how to fill out a self-declaration form and what information to provide, if there is high-risk international transit in your itinerary.

Post-arrival procedure at Indian airports

The current post-arrival procedure for international arrivals at Indian airports is much less rigorous than that during the pandemic. All passengers of international flights to India are obligated to undergo a body temperature check (thermal screening) upon arrival, and only 2% of them are subject to post-arrival random COVID-19 testing . If you are in the 2%, your swab samples will be collected for random testing. You can leave the airport or take a connecting flight for onward domestic travel. Only asymptomatic children younger than 12 years are exempted from random testing in India.

‘What if my sample collected for random testing is found positive?’ Your swab sample will be sent for genomic testing at a government-affiliated laboratory. The test result will be communicated to you, and you will have to follow the standard protocol. ‘What if thermal screening detects COVID-19 symptoms in me?’ You will be isolated and tested at a designated medical facility at or outside the airport.

What is India’s post-arrival procedure for travelers from high-risk countries? The aforementioned post-arrival guidelines equally apply to travelers arriving in India from or through the high-risk countries. Besides, their pre-departure RT-PCR test report and the self-declaration form submitted on the Air Suvidha portal will be strictly verified on arrival in India.

Are you looking for cheap flight tickets for USA-India round trips this spring or summer? Indian Eagle has the best fare deals from Air India and other major airlines. You can conveniently book your travel online or call us at 01-800-615-3969 (24/7). 

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114 thoughts on “ india’s current guidelines for international arrivals from high-risk and non-risk countries ”.

I have a Visa that expires in 2027.. Will I be able to fly into India from the U.S. with this visa? How long am I able to stay? I have a family there that I stay with each time I come… I am vaccinated with Moderna. I need to know what I have to do to come for a visit with them…

Hi Team I will be travelling from Sharjah to Mumbai as final destination next week do I need to under go PCR test on arrival? As per above article UAE is exempted from pcr on Arrival can you please clarify my dought

Hi Maria! Mumbai Airport does still follows the guidelines issued by the government of Maharashtra earlier. Therefore, you will have to take a self-paid RT-PCR test on arrival and undergo 14-day home quarantine.

Do you have information if passengers (from countries at risk) still after 25th October have to wait for the result of the PCR test before being allowed to take a connecting flight.

Hi Swati! In our knowledge, travelers from the countries at risk don’t have to wait for the result of the test taken on arrival.

When is India going to address the issue of people who already have multi-entry visas… My visa don’t expire til 2027.. AM I going to be able to use this visa to come to India in December 2021? India needs to put out clear instructions as to what we are suppose to do to come for visit. I AM Vaccinated and just got my 3rd shot (a booster) I am USA Citizen. I need to know what to do… I would be flying from USA to Delhi

I found this on the Consulate of General India (this is the consulate in Houston, Texas)

The Government of India has decided to issue fresh tourist visas with effect from 15 October, 2021 for group tourism and from 15 November, 2021 for individual tourist travel. It may be noted that existing valid e-Tourist Visa/regular paper Tourist Visa, issued before 6 October 2021, will continue to remain suspended and travel on such visas is not permitted. Since individual travel on fresh tourist visa is allowed only from 15 November, applicants are advised not to send their application to the Consulate before 10 November, 2021. A Single Entry e-Tourist Visa/regular paper Tourist Visa valid for a stay of up to 30 days will be issued, which will have to be utilized within a period of 120 days from the date of issue. This visa will be issued on a gratis basis for a limited time once to each applicant. It may be noted that existing valid e-Tourist Visa/regular paper Tourist Visa issued before 6 October, 2021 will continue to remain suspended and travel on such visas is not permitted.

Traveling from US to india via Middle East, do we still need to take a PCR test in Middle East to enter india? And there is no quarantine required for travelers from US right? One test taken in US prior to boarding and uploading in india’s air suvidha website is enough? Can you please confirm?

Hi Juliana! No test to be taken in the Middle East. If Mumbai Airport is your port of entry, you will have to take a self-paid RT-PCR test on arrival in spite of the test you will take in the US.

For travelling in November from US to Mumbai via Dubai, does one need to undergo institutional quarantine if partially / not vaccinated? Are they still to conduct COVID tests after arrival despite of having negative RTPCR? Does Dubai halt add to the complication?

Hi Abee! There is no institutional quarantine in India. For travelers from the US, vaccination is still not a mandatory requirement for entry to India. As per Maharashtra’s guidelines, you need to take a self-paid RT-PCR test on arrival at Mumbai Airport.

My wife and 11 month old are travelling November 2nd. I am travelling with my 5 year old on November 18. Do we all need to take a covid test. Myself and my wife are vaccinated in USA. Myself and my wife are green card holders and our kids are US citizens.

Hi Manikandan! Everyone traveling to India, irrespective of their age, citizenship and travel origin, has to take an RT-PCR test within 72 hours prior to the scheduled departure.

HI, Thank you for patiently answering everyone’s questions on these confusing directives from India.

I am thinking of traveling from US to Dubai to Chennai in November. Do I have to take a Covid test upon arrival? Is there minimum stay required in India? What are the quarantine requirement in Tamil Nadu? If one is fully vaccinated, does it make it easier in terms of quarantine requirements?

Hi Resnick! As per India’s revised guidelines for travelers from abroad, bot the US and Dubai are outside the government’s list of countries at risk. On submission of a self-declaration form on Air Suvidha, you will receive a copy of the filled form to the registered email ID. If it shows a green strip, you don’t need to undergo an RT-PCR test on arrival at Chennai Airport. There is no minimum stay requirement. No quarantine for asymptomatic travelers from the US.

It looks like my actual itenary will be US – Athens – dubai to chennai.

Does it change anything?

Hi Resnick! You have higher chances of being exempted from taking a test on arrival.

Does Chennai airport require TN Epass requirement?

Hi, I am Pravin, will travel from Toronto with Negative RT-PCR test on 12th November to Ahmedabad via Abu Dhabi transit. Will I need to under go RT-PCR test at Ahmedabad being my final destination?

Hi Pravin! As per the revised guidelines that took effect on OCT 25, you are not required to take a test on arrival. Please note the local rules of the state may be different from the revised guidelines.

I have a qatar airways flight from US to India with transit in doha. They just cancelled my flight. Do we know why are they doing this and what should I do? I need to be in India by next week and the reschedule options are crazy expensive.

Hi Anurag! The flight might have been cancelled due to low occupancy. If you are a customer of IndianEagle.com, please call our customer support helpline.

I am US citizen and need to travel to India on Nov 15. Can I apply for Indian e tourist visa and travel? or is the travel not allowed on visitor visa

Hi Gaurav! You can apply for a fresh tourist visa for travel on or after NOV 15.

Hello IndianEagle team, thanks for sharing the guidance, much appreciated!

I am planning to travel from US to Delhi via Amsterdam (Netherlands). Would I be required to take RT-PCR test upon arrival on Delhi airport? If so, can I exit after giving the sample, or will have to wait till a negative result arrives? My domestic flight departs around four hours after I arrive (both are on Terminal-3). It seems I’ll miss the flight if I’ll be required to wait till the negative result arrives. Looking forward to your guidance.

Thank you in advance!

Hi Mustafa! If you’re asymptomatic, you have higher chances of being exempted from taking a test on arrival at Delhi Airport. In case you are required to undergo a test, you won’t have to wait for the test result. So, no worries.

Hi IndiaEagle team,

I have a flight from USA to Bangalore with one stop layover of 8 hrs in Dubai. Further i have a domestic connecting flight to Hyderabad after 4 hours in Bangalore airport. I am fully vaccinated with Pfizer vaccine.

I will be taking the RT PCR test within 72 hours of travel and upload on Air Suvidha.

I) Do I need to take any on arrival RT PCR test in Bangalore airport? Ii) will I be allowed to connect to the domestic flight to Hyderabad without any issues or testing requirements at Bangalore airport? iii) Is there any testing requirement on arriving in Hyderabad from Bangalore.?

Hi Siddharth! As per the revised guidelines, travelers arriving or transiting through the Middle East are not required to take a test on arrival if they are asymptomatic. No testing requirement at Hyderabad too.

Hi, We are planning to travel from US to Chennai on December 4th. We are a family of 4, 2 adults and 2 young kids aged 9 and 14. Just would like to confirm current requirements. 1. Need to upload RT-PCR negative report which is taken 72 hours prior to boarding. Interms of calculating the 72 hours, my domestic flight boarding starts on Dec 4th at 1:36PM but my first international connection at Chicago is at 6PM

Question is, if we take the RT-PCR test at 2PM on December 1st would that be okay and then upload the results as soon as it arrives?

2. We are reading about the Tamil Nadu e-Pass, When should we need to fill out the e-pass, can we go ahead do that now and get that out of the way

3. We are transiting through Abu Dhabi, are we subject to on arrival RT-PCR test at Chennai?

Thanks for you help

Hi Viswanathan! As per India’s revised guidelines, you are not subject to a post-arrival RT-PCR test if you are asymptomatic. You can register for a TN e-pass within 7 days prior to your scheduled departure. If your itinerary starting from the first domestic airport to the final destination has only one PNR, you should take an RT-PCR test within 72 hours prior to your scheduled travel from the first domestic airport in the US.

Thank you for the clarification . Much appreciated

I’m a US citizen with OCI. I’m planning to travel to Hyd at the end of December. I’m not sure why there are few options available now to book. I see a couple of flight options with reasonable prices. One is flying from SFO to Istanbul to Muscat to Hyderabad. Another is via Doha-Colombo-Hyd. Are these flights part of air bubble to agreement to land in India or will they cancel them eventually? Any special requirements (additional covid tests etc.) for travel through Istanbul? Thank you.

Hi Krishna! You can choose to travel the route Doha-Colombo-Hyd and book the flight on our portal IndianEagle.com. This is part of the air bubble corridor. You may need a transit visa (ETA) for Colombo.

Hello I am traveling usa to delhi via dubai (emirates)- with my wife and 2 kids {1 year (14 months) and 5 year old.}

I understand we still need the rt-pcr 72 hrs before departing under the new guidelines, but is there option for kids to be exempt using suvidha app?

