travel to india online

How To Apply & Get An Indian e-Visa Online

India has some amazing architecture and natural sights, with famous landmarks like the Taj Mahal in Agra, and snow capped mountains in the Himalayas.

Most nationalities (except for Bhutanese and Nepali citizens) will need a visa to visit India, which is given in the form of an electronic Indian visa (eVisa) since November 2014.

This guide explains everything about how to get an Indian tourist visa using the e-Visa India website! I wrote it in 2019 and last updated it in 2024.

I went through this process as a tourist, but the process on the e-Visa India website is very similar for the other visa categories as well.

What Is The India eVisa?

The Indian e-Visa is for visitors coming to India on a short term trip for sightseeing, visiting friends or relatives, short term medical treatment or casual business related things.

The 5 eVisa types are as follows: e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Medical, e-Medical Attendant, or e-Conference.

The eVisa is valid for 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years from the date of your arrival in India, and it’s a double entry visa (for e-Tourist or e-Business), single entry visa (e-Conference), or triple entry visa (e-Medical). It’s non-extendable and non-convertible.

You can apply and pay online anywhere from 4 to 120 days in advance of your date of arrival in India, but no later than 4 days prior to arrival, otherwise the application will not be processed.

The eVisa is valid for entry through 26 designated airports and 5 seaports in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Goa. The full list of airports and seaports permitted for the India eVisa can be found here (click the Instructions For Applicant link on the left side).  

Who Is The eVisa Available To?

The eVisa is available to US citizens and those of 170+ other places , and the fee depends on your country/territory.

The current fee for American citizens and other countries can be found in their full list of fees by country on the website .

An additional bank transaction charge of 2.5% may be applicable on the eVisa India online website.

The visa fee is non-refundable, even if for some reason your application is rejected.  

How Can I Get The India eVisa?

The visa process may sound complicated, but don’t worry, it’s actually pretty simple! Here it is broken down in 4 short steps:

• 1. Apply Online. You will need to submit an application with a personal photo and passport page.
• 2. Pay Visa Fee. Credit or debit cards (or Paypal) are accepted for online payment.
• 3. Receive e-Visa. The visa will be sent to you by email.
• 4. Visit India. You will need to print the India eVisa and carry it with you at the time of travel.

Before You Apply For The Indian e-Visa

It’s important to fill out your visa application completely and accurately, otherwise it may be rejected.

Before applying on the eVisa India website, make sure of the following:

• Passport Validity. Your passport should have >6 months validity
• Visa Pages. Your passport should have at least 2 blank visa pages for stamping
• Sufficient Funds. You should have enough money for your stay in India (this is rarely questioned), and also a return ticket or onward ticket.

You will also need to have the following items on your computer:

• Personal Photo. This should be a recent, clear photo of your face with a white background. JPEG format is required.
• Passport Photo. This should be your main passport page with your name, date of birth, nationality, etc. PDF format is required. If you need help changing your passport image to a PDF, you can use the following website: https://smallpdf.com .

Note: If you’re applying for an e-Business or e-Medical visa, in addition to the above you will also need a copy of the business card (for the e-Business visa) or a copy of the letter from the hospital concerned in India on its letterhead (for the e-Medical visa).  

How To Apply For The India eVisa (Indian Tourist Visa)

When you’re ready to proceed, you can begin your visa application at the Indian government’s official eVisa website:

https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html

THIS IS IMPORTANT. There are other websites circulating on the internet that mimic this one or pretend to grant speedy visas, but those are often scams and they will take your money. DO NOT USE ANY OTHER WEBSITE.

I’ve provided some photos below as EXAMPLES to guide you through the application, but these are not from my actual eVisa submission. In other words, the addresses and other data I used in the images below are only examples. With that said, the pages you see in your visa application will resemble the ones shown in these images.

If anything has changed in the application process since this guide was written, please let me know in the comments at the bottom of this page and I will update the guide ASAP. I will do my best to keep this entire page up to date.

To begin your visa application, click the button circled in red that says Apply here for e-visa .

Visa Application Page 1

E-visa application.

Passport Type*:  Select Ordinary Passport Nationality*:  Select your country from the dropdown list Port Of Arrival*:  Select the airport you will be flying into Date Of Birth*: Email ID*: Re-enter Email ID*: Expected Date Of Arrival*: Visa Service*: Select from the list, and then choose an activity that best fits your trip to India Please Enter Above Text*: Enter the captcha code given

(Items above marked with  * are required.)

Page 1 of the Indian visa online application on the eVisa India website. Very straightforward.

After selecting continue, if you’re applying for the Indian tourist visa (e-Tourist), then a small message will appear: “The following documents are required to be submitted. 1) Photograph. 2) Passport.” Select OK.

(For some reason the photo dimensions here state 2″ x 2″ but when you come to the actual uploader, the correct minimum dimensions will be 350 x 350 pixels. You’ll use the latter. Side note: separate messages may appear for Business/Medical eVisa applications.)

You can ignore this message on the Indian visa application and click OK.

You have now arrived at the second page of the Indian visa online application form. It’s a good idea to write down the Temporary Application ID  because it will be required if you have issues or need to come back to your application later.  

Visa Application Page 2

Applicant details form.

Surname: Exactly as in your passport Given Name*: Exactly as in your passport Have You Ever Changed Your Name?* If yes, click the box and give details Gender*: Date Of Birth: Automatically filled in Town/City Of Birth*: Country Of Birth*: Citizenship/National ID No*:  If not applicable, type NA Religion*: Visible Identification Marks*:  List any tattoos if you have them, otherwise put NONE Education*: Nationality:  Automatically filled in Did You Acquire Nationality By Birth Or By Naturalization?* Select yours Have You Lived For At Least Two Years In The Country Where You Are Applying Visa?* Select yes or no  

Passport Details

Passport Number*: Place Of Issue*: Whatever nationality is on your passport Date Of Issue*: Date Of Expiry*: Any Other Valid Passport/Identity Certificate (IC) Held?* Yes or no. If yes, give details

Page 2 of the e-Visa India application form. Personal identification details.

Visa Application Page 3

Applicant’s address details.

House No./Street*: Village/Town/City*: Country*: State/Province/District*: Postal/ZIP Code*: Phone No.*: One phone number is required Mobile No.: Email Address: Automatically filled in Click Here For Same Address*: Click here if your permanent address is the same address as above, and then it will be applied.

Page 3 of the Indian visa online. Personal address details.

Visa Application Page 3 (continued)

Father’s details.

Name*: Nationality*: Previous Nationality:  Leave blank if it never changed. Place Of Birth*:  Use the state/province/district of birth if you don’t know the town/city Country Of Birth*:  

Mother’s Details

Name*: Nationality*: Previous Nationality: Leave blank if it never changed. Place Of Birth*:  Use the state/province/district of birth if you don’t know the town/city Country Of Birth*:

Applicant’s Marital Status:  Select whether you’re single or married. If married (or separated but not divorced), enter your spouse’s details. If divorced, just select single. Were Your Parents/Grandparents (Paternal/Maternal) Pakistan Nationals Or Belong To Pakistan Held Area?  Select yes or no  

Profession / Occupation Details Of Applicant

Present Occupation*:  Select your occupation from the dropdown list. If it’s something else, select ‘Others’ and then enter it. The image below gives an example. Employer Name/Business*: Designation: Address*:  Phone: Past Occupation, If Any: Are/Were You In A Military/Semi-Military/Police/Security Organization?* Select yes or no. If yes, a dropdown will appear asking for the following: Organisation, Designation, Rank and Place Of Posting.

Page 3 (continued). Family and occupation details for the Indian visa online.

Visa Application Page 4

Details of visa sought.

Type Of Visa:  Automatically filled in Visa Service:  Automatically filled in Places To Be Visited*: Enter any cities or areas (e.g. Delhi) you will be visiting in India Places To Be Visited Line 2:  Duration Of Visa:  Automatically filled in No. Of Entries:  Automatically filled in Port Of Arrival In India:  Automatically filled in Expected Port Of Exit From India*:  Select the correct airport from the dropdown  

Previous Visa/Currently Valid Visa Details

Have You Ever Visited India Before?*  Select yes or no. If yes, enter the name and address of the place you stayed previously. Cities In India Visited*:  Enter details from previous visits Last Indian Visa No/Currently Valid Indian Visa*:  If your previous visit was with an eVisa, the number will be written on the stamp given in passport. If you don’t know the number, type unknown. Type Of Visa*:  Tourist Place Of Issue*:  United States (if it was a regular visa). Enter the airport name in India if it was an eVisa. Date Of Issue*:  The date it was issued. For an eVisa, you can use the date of entry from the stamp on your passport, or possibly in your email. Has Permission To Visit Or To Extend Stay In India Previously Been Refused?*  Select yes or no. Hopefully the answer is no  

Other Information

Countries Visited In Last 10 Years:  List any countries you’ve recently visited. I didn’t have room to list all of them, so I included a partial list. This field is not mandatory.  

SAARC Country Visit Details

Have You Visited SAARC Countries (Except Your Own Country) During Last 3 Years?*:  The list of SAARC countries can be found in the dropdown list.

Page 4 of the eVisa application. Your travel details.

Visa Application Page 4 (continued)

Reference Name In India*:  Your accommodation details will work Address*:  For a hotel this can usually be found on Google Maps or the listing at Booking.com or Agoda.com Phone*:  For a hotel this can usually be found on their website or on Google Maps Reference Name In Home Country*:  A relative or friend will work Address*:  Phone*: 

Page 4 (continued). Travel and reference details.

Visa Application Page 5

Additional question details.

• Have You Ever Been Arrested/Prosecuted/Convicted By Court Of Law Of Any Country?*  Yes or no
• Have You Ever Been Refused Entry/Deported By Any Country Including India?* Yes or no
• Have You Ever Been Engaged In Human Trafficking / Drug Trafficking / Child Abuse / Crime Against Women / Economic Offense / Financial Fraud?* Yes or no
• Have You Ever Been Engaged In Cyber Crime / Terrorist Activities / Sabotage / Espionage / Genocide / Political Killing / Other Act Of Violence?* Yes or no
• Have You Ever By Any Means Or Medium, Expressed Views That Justify Or Glorify Terrorist Violence Or That May Encourage Others To Terrorist Acts Or Other Serious Criminal Acts?* Yes or no
• Have You Sought Asylum (Political Or Otherwise) In Any Country?* Yes or no

Page 5 of the Indian visa online application. Background questions.

Visa Application Page 6

Upload photograph.

At this point you will be asked to upload a personal photo.

If you need to come back and do this later, you can save and exit the application (but make sure to write down the Temporary Application ID  because it will be required if you want to reuse your application later).

The photo format will need to be JPEG, with a minimum size of 10 KB and a maximum size of 1 MB. Minimum dimensions are 350 pixels wide x 350 pixels high. The personal photo needs to be recent and front facing, with a white background.

The picture needs to be a clear photo of your face. You can get these done at places like Walgreens, for example. Unfortunately you cannot crop your passport photo to use for this, it needs to be a separate photo.

It’s important to follow all of these specifications and rules, otherwise your eVisa India application may be rejected. Click choose file and navigate to the photo you want to choose; then click upload photo .

After uploading the photo, you’re given an opportunity to crop the photo or upload it again if you’d like.

Page 6 of the Indian visa online guide. Upload your personal photo.

Visa Application Page 7

Upload passport.

Next, you will be asked to upload a copy of your passport page.

This should be the photo page with personal details like name, date of birth, nationality, expiration date, etc. It should match the passport details entered in your eVisa application.

The file should be in PDF format with a minimum size of 10 KB and a maximum size of 300 KB. If you need help changing your passport file from an image to a PDF, you can use the following website: https://smallpdf.com .

Again, it’s important to follow all of the specifications and rules, otherwise your eVisa application may be rejected. Click choose file and navigate to the PDF file you want to choose; then click upload document .

Page 7 of the Indian visa online guide. Upload your passport.

Verification & Payment

After submitting your passport upload, the next page will ask you to confirm ALL of the previous details from your Indian e-Visa application.

Look these over thoroughly to make sure you entered everything correctly, because this will be your last chance to edit anything. Once you verify and continue, you will be brought to the visa payment page.

At this point, you can pay for the visa now or later. Follow the instructions on the page for either option. You should also write down the visa Application ID so you can access the application again.

You can pay with international credit or debit cards, or you can make your visa payment with Paypal. I used Paypal and I would recommend this. It was easy to process.

If you don’t have a Paypal account, then the next best option is probably using your card via the Axis option.  

After submission and payment, you will get an email from the Indian government saying that your Indian visa online application was submitted successfully and will take 72 hours for processing.

Generally you will hear back in much quicker time; in my case the Indian visa application was processed and granted in under 24 hours.

You MUST print the email you receive containing the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and present it to the immigration officer when you arrive in India. I would recommend printing and bringing at least two copies.

The government of India emphasizes that you should also track your application and make sure that the status says  granted on the official eVisa India website ( same link as above ) before making your journey to India.  

What If My India Visa Is Rejected?

If your India visa is rejected, don’t worry. You can apply again, and there’s no minimum amount of time you have to wait before re-applying for a visa. If the online system allows you to re-apply, then you can go ahead and do it when you’re ready.

However, it’s important to find out why you were rejected so you can fix it in your next application. Unfortunately a reason is not always given, but generally the most common reasons for India visas being rejected are simple errors like typos, wrong dates, or wrong photo specifications.

When reapplying, you’ll be faced with this question: “Has permission to visit or to extend stay in India previously been refused?”

How you answer this question will depend on why you were rejected in your first application. If it was a simple clerical error like a wrong date or wrong photo specifications, then I would answer no, because you weren’t actually refused a visa for visiting India due to being ineligible for some reason, you only made a minor mistake in the submission process that can easily be corrected.

Good luck and happy travels!

Best India Tours

More travel guides.

Thanks for looking! I hope you were helped by this guide on how to fill out an Indian e-visa application.

While you’re waiting for your visa to be processed, don’t forget to check out the other travel guides on my blog!

You may also like

Fulidhoo island guide: shark & stingray beach in maldives, how to visit dhigurah island: budget paradise in maldives, how to visit tanjung puting national park in indonesia, sanur bali travel guide: 24 best things to do, coron vs el nido: which is better all differences explained, banggai islands travel guide & itinerary for sulawesi, 19 comments.

I’m very impressed by the quality of information on this website. There are a lot of good resources here. I’m sure I will visit this place again soon.

I have an extra copy of my passport photo. Although it is the same picture as in my passport it is not just a cropped version of the photo in the passport. Is this acceptable?

Hi Jeanne, I haven’t tried that myself but it should be okay as long as it meets the other requirements for the personal photo. Regards

I used my extra copy of my passport photo this past week for my India E-visa, and it worked!

Thank you, David, for providing the details regarding the E-visa information. It was really helpful and guided me as I entered the required fields in the application.

Good to hear. Thanks Esther!

why is it that when i filled the places to be visited form, it says invalid characters

What are you trying to enter there?

Once we receive ETA the first name and last name are shuffled is it the same for everyone?

Yes, it was the same on my ETA. No problem.

Hi David, thank you SO MUCH for this helpful post. I’m flying to India in a month and my e-visa application was just rejected (I traveled to India in early 2020 and had no issues at all) so I’m now going through the process of carefully re-applying… one question I’m hoping you can help me with: I just got married 2 weeks ago, do you expect it to be an issue to check the “married” box despite the fact my (USA & Israeli) passports say nothing about being married (or single, for that matter?) also -I can’t seem to find anything online about a minimum amount of time to wait before re-applying… any idea? Trying to minimize all odds of being rejected again. Thanks so much again, really appreciate your guidance.

