1. Start with the correct visa
India welcomes travelers with extraordinary cultural diversity, historic cities, sacred places, mountain landscapes, tropical beaches, wildlife, food traditions and modern business centers. A journey may include the monuments of Delhi and Agra, the palaces of Rajasthan, Kerala’s backwaters, Goa’s coastline, Mumbai’s energy, Tamil Nadu’s temples, Himalayan destinations or the wildlife reserves of central and northeastern India.
Successful travel to India begins with the correct visa and careful preparation. Foreign nationals who are not Indian citizens, NRIs or OCI cardholders normally require a valid Indian visa or other legally recognized entry authorization before traveling.
A foreign traveler should obtain a visa matching the genuine primary purpose of the visit. A tourist visa should not be used for employment, journalism, long-term study, missionary activity or other purposes requiring a different category or government permission.
India provides two principal application routes:
- Electronic Visa, or e-Visa
- Regular or paper visa issued through an Indian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate
The appropriate route depends on the traveler’s nationality, purpose, passport and proposed entry point.
2. India’s official visa websites
Use only Government of India websites. The Government of India warns that the official e-Visa process is online and does not require an intermediary. Many commercial websites imitate official visa pages, charge unnecessary service fees or collect sensitive passport information. A web address ending in .gov.in is an important indicator of an official Indian government website.
3. Indian e-Visa
The e-Visa is available only to eligible passport holders and only for approved purposes.
Current electronic visa categories shown on the official portal include:
- e-Tourist Visa
- e-Business Visa
- e-Medical Visa
- e-Medical Attendant Visa
- e-Student Visa
- e-Family Visa
- e-Transit Visa
- e-Miscellaneous Visa
- Certain other purpose-specific electronic categories
Not every category is available to every nationality or applicant. Eligibility, validity, maximum stay, permitted entries and required documents should be confirmed on the official portal before applying.
4. Basic e-Visa requirements
The official e-Visa guidance generally requires:
- A passport from an eligible country or region
- At least six months of passport validity when applying
- At least two blank passport pages
- A separate passport for every traveler, including children
- A return or onward ticket
- Sufficient funds for the stay
- A recent compliant photograph
- A clear scan of the passport information page
- Purpose-specific supporting documents
- Entry through an authorized immigration checkpoint
Biometric information may be collected upon arrival in India. The e-Visa fee depends on nationality and visa category. Processing fees are generally nonrefundable, including when an application is refused or a trip is cancelled.
5. Apply early
Do not wait until the day before departure. The official portal specifies minimum advance-application periods for applicable e-Visa categories and may allow applications to be made several months before travel. Processing can be delayed by:
- Poor-quality passport scans
- Incorrect photographs
- Name or passport-number errors
- Incomplete travel history
- Payment problems
- Nationality or ancestry reviews
- Missing invitation or hospital documents
- Security checks
- Peak travel demand
A traveler should not purchase a nonrefundable flight based only on submitting an application. Wait until the Electronic Travel Authorization shows GRANTED, then verify every detail.
6. Electronic Travel Authorization is not merely an application receipt
After an e-Visa application is reviewed, the traveler receives an Electronic Travel Authorization, commonly called an ETA. Before departure:
- Confirm that the status is GRANTED.
- Check the traveler’s name.
- Check passport number.
- Check nationality.
- Check date of birth.
- Check photograph.
- Check visa category.
- Check validity and first-entry dates.
- Check authorized entry points.
- Print the ETA and retain a digital copy.
An application acknowledgement, payment receipt or pending status does not authorize travel.
7. Authorized e-Visa entry points
An e-Visa holder must enter India through an airport or seaport currently approved for e-Visa entry. The official portal maintains the current list of designated immigration checkpoints. Travelers ordinarily may depart through authorized Indian immigration checkpoints, but should confirm the current rule for their itinerary.
An e-Visa should not be used for initial entry through an unauthorized land border, airport or seaport.
Official e-Visa entry-point information8. Tourist visa
A tourist visa is intended for genuine tourism-related purposes such as:
- Recreation
- Sightseeing
- Visiting friends
- Visiting relatives
- Short, unpaid recreational activities permitted by the visa rules
A tourist should not use this visa for paid employment, regular business operations, journalism, long-term academic study, missionary work, professional research, film production requiring approval, extended NGO work, or activities requiring a special permit.
Tourist e-Visas may be issued for different validity periods. The number of permitted entries and maximum length of stay can depend on the visa version and nationality. The expiration date of the visa is not always the same as the maximum permitted stay. Read the ETA and entry endorsement carefully.