Also is the molecule test that was mandatory at arrival in the past guidelines because of connecting flight in middle east(dubai) , has that ended? Can we just exit the airport on arrival? Or we still need to get the test?

Hi Sunny! Unfortunately, kids are not exempted from taking an RT-PCR test prior to traveling from the US. A post-arrival test is no more required for international travelers arriving from the US and transiting via the Middle East as per the revised guidelines if all of you are found asymptomatic on arrival at Delhi Airport.

hi do I need e pass travel from uk to Bangalore

Hi Thomas! You must register on https://sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in/Sevasindhu/English for a travel pass.

Hi, my parents and I are traveling in november from boston to mumbia via british airways, so it has a layover in heathrow. We are all vaccinated and will comply with air suvidha rules. Will we need to be re tested in mumbai at arrival? or quarantine at the airport? i have elderly, that is why i am concerned.

Hi Mahebub! If you are found asymptomatic during thermal screening, you don’t need to take a post-arrival test at Mumbai Airport and undergo any sort of quarantine.

Hi, This is not clear what are rules for UK fully vaccinated arrival & what about kids ? Article says UK is in list of Risk & Category A both. I am travelling in December from UK to Mumbai then Ahmedabad. Do we have to take tests at mumbai airport? Thanks

Hi Pragnesh! Fully-vaccinated travelers from the UK, Germany and France are exempted from additional testing and quarantine in India. Make sure to upload your vaccination certificate and a negative RT-PCR test report on Air Suvidha within 72 hours prior to your scheduled departure from the UK.

Thanks for reply Indianeagle. We are planning to take test for all of us & have vaccine certificate for us. For kids only negative test is sufficient?

Hi Pragnesh! A negative RT-PCR test report is sufficient for kids traveling to India. FYI, kids below 5 years of age are exempted from taking an RT-PCR test before and after arrival in India.

Hello. I will be traveling on November 18 th from USA to Bangalore via Paris . I am taking delta airlines . Do I need to get the RTPCR test done once I arrive at Bangalore

Hi Ranjani! Not required if you are found asymptomatic during thermal screening at BLR Airport.

Hi there, If I want to travel for one week from USA to India, Is that a possibility? I notice 14 days self-monitoring for now. What is the rule if my trip s 7 days or less than 14 days. Thank you

Hi Mani! Self-monitoring of health is unlike home-quarantine. If you are fully vaccinated and asymptomatic, you are exempted from any sort of quarantine in India. So, you can travel back in a week of arrival.

Hi IndianEagle

I have trip which has been planned for over a year and all the changes are confusing, could you clarify a few areas please. Myself and my wife are flying from UK to Bangalore, with a 7 hour layover to then transit on to Sri Lanka. We are both fully vaccinated and will have taken a PCR test 72 hours prior to leaving the UK. I have two issues currently with our planning 1. Issues regarding getting an e-Visa to travel, are these likely to be available again for UK residents soon or do we need to travel to an Indian High Commission in UK for paper visas? 2. Being fully vaccinated would we need a PCR/molecular test when arriving in Bangalore? If so do we need to await the 6-8 hours as stated or is this superseded by the Pct 25th update?

Hi Whisker! The UK citizens are currently barred from availing an e-tourist visa to India. But they can seek an Indian transit visa through the e-visa facility. Please be advised to go through https://www.evisasindia.org/transit-visa-for-india-guide/ . Fully-vaccinated travelers from the UK are exempted from additional testing on arrival in India if they are found asymptomatic during thermal screening.

Hi, I am travelling from UK to Chennai on December 2021, do I need to take a swab test in airport after arrival and home quarantine? I am fully vaccinated and have proof of vaccination. Where do I apply for the TN e-pass? I will complete the Air Suvidha form and upload a negative RT-PCR test. Is there anything else I need to do? Thank you very much.

Hi Kunal! Fully-vaccinated travelers from the UK are exempted from additional testing and quarantine in India. Make sure to upload your vaccination proof and a negative RT-PCR test report on Air Suvidha. https://tnepass.tnega.org/ is where you can apply for a TN e-pass.

HI can i carry printed documents like my proof of vaccine and PVR test result instead of downloading on air suvidha app, i am really struggling to download documents.

Hi Ashalata! You are not supposed to download documents from Air Suvidha. Rather, you are required to upload your vaccination proof and a negative RT-PCR report on Air Suvidha, which you will find on the website of Delhi Airport. You must upload and carry these documents.

Hello.. What are rules as recovered Covid19 ? I hold a certificate from EU saying i recovered from Covid19 (immunity certificate) – can i enter with this ?

Hi Jesper! Despite having the recovery certificate, you need to take an RT-PCR test within 72 hours prior to your scheduled travel to India. If you are fully-vaccinated, you won’t face any sort of quarantine in India.

Hi, I will be traveling from US to Mumbai and then to Coimbatore in December with one PNR. I have layover in Mumbai for 8 hrs. My domestic flight to Coimbatore will be more than 72 hrs of RT-PCR test. Do i need to take new RT-PCR test in Mumbai to travel to Coimbatore?

Hi Swetha! The 72 hours of the RT-PCR test is not linked to your domestic flight to Coimbatore. It is counted prior to your scheduled departure on an international flight. So, no worries.

Hi, we are flying on AA flight of JFK to Delhi next week for two vaccinated parents with a unvaccinated 4 year child. We are to stay in a hotel near the Delhi Airport then take flight to Kolkata following day. All 3 of us hold oci.

I’ve noticed on latest guidelines document of 7 day home quarantine for unvaccinated minors. Would you know if this will cause trouble in Delhi with planned one night hotel stay then onward domestic flight on next day? Or can this home quarantine be avoided by having her do the pcr test before leaving even when not required? Thanks

Hi Vijay! FYI, asymptomatic kids below 5 years of age are exempted from taking an RT-PCR test before and after arrival in India, irrespective whether they are vaccinated or not. In our knowledge, unvaccinated minors are not subject to home-quarantine in India if they are asymptomatic.

Thanks. Also I later found this flow chart on India’s Ministry of Affairs website which cleared out confusion as well, it clearly shows that the quarantine requirement is only if you are from a “country at risk”. Moreover it seems to show that they dont care for vaccination status at all if your not from a “country at risk” so from USA/Canada no requirement but it does matter from Europe, UK, etc which are on the list:

https://mea.gov.in/Images/french/Algorithmforrevis.pdf

Hello Indian Eagle , What are rules as recovered Covid19 ? I hold a recovery letter from my medical provider saying I recovered from Covid19, can I enter with this ? and in spite of that, If I need to take test 72 hours within my departure and If I come out to be positive than, what will be the scenario?

Hi Jay! If you’re traveling to India from abroad, it is mandatory to take an RT-PCR test within 72 hours prior to your scheduled travel to India.

Hi, I am travelling from NewYork – Franfurt – Bengaluru on Dec 23rd. As per the new guidelines , do i need to take a self paid PCR test at BLR and wait for results before leaving the airport, even though i am fully vaccinated and provide RT-PCT negative at the time of boarding?

Hi Sella! As of now, the state government of Karnataka has made post-arrival RT-PCR testing mandatory for travelers arriving from or through South Africa, Botswana and Hong Kong. Your travel is still three weeks away. We will keep sharing latest updates on our Twitter page.

Hey great article! Thank you for the info. For those not fully vaccinated what is the quarantine requirement? does it have to happen in a special hotel? What if I don’t have a home to do it in? Thanks!

Hi Trina! Those not fully vaccinated are subjected to a self-paid RT-PCR test on arrival in India. If they are found negative, they will undergo 7-day home quarantine in their final destination. Institutional quarantine applies only if the result is positive. In case of having no residence, you can home-quarantine yourself at a hotel.

I am traveling WAS-FRA-DEL-BHO on the 5th of December. Am I required to take RT-PCR in Delhi and wait for the results before boarding connecting flight? Are the RAPID PCR test accepted in this case? Also, will we have to quarantine for 7 days after reaching destination. FWIW, we are fullly vaccinated.

Hi Sachin! Usually, fully-vaccinated travelers from the US are exempt from post-arrival COVID-19 testing, except at Mumbai Airport. But, only 2% of total passengers of a flight arriving from the US will be tested randomly on arrival at other airports in India. If you fall in 2%, you will have to give your swab sample for a non-payable RT-PCR test at Delhi Airport. If you are found asymptomatic during thermal screening at Delhi Airport, you will be allowed to take the connecting flight after giving your swab sample. No quarantine. You shall only self-monitor your health for 14 days.

Hi, Thanks for the article. I wanted to make sure the rules are updated as of Nov 30, 2021. I am fully vaccinated and I have a direct flight from USA to Delhi. Do I have to undergo 7 day quarantine?

Can you please clarify?

Hi Achal! If you are found asymptomatic during thermal screening at Delhi Airport, you will be given exemption from home-quarantine. You will only have to self-monitor your health for 14 days post arrival.

Thanks a bunch for your updates on the covid protocol. I am fully vaccinated traveling on Dec 2nd from SF to Delhi and connecting to Bangalore after a 5 hour layover. As per the new guidelines issued by Karnataka yesterday, do I still need to take a RT-PCR test on arrival at BLR and quarantine for 7 days even though I am fully vaccinated?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Hi Alex! Usually, fully-vaccinated travelers from the US are exempt from post-arrival COVID-19 testing, except at Mumbai Airport. But, only 2% of total passengers of a flight arriving from the US will be tested randomly on arrival at other airports in India. If you fall in 2%, you will have to give your swab sample for a non-payable RT-PCR test at Delhi Airport. If you are found asymptomatic during thermal screening at BLR Airport, no additional testing and quarantine. You shall only self-monitor your health for 14 days.

Sorry but this is confusing. You indicate her that US travelers to Mumbai will require a PCR test on arrival. But in reply to another question below, you say that vaccinated travelers are exempt from arrival PCR testing in Mumbai. So the 2% applies to Mumbai or is it true only for other airports? Thanks!