Hi Abigail! Glad the post was helpful for you. Yes, it should be okay to put married on the application. Like you say, the marital status isn’t shown on the passport anyway, and spouse names aren’t always changed right away after marriage either, or sometimes they never change. So that should be fine. As far as I know, there’s no minimum amount of time to wait before re-applying. If the online system allows you to re-apply, then I would go ahead and try again. Do you know why you were rejected the first time? I would figure that out before re-applying. Good luck!

Hi David! Another important question – for the “Has permission to visit or to extend stay in India previously been refused?” question on page 4 – would my previous e-visa rejection quality as a “yes”?

For this question, I think it would depend on the reason why you were rejected on the first application. Was it a simple error like a wrong date, wrong photo specifications, etc? If so, I would answer no, you weren’t refused a visa for visiting India, your application was only rejected because of a minor mistake. This is different from refusing you a visa because you aren’t eligible for some reason.

My e-visa application just got rejected without any specific reason provided. All they mention in the remark is “You may apply for Regular/Official Visa at nearest Indian Mission/Embassy abroad”. I compared my application to yours and the only difference I see is that for “city/town” of birth I put down city and state as opposed to state only. Would you happen to know if this could have caused the rejection?

Hi Jan! That shouldn’t cause a rejection. I’ve heard of people doing it either way (city and state, or city only). Both are correct answers. Do you think there might be another issue on your application? The most common things are simple errors like typos, wrong dates, or wrong photo specs.

Thanks so much. This is very helpful.

Question – on page 2 it asks if you ever changed your name. Am I correct in assuming that I put yes because I changed my name when I got married?

Hi Judy! If your passport still has your maiden name, I would use that name in the application and answer no to the question about name change. If your passport has your married name, I would use that name in the application and answer yes to the question about name change. However, I know of people who have applied successfully either way. It shouldn’t affect your application.

Thank you, this was very helpful. I have a question on section “Previous Visa/Currently Valid Visa Details”. I have traveled to India multiple times, but as an Indian citizen and held an Indian passport. Now I am no longer Indian citizen and applying for India Tourist visa for first time. What do I click in this “Previous Visa/Currently Valid Visa Details” section’s “Have you ever visited India before?”

Hi Sylvia, in that case you can answer “No” for the question “Have you ever visited India before?” because they’re asking if you’ve visited India on a visa before, and you haven’t. You were a citizen and resident, not a visitor. They should be able to understand this since you will list your country of birth as India on page 2 of the application, and also when they ask “Did You Acquire Nationality By Birth Or By Naturalization?” you can put Naturalization.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Here's how to get a visa to visit India

Dec 20, 2023 • 7 min read

From applying for an e-Visa to extending your stay, here's what you need to know about entry requirements for India © beavera / Getty Images

With its dense tapestry of cultures and landscapes, India feels like dozens of countries rolled into one, but a single visa will cover you for travel across more than 3 million sq km (more than a million sq miles) of territory, taking in everything from steamy jungles to the high passes of the Himalayas.

Every Indian state is as large and diverse as a nation, so take your time navigating this enormous and fascinating country. The good news is that visas are easy to obtain and allow plenty of time for exploring.

Here’s everything you need to know about visa requirements for India, from the application process for e-Visas to overland travel and extending your stay.

You'll probably need a visa to go to India

Almost everyone needs a visa to visit India , but for most nationalities, tourist visas are easy to obtain online or through your local Indian embassy or consulate. Citizens of 166 countries – including most nations in the EU and EEA, the UK, the US, Australia and New Zealand, and many countries in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America – can apply for an e-Visa before traveling via a simple online form .

Applying online is a fairly painless process, and it will save you hours compared to applying in person at an embassy or through a visa agency (in countries where Indian embassies no longer issue visas directly). Tourist e-Visas are available with a validity of 30 days, one year or five years, with the one- and five-year visas allowing for multiple entries for a maximum stay of 180 days on each visit.

For one- and five-year tourist visas, applications are accepted up to 120 days in advance of travel. The 30-day visa allows two entries into India, which is handy if you’re planning a side trip to Nepal , and you can apply up to 30 days in advance of travel. All e-Visas take at least 72 hours to process, so be sure to apply in plenty of time (at least 4 days in advance is recommended).

Applying online is the most hassle-free way to obtain a visa

The Indian government’s online e-Visa portal can be used to apply for tourist visas, business visas, and visas for medical treatment and attending conferences. The cost and duration of the visa vary depending on your nationality, and you may need to show proof of return travel arrangements and sufficient funds to support yourself during your trip.

Rules for non-tourist visas can be complex. Business travelers usually need to provide letters of introduction from Indian companies and organizations that they plan to meet. Assuming you meet the requirements, business visas are usually valid for multiple entries over the space of one year.

Working for an Indian company is more complicated. You’ll need an employment visa and a work permit, and most people need a firm job offer and assistance from an Indian employer to complete the paperwork. As with all visa requirements, the situation is subject to change; contact your local Indian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information.

Applying for a tourist e-Visa is fairly straightforward

To apply for an Indian e-Visa, visit the government’s official e-Visa portal . You’ll need to upload a digital passport-style photo and copies of your passport ID pages, and pay the visa fee, which varies depending on your nationality.

Your passport must be valid for six months beyond the date of entry, and you’ll need two spare pages for the visa, which will be physically stamped into your passport on arrival. Assuming your application is accepted – which is the case for most applicants – you’ll receive a digital Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which you should print out and carry with you when you travel, so you can present it to the immigration authorities on arrival. 

Enter India via air or sea on your e-Visa

E-Visas allow entry to India through 25 designated airports: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Bengaluru (Bangalore), Hyderabad, Kochi (Cochin), Goa, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Gaya, Jaipur, Lucknow, Trichy (Tiruchirappalli), Varanasi, Kozhikode (Calicut), Mangaluru (Mangalore), Pune, Nagpur, Coimbatore, Bagdogra, Guwahati, Chandigarh and Visakhapatnam.

They’re also valid for entry via the designated seaports at Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, New Mangalore and Mormugao (in Goa).

Apply for a visa before you travel to enter India overland

If you plan to enter India overland – for example, from Nepal or Pakistan – you’ll need a visa stamped into your passport before you leave home, which you’ll need to obtain from the Indian embassy or consulate in your home country, or through an approved visa application office.

If you plan to visit India and Nepal on the same trip, get a multiple-entry visa – it used to be possible to arrange a new Indian tourist visa through the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu , but the authorities may now insist on a two-month gap before issuing a new visa.

There’s no need to worry about applying for a visa for Nepal in advance – they’re available on arrival at border crossings (bring passport photos and US dollars to pay the fee).

If you can't apply for an e-Visa, get one in person in advance

Contact your local embassy or consulate to check the application process in your country; the Indian Ministry of External Affairs maintains a list of diplomatic missions online. It’s best to apply for a visa in your home country – obtaining an Indian visa from an embassy in another country can be tortuously slow, assuming it’s possible at all. Fees and the permitted duration of stay will vary depending on your nationality.

As an alternative to applying through an Indian embassy or consulate, you may be able to apply for a visa through a visa agency – however, this tends to be more expensive than applying directly. In practice, many of these agencies just collect together applications and then send over a staff member to the embassy to apply in person.

Student visas are available to those on full-time courses in India

Student visas are reserved for people enrolled in approved full-time educational courses in India (which can include training courses in yoga, meditation, and traditional Indian art forms). Student visas are valid for up to five years, depending on the length of the course, but the rules are strict, and you’ll need documentation from the institution where you are studying to apply. The Ministry of Home Affairs provides some information online, but contact your local Indian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date requirements.

Extending your stay in India is for exceptional circumstances only

E-Visas cannot be extended, but other types of visas can, though only in exceptional circumstances, such as medical emergencies or theft of your passport. To apply, you’ll need to use the government’s special online portal , providing evidence of a valid reason for extending your stay in India (e.g., a letter from the hospital where you are being treated or a police report).

You may then be called in for an in-person interview at the Foreigners’ Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Delhi. If there is a fee, it will be made clear during the application process.

Some border areas in India require additional travel permits

Under a system carried over from British colonial rule, special permits (known as “protected area permits” or “restricted area permits”) are required to visit many areas close to India’s disputed external borders with China , Pakistan and other territories – a zone known as the “inner line.” Applying for these permits outside India is tricky, but you can apply locally in India without too much difficulty.

Permits are especially important for highly sensitive border areas (which tend to be off-limits to all travelers). Applications can be made through local government offices or local travel agencies; contact the state government offices for these regions to get the latest information. In some areas, you may need to register with the local Foreigners Regional Registration Office on arrival, but this is an easy process.

This article was first published Mar 12, 2022 and updated Dec 20, 2023.

Explore related stories

Destination Practicalities

Jun 26, 2024 • 9 min read

Discover Nepal's Terai, a lush paradise of vibrant culture, fertile lands, and breathtaking biodiversity. Here's what you need to know before you go.

Jun 14, 2024 • 6 min read

Jun 6, 2024 • 6 min read

May 31, 2024 • 6 min read

May 29, 2024 • 8 min read

May 28, 2024 • 9 min read

May 22, 2024 • 7 min read

May 9, 2024 • 6 min read

Mar 14, 2024 • 10 min read

Feb 22, 2024 • 3 min read

• Media Login
• Skip to main content
• Screen Reader Access
• Please select Language --> English हिन्दी -->

Ministry of External Affairs Government of India

• Organization Structure
• Internship with Us
• Disclosure of Gifts received in Toshakhana
• Immovable Property Returns of IFS Officers
• President Visits
• Vice President Visits
• Prime Minister Visits
• Incoming Visits
• Virtual Meetings
• Facilitation of Foreign Media
• Media Accreditation
• Documentary Filming in India
• MEA Media Campaigns
• Speeches & Statements
• Press Releases
• Bilateral/Multilateral Documents
• Response to Media Queries
• Media Briefings
• Photo Gallery
• Media Advisory
• Rajya Sabha
• India in Business
• Other Offices
• Other Publications
• OIA Publications
• NAI Archives
• Bilateral Briefs
• Development Partnerships
• Voice of Global South Summit
• India and the United Nations
• Disarmament and International Security Affairs
• Indian Treaties Database
• ISA Founding Conference
• India’s G20 Presidency
• Guide to Consular Services
• Attestation/Apostille
• Bachelorhood / Single Status Certificate
• Consular Access
• Transfer of Sentenced Persons
• Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT)
• Passport Services
• Online Indian Visa
• Diplomatic / Official Visa
• Verify Foreign Visa / Permit / CDCs
• Visa Facility for Indian Nationals (Ordinary Passports)
• For Diplomatic Passports
• Visa Facilitation Agreements
• Visa Services Provided By FRROs
• Checklist for FRRO Registration Formalities
• Outsourced CPV Services
• Overseas Citizenship of India Scheme
• Know India Programme
• Know Goa Programme
• Scholarship Programmes for Diaspora Children
• Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra
• Bharat ko Jaaniye Online Quiz (BKJ)
• Students Registration Portal
• Marital Issues of Indian nationals married to overseas Indians
• Overseas Employment
• How to enrol as an Overseas/NRI elector
• National Voters' Service Portal
• Brochure for Overseas Electors
• Brochure for Service Voters
• OWRC, MRC and PBSK
• Welfare Compensation Claims
• Pravasi Bhartiya Bima Yojana (PBBY)
• Indian Community Welfare Fund
• Details of Organisations/NGO's registered with Indian Missions/Posts Abroad
• Indian Students Abroad
• Transfer of Mortal Remains
• Multilateral Co-operation
• Model Contracts
• Notification
• Social Security Agreements
• Labour Mobility Partnership (LMPA)
• Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs)
• India Centre for Migration (ICM)
• Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA)
• Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
• Population of Overseas Indians
• Distinguished Lectures
• Documentaries
• Documentary / Feature Film Catalogue
• India Perspectives
• Bharat Ek Parichay
• Lodge Complaint
• Integrity Pact
• Complaints Committee
• Acts, Legislations & Rules
• Demands for Grants
• Grants-in-aid to Autonomous Bodies
• Citizens' Charter
• Travel Advisories
• The President of India
• Vice President of India
• Prime Minister of India
• Indian Parliament
• United Nations News
• Protocol Division
• Indian Council of Cultural Relations
• Monthly Major Achievements of MEA

Guidelines for International Arrivals

• Fight Against COVID19
• Vaccine Maitri
• Mutual recognition of Covid-19 vaccination certificates
• Important links
• Indian Mission

• Home ›   Useful Links ›   COVID-19 ›   Guidelines for International Arrivals
• Control Room, South Block 23011954 / 23012292 / 23017160
• Working hours at Headquarters 9:00 A.M. To 5:30 P.M.

• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Copyright Policy
• Hyperlinking Policy
• Accessibility Statement

Copyright © 2023 Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. All Rights Reserved.

Website content managed by XPD Division, Ministry of External Affairs; Designed & developed by M/s Silver Touch Technologies Limited; Hosted by National Informatics Centre.

Visitors: 213337486

Page last updated on: 15/2/2023

India USA Travel

Travel to india from usa – all questions answered.

Traveling to India from the USA can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right planning and preparation, you can make the most of your trip and have an amazing experience.

Here’s everything you need to know about traveling to India from the USA, from visas to vaccinations.

In this article…

Indian visa requirements for US tourists

India is the largest democracy in the world, with a population of more than 1.3 billion people. It’s also one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, with a GDP that reached an estimated $2.4 trillion in 2019.

If you’re interested in experiencing a large, diverse country, with bustling cities and rural villages, then India is worth considering as a destination.

The Government of India has announced that, with effect from April 1, 2021, all international travelers, except those coming from Nepal and Bhutan, will need to possess a negative COVID-19 test report before undertaking their journey to India.

The test report must have been obtained within 72 hours prior to the commencement of travel.

All passengers will also be required to mandatorily fill up and submit self-declaration forms on the online portal prior to their departure.

Apart from the above, all travelers from USA will need to obtain a tourist visa before undertaking their journey to India. The process for obtaining a tourist visa is as follows:

1. Applicants will need to fill out an online application form available on the website of the Embassy of India in Washington D.C.

2. Along with the completed application form, applicants will need to submit their passport (valid for at least six months from the date of travel), two recent passport-size photographs, and the applicable visa fee .

3. Applicants will also need to furnish proof of their onward and return journey tickets, as well as hotel reservations for their stay in India.

4. Once the application is complete, it can be submitted online or in person at the Embassy of India in Washington D.C.

5. The processing time for tourist visas is typically about four to five days. However, it is advisable to apply for the visa well in advance of the planned travel date to avoid any last-minute delays.

Indian visa requirements for tourists from USA are not onerous, and the process for obtaining a visa is relatively straightforward.

However, it is important to note that all travelers from USA will need to possess a negative COVID-19 test report before undertaking their journey to India.

Recommended Plans ⭐⭐⭐⭐  Atlas America 100% Coverage, Comprehensive plan ⭐⭐⭐  Safe Travels USA 100% Coverage, Comprehensive plan ⭐⭐  Patriot America Plus 100% Coverage, Comprehensive plan

Compare Plans

Indian Tourist Visa for Tourists from USA

The Indian Tourist Visa for Tourists from USA is a non-immigrant visa issued by the Government of India to citizens of the United States of America for the purpose of tourism in India.

The tourist visa can be applied for online through the Indian Visa Application website or through the nearest Indian consulate .

The application process is simple and straightforward and requires the submission of a few documents , including a passport-sized photograph and a copy of the applicant’s passport.