9. Business visa
A business visa may cover qualifying activities such as:
- Business meetings
- Trade discussions
- Contract negotiations
- Establishing commercial contacts
- Attending approved exhibitions
- Purchasing or selling industrial or commercial products
- Other activities permitted within the business-visa category
A business visa is not automatically an employment visa. Receiving a salary from an Indian employer or taking up regular employment may require an employment visa.
Business applicants may need a business card, employer letter, invitation from an Indian company, Indian company contact details, explanation of proposed activities, evidence of financial standing and travel itinerary. Longer continuous stays may trigger FRRO registration requirements — follow the duration and registration conditions printed on the visa and published by the Bureau of Immigration.
10. Employment visa
Foreign nationals taking employment in India generally require a regular employment visa rather than an e-Visa. Possible requirements include:
- Employment contract
- Appointment letter
- Employer registration documents
- Proof of professional qualifications
- Salary information
- Tax documents
- Undertaking from the employer
- FRRO registration after arrival
Employment visas can carry minimum-salary, skill, employer-specific and sector-specific conditions. A traveler should not enter as a tourist and begin working while attempting to convert status later. The official e-Visa FAQ states that an e-Visa is not available for employment.
11. Student visa
Students admitted to an Indian educational institution generally need the student visa or authorized electronic student category applicable to their circumstances. Supporting records can include:
- Admission letter
- Institution details
- Course name and duration
- Proof of tuition payment
- Financial-support evidence
- Accommodation information
- Parental consent for minors
- Medical records
- FRRO documentation
Students should verify whether registration is required and complete it within the time stated on the visa or immigration endorsement.
12. Medical and medical-attendant visas
Foreign nationals traveling for treatment should use the appropriate medical visa. A medical application commonly requires a letter from the Indian hospital identifying the patient’s name, passport number, nationality, proposed treatment, and expected admission or appointment date.
Eligible attendants should use the appropriate medical-attendant category rather than a tourist visa when their primary purpose is to accompany the patient.
Medical and AYUSH visa portal13. Conference, journalism, research, film and missionary activities
Certain activities require specialized visas, permissions or government clearances. These can include:
- Journalism
- Professional media reporting
- Documentary production
- Commercial filming
- Research
- Conferences
- Missionary activities
- Mountaineering
- NGO work
- Religious outreach
- Tabligh activities
- Work involving foreign governments or diplomatic organizations
- Visits to protected or restricted areas
A traveler should disclose the actual purpose. Carrying professional media equipment or presenting oneself as a tourist while conducting journalism can create serious immigration and legal problems. The official e-Visa rules state that ordinary e-Visas are not available for journalism or NGO activities, although narrowly defined short-duration voluntary work without payment may be permitted under stated conditions.
14. Applicants connected to Pakistan
Special eligibility and application procedures can apply to Pakistani passport holders, former Pakistani citizens, persons of Pakistani origin, and applicants whose parents or grandparents were born in or permanently resident in Pakistan.
The official e-Visa FAQ states that these applicants may not be eligible for the e-Visa route and may need to apply for a regular visa through an Indian Mission. Do not conceal ancestry, prior nationality or travel history. False information can result in refusal, cancellation or future immigration consequences.
15. Visa on Arrival
India’s Visa on Arrival program is limited. It is not a general facility available to all tourists. The official portal currently identifies limited eligibility for nationals of:
- Japan
- South Korea
- The United Arab Emirates, subject to additional prior-visa conditions
It is available only for specified purposes and at designated airports. Other eligibility, duration, financial-standing and passport conditions apply. Completing an e-Arrival Card does not create Visa on Arrival eligibility.
India Visa on Arrival16. India e-Arrival Card
Foreign nationals must complete India’s official e-Arrival Card online within 72 hours before arriving in India, according to the Government of India’s visa portal.
The e-Arrival Card is free, an immigration-arrival information form, separate from the visa application, required in addition to a valid visa or other entry authorization, not a guarantee of admission, not a replacement for a passport, and not a customs declaration.
Travelers should prepare:
- Passport information
- Nationality
- Flight details
- Port of arrival
- Arrival date
- Purpose of visit
- Address in India
- Local contact details
- Other requested travel declarations
Save the acknowledgement and keep a copy available offline. Avoid websites that charge a fee for this free government service.
Complete the free India e-Arrival Card17. Registration, extensions and immigration services
Some foreign nationals must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer or Foreigners Registration Officer after arrival. The requirement depends on visa category, visa endorsement, length of stay, nationality, age, purpose and specific conditions imposed at entry. Never assume registration is unnecessary merely because the visa is valid for a long period.