Hi John! Initially, Maharashtra made post-arrival testing mandatory for everyone traveling to Mumbai from abroad. With effect from December 2, 2021, this regulation has been revoked for fully-vaccinated travelers arriving from countries not at risk. 2% of the total passengers of every flight from a country not at risk will be randomly tested at any entry airport in India.

I am traveling on Saturday Dec 4. My itinerary is: Greensboro NC to LaGuardia to Montreal on American Airlines, then from Montreal to Doha to Cochin on Qatar Airways.

I was told I need an RT PCR test 72 hours before my trip. I have been receiving conflicting information: do I calculate 72 hours from the start of my domestic flight from Greensboro to LaGuardia, from the flight from LaGuardia to Montreal (my first international flight, or from Montreal to Doha?

Hi Promod! You need to take an RT-PCR test within 72 hours prior to your scheduled departure on an international flight from the US and that is LaGuardia to Montreal.

If my flight is connecting through Amsterdam, but my origin is US, do I have to do the 7 day quarantine?

Hi Kayal! If you are fully-vaccinated and if you are found asymptomatic in thermal screening on arrival, you will be allowed to go home and self-monitor your health for 14 days post arrival. Please note Mumbai/Pune is your first port of entry in India, the rules are different.

Hi, I’m travelling from Frankfurt to Bangalore on 10th Dec. I have connecting flight to Mangalore with 6 Hour Transit time. Since I have to wait for RTPCR test result, is the 6Hr. transit time is enough? Is it recommended to take appointment for rtpcr testing? What are the quarantine rules for travelers from Germany in Karnataka?

Thank you !

Hi Suman! If you choose to take a rapid RT-PCR test on arrival at BLR Airport, then 6-hr layover is sufficient. FYI, a rapid RT-PCR test costs approximately Rs. 5000 per person and the result is available in 1-2 hours. You can pre-book the test online. If you test negative, no institutional quarantine. Only 7-day home quarantine.

Hi, I have booked a flight in etihad airways from USA to Abu Dhabi to Bangalore in Dec last week. I’m an Indian passport holder living in USA. will it be a problem? Is India allowing passengers from Abu Dhabi originated from USA? as per the India Air bubble agreement, it says below ( https://www.civilaviation.gov.in/en/about-air-transport-bubbles ) Only Passengers originating from UAE or any country in South America or Africa should be allowed to travel on flights from UAE to India.

Hi Vinay! You can travel on Etihad Airways from USA to India. We booked Etihad flights for many of our customers and they traveled to their destinations in India hassle-free.

Hi traveling from UK to India via Kuwait (transit time 3 hrs) and arriving airport is Hyderabad Dec 16. I see you mention we can prebook RT-pcr test online. Where can we boom for it? Any website? If there is a website is it same for all airports in India? Or respective airport have their own website to book online? If so what is the website to pre-book online test at Hyderabad airport

Hi, I have booked a flight with Virgin Atlantic flight from New York to Delhi via London. I am fully vaccinated and will upload the pre-departure negative Covid test. I won’t be stepping out of the international transit passenger zone in London. Will I need to take an on arrival test? Thanks.

Hi Siddharth! As per the clarification from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, you are exempted from mandatory post-arrival testing if you are fully vaccinated and asymptomatic. But only 2% of the total passengers of every flight from a country not at risk, such as the US, will be tested randomly.

Going Newark to Mumbai nonstop on Dec 17. Fully vaccinated. With the new rules now following omicron, will we have a mandatory 7 day home quarantine in Mumbai. Alternately, if we choose to fly to Chennai – either right after Mumbai arrival, or after 3 days at home in Mumbai, can we do that? Or will the 7 day quarantine come in the way if we leave Mumbai airport? We heard that there are exceptions for short stays. Appreciate any advice, thank you.

Hi, I am going to Bengaluru from San Francisco with a transit stop in Dubai on Dec 25. Layover at Dubai is about 27 hours. I plan to visit dubai during this time. I am an indian passport holder with US green card. I will complete and upload RT-PCR test results to air suvidha 72 hours before departure at SFO. Do I still need to take the covid test on arrival on Bengaluru as I stayed in dubai for more than a day? Thanks

Hi Sunil! The UAE is not yet among the countries that the government of India has identified as countries at risk. Hence, in our knowledge, you may not be needed to take a test on arrival at BLR airport if you are fully vaccinated and asymptomatic. FYI, only 2% of the total passengers of a flight from a country not at risk will be tested randomly on arrival at any airport in India. If you’re identified for random testing, you can leave the airport or take a connecting domestic flight after giving your swab sample.

Hi, I have a domestic flight which starts at Noon and then international flight from JFK to DOH to AMD. Flight from JFK starts 9.30pm. When do i need to schedule my RT-PCR test? Within 72 hrs of my first leg of the journey which starts at Noon? Or within 72 hrs of my international flight from JFK which starts at 9.30pm?

Hi Tarang! You can take an RT-PCR test within 72 hours prior to your international flight from JFK.

So even if i have single ticket (same PNR), i need to calculate 72 hrs from the start of international flight and not the first domestic leg?

I am getting my pcr test done before travelling fro usa to mumbai Is this test same as Rtpcr.

Hi Ruchi! It may be the same. Make sure that the negative report must mention RT-PCR.

Hi Are OCI card holder travellers from US to Mumbai transiting through London, UK subject to 7 day home quarantine ?

We are not changing airport in London – will be in the airside all the time (5 hour transit)

Hi Krish! If you are fully-vaccinated, COVID negative and asymptomatic, you are exempt to home-quarantine in India.

Hi, I am going to Hyderabad from Los Angeles via Doha on Dec 28. The layover at Doha is about 17 hours. I am an Indian passport holder with H1B. I will complete and upload RT-PCR test results to air suvidha 72 hours before departure at LAX. Here are my questions:

– Do I have to get a Covid Test in Doha again? – Do I still need to take the on-arrival Covid Test at Hyderabad airport?

Hi Sameera! In our knowledge, taking a test is not mandatory during transit/layover at Doha Airport if you don’t leave the immigration area/transit area. Both the US and Qatar being not in the risk category, you are exempt to mandatory post-arrival testing. But if you are found symptomatic in thermal screening, if you are unvaccinated/partially vaccinated, or if you are identified among the 2% of total passengers arriving from a country not at risk (for random testing), your swab sample will be collected for a test before you leave the airport.

Hi I am flying to Mumbai from Australia next week with a layover of 5 hours in Sri Lanka. I am fully vaccinated but my daughter who is 9 years old is unvaccinated. We both will get tested within 72 hours prior to flying. Does my daughter need to get tested again on arrival at Mumbai Airport? If yes do I have to book an appointment in advance and will she have to be quarantined at home even if RTPCR is negative. Thanks

Hi Usha! Pre-booking a post-arrival test is mandatory for travelers from countries at risk. Neither Australia nor Sri Lanka is in the risk category. If you (though vaccinated) or your daughter is found symptomatic in thermal screening on arrival, a test will be conducted.

Hi, My cousin tested positive for covid 3 days back. His 14 days isolation period ends on Dec 31st . When can he fly from Toronto to New Delhi via Air Canada. Also, does he need to get a travel RT PCR test ?. My understanding, it will come positive regardless ,for several weeks. Kindly clarify. Thanks

Hi Ranu! As per the government of India’s guidelines, you must have a negative RT-PCR test report to travel to India.

Hello Indianeagle,

Thanks for this amazing site which is providing more information than airline website.

I have upcoming travel from US to India on Dec 30 2021 via London British airways and return trip from India to USA via London on Jan 3rd week of 2022 by British Airways.

We are green card holder with full vaccinated and having Indian passport holder, will outbound travel from India to U.S via London is Allowed or Not . Please do let us know on recent travel policy .

Hi Kumar! Outbound travel from India to the US via London is allowed for Indian passport holders. May we know the flight number (s) in your itinerary from India to the US?

Thanks for your reply. Here is the details:::

Onward travel from US to India via London- Last week of Dec 2021 BA192 (Dallas to London) and BA 119 (London to Bangalore)

Outbound travel from India to US (via London) – 3rd week of Jan,2022 Bangalore to London (BA 118) and London to Phoenix (BA 289).

I had booked my flight with American airlines, where they say as on date, I am eligible to travel from India to US via London, where British airways website says I can’t travel Outbound travel from India to U.S via London.

Not sure, which airlines is correct here….Please do let us know, whether we can make round trip from US to India (via london) being a Green card holder and fully vaccinated.

However, when we check with British Airways website & spoke to their Customer service team as part of Entry Additional Requirement, it was told to us by British Airways team and their website info that we are NOT eligible to travel (Indian Citizen -Out bound Travel from India). https://www.britishairways.com/en-us/information/incident/coronavirus/entry-requirements

——-Below Details from British Airways as Additional Requirement which states we are NOT ELIGIBLE—————————————————————————

India Travel eligibility Only customers meeting the criteria below, can travel between India and the UK on a British Airways flight. Please make sure you qualify before travel: Outbound flights from India: You must check if you are eligible to travel from India. You will not be allowed to board your flight if you do not meet these requirements. Indian nationals Due to India’s air travel agreement with the UK, please be aware that Indian nationals can only travel with British Airways from India to the UK, Ireland and Cayman Islands and must hold a valid visa. India nationals, regardless of foreign residency status, are not allowed to travel further to any other countries, unless their spouse is a foreign national or they are a seaman travelling with authorised documentation from the Ministry of Shipping.

Also not sure whether British airways -Covid19 information as Additional requirement is updated as on date or it is old info where BA website needs to update.

Hi Kumar! American Airlines and British Airways are codeshare partners. In our knowledge, you can travel from India on flights ticketed by American Airlines, though operated by BA.

I have an upcoming travel in January from USA to Mumbai with transit in Amsterdam. What are the current rules for testing upon arrival and home quarantine for transiting through Amsterdam (Netherlands) which in I believe a At risk country. We are fully vaccinated traveling with a 4 year old.

Hi Jay! As of today, fully-vaccinated, COVID-negative and asymptomatic travelers arriving from the US and transiting in Europe (without leaving the immigration area of the transit airport in a country at risk) are not bound to post-arrival testing and home-quarantine. Please note the regulations may be revised any time given the volatile scenario.