Once the application is submitted, the applicant will receive a confirmation email with an application number. This number can be used to track the status of the application online.

Once the application is approved, the applicant will receive an electronic visa, which must be printed out and presented at the time of entry into India.

The Indian Tourist Visa for Tourists from USA is a great way to experience the sights and sounds of India. With its rich culture and history, India is a country that should not be missed.

How to obtain a visa for travel to India from the USA

When traveling to India from the United States, citizens of the United States must obtain a visa in order to enter the country.

There are several types of visas that can be obtained, and the type of visa required depends on the purpose of travel.

For example, those traveling for business purposes will need to obtain a business visa, while those traveling for tourism will need to obtain a tourist visa.

The process for obtaining a visa can vary depending on the country of origin, but generally, travelers will need to submit an application and supporting documents to the Indian consulate or embassy in their home country.

The processing time for a visa can also vary, but it is typically between two and four weeks.

India entry details and exceptions for visitors

All foreign nationals except citizens of Nepal and Bhutan require a valid passport and visa to enter India. Nationals of Maldives can enter India without a visa for a period of up to 90 days.

Indian visas are granted by Indian diplomatic missions (embassies and consulates) abroad. In countries where India does not have a diplomatic mission , visas can be obtained from the nearest British diplomatic mission.

Visas are also available on arrival at certain airports in India for nationals of Bangladesh, Fiji, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Maldives, Myanmar, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Serbia, Solomon Islands, Tajikistan, Tonga, Turkmenistan and Tuvalu.

These visas are valid for 60 days from the date of arrival.

There are a number of different types of visas available for India, including tourist visas, business visas, student visas and employment visas. The type of visa required will depend on the purpose of the visit.

Nationals of Afghanistan, Iran , Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia and Sudan are not eligible for visas on arrival and must apply for their visas in advance.

Tourist visas are valid for a maximum of 180 days from the date of arrival. Business visas are valid for a maximum of 180 days from the date of arrival, but can be extended for up to one year.

Student visas are valid for the duration of the course of study, up to a maximum of five years. Employment visas are valid for the duration of the employment contract, up to a maximum of five years.

All foreign nationals must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) or the Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) within 14 days of arrival in India. Those staying in hotels should register with the hotel authorities.

Tips for traveling to India from the USA

Assuming you are traveling from the USA to India , there are a few things you should keep in mind to make your trip as smooth as possible.

1. Get your visa well in advance.

You can apply for an e-visa up to 60 days before your travel date, and it is recommended that you do so to avoid any last-minute hiccups.

2. Keep your passport and other important documents handy.

You will need these when going through immigration , so make sure you have them easily accessible.

3. Make sure you have all the necessary vaccinations.

India is a country with a variety of diseases, so it is important to be up-to-date on your vaccinations.

4. Pack light.

You will be doing a lot of walking, and the heat can be unbearable at times, so pack accordingly.

5. Have a loose plan.

India is a vast country with a lot to see and do. It is impossible to see everything in one trip, so it is best to have a general idea of what you want to do and see, and then go with the flow.

6. Be prepared for culture shock.

India is a very different place from the USA, and you will likely experience culture shock at some point. Be patient and open-minded, and you will have a great time.

7. Bargaining is a way of life.

In India, bargaining is expected when buying anything from souvenirs to taxi rides. Don’t be afraid to haggle a bit to get the best price.

8. Be aware of scams.

Unfortunately, there are many scams in India, so it is important to be aware of them. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

9. Drink plenty of water.

India is a hot country, and you will need to stay hydrated. Drink bottled water whenever possible, and carry a water bottle with you to stay hydrated throughout the day.

10. Have fun!

India is an amazing country with so much to see and do. Relax, go with the flow, and enjoy your trip.

What to Expect When Arriving in India

Assuming that the tourist is arriving in India for the first time, there are a few things that they should expect.

India is a vast and varied country, so it is difficult to make sweeping statements about the entire nation.

However, there are some generalizations that can be made.

First and foremost, India is a very populous country.

With over 1.3 billion people, it is the second most populous country in the world after China. This means that there will be a lot of people everywhere the tourist goes.

Another thing to expect is the heat. India is a tropical country, so the temperatures can be quite high, especially during the summer months.

The humidity can also be quite intense, so the tourist should make sure to stay hydrated.

The food in India is also quite different from what the tourist is probably used to. Indian cuisine is very spicy, so the tourist should be prepared for that. There are also a lot of vegetarian and vegan options available, as many Indians do not eat meat.

Finally, the tourist should be prepared for the poverty that they will see in India. While there are some very wealthy people in the country, there is also a large population that lives in poverty.

The tourist should not take photos of people living in poverty without their permission, as this can be seen as disrespectful.

Can I travel to India now?

Yes, you can travel to India now. The country has reopened its borders to international travelers and is welcoming visitors with open arms.

There are a few things to keep in mind before you travel, however.

First, make sure you have a valid passport and visa.

Second, check with your airline to see if there are any restrictions on travel to India.

Third, be sure to get travel insurance to protect yourself in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

Lastly, research your destination and plan your trip accordingly. With a little preparation, you can have an amazing and safe trip to India.

Can US citizens travel to India?

Yes, US citizens can travel to India. There are a few things to keep in mind, however.

First, a visa is required. The process for obtaining a visa can be found on the website of the Indian Embassy or Consulate.

Second, although there are no specific restrictions on travel to India, visitors should be aware of the current security situation and exercise caution.

There have been terrorist attacks in India in the past, and the risk of terrorism remains high. Visitors should also be aware of the potential for political unrest and demonstrations.

Do I need a visa to travel to India?

Indian visas are required for all foreign nationals travelling to India, with the exception of nationals of Nepal and Bhutan. The type of visa required will depend on the purpose and duration of your stay in India.

If you are planning to travel to India for business purposes, you will need to apply for a business visa.

This type of visa allows you to stay in India for up to six months and can be extended for up to one year.

If you are planning to travel to India for tourism purposes, you will need to apply for a tourist visa.

This type of visa allows you to stay in India for up to six months.

If you are planning to stay in India for more than six months, you will need to apply for a long-term visa. Long-term visas are typically valid for up to five years and can be renewed.

If you are a student planning to study in India, you will need to apply for a student visa . Student visas are typically valid for the duration of your studies, up to five years.

Once you have obtained your visa, you will need to ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your planned arrival in India.

You will also need to provide proof of onward travel, such as a return ticket or an onward ticket to another destination.

Can I travel to India with OCI on my old passport?

Yes, you can travel to India with OCI on your old passport.

However, you will need to carry your new passport with you, as well as your old passport containing the OCI sticker.

At the airport, you will need to present both passports to the immigration officer.

Recommended Plan For Your Travel

Safe Travels

Best for Visitors Economical Plan COVID19 included Covers Medical Pre-Existing Conditions First Health Network

Atlas America

Rated “A – Excellent” COVID19 included Covers Medical Covers Dental Trip Cancellation Full Refund on Cancel

About the Author

Mani Karthik

Ex “NRI” and Founder of the “Back to India” movement. I share my experience about immigrating to USA here.

USA Travel Checklist – Items to Carry & Things To Do

Forms to fill when traveling from india to usa, vaccinations for us citizens traveling to india.

I actually have a question about travel times and dates. If I need to arrive in Chennai, India, for an event beginning on August 4 (including one day of rest before the event), on what day should I schedule my departure? I’m a bit confused about change of time zones and duration of flights. Thank you so much.

Hi Patty, I’d say you need to travel in the last week of July. Not sure how long your flight is but assuming it’s the longest one with ab out 24+ hours, you’d need to be in Chennai atleast on the 2nd of August (which is the 1st of August in US). To be safe, I’d recommend booking the flight on 30th or 31st of July.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Bring photo ID to vote Check what photo ID you'll need to vote in person in the General Election on 4 July.

• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK Government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in India set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the  High Commission of India in London or another Indian consulate in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering India.

Passport validity requirements

Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into India.

Your passport must also: - have 2 blank pages for your visa

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

Apply for the right type of visa for the purpose of your travel.

You need a visa to travel to India unless you are an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder.

India has a number of visa categories. Make sure you get the right visa for the purpose and duration of your travel.

Penalties for having the wrong visa can include refusal of entry or deportation. This may also include not being allowed to enter India in the future.

For latest information on Indian visas and immigration requirements, see the  e-FRRO online portal (part of the Indian Foreigners Registration Office), the  Bureau of Indian Immigration website  and  Indian Ministry of External Affairs website .

Applying for a visa or e-visa

Find out how to apply for a visa from the Indian Bureau of Immigration Depending on your requirements you may be able to apply for:

• regular (paper) visa
• e-visa (make sure to check the website’s ‘FAQs’ for restrictions on airports and seaports of entry)

Check your eligibility and any restrictions before you apply and allow plenty of time for your application to be processed.

More information is available from the website of High Commission of India in London .

Applicants of Pakistani origin

If you are of Pakistani origin, a British-Pakistan dual national, or holding a National Identity Card for overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), the visa processing time will be substantially longer than other visa applications. More information is available from the High Commission of India in London .

If you are a British-Pakistan dual national, you must apply for an Indian visa on your Pakistani passport. If you have renounced your Pakistani nationality or cancelled your Pakistani passport, you will need to submit documentary proof of this.

Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders

If you hold a valid Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card, you can use this, along with your valid British passport to visit India. You do not need a visa. If you have a Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) card, you will need to convert it to an OCI card. More information is available from the  High Commission of India in London  and the  Indian Bureau of Immigration .

Arrival, registration, and extensions

If you plan to stay in India for more than 180 days and do not hold an OCI card, register within 14 days of arrival with the Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO) . You could be denied permission to leave if you do not do this. Check if you are required to register your arrival on the Indian Bureau of Immigration website and FRRO .

Overstaying in India on a visa is an offence. Make sure you leave the country before your visa expires or get an official extension if needed. More information is available on the Indian Bureau of Immigration website.

If you’re hospitalised

If you or someone you’re travelling with has a short-term Tourist Visa and is hospitalised, you may be able to extend or ‘convert’ to a Medical Visa .

Exit requirements

You will pass through immigration as you depart India. Officials will check when you entered the country. If you do not have an entry stamp, for example if you have a newly issued passport, you will need to apply for special exit visa before you travel. This must be done online and can take between five and fifteen working days for straightforward applications. Factor this into your timeframe to leave India when you are booking flights. For further information see the  e-FRRO online portal (part of the Indian Foreigners Registration Office).

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and vaccination certificates you may need on TravelHealthPro (from the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Centre).

Depending on your circumstances, these may include:

• yellow fever

The Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare also provides  vaccination guidance and data .

Accommodation

By law, hotels, hostels and other accommodation providers must register the stay of foreign guests with the Foreigners’ Regional Registration Office (FRRO) using a “C Form”.  Please ask your accommodation provider to ensure they have done so.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of India . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Satellite phones and listening devices

It is illegal to possess and operate satellite phones in India without a licence. British nationals have been arrested for bringing them into the country without prior permission. You can contact the Indian Department of Telecommunication to request a licence .

You may also need prior permission from the Indian authorities to bring equipment like listening or recording devices, radio transmitters, powerful cameras, or binoculars into India. You can ask the High Commission of India in London for advice.

Taking money into India

There are restrictions on bringing Indian rupees into India. Visitors, including residents and tourists, should follow Reserve Bank of India guidelines .

If you’re visiting India, you can bring cash, travellers’ cheques (in pounds sterling or another foreign currency) or a bank card with you and exchange or withdraw rupees once in India.

You must declare any amount above 5,000 US dollars in notes, or 10,000 US dollars in notes and travellers’ cheques combined.

Related content

Is this page useful.

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab) .

• Talk To Us NEW
• Check Your Refund NEW
• Complete Booking
• Make a Payment
• Flight Cancellation Charges
• Complete Holidays Booking

Download Yatra App Now!

Best travel deals on the go - only on Yatra mobile!

Scan the QR code to download the App

7 Brilliant reasons Yatra should be your one-stop-shop!

Book Flights, Hotels, Trains, Buses, Cruise and Holiday Packages

On Yatra.com, you can tailor your trip from end-to-end by scouring suitable flights and making your flight booking before proceeding with your hotel bookings. Yatra’s vast hotel repository will see you through this process seamlessly. Any intervening journey can be conveniently planned by searching up relevant train connectivity and making an IRCTC ticket booking. Look up well-researched holiday packages, sift through cruise packages and finalise your entire trip on just one platform.

Popular Flights to Ayodhya

Look for flights and hotels

Search for exclusive deals on flights and hotels. Find cheap air tickets to any destination you like. Choose from its vast repository of hotels - from budget, mid-range, five-star to niche boutique properties. Widen your choices with options like flexi stay, pay directly at hotel, and guaranteed standard amenities. Extremely efficient and easy.

Get a secure flight booking

Enjoy cancellation protection on domestic flights. Benefit from fare drop protection, same day cancellation protection, hold now - pay later, on international flight bookings. Great filters, fantastic navigation.

A holiday to suit every pocket

Plan a honeymoon, a weekend getaway, or an adventure activity. Select from an array of domestic and international destinations well-suited to every spectrum of traveller. Be it flights, hotels, pre-planned itinerary, transport upon arrival/departure or sightseeing - you are covered. Attractive pricing, well-researched itineraries.

Find the best combination, tailor your trip

Your one-stop-shop to get the best combination of flights, hotels, activities, package holidays along with train and bus tickets. Yatra's powerful search engine lets you zero in on with precision.

No need to queue up at the ticketing window of a monument

Buy tickets to all ASI-protected monuments online. Its hassle-free and saves you from waiting in a queue under a scorching sun. Imagine gaining a breezy entry into the Taj Mahal!

New deal every season

The onset of the festive season, an upcoming long weekend or a gazetted holiday, expect an attractive deal on flights, hotels and holidays coming your way. From cashback offers to promo code discounts, you are in for a hot deal.

Yatra's burgeoning customer base

Our expert customer service team supports you before, during and after the booking. The several million customers since 2006 are proof.

Popular Domestic Flight Routes

• Delhi Mumbai Flights
• Delhi Bengaluru Flights
• Bengaluru Delhi Flights
• Mumbai Delhi Flights
• Mumbai Bengaluru Flights
• Delhi Chennai Flights

Popular International Flight Routes

• Chennai to Singapore Flights
• Delhi Dubai Flights
• Delhi Bangkok Flights
• Delhi Toronto Flights
• Mumbai Dubai Flights
• Delhi Singapore Flights
• Europe Tour Packages
• Maldives Tour Packages
• Thailand Tour Packages
• Malaysia Tour Packages
• Singapore Tour Packages
• New Zealand Tour Packages
• Manali Tour Packages
• Goa Tour Packages
• Darjeeling Tour Packages
• Andaman Tour Packages
• Kerala Tour Packages
• Ladakh Tour Packages
• Sarovar Hotels
• Fortune Hotels
• Carlson Hotels
• Ginger Hotels
• Club Mahindra Hotels
• Rajdhani Express (22691)
• Duronto Express (12246)
• Shatabdi Express (12009)
• Garib Rath Express (14605)
• Sampark Kranti Express (12649)
• Jan Shatabdi Express (12024)
• Qutub Minar
• Sun Temple Konark
• Humayun's Tomb
• pune to shirdi taxi
• chandigarh to manali taxi
• dehradun to mussoorie taxi
• pune to mahabaleshwar taxi
• delhi to agra taxi
• mumbai to shirdi taxi

Company Useful Links

• Company Information
• Investor Relations
• Partner With Yatra
• Yatra for Business
• Customer Care

Yatra Online, Inc is the parent company of Yatra Online Limited (formerly known as Yatra Online Private Limited). which is based in Gurugram, India, and is India's leading Corporate Travel services provider with over 700+ Corporate customers, and one of India's leading online travel companies and operates the website Yatra.com. The company provides information, pricing, availability, and booking facility for domestic and international air travel, domestic and international hotel bookings, holiday packages, buses, trains, in city activities, inter-city, and point-to-point cabs, homestays, and cruises. As a leading platform of accommodation options, Yatra provides real-time bookings for more than 103,000 hotels in India and over 1,500,000 hotels around the world. Launched in August 2006 , Yatra was ranked the Most Trusted E-Commerce Travel Brand in India in the Economic Times Brand Equity Survey 2016 for the second successive year, and has won the National Tourism Award for 'Best Domestic Tour Operator (Rest of India)' conferred by the Government of India for the fourth time.

