India visa requirements and travel health insurance

July 08, 2024

India is a place that awakens all of the senses, its filled with diversity, colorful surroundings, magnificent scenery and tasty cuisine. There’s a lot to get excited about when thinking of visiting India. With all the excitement and opportunity to explore, travel insurance will not be your first priority, but it’s important to think about organizing your travel insurance policy so you can relax and enjoy your vacation.
 
Aside from finding the right cover for you, here are some other important travel tips to be aware of before you set off on your adventure:

Visa Information for India

Do I Need a Visa to Visit India?    

Yes

You will need to apply for a tourist visa before your visit to India. Travelers can obtain e-visas before departure at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in. You will also need a valid U.S. passport; it must be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond your date of departure from India and it should have at least 2 blank pages for stamping.

Health and Medical Advice

Before jetting off on your travels, you should check for any required vaccinations or any epidemic breakouts occurring in India. It’s also a good idea to find out where the nearest hospital is in case of an emergency.

Do I Need to be Vaccinated When Travelling to India?

We would suggest that you get the following vaccinations before your trip to India:

•    Hepatitis A and B
•    Typhoid
•    Cholera
•    Malaria
•    Japanese Encephalitis
•    Rabies
•    Yellow Fever (Certificate of a yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving within six days from, or transiting in, an infected area. This requirement does not apply to children under six months of age and to travelers who are transiting India by the same aircraft.)

Make sure to also update your routine vaccinations. The standard vaccines are:

•    MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
•    Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis
•    Influenza
•    Polio
•    Chickenpox

Book an appointment at your local practitioner or find your local passport health clinic. You should book an appointment at least four to six weeks before your trip.

Travel Health Updates in India

Currently, there are no reported epidemics occurring in India.

To keep up to date on any breakouts, visit the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Emergency Contact Information

No one ever wants to have to call the emergency services while they’re on vacation, but unfortunately accidents happen and it’s important to be prepared for when they do.

•    Police Emergency Number in India: 100

•    Fire Emergency Number in India: 101

•    Medical Emergency in India: 102


India Local Laws and Customs

•    Drinking alcohol is prohibited in Bihar, Gujarat, Kerala, Manipur, Nagaland and Lakshadweep. If you are caught drinking or in possession of alcohol in these areas you can be arrested and may be charged with a lengthy prison sentence.

•    Drug use or possession is illegal in India and there is a minimum 6-month sentence if you are caught.

•     Indians usually use their hands to eat, though forks knives and spoons are available at many restaurants.

•     Suits and ties are appropriate business attire for men. During the summer months, a long-sleeved shirt and a tie are sufficient. The dress code for IT companies is generally more casual.

Safety and Security

Terror Attacks

The risk of terror attacks is a global concern. Terrorism poses a significant security threat throughout India. Islamist militant groups have carried out attacks in several major Indian cities in the past and are motivated to stage further attacks. Terrorist groups are likely to try to carry out attacks in India. Attacks have been carried out by insurgent groups like Lashkar-e Tayyiba and Indian Mujahideen. The main focus of attacks has been against Indian government interests but there is also a threat of attack in popular tourist spots like religious sites, beaches and festivals. It’s important to stay vigilant, especially in public places.

Here are a few tips listed from the Travel State Government Website:

•    Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings when traveling to popular tourist locations and large crowded public places.
•    Follow the instructions of local authorities.
•    Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
•    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.
•    U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Petty Theft and Crime

Like any popular tourist areas, pickpocketing and petty theft are common. Be alert and keep your belongings with you at all times, especially in crowded areas like train stations and popular tourist spots.

Sexual Assault

Women should exercise caution when travelling in India even if they are in a group. Over the last few years, reported cases of sexual harassment and assault against women have increased. This includes female tourists. Dress modestly and avoid going anywhere alone.

U.S. Embassy in India
U.S. Embassy New Delhi
Shantipath, Chanakyapuri
New Delhi – 110021
India
Telephone: +(91) (11) 2419-8000
Email: [email protected]

Useful Tips for India

Official Languages: Hindi   
India has a highly multilingual population.  Hindi and English are the country’s official languages. Hindi is the most spoken first language and is dominant in national media. South Indians are more likely to speak English as a second language than Hindi. English is the language of politics and business, especially in urban areas. Most workers in the hospitality and transportation industries speak at least some English.

Currency: Indian rupee
Before your trip, make sure to exchange enough rupees for your spending requirements. It’s always a good idea to take some traveler checks with you too.

Indian Plug Sockets: Types C, D and M
The standard voltage and frequency are 230 V and 50 Hz. You will need a plug adapter for your appliances and devices.
You can determine if you need a converter or a transformer by looking at the appliance rating plate. A dual voltage rated appliance will display for example ‘INPUT: 110 - 240 V’ on the appliance body. In this case, you wouldn’t need a converter or transformer.