Hi IndianEagle, US citizen, fully vaccinated and Boosted (3 vaccine doses) traveling to Mumbai via Dubai (transit only, 3 hour connection time) in Mid January 2022. Upon arrival in Mumbai , will be going to Pune via private car. Final destination is Pune. Am I subject to mandatory 7-day home quarantine rule upon reaching Pune? Thanks,

Hi Vee Kay! 7-day home quarantine is mandatory for only those final destination is Mumbai. So, those traveling to Pune may not face home-quarantine if they are asymptomatic.

Thanks IndianEagle, However, I would be subjected to home quarantine in Mumbai, if I get out of the airport, right?

The guidance from MahaGovt says such passengers will not be allowed to use public transport and the DistrictCollector of Mumbai will arrange the transportation from them. Does that mean private transportation will not be allowed? thanks again for your feedback.

Hi Vee Kay! Private transportation is allowed for road travel from Mumbai Airport to any other part of the state. If you reside or stay in Mumbai, only then you will be subjected to mandatory home-quarantine.

Hello Indian Eagle – Our flight is on Jan 11th and will be travelling with 4 year old and 10 month old. Do they need to have RTPCR test or kids under 5 are exempt? Also when we should we take the covid test and submit Air suvidha ? Wea re planning to take the test on Jan 10th and submit air suvidha on 11th before our flight. Please advise if the form needs to be submitted early.

Hi Priya! As of now, kids under 5 years of age are exempt from taking an RT-PCR test before and after arrival. Travelers above five years of age are required to take an RT-PCR test, upload the negative report and submit a self-declaration form on Air Suvidha. Make sure to fill out and submit the self declaration form a few hours before your flight. Please note you can provide the details of your kids as co-travelers in the same self-declaration form.

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India Traveler View

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

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After Your Trip

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

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Updated   Global Measles April 26, 2024 Many international destinations are reporting increased numbers of cases of measles. Destination List: Afghanistan, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, 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, Timor-Leste (East Timor), Togo, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Zambia

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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

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. 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

Rabid dogs are commonly found in India. However, if you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in India, rabies treatment is often available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to India. 

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

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites.

Chikungunya

• Mosquito bite
• Avoid Bug Bites

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever

• Tick bite 
• Touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF
• 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.

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 | Healthy Water
• 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.

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

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.

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 .

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First Time Flyer Guide: Essential Tips for New Flyers

There are a few things you should know and familiarise yourself with to make your first flight as stress-free and comfortable as possible.

Here is a guide with all the info you need to know from booking a flight to navigating the airport and getting onto the plane. This will ease your travel fear and prepare you for the journey ahead.

Travel Essentials

• ID Documents: Carry valid identification documents to the airport. Domestic passengers should have an ID card (Aadhaar, driving licence, PAN, voter ID), while international passengers must have their passport.
• Tickets: Depending upon your airline’s policy, bring a hard copy/soft copy of your air ticket.
• Boarding Pass: For seamless boarding, you must have your boarding pass. Get it printed at the check-in kiosks at Delhi Airport.
• Comfort Essentials: For a comfortable flying experience, consider bringing a neck pillow, headphones, chargers, eye masks, medications, sanitisers, and travel-sized toiletries.
• Mobile phone: Install the necessary travel apps on your phone and have it handy.

Pro-tip: For passengers flying through DEL, apps like DigiYatra can be helpful. With your mobile, you can also check the Live Flight Status Tracker and On-ground Traffic for a hassle-free journey.

Airport Etiquettes

• Arrival Time: Reach the airport at least 2 hours before when travelling domestically and 3 hours before when flying internationally before the scheduled departure time.
• Mind your Noise: At the airport, keep your electronics on silent mode and use headphones when listening to music or watching videos.
• Waiting in Queue: Maintain orderly lines at check-in, security, and boarding gates. Follow the instructions of the airport staff.
• Follow Airport Signage: Pay attention to signs and follow directions to various airport services and facilities.

Baggage Guidelines

• Travel Documents: Put your documents in hand luggage because you may be asked for them anytime for identity verification.
• Travel light: Carry only the essentials for an enjoyable journey. Each airline has its own set of guidelines for luggage. Ensure to check with the airline's website or call them regarding the baggage guidelines to avoid last-minute hassles while checking in at the airport.
• Hand Baggage Guidelines: Articles like nail cutters, scissors, swiss knives, batteries, and liquids more than 100ml are not allowed in hand luggage.
• Check-in Baggage Instructions: Do not carry a power bank, lighter, or e-cigarette in your check-in baggage. Ensure that you do not have any prohibited items in your baggage otherwise it will be confiscated. Refer to these baggage guidelines for a hassle-free airport experience.

Pro-tip: Passengers travelling via Delhi Airport can use baggage facilities like Excess Baggage Delivery Service , Baggage Pickup and Drop , Porter Service , and Baggage Wrapping for a hassle-free airport experience.

Commute to the Airport

• Arrival Early at Airport: Ensure you reach the airport at least 2-3 hours before domestic flights and 2-4 hours early for international flights. This will give you ample time to check in and collect your boarding pass, check in your baggage, go through the security screening, and be at the departure gate in time for your flight.
• Use Public Transport: Use public transport to minimise the unwanted delays in parking your own vehicles.
• Pre-book Parking: If you are driving yourself to the airport, pre-book your parking for a hassle-free experience.

Pro-tip: Passengers flying via Delhi Airport can drive, book a cab, get a taxi or bus, or travel via Delhi Metro. To know more about the commute options, click here .

Airport Check-in

• ID Verification: Upon reaching the airport, you need to show ID. Officials at the counter will check the documents.
• Collect Boarding Pass: After verification, you will be issued a boarding pass with flight details like flight number, seat number, and scheduled departure time. Make sure to secure the boarding pass along with your travel documents. There is a chance that you may miss getting it in the breathtaking experience of making your maiden flight.

Security Check

• Luggage Screening: Place all your hand baggage for screening and your cell phones, laptops, and electronics in the tray provided. The metal objects like belts and bracelets should also be placed in the trays provided, as they might set off the alarms.
• Follow the 3-3-3 rule: At the airport, follow the 3-3-3 rule for carrying any liquids. You are not allowed to carry more than 3 numbers and more than 3 fluid ounces. Check airline rules for any clarifications.
• Personal Check: While your luggage is being checked, you will be required to undergo a personal check at the checking booths.
• Collect Baggage: Once your screening is over, collect your baggage and everything else from the other side of the X-ray machines or screens. Your documents will be verified, and the officials at the counters will allow you to move on to the next step in the airline process.
• Extra Checks: In case the screening machine detects anything unusual or the checking authorities require clarification, you and your luggage may be subjected to extra checks and screening measures.
• Moving Ahead: Afterwards, move to the Immigration and Customs section in case of an International Flight or move on to the corresponding terminal in case of a domestic flight.

Immigration and Customs

• Necessary Papers: For an International flight, you need to undergo Customs and Immigration checks. Ensure you have all the necessary travel documents (Passport and VISA) and state the reason for your travel to the officials if asked.
• Contraband Items: Ensure you do not have any contraband items which are against the law. Always read the list of allowed/banned items on the airline's website.
• Local Currency: Some countries you travel to might require you to carry local currency. So, read the destination country policies and make the necessary arrangements accordingly.

Pro-tip: If you are arriving at Delhi Airport, here is a list of items that can be imported duty-free .

Shopping/Dining/Lounges

• Airport Lounges: Irrespective of the type of flight, you have to hang out in the waiting area before it is time to board the flight. There are lounges where you can relax before your flight. For passengers travelling via Delhi Airport, here are some premium lounging facilities .
• Shopping and Dining: While waiting you can explore the facilities of the airport. At Delhi Airport, we have innumerable shopping and dining outlets to keep you engaged. For passengers seeking to relax before making it to the next step of their journey, DEL also houses a spa at T3 .
• Wait for Boarding: After arriving at the final gate, wait in the boarding area. You board the plane once the final check of your boarding pass is done. Settle in, put on your seat belt and listen carefully to the instructions.

Pro-tip: For more information about the departure process, refer to this guide .

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International Travel Guidelines

Passengers flying to Nairobi, Kenya are required to vaccinate against Yellow Fever and Poliovirus, at least 4 weeks prior to departure, regardless of age and vaccination status. Ensure to present your vaccination certificates at the airport to avoid a 6-day quarantine period.

Effective 13th February 2023, 1100Hrs IST onwards for customers arriving from China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Republic of Korea, Thailand, and Japan the prior requirement of pre departure COVID 19 testing and uploading of self health declaration on Air Suvidha stands withdrawn.

Travelling abroad? Please ensure to download your International Travel Vaccination Certificate from the CoWin portal. 

Step 1 Login to  www.cowin.gov.in

Step 2 Click on ‘Show Certificate’

Step 3 Enter your details

Step 4 Submit request

For domestic travel guidelines, visit the State regulations page.

For customers from India to Dubai

Note: All customers are required to carry printout of e-visa along with other mandatory travel documents.

• Holders of all type of visa and/or entry permission granted by the appropriate authority in the United Arab Emirates (i.e., valid resident visa, employment visa, short stay/long stay visa, visit visa, residence visa newly issued)
• have a visitor visa or a green card issued by the Unites States, or
• a residence visa issued by the United Kingdom or Europe union
• All customers must download the COVID-19 Dubai Smart App and generate a QR code on their device before entering Dubai. Click to download – Android & iOS versions of the App
• All vaccination and PCR requirements are uplifted for travel to Dubai.

For customers from Dubai to India

• To know the detailed Indian guidelines for arrivals into India, please see ‘Arrivals into India’ section

For customers from India to Sharjah

• All customers are required to generate a QR code from the Federal Authority For Identity and Citizenship ( https://smartservices.ica.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/guest/index.html#/registerArrivals  or register on the ICA Smart UAE APP (Click to download – Android & iOS versions of the ICA Smart App)
• All customers transiting Sharjah, are not required to carry a negative RT-PCR certificate unless mandated by their final-destination
• All customers must download and register on the ALHOSN App
• All vaccination and PCR requirements are uplifted for travel to Sharjah.