• More About Us
• Leadership Team
• Our Products
• Customer Testimonials
• Press Releases
• Yatra Online, Inc., US
• Yatra Online Limited, India
• Travel Agent Sign Up
• Register Your Hotel
• Register Your Homestay
• Sell Holiday Packages
• Sell Your Activities
• List Your Bus Inventory
• Advertise With Us
• Become a Yatra Franchisee
• Support & FAQs
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• User Agreement
• Product Offerings
• Cautionary Notice
• Student Flight Offers
• Hotels in India
• Spiritual Journey in India
• About Yatra
• International Flights
• Cheap Air tickets
• Charter Flights
• Hotels Near Me
• Homestays and Villas
• India Tour Packages
• International Tour Packages
• Delhi to Chennai Flight
• Delhi to Mumbai Flight
• Delhi to Goa Flight
• Chennai to Mumbai Flight
• Mumbai to Hyderabad Flight
• Delhi to Bangalore Flight
• Pune to Delhi Flight
• Mumbai to Delhi Flight
• Bangalore to Ayodhya Flight
• Pune to Ayodhya Flight
• Chennai to Ayodhya Flight
• Delhi to Ayodhya Flight
• Mumbai to Ayodhya Flight
• Kolkata to Ayodhya Flight
• Bhubaneswar to Ayodhya Flight
• Ahmedabad to Ayodhya Flight
• Surat to Ayodhya Flight
• Guwahati to Ayodhya Flight
• Kochi to Ayodhya Flight
• Ranchi to Ayodhya Flight
• Delhi to Kolkata Flight
• Delhi to Patna Flight
• Delhi to Srinagar Flight
• Hotels in Delhi
• Hotels in Mumbai
• Hotels in Haridwar
• Hotels In Goa
• Hotels In Jaipur
• Hotels In Ooty
• Hotels In Udaipur
• Hotels in Puri
• Hotels In Shimla
• Hotels In Rishikesh
• Resorts In Udaipur
• Resorts In Munnar
• Villas In Lonavala
• Villas In Goa
• Honeymoon Packages
• Bali Packages
• Maldives Packages
• Gangtok Packages
• Darjeeling Packages
• Manali Packages
• Ladakh Packages
• Munnar Packages
• Andaman Packages
• Goa Packages
• Europe Packages
• Kerala Packages
• Kashmir Packages
• Thailand Packages
• Flight status
• Web Checkin
• International Airlines
• Flight Schedule
• Air India Express
• Emirates Airlines
• Singapore Airlines
• Indian Railways
• Check PNR Status
• Thailand Visa
• Sri Lanka Visa
• Vietnam Visa
• Hong Kong Visa
• Indonesia Visa
• Cambodia Visa
• Morocco Visa
• Azerbaijan Visa
• Turkey Visa
• India Tourism
• International Tourism
• Monuments of India
• Distance Between
• Outstation Cabs
• Yatra on Mobile
• Yatra for SMEs
• Yatra for Corporates
• Product Offering Temp Child

Our official websites and social media handles are :

• Retails Stores
• Visa Information

Our official websites are :

• www.yatra.com |
• www.yatraexoticroutes.com |
• www.travelguru.com |
• www.adventurenation.com

Our official social media handles are:

• www.facebook.com/Yatra |
• www.instagram.com/yatradotcom |
• www.linkedin.com/company/yatra-online-ltd |
• www.twitter.com/YatraOfficial |
• www.youtube.com/user/yatratravel
• Security & Payments
• Keep In Touch

Copyright © 2024 Yatra Online Limited (formerly known as Yatra Online Private Limited), India. All rights reserved

Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Share this page:

India Travel Advisory

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 . 

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, search for travel advisories, external link.

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

$323 Find cheap flights to India

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from the united states to india departing on 8/20. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to india.

Save 21% or more Compare multiple travel sites with one search.

Track prices Not ready to book? Create a price alert for when prices drop.

Filter your deals Choose cabin class, free Wi-Fi and more.

Bundle and save Save money when you bundle your flight + hotel.

Best India Flight Deals

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

Good to know

Faqs - booking india flights, if i’m traveling to india to attend durga puja, where should i fly to.

To attend this festival, it's easier to fly to Kolkata. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) is at the heart of Kolkata and it's easy to get transfer services from this airport to your residence in Kolkata.

If I want to experience the historical heritage of India, where should I fly to?

Ahmedabad in Gujarat is one of UNESCO’s named world heritage cities because of its rich cultural and architectural history. It has many historical temples and mosques. To get there, fly into Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) and take a taxi or a town car and you’ll be there in around 10 minutes.

Which airport is closest to Pushkar?

Jaipur International Airport (JAI) in Sanganer is the nearest international airport to Pushkar. The most cost-effective way to get to Pushkar from JAI is taking the bus while the most convenient way is taking a taxi to the Jaipur Junction Station to board a train.

What is the best airport to fly in and out of South India?

Chennai International Airport (MAA) is one of the airports in the southern part of India and is known as the center of the southern flight region. From MAA you can explore the cities in the southern part of India including Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Madurai, Ooty, Mangalore, Vijayawada, and Kochi, have the ultimate shopping experience and dive into the Indian culture.

What’s the best way to get to Madhya Pradesh?

The Central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh is bordered by Uttar Pradesh in the north and Maharashtra in the west, so it really depends on where exactly you are going. For example, the city of Bhopal lies almost exactly between Mumbai (482 mi) and New Delhi (477 mi), so you can fly to either city and arrange further air or ground transport as you wish.

Are there any nonstop flights to India from the US?

Unfortunately, due to the great distances involved there are no nonstop flights from the US to India. All airlines offer layover service to Mumbai, Delhi and Amritsar (ATQ) from many major cities including Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK), Washington, DC (IAD), Houston (IAH) and both Chicago international airports (ORD and MDW).

Which Indian airport is closest to the Taj Mahal?

The Taj Mahal is the most-visited place in India and is in the city of Agra, Uttar Pradesh. If you plan on visiting this iconic structure, then you should fly into Indira Gandhi International Airport in the capital city of New Delhi and take a bus to Agra, which is about three hours away.

Can I buy local currency at the airport in India?

Yes, you can. The Indian Rupee (INR) is the official currency of the country and visitors to India can exchange dollars for rupees upon arrival in one of the many foreign exchange kiosks and banks located at all the major international airports in India.

How long is the flight to India?

An average nonstop flight from the United States to India takes 19h 03m, covering a distance of 8052 miles. The most popular route is San Francisco - New Delhi with an average flight time of 14h 34m.

What is the cheapest flight to India?

The cheapest ticket to India from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $368 one-way, and $545 round-trip. The most popular route is from San Francisco to New Delhi and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $592.

Which airlines fly to India?

Air India, Air Canada & United Airlines fly the most frequently from the United States to India.

What are the most popular destinations in India?

Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is New Delhi (24% of total searches to India). The next most popular destinations are Mumbai (22%) and Hyderabad (15%). Searches for flights to Ahmedabad (10%), to Bengaluru (Bangalore) (8%) and to Chennai (7%) are also popular.

How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to India

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest India flight deals.
• Holi is one of the biggest festivals in India popular among foreign visitors. It's a celebration of Spring that involves throwing around colored powder that happens between February and March. When flying to India during this festival, make sure to plan at least three months ahead and buy your tickets before the prices sky-rocket.
• When flying on the layover flights from the USA to India, the best locations to layover are Munich (MUN), Doha (DIA), Frankfurt (FRA), Istanbul (IST), and Zurich (ZRH) because of their top-tier layover services and the historical and modern tourist attractions found near the airport.
• Among the over 15 airlines that operate between India and the USA, the top two airlines are Delta Airlines and Air India. Delta Airlines flies into 6 airports in India and Air India has a hub in 12 airports in the US.
• Air India has direct flights from the USA to India and one of the most popular routes is from New York John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport(DEL) because of its affordable rate.
• New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport is the biggest and busiest airport in India serving over eight of the airlines that operate between India and the US. If you want to tour cities like Delhi, New Delhi, Gurgaon or Loni, DEL is a convenient airport to land in.
• The flight from the US to India is quite long and can be very exhausting. Consider upgrading your seat to business class to get spacious cabins, plush seats, aisle or window seats, gourmet meals, priority baggage and other perks to make your trip a little less tiring.
• India is a vast and ancient country that is served by several international hubs in the major cities of Delhi (DEL) in the north, Mumbai (BOM) in the west, Kolkata (CCU) in the east and Chennai (MAA) in the south. Other major international airports serve the cities of Hyderabad (HYD) and Bengaluru (Bangalore) (BLR).
• If you are planning a flight from the US to India, you should be aware that US citizens need a visa to enter the country. The standard tourist visa is good for multiple entries, valid for a year from the date of issue and allows you to stay for up to 180 days.
• If you wish to visit Puducherry, Madurai or Chennai in the state of Tamil Nadu, you can either fly into Mumbai and get a connecting flight south or consider flying from Jaffna (Sri Lanka), which is actually closer to Tamil Nadu and will save you travel time.
• If you wish to explore the banks of the Ganges River, flying to New Delhi is a good starting point. From there you can take a train, bus or car to Varanasi, Allahabad and Patra. However, catching the ferry down the famous river can’t be beat.
• Apart from its numerous temples and holy sites, India is also well known for its festivals which attract many visitors from all over the world. You can book a flight in the fall and witness Diwali, the Festival of Lights, watch the burning of the effigies at Dussehra festival in October or take a flight in March and enjoy Holi, The Festival of Colors.

Top 5 airlines flying to India

I am vegan. The food was balanced, tasty and enough. I enjoyed the ride. The crew was very friendly and went out of their way to please the passengers.

Food service must be faster and make vegetarian food in good quality

On time take off and early arrival, what else can one want

My last few flights with Emirates have always been delayed at least a half an hour. When my layover is only an hour and a half to two hours, 30 minutes makes a big difference. I’m going to check out other airlines.

we bought trip insurance from you and could not use it. 'underrated' only return 50 % of trip cost. my doctor told me i have stage 4 cancer and that I might not live till the end of the month..

Flight got canceled without any prior information and it caused lot of trouble

Worst ever. No assistance and communication from Emirates crew. No visibility of when the flight is flying. Couldn’t understand if we can go to lounge to take rest. Emirates system at a certain point said flight is not operating and suggested to take the next flight and in few minutes it suddenly opened the gate for boarding. unsupportive and rude crew. Worst experience ever. Flight was delayed by 5 hours so need the compensation for that.

Staff were friendly, and provided great service. The food was plentiful and delicious. Food could have been hotter.

I was traveling business purposes and I only had one carry on and a personal computer back pack . My carry on was 8.5 kg little more than allowable. At jfk airport check in they did not let me carry it . I was little disappointed.

More leg room and comfortable seats at least for long flights

Being a platinum member, no attention given. No towel or tissue provided.

Between Air India and Qatar my luggage was lost for three days. I eventually found my own luggage location using the Apple Air Tag. Air India used a paper form to report my lost luggage. I could never get past getting past luggage personnel with my report number before they would hang up on me. Only after them specifically telling Air India at Chandigarh airport where my luggage was located which was right under their noses did they react. After three days I finally received my luggage. The Air India luggage folks didn’t seem proactive in finding the luggage’s rightful owner.

Besides the flight cancellation, everything else was prefect. Kudos to Malaysian Airlines.

Operated by American Airlines. Very chaotic and the crew was bit rough responding any enquiries. Restricted leg space.. Qatar would have been better

No towels or tissue and chocolate and mint provided before arrival

Qatar airways from Doha to guangzhau was excellent big bird Boeing 777 more room and smoothly flight, I Love it

It was good no problems made it on time for the next flight overseas!

They made us deliberate waste time by holding our passports and boarding passes making us miss the flight

The made us waiting and held our passports and boarding pass making us miss our flights

Not impressed. Only allowed one carry on on such a long flight.

Etihad flight sector is a local . .give the same quality upto destination

Long way to improve. Toilets not working. Bad handling when flight was canceled

Lovely crew - comfortable journey despite it being an older plane.

1st time with. Etihad Airways and it was amazing from check in to crew. Great flight.

It has been a couple of years since I flew with Etihad last, after having a unpleasant experience with them coming out of the pandemic. I can say that the experience has uplifted, but I can’t really rate the service. At Barcelona airport the service was great, with their dedicated Etihad staff very helpful. The onboard experience wasn’t great, not very personalised and it really makes sense why Etihad doesn’t feature in the top 10 2023 Skytrax awards. The crew just seemed to be inattentive and almost absent from the cabin. I felt that I had to keep getting their attention. Even after I’d finished my meal, an hour went by before I had to call them to clear the tray/plate etc.

One thing is very important is you people not giving seat arrangement together to couple, senior citizen. You have to take care of senior citizen. Do not look about money. Money is not important everywhere. Make relationship strong is very very important. I like Etiyad air line out of all air line. Food was hot and delicious. Air hostess gave very good service, nice attitude, very good behaviour. I gave 10 out of 10 marks. Thanks Jivraj

Entertainment did not work from flight from Abu Dhabi to Kolkata. Emirates has a much better flight in that sector.

Ripped off and broken seats in Business class. Seats stink and need to request the staff for additional bedsheets. Crew if very friendly though

Food was very good. Again tray could use a non-skid mat. I had a regular seat - comfortable - able to sleep undisturbed. Boarding was uneventful.

Boarding was quick and efficient. Ground staff were pleasant and courteous. Food was tasty, portions were good for me. Food containers kept slipping on the tray. Tray would look better with an anti-skid tray mat. I had the bulkhead seat which was very uncomfortable for couple of reasons. Aircraft is designed with no throughput to move across aisle to aisle. Passengers kept jumping over my legs to get from one side to the other to use the toilet. Secondly I had a mother and 9 month baby next to me. Mom had to hold baby for 12 hours in her lap as he did not fit into the bassinet. Half the baby was on my lap during the flight. Aircraft temperature was very cold - light attendant said it was the central cooling and nothing could be done about it. Movie selection was very poor old and outdated.

This time it was not good. The plane was not clean. It had a bad smell as if the cabin was not cleaned properly. The small sit pillows were dirty and blankets (even though they were packaged) did mot smell clean. Decaf coffee was disgusting and tasted like instant coffee.

After a bad experience of traveling with United airlines long time ago I decided to give them a second chance. And again it was bad. The flight from Jacksonville to Washington was almost 4 hours delayed. Due to that my flights to Munich and Warsaw had to be rescheduled. As a result I had to travel through Frankfurt. And my checked in luggage did not arrive from Frankfurt to Warsaw with me. Warsaw was not my final destination and I had to figure out a way to deliver my luggage to my destination. On top of everything my Delsey luggage got 2 cracks. Is anybody going to be responsible for that???

