Visa Requirements For Foreigners Coming To India

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:

• Foreign Nationals coming to India are required to possess a genuine and valid national passport or any other internationally recognized travel document establishing his/her nationality and identity and bearing photograph of the foreigner.
• Nepal and Bhutan nationals if entering India by land or air from the Nepal or Bhutan border respectively do not require a passport for entering into India. However, they are required to possess, authorized identity proof. Further if they are entering India from a place other than their own country then possession of passport is a must.

Visa Requirements:

• Visa on arrival facility is available for a period of one month only for citizens of the following five countries: Finland, Luxembourg, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore.
• Different categories of visas with specific endorsement of numbers of entries allowed and duration of stay in India are mentioned on the visa depending upon request and subsequent decision of the visa issuing authority. Foreigners may also look for specific endorsement if any, on the visa for their guidance. In case of any doubt, they may seek clarification from any of the Indian Missions abroad.
• Nationals of Nepal and Bhutan do not require visa to enter India. However, citizens of Nepal require a visa when entering India from China.
• Nationals of Maldives do not require a visa for entry into India for tourism purpose and stay up to 90 days.
• A separate Visa regime exists for diplomatic/official passport holders.
• Immigration officer may grant TLP (Temporary Landing Permit) up to a maximum period of 72 hours by retention of passport, if the foreigner is not having a valid visa, and if he is satisfied of the purpose and that the transiting foreigners must have a confirmed onward journey tickets within 72 hours for grant of TLP. Nationals of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, Somalia, Nigeria, and Ethiopia  are not granted TLP facility.
• On production of bonafide proof and on satisfaction of FRRO/FRO cum District Superintendent of Police, Temporary Landing Facility (TLF) can be granted to the foreigners arriving in  India without valid VISA, in emergent situation, like death/illness in the family up to a period of 15 days.  For further extension of stay in such cases, the foreigner concerned should report to Ministry of Home Affairs, Foreigners Division, Jaisalmer House, 26, Man Singh Road, New Delhi.
• Indian currency equivalent to US$40 is charged for TLP/TLF. 
• A foreigner may be  refused entry, if he/she is not entering India from the designated port, not in possession of valid passport and visa, is insane or  suffering from infectious or loathsome disease which is prejudicial to public health, involved in an extraditable offence or his/her entry is is prohibited under the specific order of the Central government.

 Immigration Check Requirements on Reaching India

• Immigration check is carried out for all passengers at the port of arrival in India.
• The passengers are required to furnish true particulars in the disembarkation card( Arrival Card) as to his name and nationality, his age, sex, place of birth and address or intended address in India, the purpose of his visit and the proposed length of stay in India.
• Immigration check includes checking of Passport, Visa, Disembarkation Card, entering foreigner’s particulars in computer, retention of Arrival Card and stamping of passport of the foreigner.
• Pakistan nationals other than those on Diplomatic visa are required to carry a Visa application form (duplicate copies) which will be issued in addition to regular visa on their passport by the Indian Mission concerned. On presentation at immigration check post, they are issued Regular Residential Permit and are required to report at the designated office or concerned Police Station in  their places of stay within 24 Hrs unless and until they are officially exempted from police reporting .
• Afghanistan Nationals are issued Temporary Residential Permit at the immigration Check post, with a direction to get themselves registered within 7 days with the concerned FRRO/FRO of their place of stay.

Passengers may ensure that their passports are duly stamped before leaving the immigration counter. Foreigners carrying a valid PIO (Person of Indian Origin) Card or OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) Card along with their valid national passport are authorized to enter India without obtaining  India visa separately. Requirements concerning stay of Foreigners  in India Foreigners are required to comply with the purpose for which a visa was initially applied, and also to abide by conditions, endorsed on the visa. If the visa is valid for  more than 180 days, then every foreigner entering India or resident in India shall present in person or through an authorized representative to the satisfaction of the appropriate Registration Officer at the place of his stay within the specified period mentioned on visa except certain visa categories requiring registration within the specified time.  
Such Foreign nationals , who are already holding Tourist Visas with stay stipulation of 180 days/90 days and with multiple entry facility, there should be gap of at least 2 months between two visits to the country on Tourist Visa. In case requirement to visit the country within two months, permission should be sought from the Head of Mission concerned indicating the specific reasons for another visit within a short period. In all such cases registration would be required within 14 days of arrival. 
This includes foreigners holding Tourist Visa who after initial entry into India had gone out of the country largely on account of neighbourhood tourism related travel and are re-entering India within two months before their final exit from India. However, Immigration authorities in all Immigration Check Posts may allow such foreign nationals on Tourist Visa to make two or three entries into the country (need based) subject to production of an itinerary and supporting documentation (Ticket bookings). 
In emergent cases (such as death/illness of close relatives, marriages/other functions in their immediate family, passengers travelling with infants, etc.) involving re-entry of Persons of Indian Origin, on tourist visa, within 60 days, the local FRRO on duty can exercise their discretion in allowing such passengers to enter into the country after getting convinced of the genuineness of their visit. 
Documents Required for Registration of Foreigners holding Tourist visa