For customers from Sharjah to India

For customers from India to Abu Dhabi

• All vaccination and PCR requirements are uplifted for travel to Abu Dhabi.
• All customers transiting Abu Dhabi, are not required to carry a negative RT-PCR certificate unless mandated by their final-destination
• Transit/Transfer beyond Abu Dhabi is currently not permitted

For customers from Abu Dhabi to India 

For customers from India to Ras Al Khaimah

• All customers transiting Ras Al Khaimah, are not required to carry a negative RT-PCR certificate unless mandated by their final-destination
• All customers are required to generate a QR code from the Federal Authority For Identity and Citizenship ( https://smartservices.ica.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/guest/index.html#/registerArrivals or register on the ICA Smart UAE APP (Click to download – Android & iOS versions of the ICA Smart App)
• All vaccination and PCR requirements are uplifted for travel to Ras Al Khaimah.

For customers from Ras Al Khaimah to India 

For customers from India to Qatar (Doha)

• Quarantine is no longer mandatory for all travelers however; travelers who test positive for COVID-19 after arriving in Qatar must undergo quarantine measures in accordance with the procedures followed in the State of Qatar.
• The pre-examination of the Corona virus, whether (PCR) or rapid antigen test, has been cancelled for all arrivals to the country as of 1 of November 2022.
• A valid passport for a period of not less than 3 months, with the need to update any changes in the travel document information.
• Valid return ticket
• Valid HAYYA Permit with barcode attached
• Proof of a confirmed hotel reservation or proof of hosting family or friends issued by the Hayya platform.
• All visitors to the state of Qatar will no longer be required to have health insurance, if their stay is less than 30 days.
• Visa on arrival and Advance tourist and business visas
• Transit passengers and tourist groups
• Cruise Transiting Passengers to/from Doha Port
• GCC Residents
• Accompanying of GCC citizens
• Holders of HAYYA permit for attending a  conference
• All visas issued for Officials, Sport Events, Bilateral Agreements and Friendly Forces
• Work and Residence Visas, and Family and Personal Visit Visas
• For holders of temporary work visas (for a period of 3 months with multiple entry) and holders of HAYYA entry permit valid until 24 Feb 2024 health insurance is mandatory.

For customers from Qatar (Doha) to India

For customers from India to Kuwait

FAMILY VISIT VISA - Customers holding and travelling on Family Visit Visa entry is limited Kuwait Airways and Jazeera for inbound and outbound travel to/from State of Kuwait and will return the customer to his country in case of arrival on any other airline. Family visit visa is valid only for a month and customer hold only the paper visa with nothing else.

FAMILY RESIDENCE VISA - Customer holding Family residence visa for Kuwait are allowed to travel on 6e to KWI. Family residence visa is identifiable with customer holding paper visa valid for 3, PCC, Medical stamp on visa and visa stamp on passport.

For customers from Kuwait to India

For customers from India to Male

• Maldivian Nationals
• Special Visa Holders
• Business Visa Holders
• Foreign diplomats and their accompanying family members
• Crew of ships who arrive by air to sign on to a ship
• Holders of a valid work permit or work visa
• Holders of any other resident permit of Maldives
• All customers including children and infants are no longer required to be fully vaccinated or be in possession of pre-departure PCR test while travelling to Maldives.
• All Customers are required to submit an online declaration 96hrs prior to boarding via https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/ and obtain a QR code. The QR code to be made readily available for verification by immigration upon exit from Maldives Note: Maldivian Citizens will no longer be required to submit the “Online Traveller Declaration Form (The electronic Embarkation/Disembarkation card of the Maldives)” when arriving to and departing from Maldives by air.
• Customers travelling not for the purpose of tourism are required to be in possession of a valid visa issued by Maldives Immigration
• Customers travelling on work visa must verify their visa status on https://xpat.egov.mv/
• All Customers travelling for the purpose of tourism shall be issued visa on arrival
• Customers travelling for the purpose of tourism must have a confirmed reservation at a resort
• List of resorts can stay as approved by Maldivian Health authority can be found by clicking here
• Customers must be in possession of valid return ticket
• Visitors are required to carry at least 100 USD per person per day to cover their stay in Maldives. This does not apply to passengers with a Maldivian sponsor.

For customers from Male to India

• Customers are required to submit an online declaration prior to their departure on https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/ and obtain a QR code. The QR code to be made readily available for verification by immigration upon exit from Maldives

For customers from India to Muscat

• Omani Nationals
• Residents of Oman
• Visa Holders of Oman
• Those who can obtain visa on arrival in Oman and those who don’t require a visa to travel to Oman
• Customers travelling to Oman are no longer required to carry a negative PCR certificate nor they are required to be in possession of final vaccination certificate that they have received two doses of any approved vaccine
• All passengers traveling to Oman are no longer required to hold a health insurance with COVID-19 coverage for at least one month from the date of their arrival to Oman
• Customers travelling to Oman are no longer required to register on http://travel.moh.gov.om

For customers from Muscat to India

For customers from India to Dhaka

• Bangladeshi Nationals
• Non Bangladeshi Nationals holding any type of valid and/or pre-approved visa
• Customers in possession of tourist visas shall be allowed to travel to Bangladesh
• All customers arriving into Bangladesh are required to fill a self-health declaration form and submit the same to the health authorities upon arrival
• All customers who are fully vaccinated with WHO approved vaccines (single/double dose as applicable for a full dose) are no longer required to be in possession of a pre-departure PCR while travelling to Bangladesh
• Unvaccinated/partially vaccinated customers must carry a negative PCR certificate in printed form, from a government-approved laboratory in India (ICMR) or a certified designated laboratory which is available on  https://www.icmr.gov.in/ issued no more than 72 hours before departure of the last direct flight to Dhaka. The certificate issued shall be duly signed and/or stamped by relevant authorities. 72 Hours is calculated from the time of sample collection
• The negative PCR certificate held by the customer must have a QR code on it linking it to their original test report and must have the date and time of sample collection and the test result mentioned accurately. Customers holding a negative PCR certificate without a QR code shall be denied boarded at the origin station

Note: The following are exempted from pre-departure covid test

• Children under the age of 12years
• The certificate must be available in printed form to submit to health authorities upon arrival and shall be in English only, handwritten certificates are not permitted
• All customers upon arrival shall be required to undergo mandatory 14 days home quarantine. However if any COVID-19 symptomatic passengers is observed/detected on arrival, he/she shall be sent to government authorized hospital for further formalities
• Seamen shall be allowed to travel provided they are in possession of all necessary documents such as passport, CDC booklet, Guarantee letter, Ok to Board Letter and sign on to the ship maximum within 72 hours of their arrival
• Foreign nationals of Bangladeshi descendant and their spouse & children;
• Foreign citizen holding Diplomatic & Official passport;
• Foreign Businessmen and Investors;
• Foreign citizens joining in meetings/seminars/conferences/any other event invited by the Government of Bangladesh
• Customers are no more required to fill an online health declaration form within 3 days of their departure and obtain a QR code. Click here to fill the health declaration
• All customers are mandatorily required to be in possession of the health declaration form along with QR code at the time of check-in in soft or printed format and shall be required to present the same to immigration upon arrival into Bangladesh

For customers from Dhaka to India

For customers from India to Singapore

• With effect from 12 th February 23, all COVID 19 requirements are uplifted for travel to Singapore.
• It is mandatory for all customers travelling to Singapore to submit their SGAC within 3 days before arrival in Singapore via https://eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard
• A customer with no travel history in the last 7 consecutive days prior to their departure to Singapore, to any country classified under restricted category will not be required to serve SHN Notice upon entering Singapore, regardless of the customer’s vaccination status.
• A customer with travel history to a restricted country may be required to serve a SHN (Stay Home Notice) or undergo COVID 19 testing or both. NOTE : As of 9 February 2023, there are no countries/regions in the Restricted Category
• Further, for more detailed entry requirement and health protocols refer, ICA | Entering, Transiting and Departing

For customers from Singapore to India

• Saudi Arabia

India to Saudi Arabia

For customers from India to Jeddah, Riyadh & Damam

• Saudi Citizens
• Non-Saudi Citizens (Resident (IQAMA Holder), Family Visit Visa, New Resident Visa, Business Visa, New Employment Visa, Umrah Visa) (Premium residency permit holders shall not be required to submit an exit/re-entry visa)

• All passengers holding HAYYA CARD issued by Qatar are allowed to enter the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• The HAYYA card entitles the passenger a stay of total 60 days which is 10 days before the tournament, 27 days during the tournament and followed by 23 days after the end of the tournament period.
• The Visa is multi entry it can be used more than once, and pre entry the State of Qatar is not required.
• It is mandatory for all passengers holding HAYYA card to obtain medical insurance for the visa period of 60 days.

Recommended vaccination :

Pilgrims with health conditions are recommended to update their vaccination status against vaccine-preventable diseases. These include vaccination against Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Measles, Varicella and Mumps.

Appendixes reference for Countries:

For customers from Saudi Arabia to India

For customers from India to Thailand

Note:  All customers who have opted for e-visa are required to carry printout of the same along with other mandatory travel documents.

• Vaccination for travel to Thailand is no longer required.
• Proof of Insurance is no longer required except countries that require all travelers showing negative RT PCR test result before departure from Thailand. Note: From 1st March 23, no country requires the travelers to show negative RT PCR test result before departure from Thailand

For customers from Thailand to India

For customers from India to Malaysia

• Effective from 1 st August, No COVID Protocols to be followed by customers travelling from India to Malaysia, customers to be accepted as per normal procedures.
• Customer travelling to Malaysia need to register online via Malaysia Digital Arrival Card website https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main?registerMain and submit. Pax can register the earliest 3 days before departure date and this MANDATORY for all tourists coming to Malaysia.