We bought tickets with Lufthanza from Kayak for flight operated by United..

Staff was helpful. we left on time and arrived early to destination.

the flight was delayed by 2 hours at origin and i missed my baggage at the destination

It was disappointing that I could not sit next to my wife but I was not allowed to pick my seat

Absolutely horrible HORRIBLENE! United airlines failed on every front. My trip was silosem to takę 17h nad endem up takimi 47h! I was treated poorely and I wasn’t reimbursed for all the problems.

Due to flights being delayed, we missed our connecting flights and we were flown to a different airlines and we end up losing our luggage's.

I had a family emergency and couldn’t board and I contacted underpricer to help me get a refund or just a flight adjustment as i would still be flying later that week, and that hasn’t happened. I will never book a flight through kayak/ underpricer ever again.

Full flight with ok comfort levels. Zero in flight entertainment. Dinner served was fair… taste mostly ok (bread a bit stale) and way too little for such a long flight. Technical stop in Cyprus just to switch crew which seems unnecessary. (Other airlines from Europe who do not want overnight layover in Beirut do not switch crews.). Thought that some passengers would disembark in Larnaca (CY) but no, stop was solely for crew change.

First and the foremost I was shocked to see airindia standards have come down so low . The food was horrible . They served us 3 meals for vegetarian and all the was paneer . The orange juice was not at all cold it was smelly . After you take this heavy price air India should learn from other air lines . I at one point felt like throwing up . After all this when we landed we were not given landing slip . We had to wait for 45 min at the immigration just because no one was given landing slip . To top it all we were 3 passengers and had checked in 4 check in luggage . Out of which 3 have not yet arrived . Basically status says the loaded it in our flight ( this was a direct fight ) and it never reached . We are still waiting . There is nothing great to tell about our flight . The he only good thing was the crew were very helpful .

Lay out shows 1st row and second row given after taking payment. It's a fraud

The seats were extremely uncomfortable. Air India seats used to be very comfortable . with sufficient legroom. In this aircraft there was no legroom. It is a shame that for your profit margins you are trying to pack people like cattle on these long haul flights. The food was terrible. The bread was hard like a rock. Mr CEO of Air India, why don’t you take a flight in economy from India to USA and experience the hardships first hand. It is utter disgrace

Absolutely nothing. Cold and unpleasant airline staff, and to top it all, the entertainment system was broken. Really harrowing experience.

BAD experience. Entertainment system was not working and most of the passengers had this issue. Staff was not helpful. Meal was yuck. Bad old flights.

Overall good experience. I got first row seats with extra legroom. It does make a difference. Entertainment system was working. However, they kept serving me a VEGAN meal instead of a VEGETERIAN meal. I asked them and showed my tickets that Vegeterian meal is selected but the staff didn't care. VEGAN meal was medicore and not enough to fill tummy. Also unhealthy with butter made from palm oil.

Communication was terrible. Flight was delayed for 4-5 hours in DC (on the front end, and also after we boarded, we had to get off - some issue with fueling the old plane correctly). There was little to no information on timing or what was happening. Once we reach Delhi airspace, apparently there was weather that caused us not to land - we were actually near the ground, saw the run way, and lifted back up to the sky after being sooo close. Then we circled for about 30 minutes, and they decided to go to Jaipur to land until the weather cleared and to refuel. Again, once we landed in Jaipur (wrong city), there was little to no information on timing or what was happening. Then we heard that the crew was reaching their 24 hours. We sat on the place, on the tarmac for another 3 HOURS, with no food and not enough water for everyone on the flight. Then, they kicked us off the plane with no plan, in the wrong city. We went thru customs, got our bags (thank goodness), and had to ask a bunch of staff what was happening and what to do. Eventually, their soltuion was to bus people back to Delhi (like 6 hours we were told) but not everyone would fit on the bus, and unknown timing on when it would leave. At this point it was 9PM (we were scheduled to arrive in Delhi at 11AM...). My husband and I decided to risk it and take a cab that we had to pay ourselves (about $200 US dollars) to get to Delhi (about 5 hour drive). We both had terrible trips back to the US as well - almost missed connecting flight, forced to pay for carry-on luggage (a small back pack!) and duty-free goods by the Air India staff last minute. Just terrible experience all around. Never again with AI! The ONLY good thing was the air hostesses were kind and patient - example: they made sure people with food allergies got their correct.

It would have been perfect if there was onboard entertainment.

Food was unfit even for prisoners. larger front seats are terribly uncomfortable, which is ironic. Thorough need to upgrade aircraft on such a long route.

Food could be better they need a better caterer in DC flight from India always has better food

Book Cheap India Plane Tickets

Recent round-trip flight deals, search by stops, search by airline, search by price, recent one-way flight deals, last minute flights to india, last minute flight, train and bus deals, flights to india, return flight deals:.

India - United States

Cabin classes:

Browse origins:.

• Flights  » 
• United States

Browse destinations:

• Worldwide  » 

Most Searched

• Birth Certificate
• Driving Licence

Making travel to India easy

India is one of the most favoured destinations for tourists across the world. Every year the number of tourists coming to India is increasing. Therefore, it becomes a necessity to provide hassle free immigration and visa related services to tourists and others arriving to India. Besides being a major business and services hub, Immigration Check Post is the first point of contact that generates public and popular perception about the country, thus it necessitated a state of the art system for prompt and user-friendly services.

In order to modernize and upgrade the immigration services, " Immigration, Visa and Foreigners Registration & Tracking (IVFRT) " has been identified and included as one of the Mission Mode Projects (MMPs) to be undertaken by the Ministry of Home Affairs under the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP). The core objective of this Project is to develop and implement a secure and integrated service delivery framework that facilitates legitimate travellers while strengthening security. The scope of the project includes 169 Missions, 77 ICPs (Immigration Check Posts), 5 FRROs (Foreigners Regional Registration Offices), and FROs (Foreigners Registration Offices) in the State/District Headquarters.

The implementation of this MMP will enable authentication of traveller's identity at the Missions, Immigration Check Posts (ICPs) and Foreigners Registration Offices (FROs) through use of intelligent document scanners and biometrics, updation of foreigners' details at entry and exit points, improved tracking of foreigners through sharing of information captured during visa issuance at Missions, during immigration check at ICPs, and during registration at FRRO/FROs.

A web portal for the Bureau of Immigration (BoI) under Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) , was launched on 10th April 2013 to provide online services as aimed in the MMP. The portal is a unified site for the complete information on the Immigration, Visa, Foreigners' Registration and Tracking (IVFRT) which is designed and developed by the IVFRT team.

• Services Offered by BoI

Immigration

• Registration and Visa Extension

Foreigner of Indian Origin

A total of 37 services, including 9 core services, are to be covered under the MMP for streamlining and integrating Visa, Immigration and Foreigners Registration and Tracking processes. The 9 core services envisaged to be provided under this project are:

• Facilitation services to the traveler by providing multi-channel access to relevant information and submission of forms
• Online appointments, application status tracking, feedback and grievance redressal modules.
• Visa Issuance service
• Integrated database of 'unique case files' for travelers for effective collection and dissemination of traveler information
• Document verification and authentication services to the Mission, Immigration and FRRO
• Effective facilitation of travelers at Immigration
• Effective targeted intervention through an integrated approach to profiling, risk assessment and watch-listing
• Interagency information and alert sharing services
• Alert generation and dissemination service

• Online Application Forms
• POE Offices in India
• Overseas Citizenship of India
• Online Registration for Foreigners
• Foreigners Division of Ministry of Home Affairs
• Ministry of Home Affairs
• Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs
• Emigration Services
• Diaspora Services
• Indian Missions Abroad
• Diplomatic Missions in India

Immigration check is conducted for all passengers, Indians or foreigners, both at the time of arrival and departure. The passports are duly stamped at arrival as well as departure. Passengers should be careful to see that their passports are duly stamped before leaving the immigration counter. All passengers, foreigners as well as Indians, coming to India or departing from India are required to fill-up Arrival Card and Departure Cards at arrival and departure respectively.

• Indian nationals travelling abroad require a valid Indian passport and travel authority for the destination country. The travel authority is Visa which is obtained prior to the journey, except in case of countries where "Visa on Arrival" is available.

More on Indian Travellers...

• Visa Requirement
• Requirements during arrival of Foreigners in India
• Requirements during stay in India
• Visa on Arrival for Pakistan Nationals
• Registration
• Exit Permission
• Return VISA
• Stay VISA holders
• Student VISA holders
• Medical VISA
• General Information
• Visa Rules for Citizens of SAARC Countries
• Nepalese Passengers
• Bhutanese Passengers
• A Temporary Landing Permit is granted to a foreigner in direct transit through India travelling by air not exceeding 3 days provided he or she resumes journey by the next regularly scheduled flight.

More on Temporary Landing Permit...

• A foreigner requires permit for visiting both the Restricted and Protected Areas in India. The Ministry of Home Affairs issues such permits to foreigners. However, FRROs have been delegated powers in respect of some specified areas for a specified period and in some specific conditions. For a group of foreigners i.e. 2 or more for "Tourism" purpose only.

More on Restricted/Protected Area...

All foreigners (including foreigners of Indian origin) visiting India on long term (more than 180 days) Student Visa, Medical Visa, Research Visa and Employment Visa are required to get themselves registered with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO)/Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) concerned having jurisdiction over the place where the foreigner intends to stay, within 14 days of arrival.

However, Pakistan nationals are required to register within 24 hours of their arrival. All Afghan nationals are required to register with the FRRO/FRO concerned within 14 days of arrival except those Afghan nationals who enter India on a visa valid for 30 days or less provided the Afghan national concerned gives his/her local address in India to the Indian Mission/FRRO/FRO. The Afghan nationals who are issued visas with ‘Exemption from police reporting' are exempt from Police reporting as well as Exit permission provided they leave within the Visa validity period.

Foreigners other than those mentioned above will not be required to get themselves registered, even if they have entered India on a long term visa provided their continuous stay in India does not exceed 180 days. If the intention of the foreigner is to stay in India for more than 180 days, he/she should get himself/herself registered well before the expiry of 180 days from the date of arrival with the FRRO/FRO concerned.

• General Instructions for Registration by the Foreigners
• Where to Register
• Pakistani Nationals
• Afghan nationals
• Registration Related Miscellaneous Services
• Supporting documents required for Registration
• Information for Foreigners Possessing Entry (X) Visa- Registration
• Information for Foreigners Possessing Entry (X) Visa –Requirement at the time of Registration
• Information for Foreigners Possessing Entry (X) Visa- VISA Extension
• FRRO Contact List
• Online Registration
• Online Form C for Hotels/Guest Houses
• All persons of Indian origin who are in possession of the passport of any other country except Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Sri Lanka or any other country specified by the government, are eligible for PIO Card if they comply with the rules and regulations specified by the government:
• Foreigners of Indian origin (except Pakistan and Bangladesh) whose present nationality is such that their country of nationality allows dual citizenship in some form or other, are eligible to apply under OCI scheme, if he/she possesses evidence of self or parents or grandparents:
• Indian citizenship can be acquired by birth, descent, registration and naturalization. The conditions and procedure for acquisition of Indian citizenship are as per the provision of the Citizenship Act, 1955.

• Skip to main content
• Skip to "About this site"

Language selection

Search travel.gc.ca.

Help us to improve our website. Take our survey !

COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

India travel advice

Latest updates: Editorial change

Last updated: June 5, 2024 06:24 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, india - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in India due to the threat of terrorist attacks throughout the country.

In and around Bengaluru, Chandigarh and Mumbai - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in and around Bengaluru, Chandigarh and Mumbai. Consular services in-person are temporarily unavailable in those cities or surrounding areas. If you need consular services, contact the High Commission of Canada in India, located in New Delhi. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

Parts of Northeastern India - Avoid non-essential travel

Union territory of jammu and kashmir - avoid all travel.

This advisory excludes travelling to or within the Union Territory of Ladakh.

Border areas with Pakistan - Avoid all travel

This advisory excludes the Wagah border crossing.

Back to top

General elections are scheduled to take place between April 19 and June 1, 2024. Demonstrations could occur before, during and after the elections.

Disruptions to traffic and public transportation may also occur. Curfews may be imposed without notice.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Security situation

In the context of recent developments in Canada and in India, there are calls for protests and some negative sentiment towards Canada in traditional media and on social media. Demonstrations, including anti-Canada protests, could occur and Canadians may be subjected to intimidation or harassment. In Delhi and the National Capital Region, you should keep a low profile with strangers, and not share your personal information with them. Avoid crowded areas, including public transportation. You should always travel with someone and inform a friend or a family member of your travel plans.

Consular services in person are temporarily unavailable in and around Bengaluru, Chandigarh and Mumbai. Consular services in person at the High Commission of Canada in New Delhi will remain available.

Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir

The security situation in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is tense. There are high risks of violent protests, civil unrest and acts of terrorism and militancy.

Violent clashes between militants and security forces occur regularly. Terrorist attacks against security forces have led to civilian casualties. Further attacks could take place at any time. You could find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The Indian army has enhanced powers in this territory. Authorities may impose curfews and security restrictions on short notice.

• Avoid gatherings and demonstrations
• Always carry ID
• Expect a heightened security presence and security checks

Border areas with Pakistan

The level of tension between India and Pakistan may change suddenly. You could experience difficulties when travelling between the two countries. You may be subject to scrutiny if officials from either country become aware that you have recently travelled to the other.

The security situation along the border with Pakistan, especially along the Line of Control (LoC), which separates the Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh from Pakistan-administered Kashmir, remains volatile. Cross-border gunfire and shelling are occurring sporadically along the LoC. The presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance also constitute a risk.

Although international travellers regularly use the Wagah border crossing linking Amritsar, India, to Lahore, Pakistan, it remains vulnerable to attack. Security measures are in place. You may experience long delays.

Parts of Northeastern India

Several extremist and insurgent groups are active in the northeastern states of Assam and Manipur. They regularly target local government and security forces and may use various criminal activities to finance their activities.

Ethnic tensions in the State can also lead to conflict and civil unrest.

There is a threat of terrorism in India, particularly in:

• the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir
• the State of Manipur
• the State of Assam
• areas of East India where Naxalites groups are active

Maoist extremist insurgents, known as Naxalites, are responsible for the majority of terrorist attacks in India. These groups are usually based in rural and forested areas within zones of concerns, as defined by the Government of India, which include:

• Andhra Pradesh
• Chhattisgarh
• Madhya Pradesh
• Maharashtra
• Uttar Pradesh
• West Bengal

Extremist and insurgent groups usually target government and security forces, and sometimes, trains and railway tracks. While tourists are not usually specifically targeted, bystanders could be affected. Be particularly vigilant during election periods and in the lead-up to, and during, religious holidays and times of national significance, such as:

• Republic Day (January 26)
• Independence Day (August 15)

Targets of terrorist attacks could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

While in India:

• always be aware of your surroundings when in public places
• if you see a suspicious package, immediately leave the area and report it to authorities

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common. Criminals may target foreigners, especially in major cities and tourist areas.

• Be vigilant in all crowded locations
• Don’t carry large sums of money
• Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times

Petty crime frequently occurs on public transportation and overnight trains.

• Ensure that the train compartment contains packages belonging only to you and other occupants
• Store personal belongings in a safe place, and don’t leave the compartment unattended
• Securely lock the doors

Serious crime against foreigners is less frequent, but incidents do occur.

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Exercise caution in tourist areas and airports where scammers particularly target foreigners.

Scams involving the exportation of jewels, gemstones, carpets, and other items have occurred. Taxi drivers may approach you, offering money to export such items.