India’s e-FRRO system handles services including:
- Foreigner registration
- Visa extension
- Visa conversion where legally permitted
- Exit permit
- Address-related services
- Change of passport
- Loss of passport
- Other immigration permissions
The e-Visa is generally non-extendable and non-convertible, except where a specific legal exception applies. Travelers should not remain in India beyond the authorized period while waiting to solve the matter informally.
Indian e-FRRO18. Hotel and accommodation registration
Hotels, guesthouses, hostels, educational institutions and other accommodators have reporting obligations for foreign guests. Under the current foreigner-registration system, accommodation providers submit the prescribed arrival and stay information through the government portal.
A legitimate hotel may ask to scan or copy passport, visa or ETA, entry stamp, arrival details and contact information. Travelers staying in a private home should ensure that any applicable accommodation or foreigner-reporting requirements are followed.
Foreigners Information Submission System19. Protected and restricted areas
Some regions of India require a Protected Area Permit, Restricted Area Permit or other special authorization. A standard visa or e-Visa is not sufficient by itself. Restrictions may apply in sensitive border, island, military or tribal areas, including parts of:
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Sikkim
- Ladakh
- Himachal Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
- Rajasthan
- Northeastern states
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Other notified areas
Requirements can change, and some regions may be opened temporarily under specific conditions. Do not enter military installations, cantonments, border roads or restricted islands without authorization.
MHA Protected and Restricted Area Permit guidance20. Yellow fever requirements
Foreign travelers arriving within the applicable period after leaving or transiting through a yellow-fever-risk country may be required to carry an original valid yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Failure to present a required certificate can lead to quarantine or other health measures. Check the current list and conditions through India’s Ministry of Health and the official e-Visa guidance before travel.
21. Customs and restricted goods
The e-Arrival Card is not a customs declaration. Travelers must separately comply with Indian Customs requirements. Items requiring special attention can include:
- Currency above applicable declaration limits
- Gold and jewelry
- Commercial goods
- High-value electronics
- Drones
- Satellite phones
- Radio or communication equipment
- Firearms and ammunition
- Narcotic or controlled substances
- Prescription medication
- Food, plants and seeds
- Animal products
- Antiques
- Wildlife products
- Maps or equipment involving sensitive areas
Satellite phones and certain communication devices can create particularly serious legal problems without advance authorization. Travelers should retain prescriptions for medication and carry medicines in original labeled packaging. A medication lawfully prescribed abroad may still be restricted in India.
22. Major Indian embassies, high commissions and consulates abroad
India maintains embassies, high commissions, consulates and permanent missions worldwide. The office serving an applicant depends on where the person legally resides and the mission’s consular jurisdiction. The following are representative major locations — not an exhaustive directory.
| Region | Principal Indian missions and consular locations |
|---|---|
| United States | Washington, D.C.; New York; Chicago; Houston; San Francisco; Atlanta; Seattle |
| Canada | Ottawa; Toronto; Vancouver |
| United Kingdom | London; Birmingham; Edinburgh |
| Ireland | Dublin |
| Australia | Canberra; Sydney; Melbourne; Perth; Brisbane |
| New Zealand | Wellington; Auckland |
| United Arab Emirates | Abu Dhabi; Dubai |
| Saudi Arabia | Riyadh; Jeddah |
| Gulf region | Doha, Muscat, Kuwait City and Manama |
| Singapore and Malaysia | Singapore; Kuala Lumpur |
| Europe | Paris, Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Rome, Milan, Madrid, The Hague, Brussels, Vienna, Bern, Stockholm, Oslo, Copenhagen, Warsaw and Prague |
| East Asia | Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Osaka-Kobe and Seoul |
| Southeast Asia | Bangkok, Jakarta, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Manila and Yangon |
| Africa | Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Cairo, Lagos, Accra and Dar es Salaam |
| Latin America | Brasília, São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Santiago and Lima |
| Russia and Central Asia | Moscow, St. Petersburg, Astana, Tashkent and other regional capitals |
Mission locations, jurisdiction and services can change. Before applying, use the official Ministry of External Affairs country and mission information rather than relying on an old address or telephone number. An Indian embassy or consulate abroad assists with Indian visas and Indian consular matters. Once in India, a foreign traveler should also know how to contact the embassy or consulate of the traveler’s own country for emergency assistance.
23. Things visitors should do in India
India is visited safely by millions of travelers each year, and preparation makes the difference between an unforgettable trip and an avoidable problem.