For customers from Malaysia to India

For Customers from India to Vietnam

• Vietnam is open to fully vaccinated and not fully vaccinated customers. However, customers must comply with certain requirements detailed below
• Visa, permanent residence card, temporary residence card, or valid visa exemption certificate
• Effective 15 th  May, 2022 customers are no longer required to be in possession of negative Covid-19 test before travelling to Vietnam
• There are no quarantine measures on all incoming customers irrespective of their vaccination status. However, all customers must monitor their health within 10 days of arrival and notify health authorities immediately if they develop COVID19 symptoms
• If tested positive and placed under quarantine, customers will be required to download the contact tracing app PCCOVID and keep it active throughout the quarantine period
• Customers are no longer required to purchase Travel health insurance.

For customers from Vietnam to India

• Jakarta and Bali
• Passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the arrival date.
• Nationals of India can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 14 to 30 days. They can apply to extend their stay for an additional 30 days.
• Passports and passport replacing documents of all non-Indonesian nationals must contain at least 1 unused visa page for entry/departure endorsements by the immigration. This does not include the page reserved for "Observations" or "Amendments and Endorsements".
• Customers must hold return/onward tickets.

QR code is electronic Declaration form that must be filled in by the customers and crew using mobile phone before Custom clearance upon arrival in any international airport in Indonesia. This QR code banner is also available in baggage claim area in Indonesia.

After completing the electronic form, final QR code pops up on the screen/email which Customs will screen on their device prior exit.

Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dG_736TJ5oAl6qO9YcM2cBKAFJzXMvGC/view?usp=drivesdk

For customers from India to Istanbul

 All vaccination PCR/antigen requirements are uplifted for passengers from India to Turkey.

For customers from Istanbul to India

For customers from India to Bahrain

 No COVID Protocols to be followed by customers travelling from India to Bahrain, customers to be accepted as per normal procedures.

For customers from Bahrain to India

VOA(Visa on arrival) can be obtained, basis consent letter from the State Migration Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Specimen of State Migration Letter attached.

QR code is scanned to verify the authenticity of the document.

India to Nepal

For customers from India to Kathmandu

• Citizens of Nepal
• Customers with a Laissez-Passer issued by the United Nations
• Customers holding a diplomatic passport, travelling on duty
• Customers with a tourist entry visa
• Customers eligible for visa of arrival
• Foreign citizens of Nepalese origin whose passport states Nepal as the place of birth
• Relatives of citizens of Nepal
• Customers with a pre-arranged tourist visa issued by the Embassy or Consulate of Nepal
• Customers with a confirmation letter that a visa on arrival has been approved before departure by the government of Nepal
• Voter photo identity card issued by the Election Commission of India / Government identity card (for Government officials) for adults;
• Birth certificate/School identity card for children; or
• Birth certificate for Infants
• All Covid protocols laid down earlier, stands withdrawn for travel to Nepal.
• Transit transfer beyond Kathmandu shall not be permitted

Nepal to India

For customers from Kathmandu to India

India to Sri Lanka

For customers from India to Colombo

Declaration Forms

Submission of Health Declaration forms is no longer required.

General Guidance

• Considered as fully vaccinated, if taken two dose vaccine (Pfizer, Sinopharm, Moderna, AstraZeneca etc) or recommended combination of vaccine (e.g. Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca) or if taken a single dose vaccines (e.g. Janssen etc.) and depart 14 days after obtaining the vaccine.
• Persons who had obtained a single dose of two dose vaccine prior or post COVID 19 infection during past 6 months period.
• COVID 19 vaccination (recommended doses) completed and
• Departure 14 days after completing recommended doses of vaccination for COVID 19.
• Do not require to produce upon arrival to Sri Lanka
• It is strongly recommended to have the vaccination certificate with the traveller during the stay in Sri Lanka to produce to the Medical personnel when and if required.
• Pre departure testing for COVID 19 is not required.
• If a traveller shows COVID 19 like symptoms and signs, you may subjected for PCR/RA testing by an authorized Medical personnel.
• Hospitalization Insurance Cover is no longer required.
• If Foreign Nationals/tourists become COVID 19 positive after arriving to Sri Lanka, they should isolate for 7 days in a private hospital/hotel/place of residence. The cost of treatment/isolation should be borne by foreign nationals/tourists.

For customers from Colombo to India

Arrival into India

• West Bengal
• Thermal screening shall be done for all the customers by the health officials present at the point of entry
• Customers found to be symptomatic during screening shall be immediately isolated, taken to a designated medical facility as per health protocol
• With effect from 20 July, the earlier requirements for RT-PCR-based testing of a random 2% subset of international travelers to India, stand withdrawn
• All travellers should self-monitor their health post arrival also shall report to their nearest health facility or call National helpline number (1075)/State helpline number in case they have any symptoms suggestive of COVID-19.

**List of Countries/Regions in respect of which primary vaccination schedule completion certificate is allowed to be uploaded on  Air Suvidha Portal

Note:  The list of countries mentioned above is dynamic and shall be updated time to time. To review updated list of countries please visit the  Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Website .

• Andaman and Nicobar Islands
• Andhra Pradesh
• Chhattisgarh
• Himachal Pradesh
• Jammu & Kashmir
• Madhya Pradesh
• Uttarakhand
• Uttar Pradesh
• All Foreign nationals intending to visit India for tourism purpose will be allowed to enter into India on e-Tourist/ Tourist Visa through chartered flight (for Group tourism only) from 15 th October, 2021
• All Individual foreign nationals intending to visit India for tourism purposes will be allowed to enter into India on e-Tourist visa/Tourist Visa with effect from 15 th November, 2021
• This tourist Visa facility would be applicable only to Tourist Visa/e-Tourist Visa issued on or after 06 th October, 2021
• e-Tourist Visa under the three options (one month, one year) and five years provided in para 2.5 (i) of the Visa Manual 2019, which remained suspended since March 2020, shall stand restored to nationals of 156 countries as indicated in Annex. I to this Ministry's O.M. of even number dated 30.03.2021 with immediate effect. Nationals of these 156 countries will also be eligible for issuance of fresh e-Tourist visa as per Para 2.5(i) of the Visa Manual, 2019
• Regular (Paper) valid Tourist visa issued to foreign nationals of all countries which remained suspended since March 2020 shall stand restored except for nationals of China. Fresh Regular (paper) Tourist Visa are also allowed to be issued by the Indian Missions/posts abroad to all foreign nationals (except for nationals of China) as per provisions contained in Chapter 10 of the Visa manual 2019
• Old valid Long duration (10 years) Regular Tourist Visa shall stand restored only for the nationals of USA and Japan. Fresh Long duration 10 year Tourist Visa can also be issued to the nationals of USA and Japan. Canadian nationals will be eligible for fresh Regular Tourist Visa except 10year long duration Tourist Visa. Long duration Regular Tourist Visa issued to Canadian nationals before March 2020 will continue to remain suspended and they would not be eligible for fresh Long duration visa of 10years validity
• The foreign nationals on Tourist /e-Tourist Visas would be permitted to enter India only through designated Sea Immigration Check Posts (ICPs) or Airport ICPs by flights, including those under the Vande Bharat Mission or 'air bubble' scheme or by any flights as allowed by the DGCA or Ministry of Civil Aviation. In no case the foreign nationals will be allowed to enter through Land border or riverine routes on Tourist Visa/e-Tourist Visa. Order for opening of Land ICPs and riverine routes will be communicated separately
• Medical visas must be issued after 21 st October, 2020
• Tourist Visa/ e-Tourist Visa of foreign nationals have to be utilised within 120 days from the date of issue of such visa/ETA
• Fresh Tourist Visa/e-Tourist Visa will remain valid for single entry for up to 30 days from the date of entry
• Customers with Person of India (PIO) card or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card or booklet are exempted from visa requirements
• a passport with at least 2 unused visa pages, and
• a printed confirmation of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) with status 'Granted'
• Passengers with a Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) Card must change their PIO status to Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status before 31 December 2022. Effective from 1 January 2023, passengers with a Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) Card will not be allowed to enter

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Home to airport to destination: Complete step-by-step guide for passengers on domestic flights

How will domestic flight operations change in india as the world continues to battle the novel coronavirus a complete guide on new rules issued by the civil aviation ministry..

Listen to Story

• The domestic commercial passenger flights will resume from May 25
• The govt has issued detailed guidelines for airlines, airports, passengers
• Only those who have done web check-in will be allowed to enter the terminal building

The government has issued detailed guidelines for airlines, airports, passengers and other stakeholders ahead of the resumption of domestic commercial passenger flights from May 25.

While the ministry said it will prescribe lower and upper limit on air fares, it asked passengers to report at airport two hours prior to their flight's scheduled departure time. The Civil Aviation Ministry added that only those who have done web check-in will be allowed to enter the terminal building.

Here is a detailed list of rules announced by the aviation ministry

• Familiarise yourself with the new procedures, especially about norms of social distancing, minimum touch, luggage limitations, Covid-I9 declaration, digital payments
• Don’t travel if you stay in a containment zone
• Register on Aarogya Setu app.
• Avoid last minute reaching the airport. Report two hours in advance of flight time
• Ensure web check-in, obtain boarding pass
• Print the baggage tag and affix it on the bag at a prominent place. In case you are unable to take a print, write the PNR and the name of the passenger on a piece of paper and paste it on the bag
• Download baggage tag with an identification number
• During transit to airport, take all precautions to prevent infection

NOTE: In the initial stage, a passenger can carry only one hand baggage and one check-in. Carry minimum baggage as use of trolleys will be permitted sparingly

Permission to travel only after a declaration is made by the passenger. In case of a PNR having more than one passenger, declaration will be for all passengers mentioned in the PNR

• Before entering the terminal, ensure you are wearing protective gear.
• Mask is compulsory throughout the journey
• Walk towards thermal screening facility near the entry gate.
• Get yourself checked for temperature. Get status of your health checked through the Aarogya Setu app or a self-declaration form
• Children below 14 years of age will be exempted
• Once screened, move to the CISF counter at the entry checkpoint. Display identity card, boarding pass/e-boarding pass
• Proceed to baggage drop counter
• At the baggage drop counter, display PNR and identification to the staff. After checking baggage tag, the staff will accept it. An electronic slip will be sent via SMS
• Complete check-in procedure and baggage drop-off at least 60 minutes before departure
• Arrangements made at airports to guide passengers to walk through the pre-embarkation security screening.
• Security staff will practice 'minimum touch' concept to reduce physical contact with passengers.
• While waiting in the security hold area, maintain social distancing and sanitisation protocols. Chairs marked 'not for use' should not be occupied
• Before boarding, collect your safety kit (three- layered surgical mask, face shield and a sanitiser) near the boarding gate
• Boarding for a flight will commence 60 minutes before departure and boarding gate will be closed 20 minutes before departure.
• Self-scan your boarding pass
• Again show your ID card to the airline staff at the boarding gate
• Maintain hygiene and sanitation. Face to face interaction to be minimised.
• Minimise use of lavatory and avoid any nonessential movement
• Only one companion for children and elderly to be allowed
• No meal services in the aircraft. Water bottle will be made available in the gallery area or on seats
• You will not be permitted to consume any eatables inside the aircraft during the flight
• No paper/magazine will be available in the aircraft
• No on-board sale of any item
• lf you feel uncomfortable, fatigued or have cough, notify the crew
• Follow instructions and don’t rush to exit gate
• Social distance/sanitation should be maintained at arrival gate
• Wait near the baggage hold area till your luggage arrives
• Transit passenger will not be allowed to come out of the transit area
• Use the authorised taxi maintaining the prescribed hygiene protocols
• Follow social distancing and hygiene while travelling back to your destination

Once you have arrived, adhere to health protocols as are prescribed by the destination state or UT.