• Don’t accept any offer, no matter how convincing
• Beware of offers for cheap transportation or accommodation, extended taxi rides and unsolicited guided tours

Romance scams

If you’re travelling to India to meet someone you’ve otherwise only met online, you may be the victim of a scam.

Be alert to attempts at fraud by persons who profess friendship or romantic interest over the internet.

Investment scams

Unsolicited emails offering attractive business or financial opportunities are most likely fraudulent.

Don’t travel to India to obtain restitution after losing money to a scam.

Overseas fraud

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Women’s safety

Crimes committed against women frequently occur in India. Foreign women are often the target of unwanted attention.

Staring, verbal abuse, groping, and other forms of sexual harassment can occur anywhere, including in tourist sites and areas. Attackers sometimes act as a group.

Reports of rape and assault against foreign women have increased. You should be particularly vigilant:

• on all forms of public transportation
• at Yoga centres, ashrams and other places of spiritual retreats

Local authorities may not always respond adequately to reports of sexual violence and harassment.

• Avoid travelling alone, particularly at night
• Be extremely vigilant on public transportation, taxis and auto-rickshaws
• Be careful when dealing with strangers or new acquaintances
• Be wary of accepting snacks or beverages from new acquaintances
• Avoid less populous and unlit areas
• Respect local customs and dress codes
• Reach police immediately if you feel threatened

If you are the victim of a sexual assault, you should report it immediately to local authorities and the nearest office of the Government of Canada.

Advice for women travellers

Forced marriages

Forced marriage affecting foreigners occurs, sometimes without the affected person’s prior knowledge or consent.

Some Canadians have been forced into marital arrangements and have been detained against their will. They have been subjected to threats, intimidation and violence by family members.

If you’re in Canada

If you’re in Canada and you believe that you’re being forced to travel overseas to marry, you should call your local police for assistance.

If you’re in India

If you’re in India and you believe that you’re being forced to marry, contact the nearest office of the Government of Canada. You may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre .

Family members may retain passports to prevent victims from returning to Canada. Keep digital or physical copies of your travel documents in a safe place.

General information and advice about forced marriage

Demonstrations and mass gatherings

Protests in manipur.

Violent demonstrations have been taking place in Manipur State since May 3, 2023, resulting in casualties. Protests have led to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Curfews have been imposed in several districts and mobile and internet services may be limited.

If you are in Manipur:

• monitor local media for the most recent information
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• be prepared to modify your plans in case of disturbances
• expect enhanced security measures and an increased police presence

Demonstrations, mass gatherings, general strikes, “bandh” or “hartal,” take place frequently. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

Stampedes have occurred during mass gatherings, including religious ceremonies, and resulted in deaths and injuries.

Local authorities may impose curfews and other restrictions on short notice.

• Follow the instructions of local authorities, including curfews

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety are poor throughout the country. Most roads, including major highways, are poorly maintained. There is severe traffic congestion. Driving conditions may be hazardous during the rainy season, and some roads can become impassable.

Drivers don’t respect traffic laws. They are often aggressive or reckless. Driving can be hazardous due to the presence of livestock or wandering cows, including in urban areas.

Fatal road accidents are frequent. They can lead to mob anger and assault.

• Avoid travelling outside urban centres after dark
• Avoid driving or riding motorcycles in India, even if you are an experienced motorcyclist
• Be very careful when crossing the street, even at pedestrian crossings
• If involved in an accident, contact local authorities immediately

Public transportation

India has an extensive passenger train system. Rail accidents are common, mostly due to poor maintenance. Thefts are frequent on certain train lines.

If you use a taxi, get it from a reputable hotel, an official taxi stand, or a trusted ride-sharing app. At the airport, use officially marked taxis or pre-paid transport services.

• Negotiate fares in advance, or insist that the driver use the meter, as you may be overcharged
• Avoid travelling alone, especially at night
• Don’t share taxis with strangers

Maritime transportation

Maritime accidents occur regularly due to the overloading and poor maintenance of some vessels.

• Don’t board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy
• Always wear a life jacket

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau

Water activities

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Riptides are common. Several drownings occur each year.

Beaches are not usually supervised by lifeguards. Many beaches don’t display warnings of dangerous conditions.

• Seek local advice before swimming
• Avoid swimming if red flags are flown
• Avoid swimming during Monsoon season
• Always wear a life jacket if you use a boat or a small embarkation

Water safety abroad

No commercial mountain rescue services are operating above 3,000 metres.

If you intend on trekking:

• never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you’re adequately equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp
• know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
• obtain detailed information on trekking routes or ski slopes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails or slopes

Wildlife viewing

Wildlife viewing may pose risks, particularly on foot or at close range. If you plan on visiting a wildlife area such as a tiger reserve:

• always maintain a safe distance when observing wildlife
• only exit a vehicle when a professional guide or warden says it’s safe to do so
• only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators
• closely follow park regulations and wardens’ advice

Large groups of monkeys are present in several parts of India, including some urban regions. Monkeys can get aggressive and rapidly overwhelm travellers in their search for food. They can also steal your belongings.

Be vigilant when in the presence of monkeys.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Indian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for 6 months from your date of entry into India and must contain at least two blank pages for use by immigration officials.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Certain types of Indian visa services for Canadians have resumed. For additional information, please contact the visa service provider directly.

Latest information – Indian Visa Application Center in Canada

Ensure you apply for the proper type of visa for the specific purpose of your trip. If you are denied entry by immigration officials, you will be returned to your point of departure.

Canadian-Pakistani citizens are subject to different visa application and registration procedures.

You can only stay in India for up to 180 consecutive days on a tourist visa, even when its validity exceeds 180 days.

Residency registration

If you stay in India for more than 180 days, you must register within 14 days of arrival with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).

• e-FRRO online portal (for Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru) – India's Bureau of Immigration
• FRRO Contact List – India's Bureau of Immigration

Penalties for overstaying

Strict penalties are enforced for overstaying. If you overstay, you could be subject to fines, detention and a future travel ban.

If you have overstayed your visa, you must request an exit visa from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). This process can be lengthy.

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Dual citizenship

If you hold an Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card, you must present it upon entry and exit.

You must present a boarding pass and a photo identification to access airport departure terminals and public areas.

Lost or stolen passport

If your passport is lost or stolen, an exit visa is required to leave India.

To obtain an exit visa, you must present the FRRO with:

• a police report
• two current passport-size photographs
• a letter providing details of the loss or theft from the High Commission of Canada to India in New Delhi or Consulate General of Canada in either Chandigarh or Mumbai

The FRRO will verify the entry details before issuing an exit visa. This process can take several days.

Restricted and Protected Areas

Special permits are required to visit certain parts of India designated as restricted or protected areas.

Restricted or protected areas – India's Bureau of Immigration

• Poliomyelitis

You may need to produce proof of polio vaccination if you are arriving in India from:

• Afghanistan
• the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Confirm this requirement with the nearest Indian diplomatic office before travelling.

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain.  It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.

Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:

• travelling long term (e.g. more than 30 days)
• making multiple trips to endemic areas
• staying for extended periods in rural areas
• visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak
• engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos (e.g., entomologists)

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Travellers going to countries in South Asia should speak to a health care professional about getting vaccinated.

Malaria  is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination. 

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times:  • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.  • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.  • Wear permethrin-treated clothing.    If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. Rabies treatment is often available in this destination. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Cholera is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk.

To protect against cholera, all travellers should practise safe food and water precautions .

Travellers at higher risk of getting cholera include those:

• visiting, working or living in areas with limited access to safe food, water and proper sanitation
• visiting areas where outbreaks are occurring

Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers, and should be discussed with a health care professional.

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is a viral disease that can cause fever, pain and bleeding under the skin.  In some cases, it can be fatal.  It spreads to humans through contact with infected animal blood or tissues, or from the bite of an infected tick.  Risk is generally low for most travellers.  Protect yourself from tick bites and avoid animals, particularly livestock.  There is no vaccine available for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.

Visceral  leishmaniasis   (or kala azar) affects the bone marrow and internal organs. It is caused by a parasite spread through the bite of a female sandfly. It can also be transmitted by blood transfusion or sharing contaminated needles. If left untreated it can cause death. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from sandfly bites, which typically occur after sunset in rural and forested areas and in some urban centres. There is no vaccine or medication to protect against leishmaniasis.

Lymphatic filariasis , also known as elephantiasis, is caused by filariae (tiny worms) spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause a range of illnesses. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine available for lymphatic filariasis although drug treatments exist.

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

• Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
• Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. 

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

There is a risk of Nipah virus infection in this country. Nipah virus infections can range from asymptomatic (no symptoms) to severe illness and death.

Nipah virus is spread to people from animals (such as fruit bats) but it can also be spread through contaminated food or close contact with someone who is ill.

Travellers to areas where Nipah virus is found should:

• avoid consuming date palm sap products, including raw date palm juice
• thoroughly wash and peel fruit before consumption
• wash hands regularly with soap and water
• discard fruit with signs of bites or fruit that has been found on the ground
• avoid contact with fruit bats and areas where they are known to roost

For more information on preventing Nipah virus infection, visit Nipah virus: Prevention and risks .

There is no vaccine or medication that protects against Nipah virus infection.

Human cases of avian influenza have been reported in this destination. Avian influenza   is a viral infection that can spread quickly and easily among birds and in rare cases it can infect mammals, including people. The risk is low for most travellers.

Avoid contact with birds, including wild, farm, and backyard birds (alive or dead) and surfaces that may have bird droppings on them. Ensure all poultry dishes, including eggs and wild game, are properly cooked.

Travellers with a higher risk of exposure include those: 

• visiting live bird/animal markets or poultry farms
• working with poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks)
• hunting, de-feathering, field dressing and butchering wild birds and wild mammals
• working with wild birds for activities such as research, conservation, or rehabilitation
• working with wild mammals, especially those that eat wild birds (e.g., foxes)

All eligible people are encouraged to get the seasonal influenza shot, which will protect them against human influenza viruses. While the seasonal influenza shot does not prevent infection with avian influenza, it can reduce the chance of getting sick with human and avian influenza viruses at the same time.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

The quality of health care varies significantly throughout the country.

Medical care in major cities may be good, but it’s usually very limited or unavailable in rural areas.

Government hospitals provide free services or at a minimal cost. Private facilities often offer a higher level of care but can be expensive. Most hospitals require up-front payment or confirmation of insurance coverage before commencing treatment.

Specialised treatment for psychiatric illness may not be available outside major cities.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Ambulances are often equipped with basic and old medical equipment.

Response times can be very slow. Traffic doesn’t yield to emergency vehicles.

In case of serious illness or injury, you may consider taking a taxi or private vehicle to go to the hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

Medical tourism

Some Canadian citizens have had severe health complications following cosmetic or other elective surgeries abroad.

Before leaving for medical travel:

• make sure you have done your research
• use competent health-care providers only

Receiving Medical Care in Other Countries

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines and jail sentences. Detention during the investigation is common and can be lengthy.

Laws regarding the purchase and consumption of alcohol, including the legal drinking age, differ from state to state. Authorities often call for dry periods during:

• religious festivals
• national holidays

Drugs, alcohol and travel

It is prohibited to import, possess or use e-cigarettes, vaporisers and their refills.

Beef consumption

Cows are protected and venerated by several groups of faith in India.

Several states impose prohibitions on beef slaughter and consumption. In some rural areas, cow protection vigilantes have attacked people suspected of selling, consuming, or possessing beef or items made with cowhide.

Avoid consuming beef or its derived products while in India.

Religious proselytism

In certain states, it’s illegal to engage in religious proselytism, such as preaching, possessing, or distributing religious literature or material with the intent of converting. Indian authorities require foreign missionaries to obtain a missionary visa.

If you plan to conduct religious activities in India, ensure that:

• the activities are legal
• you possess the proper visa for the activities you plan to perform

Satellite devices

It’s illegal to carry or use a satellite device in India.

Photography

It is prohibited to take pictures of military installations, airports and dams.

Ask permission before photographing places of worship such as temples or mosques.

Imports and exports

There are strict regulations on the importation or exportation of items such as:

• antiquities
• electronic equipment
• local currency
• ivory and gold objects
• protected animals
• pornographic material

Among others, you must register antique items for export with local police, with a photograph of each item.

Customs Guide for Travellers - India’s Central Board of Excise and Customs

Dress and behaviour

India is a traditional, conservative and multi-faith society. To avoid offending local sensitivities:

• Dress conservatively
• Behave discreetly
• Respect religious and social traditions
• Avoid displays of affection in public
• Avoid using footwear in places of worship

Indian family law is very different from Canadian law.

In case of dispute, consult a local lawyer to be fully aware of local laws regarding marital fraud, dowry abuse or extortion, custody, guardianship and visitation rights. Individuals facing charges may be forced to remain in India until their cases have been settled or charges dismissed.

Commercial surrogacy

If you’re planning to visit India to commission surrogacy arrangements, you should consider the potential challenges involved in pursuing international surrogacy. Seek specialist legal advice on Indian and Canadian laws before making any arrangements.

A proposed Indian government ban on foreign commercial surrogacy could affect Canadians travelling to India to enter into a surrogacy agreement.

You should also consult with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on current policies regarding citizenship through descent and the issuance of Canadian travel documents.

Land and property disputes

If you plan on buying property or are involved in a land dispute in India, you should seek legal advice. Do so before making commitments. Related disputes could take time and be costly to resolve.

The offices of the Government of Canada in India can’t provide assistance or legal advice related to private legal matters.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Indian law doesn’t criminalize sexual acts or relationships between persons of the same sex.

However, 2SLGBTQI+ travellers could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in India.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of India, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and India.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in India by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in India to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Identification

You must carry your passport and Indian visa at all times.

Traffic drives on the left.

You must carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

The currency in India is the Indian Rupee (INR).

Non-residents are prohibited from importing or exporting the Indian rupee. A limit of 25,000 rupees is imposed on residents.

Upon entering or leaving India, you must make a declaration to customs if you have USD 5,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies.

India is prone to extreme weather events such as:

• dust storms
• earthquakes

Extreme temperatures can occur in both spring and summer.

The rainy (or monsoon) season extends from June to September.

Heavy rain can cause flooding throughout the country, resulting in significant loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure. Seasonal flooding and landslides can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

India’s coastline is subject to cyclones, particularly between April and December. These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.

If you decide to travel to a coastal area:

• know that you may expose yourself to serious safety risks
• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
• Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
• Large-scale emergencies abroad
• Weather forecasts and warnings - Indian Meteorological Department
• Current cyclone activity - Tropical storm risk

Seismic activity

Parts of India are located in active seismic zones. Earthquakes occur.

In the event of an earthquake, follow the instructions of local authorities.

What to do during an earthquake

Air pollution

Smoke haze and other types of air pollution can be extremely hazardous in urban areas and cities such as Delhi. It’s typically at its worst in winter. In rural areas, air quality can be affected by agricultural burning.

Dust storms also occur across northern India.

Monitor air pollution levels, which change quickly, especially if you suffer from respiratory ailments or have pre-existing medical conditions.

During periods of high pollution:

• limit your activities outdoors
• monitor local media
• System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting and Research - Ministry of Earth Science of India
• Real time ambient air quality data - Delhi Pollution Control Committee
• Air pollution in India - World Air Quality Index

In mountainous regions, avalanches present a risk and have resulted in fatalities.

• Monitor local media and weather forecasts
• Follow the advice of local authorities

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• police: 100/112 from cellular telephones
• firefighters: 101
• medical assistance: 102
• victims of sexual harassment: 1091

General services

The Indian Ministry of Tourism offers 24-hour general advice for tourists.