• Filled up application form for registration in triplicate (available with the FRRO office and on websitewww.immigrationindian.nic.in
• Copy of Passport, Visa, arrival Immigration stamp/ endorsement on the passport.
• Three of recent passport size photographs
• Proof of residence( Copy of valid and notarised Lease/ Rent aggreement OR copy of C-Form from the Hotel OR copy of recent electricity/telephone bill along with the letter from the landlord)

To facilitate foreigners, those arriving on ‘Entry ‘ or ‘Business visa’  valid for  more than 180 days in duration, can stay without Registration, if each stay does not exceed 180 days 
It is mandatory for all Foreigners arriving on long term Visa (above 6 months) in following categories Missionary(M) ,Student(S), Employment(E), Research(R), Medical (M) or Medical Attendant (M X) visa  to register themselves within 14 days of their first arrival in India, irrespective of duration of stay OR in case or stipulation/ observation/ special endorsement made by Indian mission/embassy on the Indian Visa. 
In addition, specific endorsement or guideline on Indian visa, if any, needs to be followed.

• At the time of Registration every foreigner shall furnish accurate information, to the satisfaction of the Registration Officer and shall, sign the Registration Report, in the presence of the said officer. The foreigner shall also be provided a copy of Certificate of Registration (Part III of Form A).

Foreigners may go through the instructions given on Registration Certificates for their guidance concerning stay and future reporting.Every foreigner shall within twenty-four hours of demand being made a Registration Officer, magistrate or police officer, not below the rank of a head constable, produce, at such place as may be specified in his passport or such other proof of his identity and/or Registration Certificate as may be required for any purpose connected with the enforcement of Foreigners Act/Registration of Foreigners Rules.

Foreign Nationals coming to India are required to possess a valid visa to be presented to the Immigration authorities on arrival in the country.

The best time to visit is between October and April when temperatures are cooler and therefore more conducive for sightseeing. In the summer months of May to August/ September it is less crowded, the hotel rates are lower, but the conditions are quite harsh and hamper sightseeing or photography, as parts of India are extremely hot.

CLOTHES

Travel as light as possible. Clothing and laundry are both quite inexpensive. It is better for women to avoid tank tops or short skirts / shorts or clothes that are too revealing to avoid attracting undue attention. The best outfit, especially during the hot summers, is a T-shirt worn with loose cotton trousers. Please carry a pair of socks when travelling to Agra, as you are expected to take off your shoes at the entrance of Taj Mahal. Same rules apply at Jama Masjid at Old Delhi.

TOILETS

In India, public toilet facilities are few and far between. Take every opportunity you can to use a clean toilet in places such as hotels and restaurants. Make this a habit wherever you go.

COMMUNICATION

Cyber cafes and phone booths are aplenty across India. Tourists can stay connected with all cities and many small towns and tourist destinations. Mobile telephone services are widespread across India. English is widely spoken across the cities and towns in India and street signs are also usually in English.

CURRENCY

The Indian Rupees (INR) is the Indian currency and is only available in India. Pounds Sterling, US Dollars and Euros are easily exchanged upon arrival at any major bank or your hotel. ATM’s are also available in all major towns and cities, but some have a limit of INR 15000- 20000 that can be withdrawn on a particular day. Exchange ratesare subject to fluctuation.

The present rate is:

USD 1 = INR 62, GBP 1 = INR 93, EURO 1 = INR 68

TIME & VOLTAGE

India is 5 hours 30 mins ahead of GMT. Standardvoltage is 230-240V (usually 240V). Pack a universal travel adaptor that will allow you to use ahairdryer, electric shaver, charge a mobile phone and other electrical items. When choosing an adaptor for India, be sure that it is suitable for Indian sockets that accept round 3 pin plugsthat are similar but not identical to European plugs.

ESSENTIALS

A small backpack to carry your day-to-day needs. A photocopy of your passport data pages. Please keep your passport in a safe place and do not carry it with you when sightseeing.

Insect repellant to guard against mosquitos, specially when you are travelling to places like Goa, Kerala or to Wild Life Nature Parks.

Spare camera batteries/memory card soyou can be snap happy. These are easily available in shops near the monuments, however can be more expensive.

Exchange  some Indian Rupees at the airport onarrival.Keep a supply of small notes for localtransactions.

EARLY MORNING ARRIVALS

If you are arriving at Delhi prior to 9am on day 1 (essentially on aflight that arrives very early in the morning)it  is advisable that you book the hotel for an extra night, from the previous day onwards, to save you waiting until standardhotel check in time, which is generally 12.00 pm.

ARRIVAL PROCESS

When you arrive at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, our arrival process is as follows:

Arrive at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, where after you have attended to customs and immigration formalities, please proceed to the arrival hall. Please look out for our representative who  will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall, holding a prominent GO DELHI LUXURY TOURS  signboard, ready to escort you to the awaiting transportation and onward to your hotel for check in formalities.