The AAI on Thursday noon issued a SOP to airport operators for recommencement of domestic flights from May 25 onwards. This came a day after Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced that domestic flight services will resume in a calibrated manner.

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New COVID-19 rules for UAE to India travel explained

• Environment

All you need to know about the revised safety protocols that kicked in on February 23

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Dubai: India has made negative COVID-19 RT-PCR report within 72 hours of departure and more safety regulations mandatory for passengers from UK, Europe and Middle East.

Passengers from these countries will be mandatorily subjected to self-paid confirmatory molecular tests on arrival at the Indian airports concerned (port of entry), Indian ministries of health and civil aviation have announced.

• Free on-arrival COVID-19 PCR test for passengers from UAE to Kerala
• Revealed: Cost of on-arrival COVID-19 RT-PCR test in India for passengers from UAE

When will this come into effect?

The latest safety protocols under the new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that are also applicable to all passengers from the UAE to India came into effect from Tuesday, February 23.

Why has India revised rules?

The new guidelines have been issued to reduce the risk of importation of mutant strains of COVID-19.

They also aim to segregate travellers arriving from/transiting through UK, Brazil and South Africa (during past 14 days) in-flight or while disembarking to facilitate the authorities to follow the due protocol in respect of these travellers.

As per the new SOP, the entry airports for flight services would be decided by Ministry of Civil Aviation based on the bilateral/ Vande Bharat Mission (VBM) flights.

What are the pre-boarding procedures?

All international travellers coming, transiting through flights originating from United Kingdom, Europe and Middle East must submit self-declaration form (SDF) for COVID-19 on the Air Suvidha section of New Delhi Airport’s website.

They are also required to declare their travel history of past 14 days and upload the negative RT-PCR test report.

Each passenger shall also submit a declaration with respect to authenticity of the report and will be liable for criminal prosecution, if found otherwise, the SOP stated.

Before they are allowed to undertake the journey, they should also give an undertaking on the portal or otherwise to Ministry of Civil Aviation, through airlines concerned, that they would abide by the decision of the appropriate government authority to undergo home quarantine/ self-monitoring of their health for 14 days, or as warranted.

Passengers may also be able to access online booking facility for on arrival molecular testing through Air Suvidha.

What are the new steps in Self-Declaration Form?

While filling SDF, apart from providing all other information required in the SDF, these passengers need to follow the steps mentioned below.

A. Mention whether they plan to disembark at the arrival airport or take further flights to reach their final destination in India.

B. Based on this selection, the receipt of SDF (dispatched online to the transiting travellers) will display “T” (Transit) in easily readable and bigger font than other text.

C. The passengers will need to display this receipt to state authority / government officials at the airport for segregation.

What are the boarding procedures ?

Airlines have been told to allow boarding only those passengers who have filled in the SDF on the Air Suvidha portal and uploaded the negative RT-PCR test report.

At the time of boarding the flight, only asymptomatic travellers will be allowed to board after thermal screening.

All passengers shall be advised to download Aarogya Setu app on their mobile devices.

What are the on-arrival procedures?

Thermal screening would be carried out in respect of all the passengers by the health officials present at the airport.

The self-declaration form filled online shall be shown to the airport health staff.

The passengers found to be symptomatic during screening shall be immediately isolated and taken to medical facility as per health protocol.

What are the additional procedures?

All travellers from Europe and Middle East other than those in flights originating from Brazil, South Africa and UK who have to exit the destination airport or take connecting flights to their final domestic destination should follow the following steps.

• A: Shall give samples at the designated area and exit the airport.
• B: The state authorities/airport operators concerned will collect and convey the test report to the traveller.
• C: If the test report is negative, they will be advised to self-monitor their health for 14 days.
• D: If the test report is positive, they will undergo treatment as per standard health protocol.

Entry made in the SDF regarding telephone number and address would be reconfirmed.

What else will the airports do?

Airports can provide options to the passengers to do online booking of the confirmatory molecular test through respective website (Air Suvidha portal) or other appropriate platforms as well as to do offline booking.

Adequate arrangements for passengers waiting for their confirmatory molecular test as well as test results duly following effective isolation may also be made at the airports in conjunction with the airport authorities, the new SOP stated.

The airport authority shall ensure streamlining of the systems for testing at the concerned airports to ensure seamless sampling, testing, and waiting arrangements to avoid crowding and inconvenience to passengers.

Once passengers arrive at the entry airport, Airport Operator should lay down a well-defined flow for such passengers at their respective arrival terminals leading to the waiting lounges and to the exit from the terminal

As far as possible digital payment facilities should be ensured, the SOP stated.

The state and union territory government governments have been told to set up helpdesks at airports concerned to facilitate implementation of the new SOP.

Who gets exemption for pre-departure negative RT-PCR?

Arrival in India without a negative RT-PCR report shall be allowed only for those traveling to India in the exigency of death in the family.

If they wish to seek such exemption, they shall apply to the online portal of Air Suvidha through the New Delhi Airport’s website at least 72 hours before boarding.

The decision taken by the government as communicated on the online portal will be final, according to the SOP.

How about passengers on short stay?

International travellers on short stay (less than 14 days) and who have tested negative and remain symptom free, shall undergo all the procedures as above and shall be permitted to leave India under proper intimation to their District/State health authorities, subject to them fulfilling the requirement of the airlines and destination country.

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Ministry of Health (MOH) Public Health Advisory

Travellers should refer to the  ICA website  for the latest information on travelling to/from or transiting through Singapore. Residents of Singapore intending to depart Singapore are strongly advised to check the latest  MOH Travel Advisory  for outbound travel. For the latest updates on Singapore's COVID-19 situation, please refer to the MOH website at  https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19 .   

Travel Requirements to India

All travellers should preferably be fully vaccinated as per the approved primary schedule of vaccination against COVID-19 in their country .  Given that travel guidelines can change regularly, and there may be additional state-level requirements imposed, travellers to India are advised to refer to the official website of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, at   https://www.mohfw.gov.in .

You may wish to refer to the official website of the India Ministry of Home Affairs at https://www.mha.gov.in for detailed information on COVID-19 restrictions in different states in India. You may also wish to refer to the official website of the Indian Bureau of Immigration at https://boi.gov.in/ . 

Entry and Exit

Singaporeans are required to obtain a visa before travelling to India. There should be at least six months' validity on your passport on the expected date of departure from India. As visa requirements often change at short notice, we advise you to contact your travel agency, or the High Commission of India in Singapore for up-to-date information.

e-Visa Facility for Entry into India – The Indian e-Visa is valid for entry through 284 designated airports and 5 designated seaports. However, Indian e-Visa holders can exit from any of the authorised Immigration Check Posts (ICPs) in India.  This Indian e-Visa is an addition to the existing Visa services.  Singaporeans need to apply for the electronic Visa (e-Visa) prior to arrival, i.e. submit your Indian visa forms online and secure the necessary approval before departing for India. Upon arrival in India, travellers on the e-Visa would need to proceed to a “Visa on Arrival” counter at the airport to get their visa stamped on their passport. Please refer to the Indian Visa Online website for more information, and beware of fake websites that claim to offer visa services.

There are several types of visas issued for travel to India, such as Tourist, Business, and Medical visas.  The validity of all visas commences from the date of issue of the visa and not the date of arrival in India.  You should ensure that you obtain the right visa for your travel purposes. 

Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card holders:  OCI cardholders do not require a visa to enter India, and only need to present a valid passport and OCI card.

If your passport is lost or stolen in India, you will need to do the following:

• Lodge a police report with the Indian authorities.
• Report a lost passport online with ICA or contact the Singapore High Commission in New Delhi or Consulates in Mumbai or Chennai.
• Depending on your location, the nearest Overseas Mission will contact you for the collection once your passport or Document of Identity (DOI) is ready.
• One (for DOI application) or two (for passport applications) passport-sized photographs. Instant photographs are acceptable.
• A copy of your police report.
• Documentary proof of your Singapore Citizenship (such as your Singapore Identification Card or Driving License) to verify your identity.
• Relevant fees for the application.
• Travellers can refer to ICA's website for more information on loss of passports overseas.
• For DOI holders, you will need an exit permit from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) . You will need to provide proof of address in Delhi and one passport-sized colour photograph. Please note that exit permits are not issued on weekends or Indian Public Holidays. The contact details for the FRRO in New Delhi are:

Foreigners Regional Registration Office

Block 8, Sector 1

Telephone: 91-11-2671-1348, 2671-1384

Fax : 91-11-2671-1348 

Safety and Security

Crime and motor accidents:  The rate of crime and motor accidents in India are high.  Travellers should pay close attention to their personal security at all times and monitor the local news on information regarding security risks.  Precautions that travellers can take include:

• Avoid isolated or unlit areas, including city streets, village lanes and beaches.
• Do not accept food or drinks from strangers or leave drinks unattended.
• Do not leave your belongings unattended at all times, and pay close attention particularly in crowded areas.
• Travel in well-maintained vehicles with seatbelts.
• Avoid travelling alone on public transport, autos, taxis and rickshaws, particularly at night.