Dial: 1-800 111-363.

Consular assistance

The Consulates General of Canada in Bengaluru, Chandigarh and Mumbai are temporarily suspending in-person operations. You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information from the High Commission of Canada in New Delhi.

Consular services in person remain available at the High Commission of Canada in New Delhi.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Pondicherry, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

For emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Canada in India, in New Delhi and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Yatra Looks to Grow its Corporate Travel Profile – India Report

Bulbul Dhawan , Skift

July 3rd, 2024 at 11:00 PM EDT

Business travel in India is on a rise. It is the ninth-largest market globally for business travel expenditure. Yatra's agreement with Cipla is the latest development as online travel agencies in India work to profit from this segment.

Bulbul Dhawan

The Skift India Newsletter is your go-to platform for all news related to travel, tourism, airlines, and hospitality in India.

Online travel agency Yatra has signed an agreement to provide travel service to Indian pharmaceutical giant Cipla – in line with the company’s strategy to focus efforts on the “more profitable” corporate business.”

Yatra’s CEO and co-founder Dhruv Shringi talked about the company’s focus on corporate customers during an earnings call this spring.

“During the fiscal year of 2024, we signed 83 new corporate customers, which translates into annual billing potential of INR 5.4 billion ($64.7 million). In the March quarter alone, we signed 25 new corporate clients,” he said.

For this year, Yatra is focusing on growing its hotels business, both for customers and corporate clients. The company said it has also hired a team to scale hotels in the corporate travel segment.

Earlier this year, Yatra.com appointed Gaurav Luthra as Chief Business Officer – New Business Development. Luthra in his earlier role had been the managing director of corporate travel platform FCM Travel. At the time of his appointment, the company had said, “He (Luthra) will lend his strategic leadership to drive the company’s corporate travel proposition focused on mid-market customers.”

The company has also launched an AI-powered expense management solution along with a new guesthouse booking platform for its corporate clients.

Corporate Travel in India: India is the ninth-largest market globally for business travel expenditure and the fourth-largest in the Asia Pacific region . 

According to the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), India’s business travel spending is set to reach $38 billion this year. It is also expected to make a full recovery to pre-2019 spending levels by 2025. 

Last year, business travel spending in India increased by almost 25%, reaching 78% of pre-pandemic levels. In 2024, the projected growth in business travel and meetings and events is estimated at 18%. 

OTAs’ Focus: As the corporate travel industry is surging in India, online travel companies are ramping up their efforts to profit from this segment . 

Online travel company MakeMyTrip is also looking to grow its corporate business through its corporate travel platform MyBiz. The company accelerated its efforts in this direction during the pandemic, and now has more than 55,000 active clients across sectors.

Dubai-based business travel platform Tumodo also announced the launch of its India services in April this year, expecting an 18% surge in the India market in 2024.

IHG Hotels Debuts in Kashmir

IHG Hotels and Resorts has entered Kashmir with the signing of voco Srinagar. The 95-key hotel is scheduled to open in October 2026. This marks IHG’s sixth voco hotel in India. 

Sudeep Jain, managing director – South West Asia for IHG, said, “Domestic tourism to leisure destinations is on the rise in India. We recognize the potential.”

The company is strategically expanding its presence in key leisure destinations in India. Over the next five years, IHG is planning to double its presence in India. In 2023, it signed 13 hotels in luxury, premium, and essentials categories across destinations such as Jim Corbett, Amritsar, and Goa.

Over 500,000 Indian Tourists Visited Singapore Through May

Between January and May this year, more than 500,000 Indian tourists visited Singapore, according to Singapore Tourism Board regional director Markus Tan. India was the fourth-largest source market for the Southeast nation during this period.

The Singapore Tourism Board is now organizing a multi-city roadshow in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad this month. Singapore is also focusing on the potential wedding business from India, particularly during the Ahmedabad and Kolkata legs. 

Singapore has been making a push to attract Indian tourists, in order to achieve its goal of receiving more than 1.5 million tourists this year. In April this year, Singapore signed three agreements with Indian companies in three days , including fintech player PhonePe, online travel company MakeMyTrip, and designer Rahul Mishra. 

Akasa Air to Add 200 Aircraft to its Fleet in 8 Years

Budget airline Akasa Air is expecting to add more than 200 planes over the next eight years to its current fleet of 24 Boeing 737 Max jets. The airline has placed an order for 226 Boeing 737 Max planes, CEO Vinay Dube has said. 

Akasa currently operates more than 900 weekly flights to more than 20 destinations, including Doha in Qatar and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. It is also slated to commence operations to the United Arab Emirates’ Abu Dhabi and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia this month. 

Dube also said that the market in India is big enough for the low-cost airline to succeed, “if we focus on ourselves. We don’t spend so much time focused on what competition is doing unless we have things we can learn from.”

Cygnett Hotels Launches Leadership Program

Cygnett Hotels and Resorts has launched its Cygnett Leadership Development Program to train current and prospective hospitality industry leaders. The training includes modules on people skills, leadership skills, digitalization, HR management, accounting, finance, marketing, auditing, and cultural transformation, the hotel chain said in a statement. 

A recent report by the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council said that young workers are leaving the industry due to low wages and extended hours. Hotel Association of India president KB Kachru said that there was a need for better collaboration between educational institutions and industry players to fill the gap between hospitality education and the real requirements of the industry. 

SalamAir Commences Flights From Muscat to Delhi

Omani low-cost airline SalamAir commenced flights from Muscat to Delhi on Tuesday. The carrier is set to operate on the route twice a week. The announcement comes two weeks after it announced that it will be operating direct flights between Muscat and Chennai starting July 11. 

India is emerging as an important source market for tourism for Middle Eastern nations. In response to this, Indian and Middle Eastern carriers have significantly boosted connectivity to cater to the rising demand from Indian tourists. Airlines have launched new routes and increased the frequency of existing flights.

Airlines in the Middle East, including Emirates and Qatar Airways, have also been seeking grants for more seats under the bilateral agreements so that they can operate an increased number of flights to and from India. 

Skift India Report

India is booming. Discover the subcontinent’s most important travel news here every Tuesday-Thursday.

Have a confidential tip for Skift? Get in touch

Tags: airlines , akasa air , business travel , corporate travel , hospitality schools , hotels , ihg , india , india outbound , india travel , indian airlines , kashmir , makemytrip , oman , online travel , online travel agencies , online travel companies , ota , Singapore Tourism Board , skift india report , tourism , voco , yatra

Photo credit: India’s business travel spending is set to reach $38 billion this year. Pixabay

Travelto-india

+1 (646) 453-5013

Apply for yourtravel to india​ in 3 easy steps​.

This website allows you to start and complete your mandatory travel application for India before your trip. Our platform guides you through the application process and addresses any questions related to the form and related matters. The process typically takes a few days. Please note, we are an independent agency and not affiliated with the website. Our agency assists individuals and businesses with their travel requirements.

The Travel to India application is an online process introduced in 2014 to facilitate and expedite obtaining the necessary travel approval for leisure and business purposes.

Eligible applicants need to fill out the online form, upload the required materials, and pay the  fee. Once approved, the travel authorization will be sent via email.

Processing typically takes a few days, so ensure you submit your application at least 5 business days before your planned travel. For more information, please contact our support team.

We also offer an assistance to obtain your travel approval within 30 hours, though this is not guaranteed. If we fail to meet the 30-hour timeframe, we will refund our  charges.

Among the available types of travel to india for India, you will find:

e-Tourist travel to india : a permit serving tourism-related purposes, valid for 30 days from the date of issue, allowing eligible travelers to stay in India for up to 30 days.

One-Year travel to india : a multiple-entry travel to india issued for numerous tourism-related activities, valid for 365 days

Five-Year travel to india : a multiple-entry travel to india issued for tourism-related activities, valid for 5 years*

*Nationals of  the USA and Japan  may stay in India for up to 180 days during each visit when holding a 5-year India travel to india .

*Maximum stay in India during one calendar year should not exceed 180 days for 1-year and 5-year travel to india .

e-Business travel to india t : a travel to india covering business-related activities, remains valid for 1 year from the issue date, its holder is allowed a 180-day stay in India (either during a double visit or spread over numerous trips). *Continuous stay during each visit to India with an e-Business travel to india should not exceed 180 days. In case of a stay of more than 180 days, a traveler has to register with FRRO/FRO within 2 weeks of arrival.

mong the available types of travel authorizations for India, you will find:

e-Tourist travel authorization: A permit for tourism-related purposes, valid for 30 days from the date of issue, allowing eligible travelers to stay in India for up to 30 days.

One-Year travel authorization: A multiple-entry permit for various tourism-related activities, valid for 365 days.

Five-Year travel authorization: A multiple-entry permit for tourism-related activities, valid for 5 years. Nationals of the USA and Japan may stay in India for up to 180 days during each visit with this authorization. The maximum stay in India during one calendar year should not exceed 180 days for both 1-year and 5-year travel authorizations.

e-Business travel authorization: A permit covering business-related activities, valid for 1 year from the issue date. The holder is allowed a 180-day stay in India, either during a double visit or spread over multiple trips. Continuous stay during each visit should not exceed 180 days. If the stay exceeds 180 days, the traveler must register with FRRO/FRO within 2 weeks of arrival.

We’ve simplified the application process for your convenience. Begin by selecting your purpose of travel (business or tourism) and click the ‘Apply Online’ button. Then, proceed through these three steps:

Complete the online form: Provide all required details and upload necessary supporting documents, including a digital copy of your biometric passport.

Pay the service fee: Select from various online payment options to cover the processing and embassy fees required for a successful application.

Receive your travel authorization: Keep an eye on your email inbox for the approved travel authorization delivered as a PDF file.

Don’t forget to apply for your travel authorization a few business days before your planned travel

When applying for your India travel authorization through us, you’ll enjoy the following benefits:

– Multiple application channels: Apply online via our website, through WhatsApp, or using our app. – Money-back guarantee: If you opt for our expedited service for travel authorization within 30 hours, we offer a refund of our service fee. – Extensive experience: With many years of experience in processing entry permits, we ensure a smooth application process. – Dedicated customer care: Our customer care department is available to assist with any queries regarding your travel authorization application. – Group applications: You have the convenience of applying for up to 5 persons at once.

The e-Entry Permit embassy fees are as follow:

• Tourist Entry Permit 30 days Embassy fees 25 USD
• Tourist Entry Permit 1 year Embassy fees 40 USD 
• Tourist Entry Permit 5 years Embassy fees 80 USD
• Business Entry Permit 1 year 80 USD

Our service fees are as follow:

Within 30 hours: 153,83 USD (we will refund this fee if Entry Permit is not ready within 3o hours)

Within 3 days: 99,09 USD

Within 5 days: 53,89 USD

Depending on you choice of service fee will added up on the embassy fees and this will be your total amount for India E-Entry Permit . 

15 Best Places to Visit in India, According to Travel Experts

F rom the alpine meadows of Kashmir to the palm-fringed beaches of Goa, these are some of the subcontinent’s most enchanting destinations.

As a former longtime Delhiite and frequent traveler to India, people often ask me what the country is like. I never know how to respond, for trying to sum up a nation as vast and diverse as India feels impossible. So, instead, I asked a few experts for their insights.

“If you visit India, you feel you have visited several countries, as every part is different,” says Mohd Shafi Billo, an inbound tour operator who specializes in helping international travelers plan their trips to the country. “It’s an exceptional destination, thanks to its culture, history, and inclusiveness of different people from different faiths, and it has everything to offer, from forts to mausoleums, wildlife tours to mountain adventures.”  

Shoba Rudra, founder and partner at hospitality consultancy Rare India , agrees. “The country is living a dynamic moment in history, ever-changing,” she says. “What's constant, however, is the vibrant culture lived through its festivals, cuisine, heritage, crafts, and performing arts.”

While it would take years to see it all, India is an approachable destination — if you can narrow things down. With that in mind, here are 15 of the best places to get you started on your sojourn to the subcontinent.

Stretching along the southernmost part of India’s Malabar Coast, the tropical state of Kerala entices visitors with its marshy backwaters, which most people visit on overnight houseboat adventures. These popular cruises “showcase lush landscapes and peaceful villages, and [give visitors] a glimpse into local life amid tranquil waters and picturesque surroundings,” says Billo. While the backwaters are a star attraction, the state offers much more to explore, from the tea plantations of Munnar, known for its cool climate and seemingly endless rolling hills, to the historic city of Kochi, celebrated in equal measure for its rich coastal history and contemporary art scene . The beaches aren’t too shabby, either. “North Kerala is also famous, as the Malabar Coast is where the spice trade flourished,” says Rudra. “The coastal area is picturesque and this region is still unexplored.”

On the opposite end of the country from Kerala, Kashmir offers entirely different — but equally captivating — landscapes. With its alpine climate, evergreen trees, and snowy winters, Kashmir is often likened to a mini Switzerland . Famed 13th-century Sufi poet Amir Khusrau once proclaimed in Farsi, “If there is a paradise on earth, it is this,” and he may have been onto something. At the heart of it all is Srinagar, Kashmir’s capital city, which is known for its elegant gardens and watery centerpiece, Dal Lake. “Highlights include staying on a houseboat or taking a shikara [traditional Kashmiri boat] ride,” says Billo, who hails from the area. Don't leave without indulging in wazwan , an opulent, meat-heavy feast that can feature up to three dozen dishes in one sitting. 

Occupying a high-altitude plateau in the northernmost reaches of India, Ladakh is characterized by otherworldly landscapes and big skies, punctuated by palatial stupas and monasteries. Many visitors come to Ladakh’s capital, Leh, during the short summer tourist season, but this surreal region offers plenty more to experience beyond the city. Billo suggests visiting the Nubra Valley, an isolated part of the old Silk Road that’s only accessible by crossing Khardung La, one of the world’s highest motorable passes. “The valley offers a glimpse into Ladakh's unique geography and cultural diversity with monasteries, quaint villages, and apricot orchards,” says Billo. The region is also rich with unusual wildlife, from elusive snow leopards to the scaled-down Bactrian camels that originated in the steppes of Central Asia.

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

On the banks of the sacred Ganges River, the holy city of Rishikesh has held a place in the hearts of spiritually minded travelers — both from India and abroad — for generations. It’s the self-proclaimed “yoga capital of the world,” with a mix of traditional ashrams (spiritual rest houses) that cater largely to Hindu pilgrims and yoga centers that attract international visitors with teacher-training courses and meditation retreats. If you’re not into yoga, you’ll still find plenty to do here. Popular activities include visiting the ruins of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram (dubbed the Beatles Ashram in honor of its most famous former residents) to whitewater rafting adventures on the mighty Ganges. It’s also a great place for a wellness getaway, and nearby Ananda in the Himalayas was voted one of Travel + Leisure readers' favorite international spas in 2023.

Auroville, Tamil Nadu

If you’re looking for a place that’s unlike anywhere else in India — or, frankly, the world — head to the intentional community of Auroville in South India. This UNESCO-recognized global township was founded in the 1960s with the goal of "realizing human unity," beyond the illusory divisions of creed or nationality, and it's home to generations of residents from around the world. Many visitors come for an hour or two, just long enough to view Auroville’s spiritual center — the golden, dome-shaped Matrimandir . However, it’s worth sticking around a bit longer to get a feel for what the community is about. As Akash Kapur, who grew up in Auroville and authored " Better to Have Gone " and " India Becoming ," puts it: "Come to Auroville if you're interested in alternative societies, sustainable living, or spirituality, but try not to just drop in for a few hours (as many do), and instead spend some time here, really getting to know the people and their work. The community rewards sustained immersion."

