Citizens of all countries, except Nepal and Bhutan, require a valid national passport or valid travel documents and a valid visa granted by Missions abroad for entering India. Nepalese or Bhutanese citizens need no passport or visa but should carry suitable documents for their identification when proceeding from their respective countries.

For visitors to the country, visas are available from the Indian missions in each country. Six month multiple-entry visas are now issued to most nationals regardless of the intended duration of stay. Generally a tourist visa is given for 6 months while a business visa can be issued for one or more year with multiple entries. Transit visas are issued for a maximum period of 15-days with single/double entry facilities to bonafide transit passengers only. Conference visas are issued for attending conferences, seminars, or meetings in India. A letter of invitation from the organizer of the conference needs to be submitted along with the visa application.

• All foreign nationals have to pay their hotel bills in foreign currency only, in cash, travelers’ checks or credit cards. (However, Indian rupees are accepted if supported by proof of certificate of encashment in India of foreign currency or travelers’ checks).
• Concessional- tickets like Indrail Pass, Youth fares, Discover India Fares and Air Fares are to be paid for in foreign exchange only.
• Do not purchase air/ rail/ bus tickets through strangers or unauthorized travel agents/ tour operators.
• Do not hire any type of transportation from unlicensed or unapproved operators. Leave this to us to organize. Self- drive cars are available for hire from recognized International firms.
• While shopping, sightseeing or going to and from transportation terminals avoid touts and brokers. Be aware of unscrupulous shopkeepers, if you feel that you are being abused do not hesitate to consult the proper authorities.
• Taxi and auto-rickshaws fares keep changing, therefore, they do not always conform to readings on meters. To avoid confusion, insist on seeing the latest fare chart available with taxi/ auto-rickshaw drivers and pay accordingly. Taxis and auto-rickshaws do not have meters in all cities, but where they do, insist on the meter being flagged in your presence. Incase the driver refuses to cooperate, seek the assistance of a policeman. Where there are no meters, ask assistance at your hotel and agree on the tax fare in advance.
• The dry summer heat can drain you completely. Drink lots of water and fluids. The sun is strong. Remember to use sunscreen on exposed parts of the body. Wear sunglasses to screen out harmful rays.