If, for any reason you have trouble locating our representative (after waiting 20 minutes in the arrival hall) or your flight to India is delayed please call the contact number that will be provided to you, of our representative, or our all time contact number who will then advise on the best course of action. This procedure is followed for all destinations that you will be visiting while touring with us.

ATM & CREDIT CARD

Exchange facilities are available at various bureaude changes, banks and at most hotels in major towns. Bring cash in US Dollars, Euro or Pound Sterling. Commission charges vary from place to place and bank to bank. Werecommend you take a mixture of cash and credit/debit cards (for ATM usage). Travellers Cheques, in a major currency can also be used, although they can sometimes be difficult to change. Creditcards are easily accepted  in mostshops, Hotels, restaurants andbusinesses.

DRINKING WATER

Do not drink the tap water in India, it’s advisablefor visitors to always drink bottled water. Bottled water in India comes in two types – packageddrinking water, and pure mineral water such as the Bisleri brand. There is a difference between them.Packaged drinking wateris water that has been treated and made healthyfor drinking, while mineral water has been obtainednaturally at its underground source and hygienicallybottled. Both are safe to drink, although mineralwater is better as it’s chemical free.

TRANSPORTATION

Taxis & Rickshaws

Taxis are cheap and readily available in most ofthe bigger towns in India. Most of them possess meters, although taxi drivers who actually use theirmeter are rare! Try and get an idea of the likely fare before you leave your hotel. Motorised three-wheel rickshaws are available for hire throughout the country. Powered by a 2-strokemotorcycle engine with a driver upfront and seatingfor 2 – 3 at the rear, with no doors and a canvasroof, these rickshaws weave their way speedily through oncoming traffic. Alwaysnegotiate the price before settingoff. A cycle rickshaw is a 3-wheeler bicycle with a seat forpassengers behind the rider. Although not often seen in big cities, you’ll find them in Old Delhi andall the smaller towns, where they are a common mode of transport. The radio cabs such as Meru & Easy Cabs are also available, they are air conditioned, Safe and though slightly more expensive than the usual cabs, are a better option.

BEGGING

With more than 350 million people in India living onless than USD$1 per day, inevitably you will comeacross many people begging for money. The Indian government,however, would like to regulate begging morestringently.Though begging is common, you are not underobligation to give money and we request you, not to encourageit.

FOOD IN INDIA

Curry is the word that springs to mind when peoplethink of Indian food. Believe it or not, there is no such thing as ‘curry’ in India. It’s an Englishinvention, an allpurpose term to cover the whole gamut of Indian spicing. For the most part Indian foodis very, very aromatic, since the spices used by Indian chefs and cooks in India are fresh & specially ground to prepare that particular dish. Indian chefs and cooks have about 25 spices on theirregular list and it is from these that they produce the curry flavour. Curries can be vegetable, meatlamb,mutton or chicken in content, though never beef.

The cow is sacred to the Hindu people and India ingeneral, so it is extremely rare to see beef on any menu across the country. Lamb & Poultry also substitutebeef at McDonalds in India.

WESTERN FOOD

If Indian food becomes too much and you wish to get back to something familiar, Western-style food is available, all over North India, however it is not easily available in South India. Many menus in hotels and restaurants will feature dishes loosely based on Western recipes with perhaps just a hint of curry flavouring or spice. Indians like to experiment with other cuisines as well. In the bigger cities, you’ll find restaurants specialising in international cuisine, like Italian, French, Continental, Thai, Japanese, Malaysian, Chinese, besides the regular American fast food chains.

STREET FOOD

Street food, although tasty and fabulous looking,cannot always be relied upon to have been safely and hygienically prepared, so to this end,we suggest you sample ‘street style’ food from an established restaurant or from somewhererecommended by your guide.

FLYING IN INDIA

Please be aware that when flying domestically inIndia you are not allowed to check in any unsealed bottles. The check in time for all domestic flights is 1.5 hours prior to departure time. So for a flight at say 2.00 P.M, you should be at the airport by 12.30 P.M

SAFETY OF YOUR BELONGINGS

Be very careful with your personal belongings and do not leave them unattended under any circumstances. Take special care of your baggage when loading it in the car, taxi or bus. Expensive items like cameras, video cameras, jewellery etc, should not be left in the car, as they can be stolen from there. Our company will not be held responsible in the event of any stealing, loss or damage to your baggage and expensive items, while you are touring with us.

IN A DIFFERENT LAND

Travel to farflung corners of the earth involveslifestyles and conditions that are sometimes very different from what you are used to back home.You must come prepared to cope with unusual situations, local inadequacies and unpredictableevents as and when they occur. Experience India with an open and receptive mind, expect theunexpected and you’ll have a ball.

Our holidays combine comfortabletransportation, comprehensive sightseeing and good hotels, allowing you to concentrate on gettingthe most out of your stay. Despite some of the inevitable ‘ups and downs’ of travelling in India, youwill generally beaccorded great respect. In return, pleasedemonstrate sensitivity and respect for localcustoms.

This Go Delhi Guide has been compiled with care and good faith  to give you an idea of what to expect when you arrive in India. Stay safe,stay healthy&have a great trip!