Andaman Islands

Although most people associate the crystalline waters of the Andaman Sea with Thai island getaways, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in this tropical region are under Indian control. This little stretch of paradise is full of gorgeous shorelines, but most visitors devote their vacations to the island of Swaraj Dweep (formerly known as Havelock). The most popular beach on the island is Radhanagar Beach , which offers just over a mile of white sand sandwiched between tropical jungle and warm, transparent waters. Getting to this remote island requires a bit of gumption: You'll need to fly from the Indian mainland to Port Blair on South Andaman Island, then catch a ferry or charter a seaplane for the final stretch. While visitors are welcome on many islands in the chain, a few — including secluded North Sentinel Island — are off-limits. 

While many travelers see India’s capital as a jumping-off point for visiting further-afield destinations, it’s worth sticking around for a while to truly appreciate what Delhi has to offer. There’s certainly never a dull moment in this busy metropolis, whether you’re shopping for handicrafts at one of its numerous markets or learning about medieval and Mughal history at one of its three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Humayun's Tomb, Qutb Minar, and Red Fort. Although Delhi is undeniably rambunctious, it also has a quieter, more peaceful side that you can find amidst the trees and 15th-century tombs of Central Delhi’s Lodi Gardens or in the quiet interiors of the Baháʼí Lotus Temple.

Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Many travelers to India put the 17th-century Taj Mahal at the top of their list. This white marble mausoleum is easily India’s most recognizable structure — and it’s one of the New Seven Wonders of the World . This popular attraction also has a romantic backstory. “This iconic symbol of love is renowned for its architectural beauty, intricate marble work, and the captivating story behind its creation by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal,” notes Billo. The bodies of the emperor and his wife remain interred in the Taj to this day. 

Jaipur. Rajasthan

The capital of Rajasthan and one-third of North India’s popular Golden Triangle tourist route (which also includes Agra and Delhi), Jaipur is a must-visit for those who love architecture and shopping. “The Pink City, as it's nicknamed, offers a rich cultural heritage, stunning [landmarks] like Amber Fort, vibrant bazaars, and intricate handicrafts,” says Billo. Many of Jaipur's key attractions are found in the historic walled part of the city, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. Highlights include Jantar Mantar (a collection of oversized — and fully functional — astronomical instruments dating to the 17th century) and Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds, a honeycomb-shaped palace designed with tiny windows that allowed air to flow freely through its interior.

Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Dubbed the Blue City because of the cerulean-colored buildings that extend for miles through the oldest part of town, Jodhpur has long attracted travelers eager to explore the ramparts of the larger-than-life Mehrangarh Fort. It’s also home to the grandiose Umaid Bhawan Palace , which made headlines in 2018 when Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas tied the knot there. While Jodhpur’s beautiful, regal architecture is reason enough to visit, there’s more to the city than massive forts and grand palaces. “The area around the Toorji ka Jhalra stepwell in the old city is fun to explore,” says hotelier Sapna Bhatia, owner of Kaner Retreat and Jodhpur-area native. “For nature enthusiasts, there’s the Rao Jodha desert park near Mehrangarh Fort.”

Udaipur, Rajasthan

T+L readers' favorite city in Asia and second favorite city in the world , Udaipur very much fits the bill of a fairy tale destination. Nicknamed the City of Lakes, thanks to its seven lakes, this gorgeous destination is home to some of India's finest luxury hotels plus historic whitewashed palaces, including the magnificent City Palace, an 11-palace complex that houses hotels, a huge museum with an impressive collection of European crystal, and a royal residence. A short boat ride from the palace lies the 18th-century Taj Lake Palace, an opulent palace-turned-hotel in the middle of Lake Pichola. It’s a quick drive from The Oberoi, Udaivilas , a purpose-built palatial hotel with onion-domed cupolas and a moat-like swimming pool that directly connects to some of the rooms. 

If you’re looking for a less-frequented, but no less amazing, alternative to more touristed states such as Rajasthan, consider Gujarat. “Under-explored but culturally rich, this state in India is a tapestry of festivals, textiles, architectural heritage, communities, and landscape,” says Rudra. Gujarat was also the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, who led the Salt March, one of his most famous acts of peaceful protest, through the state in 1930. Rudra suggests visiting the National Salt Satyagraha Memorial , which “honors the activists through murals, installations, sculptures, art, and related film.” It's also worth checking out the Kutch district, known for its distinct metal bells , which were originally used for keeping track of livestock and are now popular as decorative wind chimes.

Kaziranga National Park, Assam

The northeast Indian state of Assam is home to a treasure for wildlife enthusiasts: Kaziranga National Park . This expansive, UNESCO-listed wildlife refuge near the borders of Bangladesh and Bhutan has the largest population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses on the planet, providing a home to roughly 2,000 of these massive beasts. Although rhinos are the star attraction on park safaris, all sorts of animals live here, including tigers, elephants, gibbons, sloth bears, and a small number of endangered Ganges River dolphins. 

Historic, glitzy, and positively gargantuan, Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay) is easily one of India’s most cosmopolitan destinations. This city by the sea is the nation's financial and entertainment capital, and while you’re unlikely to rub shoulders with Bollywood stars here, you're sure to see a lot of impressive attractions in very little time. Take a boat out to Elephanta Island to explore fifth– and sixth–century rock-hewn cave temples, marvel at the grand Indo-Saracenic architecture at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus , or see thousands of clothes hanging out to dry at Dhobi Ghat, the world's largest open-air laundry. Then, head to the sleek neighborhood of Bandra West, where many of Mumbai’s best restaurants and hotels are located, including Taj Lands End, voted T+L readers' favorite city hotel in India in 2023.

India’s smallest state, Goa, is arguably its top beach destination, where long days of swimming and sunbathing turn into longer nights of partying on the sand. While Goa has been known as a hippie haven since the 1960s, it's started to shed its reputation in recent decades. It’s still very much a party state, though it also draws in families and couples in search of sea and sun, sans nightlife. It’s a great place for history buffs as well, with numerous seaside forts and UNESCO-recognized churches that were built when Goa was under Portuguese rule. And while the destination has always been loved for its fiery dishes that combine traditional Konkani ingredients with Portuguese influences, it has also emerged as a culinary hot spot , where a new generation of chefs is showcasing everything from Japanese yakitori to jackfruit tamales.

For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure .

• Latest News

• Entertainment
• Real Estate
• Team India Victory Parade Live
• Budget 2024
• The Interview
• Web Stories
• Virat Kohli
• Mumbai News
• Bengaluru News
• Daily Digest
• Election Schedule 2024

India in summer: 5 travel tips to ensure memorable and enjoyable trip

Surviving the indian summer: top 5 expert travel tips for tourists visiting india in summers.

India has strengthened its position as a land of contrasts with a rich and diverse culture, stunning scenery and vibrant festivals. India promises an unforgettable experience for travellers so, are you planning a trip to India this summer ?

The Indian subcontinent experiences extremes in temperature throughout the year but summers are a different phenomenon altogether. In these times, visitors/travellers who are travelling to India can have a hard time, provided that they don't get properly guided in terms of making the most out of their trip.

This is why it is important to plan carefully and be aware of the potential challenges you may face. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Harish Khatri, Founder and MD at India Assist, suggested a few tips for travellers visiting India during the summer months -

1. Travel without worries with medical assistance: Ensuring your health is a top priority while travelling. India's geography coupled with the lively cities present a number of opportunities for exploration. However, the intense Indian summer may require more than just being hydrated and protected. Travellers can get access to a travel assistance provider and get prompt medical assistance, support — in case they experience any health issues or medical concerns.

2. Be prepared with lost and found services: Travellers may give way to new unexpected occurings or instances when they travel to a new place or country. Keep an account of your belongings, and be as alert & proactive when heading into uncharted territories. It is generally a good practice. However, in the event of losing your belongings or facing other unforeseen challenges, travel assistance providers can offer all round lost and found services to help locate and recover your items swiftly.

3. Overcoming language barriers with 24x7 help desk: India is a goldmine for travellers looking to dive deep into the rich amalgamation of cultures and traditions. As a traveller, you get the chance to engage with locals, savour regional cuisines, and participate in vibrant festivals. For travellers pulled down by communication challenges, owing to language barriers posing a hurdle — getting access to a 24x7 help desk by a reliable travel assist company can be a smart move, as languages & the cultures keep changing with every mile in India.

4. Emergency transit for the safety: There are travellers who like moving around bustling markets or hovering through high footfall tourist spots, without breaking a sweat. However, things can go haywire or take turns for a chaotic encounter, so it is important to hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Emergency transit assistance gives you that extra bit of liberty to be carefree when travelling across a country like India that's an amalgamation of various cultures and diversities. Knowing that you can have transit help available is a different boon altogether and thus, comes in handy.

5. Police support for peace of mind: Travellers often attract unwanted attention as well, and there can be times that it can get bothersome for you. Police support can be handy for a foreign travellers coming to India during summers, because this way — they may travel freely knowing that they are protected. An ideal travel assistance company can be the bridge between you and the police, providing necessary support when you need the most.

Harish Khatri said, “The aforesaid tips, alongside making the most out of a travel assistance company in India can enable you to set yourself on an amazing journey to the beautiful country even during the hottest months of the year. Travellers can book high quality travel assistance service by contacting tour and travel operators or get the help of travel agents to do the same for them. An able travel assistance partner can help you pack your bags and set yourself up on a journey that is worth the time and resources.”

• Tourist Spot

Join Hindustan Times

Create free account and unlock exciting features like.

• Terms of use
• Privacy policy
• Weather Today
• HT Newsletters
• Subscription
• Print Ad Rates
• Code of Ethics

• Live Cricket Score
• Cricket Teams
• Cricket Players
• ICC Rankings
• Cricket Schedule
• Other Cities
• Income Tax Calculator
• Petrol Prices
• Diesel Prices
• Silver Rate
• Relationships
• Art and Culture
• Taylor Swift: A Primer
• Telugu Cinema
• Tamil Cinema
• Board Exams
• Exam Results
• Admission News
• Employment News
• Competitive Exams
• BBA Colleges
• Engineering Colleges
• Medical Colleges
• BCA Colleges
• Medical Exams
• Engineering Exams
• Horoscope 2024
• Festive Calendar 2024
• Compatibility Calculator
• The Economist Articles
• Lok Sabha States
• Lok Sabha Parties
• Lok Sabha Candidates
• Explainer Video
• On The Record
• Vikram Chandra Daily Wrap
• Entertainment Photos
• Lifestyle Photos
• News Photos
• EPL 2023-24
• ISL 2023-24
• Asian Games 2023
• Public Health
• Economic Policy
• International Affairs
• Climate Change
• Gender Equality
• future tech
• Daily Sudoku
• Daily Crossword
• Daily Word Jumble
• HT Friday Finance
• Explore Hindustan Times
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Subscription - Terms of Use

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• AP Investigations
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• Auto Racing
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

More than 1,300 people died during Hajj, many of them after walking in the scorching heat

Muslim pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Monday, June 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool, File)

FILE - Muslim pilgrims use umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun as they arrive to cast stones at pillars in the symbolic stoning of the devil, the last rite of the annual hajj, in Mina, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, June 18, 2024. More than 1,000 people died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia as the faithful faced extreme high temperatures at Islamic holy sites in the desert kingdom, officials said Sunday, June 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

• Copy Link copied

CAIRO (AP) — More than 1,300 people died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia as the faithful faced extreme high temperatures at Islamic holy sites in the desert kingdom, Saudi authorities announced Sunday.

Saudi Health Minister Fahd bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel said that 83% of the 1,301 fatalities were unauthorized pilgrims who walked long distances in soaring temperatures to perform the Hajj rituals in and around the holy city of Mecca .

Speaking with the state-owned Al Ekhbariya TV, the minister said 95 pilgrims were being treated in hospitals, some of whom were airlifted for treatment in the capital, Riyadh. He said the identification process was delayed because there were no identification documents with many of the dead pilgrims.

He said the dead were buried in Mecca, without giving a breakdown.

The fatalities included more than 660 Egyptians. All but 31 of them were unauthorized pilgrims, according to two officials in Cairo. Egypt has revoked the licenses of 16 travel agencies that helped unauthorized pilgrims travel to Saudi Arabia, authorities said.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief journalists, said most of the dead were reported at the Emergency Complex in Mecca’s Al-Muaisem neighborhood. Egypt sent more than 50,000 authorized pilgrims to Saudi Arabia this year.

Saudi authorities cracked down on unauthorized pilgrims, expelling tens of thousands of people. But many, mostly Egyptians, managed to reach holy sites in and around Mecca, some on foot. Unlike authorized pilgrims, they had no hotels to return to to escape the scorching heat.

In a statement Saturday, Egypt’s government said the 16 travel agencies failed to provide adequate services for pilgrims. It said these agencies illegally facilitated the travel of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia using visas that don’t allow holders to travel to Mecca.

The government also said officials from the companies have been referred to the public prosecutor for investigation.

According to the state-owned Al-Ahram daily, some travel agencies and Hajj trip operators sold Saudi tourist visas to Egyptian Hajj hopefuls, violating Saudi regulations which require exclusive visas for pilgrims. Those agencies left pilgrims in limbo in Mecca and the holy sites in scorching heat, the newspaper said.

Muslim pilgrims use umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun as they arrive to cast stones at pillars in the symbolic stoning of the devil, the last rite of the annual hajj, in Mina, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, June 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

The fatalities also included 165 pilgrims from Indonesia, 98 from India and dozens more from Jordan, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria and Malaysia, according to an Associated Press tally. Two U.S. citizens were also reported dead.

The AP could not independently confirm the causes of death, but some countries like Jordan and Tunisia blamed the soaring heat. AP journalists saw pilgrims fainting from the scorching heat, especially on the second and third days of the Hajj. Some vomited and collapsed.

Historically, deaths are not uncommon at the Hajj, which has seen at times over 2 million people travel to Saudi Arabia for a five-day pilgrimage. The pilgrimage’s history has also seen deadly stampedes and epidemics.

But this year’s tally was unusually high, suggesting exceptional circumstances.

In 2015 a stampede in Mina killed over 2,400 pilgrims , the deadliest incident ever to strike the pilgrimage, according to an AP count. Saudi Arabia has never acknowledged the full toll of the stampede. A separate crane collapse at Mecca’s Grand Mosque earlier the same year killed 111.

The second-deadliest incident at the Hajj was a 1990 stampede that killed 1,426 people.

During this year’s Hajj period, daily high temperatures ranged between 46 degrees Celsius (117 degrees Fahrenheit) and 49 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit) in Mecca and sacred sites in and around the city, according to the Saudi National Center for Meteorology. Some people fainted while trying to perform the symbolic stoning of the devil .

The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. More than 1.83 million Muslims performed the Hajj in 2024, including more than 1.6 million from 22 countries, and around 222,000 Saudi citizens and residents, according to the Saudi Hajj authorities.

Saudi Arabia has spent billions of dollars on crowd control and safety measures for those attending the annual five-day pilgrimage, but the sheer number of participants makes it difficult to ensure their safety.

Climate change could make the risk even greater. A 2019 study by experts at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that even if the world succeeds in mitigating the worst effects of climate change, the Hajj would be held in temperatures exceeding an “extreme danger threshold” from 2047 to 2052, and from 2079 to 2086.

Islam follows a lunar calendar, so the Hajj comes around 11 days earlier each year. By 2029, the Hajj will occur in April, and for several years after that it will fall in the winter, when temperatures are milder.