Travel for women in India:  Women should exercise caution when travelling in India.  Women tend to receive unwanted attention in the form of verbal and physical harassment by individuals or groups of men.  There have been sexual assaults on female visitors in tourist areas. Women travellers should respect local dress codes and customs.  Avoid travelling alone, even in major cities and at tourist sites.  Choose safe modes of transport, and arrange airport transfers before arrival.   

Terrorism and civil unrest: In November 2008, terrorists attacked a number of sites in Mumbai, including luxury hotels, a railway station and a restaurant.  Over 160 people were killed and scores wounded. A Singapore citizen was also killed.  Terrorist attacks in India can happen with little or no warning.  Terrorists have targeted popular tourist areas.  In addition, violent protests and demonstrations occur sporadically and often spontaneously.  Travellers should exercise vigilance and minimise risks:

• Monitor the news for new or emerging threats.
• Heed official warnings seriously and avoid areas identified as possible areas of attack.
• Stay clear of all demonstrations, political event rallies, processions and large-scale public gatherings.
• Be particularly vigilant in the period around days of national significance, such as Republic day (26 January) and Independence Day (15 August).

Gold, Silver & Jewellery: There are strict regulations governing the carriage of gold, silver and jewellery into India by International travellers. Please refer to the guide for travellers published by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Government of India at https://old.cbic.gov.in/htdocs-cbec/ guide_for_travellers/guide- for-travellers  for information on customs requirements and restrictions. 

Satellite phones: Travellers are advised to ensure that they do not carry satellite phones to India. Satellite phones carried by travellers to India will be detained/confiscated and the traveller may be penalised under the relevant sections of Indian Telegraph Act. Satellite phones are also not permitted to be imported except with a license issued by the WPC wing of Department of Telecommunications. Refer to  https://dot.gov.in/spectrum- management/2457   for details.  For information on customs requirements and restrictions as well as a comprehensive list of dutiable and duty-free goods allowed into India, refer to  https://www.cbic.gov.in/ resources/htdocs-cbec/baggage- rules.pdf .

Alcohol: The laws governing alcohol consumption vary from state to state, and it is prohibited in some.  Travellers should seek advice from your local travel agent, hotel or the local authorities before visiting such places.   

Currency: The withdrawal of the old 500 and 1000-Indian banknotes was announced by the Indian government in November 2016.  It is no longer possible for non-Indian nationals to exchange these old notes.  Travellers can refer to the Reserve Bank of India for more information and advice. 

Travel restrictions around designated tribal areas:  The movement of tourists around designated Restricted or Protected Areas requires permission from the Indian authorities.  The list of areas can be obtained from the Bureau of Immigration .  Travellers should seek advice from the High Commission of India to Singapore when planning to visit these areas.      

Additional Information

Natural disasters: India is susceptible to natural disasters like monsoons, cyclones and earthquakes.  There can be widespread disruptions to services when they occur.  Travellers can monitor the media and the India Meteorological Department website  for updates.    

Mosquito-borne diseases:  Malaria is a risk in parts of India, including in major cities.  Dengue fever and Chikungunya fever are quite prevalent.  Travellers should take precaution against mosquito-borne illnesses:

• Make sure that your accommodation is mosquito-proof, such as through the presence of mosquito nets or screen doors.
• Take measures to avoid insect bites.  Use insect repellent and wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing.  Avoid outdoors at dawn and dusk.
• Discuss your travel plans and vaccination needs with your doctor prior to travel.

Travellers may refer to this guide for more information on protection against mosquitos.

General Travel Advice

Overseas Travel – Be Informed & Be Safe [Updated on 5 February 2024]

Singaporeans planning overseas travel are reminded to take the necessary precautions, including being prepared to deal with accidents, natural disasters or terrorist attacks. Singaporeans are also reminded to be familiar with your destination’s local laws, customs, and COVID-19 regulations.

Demonstrations do occur in major cities across the world. Such demonstrations can sometimes escalate into violence. It is important for Singaporeans to keep abreast of local news, avoid any protests or demonstrations and heed the advice of the local authorities.

When participating in outdoor leisure activities overseas, Singaporeans should be mindful that certain sporting activities, especially in open seas, may carry risks. Besides ensuring that one has the physical competencies and appropriate condition to undertake the activity, every effort should be made to ascertain if the trip organiser or guide is reliable and competent, and that appropriate safety and contingency plans are in place. When in doubt, Singaporeans should consult the relevant professional bodies or sporting associations for specific advice.

For those planning to travel, here are some tips:

Before travelling

• Familiarise yourself with our network of overseas missions.
• Purchase comprehensive travel insurance and be familiar with the terms and coverage.
• Equip yourself with research about your destination’s entry requirements, current situation, local laws and customs.
• eRegister with us on our website ( www.mfa.gov.sg ) so that we may reach out to you during an emergency.

While travelling

• Always take care of your personal safety, remain vigilant and monitor local weather news, advisories, and security developments.
• Exercise caution around large gatherings and avoid locations known for demonstrations or disturbances.
• Be prepared for possible delays and last-minute changes in travel plans especially during unforeseen events such as natural disasters, social unrest or terror attacks.
• Stay connected with your friends and family. Inform them of your whereabouts and provide them with your overseas contact details.
• In the event that you require consular assistance, please contact the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.

Advisory: Email Scams

There have been reports of individuals receiving scam emails/messages purportedly sent from friends in distress overseas. These emails/messages typically originate from an email address/social media known to the receiver bearing claims of the sender getting into trouble overseas and urgently requesting financial assistance. The sender would also claim to have approached a Singapore Embassy/Consulate and the local Police for help to no avail.

MFA takes the safety of all Singaporeans very seriously.  Singaporeans in distress approaching our Overseas Missions for assistance will be rendered with all necessary consular assistance.  If you receive such emails/messages from purported friends seeking funds transfers, we strongly advise you to call them first to verify the authenticity of the emails/messages before responding to their request.  It is also not advisable to give out any personal information such as NRIC/passport numbers, address, telephone number, etc.  Any form of reply, even one of non-interest, could result in more unsolicited emails.  Members of the public who suspect that they have fallen prey to such scams should report the matter to the Police immediately.  Should Singaporeans abroad require consular assistance, they can contact the nearest Singapore Overseas  Mission  or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24-hr Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a ministry of the Government of Singapore responsible for conducting and managing diplomatic relations between Singapore and other countries and regions.

Travel Page

New Schengen Visa Rules for Indian Visitors: Key Questions Answered 

Peden Doma Bhutia , Skift

April 23rd, 2024 at 5:39 AM EDT

Destinations value Indian travelers, but lengthy visa processing times lasting months act as significant deterrents. The adoption of these new regulations by European authorities reflects a proactive effort to tackle these concerns, aiming to boost tourism flow.

Peden Doma Bhutia

The European Commission has introduced a new visa “cascade” regime for Indian nationals applying for Schengen visas in India. This regime looks to offer longer-term, multi-entry Schengen visas, based on the applicant’s travel history.

Indian travel agents had been complaining of Schengen visa delays as a major challenge to the summer travel rush from India.

• How does one qualify for the longer duration visas?

The European Commission can issue a two-year multiple-entry visa after a traveler “has obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years.” This demonstrates a positive travel history and compliance with previous visa regulations.

Subsequently, after granting the two-year visa, authorities may issue a five-year visa if the passport has has adequate validity remaining.

• What benefits do holders of these extended visas enjoy?

During the validity period of these visas, holders can enjoy travel rights equivalent to visa-free nationals within the Schengen area, allowing for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

• Which countries are part of the Schengen area?

The Schengen area comprises 29 European countries, including 25 European Union member states: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, and Sweden. Additionally, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are also part of the Schengen area.

• Are there any restrictions or conditions to these visas?

Schengen visas do not grant the right to work within the Schengen area and are for short stays only. Additionally, the visas are not purpose-bound, providing flexibility for travel within the specified period.

Industry Take

Skift also spoke to players in the Indian outbound travel industry to understand what has changed in the new Schengen visa rules.

• How is this different from the earlier visas that Schengen countries offered? Don’t they already offer multi-entry visas with longer duration to Indians?

Mahendra Vakharia, managing director of Pathfinders Holidays, said there was no standard policy of Schengen states for issuing these long-term visas earlier. Switzerland, France, Netherlands, Italy and Spain usually issued long-term visa, but it was all subjective. “With this new policy it should be a standard rule now,” Vakharia said.

• Travelers mainly complain of longer processing times, has that changed?

Here too, there is no standard processing time as it varies from country to country, according to Vakharia. “France and Spain have been processing visas within four days, and then there’s Croatia, which takes 60 days,” he said.

Processing time will not change as of now, it will take time for the visa rules to be enforced, said an industry source, while highlighting that the visa would be especially useful for corporate travelers.

What Promoted The Move?

Speaking on the possible motivations, Vakharia acknowledged various reasons, including administrative capacity constraints at embassies to cater to the huge inflow of applications.

“As there is an overwhelming demand from Indian travelers, the process of securing visa appointments has posed significant challenges , especially for travelers residing in cities lacking VFS Global centers,” he said.

The European Commission said in an statement that the decision reflects the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, aimed at fostering comprehensive cooperation on migration policy. Facilitating people-to-people contacts is a key aspect of this agenda, acknowledging India’s importance as an EU partner.

The decision also reflects a realization of the strong economic benefits derived through the spending power of Indian tourists. As Vakharia aptly puts it, “Why let go of the Golden Indian Goodie Bag?”

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Tags: asia monthly , europe , european commission , European summer travel , european union , india , india outbound , schengen , visa , visas

Photo credit: Park Guell in Spain. Unlike many Schengen countries, Spain has been processing visas within four days for Indian travelers. Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz / Pexels