- Passport information page
- Indian visa or ETA
- Entry stamp
- e-Arrival acknowledgement
- Travel insurance
- Airline tickets
- Hotel bookings
- Emergency contacts
- Prescriptions
- Special permits
- Do not carry the only copy of every document in one bag
- Register your itinerary with your country’s embassy or travel-notification service where available
- Review your government’s current travel advisory before departure and during the trip
- Emergency medical care
- Hospitalization
- Medical evacuation
- Trip interruption
- Lost or delayed baggage
- Adventure activities
- Pre-existing conditions where necessary
- Motorcycle or scooter use if planned
- Confirm whether cashless hospital treatment is available or whether payment must be made first
- Drink sealed bottled water from a reliable source or properly treated water
- Check that bottle seals are intact
- Use caution with ice of uncertain origin, raw salads washed in untreated water, cut fruit left exposed, unpasteurized dairy, and food stored at unsafe temperatures
- Busy establishments with good turnover are generally preferable to empty stalls
- Airport prepaid taxi counters
- Hotel-arranged transportation
- Recognized taxi companies
- Reputable app-based services
- Official public transportation
- Confirm the destination and estimated price before starting when a meter or fixed fare is not available
- Verify the vehicle registration and driver in the app
- Follow posted dress requirements
- Remove shoes where required
- Cover the head when requested
- Ask before taking photographs
- Do not touch sacred objects
- Remain quiet during worship
- Respect separate entrances or restricted areas
- Do not photograph cremations or private rituals without explicit permission
- Request consent before photographing individuals, children, ceremonies, religious figures or people in vulnerable circumstances
- India’s national emergency response number is commonly 112, but local service availability can vary
- Save local police, hotel, tour operator, travel insurer, embassy or consulate, trusted local contact, and bank card-loss numbers
- At major monuments, wildlife reserves and heritage sites, use authorized guides or reputable operators
- Ask for identification and agree on the price and included services in advance
- Bargaining may be expected in some markets, but not everywhere
- Remain polite, avoid aggressive behavior and understand the final price before accepting goods or services
- Do not casually give strangers copies of passport, visa, bank card, one-time password, travel itinerary or hotel room number
- Legitimate hotels and immigration authorities may require documents, but verify who is collecting them and why
24. Things visitors should not do
These are the mistakes that most often turn a good trip into a serious problem. Most are easy to avoid with a little preparation.
- An overstay can result in fines, detention, exit delays, removal and future visa complications
- Seek help from e-FRRO before the authorized stay expires
- Paid work, regular employment and many professional activities require the appropriate visa
- Professional journalism, reporting, documentary work and certain filming activities require the appropriate visa and permissions
- Military bases
- Border installations
- Airports where prohibited
- Immigration and security checkpoints
- Bridges or infrastructure marked restricted
- Government facilities with no-photography signs
- Police or security operations
- Tribal communities without permission
- India has severe laws and penalties concerning narcotic drugs and controlled substances
- Do not carry packages for another person
- Do not assume that laws or enforcement will resemble those in your home country
- Drone importation, registration and operation are regulated
- Airports, military areas, monuments, borders, government buildings and other zones may prohibit drone use
- Possession or use of unauthorized satellite-communication equipment can result in detention or prosecution
- Foreign visitors should avoid political rallies, protests and activities inconsistent with their visa
- Demonstrations can change rapidly and may attract police action
- India contains many faiths and traditions
- Avoid insulting religious figures, sacred objects, places of worship or community practices
- Attitudes vary by region and setting
- Use discretion, particularly near religious sites and in conservative communities
- Inform someone of the route
- Use a reputable operator
- Check weather
- Carry emergency supplies
- Confirm permits
- Avoid driving at night when possible
- Do not depend entirely on mobile coverage
- Respond compassionately but carefully
- Organized begging, distraction theft and pressure tactics can occur around transport hubs and tourist sites
- Consider supporting a recognized local charity
25. Personal safety and common scams
India is visited safely by millions of travelers, but preparation matters. Common problems can include:
- Unofficial taxi solicitation
- A driver claiming a hotel is closed
- A person directing tourists to a fake government office
- Counterfeit tour agencies
- Inflated transport or guide charges
- Card skimming
- SIM-card or identity misuse
- Friendship or romance scams
- Gem-export schemes
- Fake charity collection
- Unrequested help at ticket machines
- Pressure to buy tours, carpets or jewelry
Verify closures directly with the hotel or attraction. Do not allow a stranger to redirect you to an “official tourist office” without independent confirmation.
Women traveling alone may wish to arrange the first airport transfer in advance, share vehicle and driver details with a trusted person, avoid isolated areas after dark, select well-reviewed accommodations, sit near other women or families on public transport, trust personal instincts and leave uncomfortable situations, and keep emergency contacts immediately accessible. No safety strategy guarantees protection, but advance planning reduces exposure to avoidable risk.
26. Money, cards and digital payments
Carry more than one payment method. Practical steps include:
- Notify your bank of travel
- Use ATMs attached to established banks
- Shield the keypad
- Avoid accepting help from strangers at an ATM
- Keep transaction receipts
- Check the currency and amount before approving a card payment
- Carry modest cash for smaller businesses
- Do not exchange money through unauthorized street dealers
- Obtain a receipt from authorized foreign-exchange providers
Some Indian digital-payment systems require an Indian-compatible bank or mobile arrangement. Foreign travelers should not assume every QR code will work with an overseas payment app.
27. Transportation
India has extensive air, rail, metro, bus, taxi and app-based transportation networks.
- Allow generous time for traffic and airport security
- Entry into many airport terminals requires a valid ticket and identification
- The name on the ticket should match the passport
- Purchase tickets through official Indian Railways channels or reputable authorized providers
- Keep the passport used for the reservation available during travel
- Watch baggage carefully and avoid accepting food or drinks from unknown persons
- Traffic conditions can be unfamiliar and intense
- Use seat belts where available and wear a proper helmet on two-wheelers
- A foreign driving license may not be sufficient for every situation — check whether an International Driving Permit and local documentation are required
- Avoid renting a motorcycle without appropriate licensing, experience and insurance
- Check the number plate, driver identity and destination before entering
- Do not allow the driver to cancel an app trip and continue unofficially unless you fully understand the safety and payment consequences
28. Respectful cultural conduct
India is not culturally uniform. Customs vary by state, language, religion, community and generation. Helpful practices include:
- Greet people respectfully
- Use the right hand when giving or receiving food or money where culturally appropriate
- Remove footwear when entering a home or place of worship if asked
- Avoid touching another person’s head
- Avoid pointing feet toward people or sacred objects
- Ask before entering private religious areas
- Respect queues even when they appear informal
- Remain patient with bureaucratic or transportation delays
- Learn a few polite words in the local language
- Tip when appropriate, but check whether service is already included
Visitors are not expected to know every custom. Courtesy, observation and a willingness to ask usually go a long way.
29. Responsible tourism
Travelers can help protect India’s communities and natural heritage.
- Do not litter
- Reduce single-use plastic
- Carry a reusable water bottle with an appropriate filter where practical
- Do not feed or touch wildlife
- Do not buy products made from endangered wildlife
- Avoid exploitative animal attractions
- Use authorized wildlife guides
- Do not remove artifacts, stones or objects from protected sites
- Support local craftspeople and legitimate community businesses
- Ask permission before photographing tribal or rural communities
- Avoid “orphanage tourism” and unverified child-focused volunteering
- Follow park, monument and archaeological-site rules
30. Emergency and immigration contacts
Bookmark these before you fly and store them offline.
| Purpose | Official Government of India resource |
|---|---|
| National emergency response | Dial 112 where available |
| Immigration registration, extension or exit permit | e-FRRO |
| FRRO contact directory | Official FRRO contacts |
| Indian e-Visa assistance | Official e-Visa portal |
| Visa and arrival information | India Visa Online |
| Protected or restricted areas | MHA PAP/RAP guidance |
| Your country’s emergency assistance | Contact your own embassy or consulate in India |
| Lost passport | Report to local police, contact your embassy and notify FRRO |
31. Before-you-fly checklist
A final quick-check to run through the night before departure.
- Passport is valid for the required period
- Passport has sufficient blank pages
- Visa category matches the real purpose of travel
- e-Visa ETA status shows GRANTED
- Names and passport details are correct
- Entry airport or seaport is authorized
- Return or onward ticket is available
- Accommodation is confirmed
- e-Arrival Card is completed within 72 hours before arrival
- Yellow fever certificate is carried when applicable
- Protected-area permits are approved
- Medication is in original packaging with prescriptions
- Travel insurance is active
- Passport and visa copies are stored separately
- Airport transfer is arranged
- Emergency and embassy contacts are saved
- Customs restrictions have been reviewed
- No prohibited drone, satellite phone or restricted item is packed
India rewards preparation. The most important rule is to enter with the correct visa, use official government websites, respect the permitted purpose and duration of stay, complete the e-Arrival Card, obtain special permits where necessary and remain sensitive to the country’s laws and cultural diversity.
A well-prepared visitor can focus on what makes India unforgettable: its people, landscapes, languages, food, architecture, faith traditions, innovation and remarkable variety from one region to the next.
Plan carefully. Travel respectfully. Keep an open mind — and allow India to surprise you.
Browse states, festivals, heritage sites, food and airports across the country — or hop straight into any of the 14 city portals to book a place to stay long-term.