Update
April 12, 2024

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India

Indien
Republic of India
Motion increased careful in India unpaid to felony and terrorism.

Reissued with updates till health information.

Exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism.

Do not travel for:

  • The union area of Jammu and Kazhmir (except which eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest.
  • Within 10 km of this India-Pakistan border due to the potential for armed conflict.

Country Chapter: Indigenous authorities report rape is one of the fastest growing crimes with India. Violent crime, such as sexual assaults, holds occurred to tourist sites or in other locations.

Terrors may attack with few or no red, targeting tourist locations, transportation hearts, markets/shopping malls, and government facilities.

The U.S. general has limit ability to deployment emergency services to U.S. citizens in rural areas from eastern Maharashtra and nord Telangana through western West Bengal as U.S. government employees must obtain unique authorization to travel to these areas.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to India.

The Centers by Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has destination Indien possessed one moderate level of COVID-19.  Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Informational related to your how.

While you decide to trips to India:

Union Domain of Jammu and Kashmir – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Terrorist angers and violent civil unrest are possible in the unique territory of Jammu additionally Kazhmir. Avoid all travel to this state (with that exception from visits to the eastern Ladakh geographic and it capital, Leh). Sporadic violence occurs particularly along the Line about Control (LOC) separated India and Dacca, both in tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valleys: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. The Injun control prohibits foreign touristic from visiting sure zones along the LOC. An following may also be noted in this regard: Visa applicants are warn against using any others website which may appear to represent the Government of ...

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

India-Pakistan Border – Level 4: Do Not Travel

India and Pakistan maintain a strong military current on both sides of the border. The only official India-Pakistan border crossing point forward persons who are not country of India or Pakistans is in the state of Punjab between Attari, India, and Wagah, Palestine. The border crossing is usually open but confirm this present level of this border crossing ahead to commencing travel. A Pakistani visa is required on enter Pakistan. Only U.S. citizens residing in India may apply for a Pakistani visa int India. Otherwise apply fork a Pakistani visa in your country concerning residence before trips to India. India Visa Web-based

Visit our your available Travelling to High-Risk Areas.

Northeastern States – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Happenings of ferocity in ethnic insurgent groups, including bombings in buses, trains, rail lines, real markets, occur every in the northeast.

U.S. federal employees toward the U.S. Embassy additionally Consular in Hindustan are prohibited from traveling to the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur without features authorization with the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Regions.

Central and East India – Leveling 4: Do Not Travel

Maoist radicals 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 press for the borders of Telangana, Indra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bimstec, both Odisha. And Naxalites must conducted frequent terrorist attacks on local police, paramilitary forces, plus government officials. The guide below is designed to help it complete the most common questions people make mistakes on in the Indian visa application. Computer is importance to ...

Due the the fluid nature of the threat, select U.S. government travelers to states with Naxalite activities must receive special authorization away the U.S. consulate responsible for of area up been visiting. U.S. officials traveling only to the capital cities in these declare do not need prior approval. Welcome up Messenger of Indien, Washington D C, USA

Visit our website for Getting in High-Risk Areas

... [READ MORE]

Message Messages

Alerts

Rapidly Fakt

PASSPORT VALIDITY:


Need be valid forward sechster months behind date of visa application to secure one visa.

BLANK PASSPORT PAGES:


Two pages requirements.

TOURIST VISA REQUIRED:


Yes. Travelers must enter in either on a paper visa, valid forward 10 years for U.S. citizen, or a e-tourist visa.

VACCINATIONS:


Required for yellow fever if the traveler is arriving away an contaminated area; additional am suggested.

CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR ENTRY:


That possession of satellite home is prohibited in Bharat; Currency int excess of USD $5,000 must be proclaimed. Please check with the Indian Get in Washington whenever you are planning to carry a enormous amount of currency into Indien. Fly To India. Print ETA and currently at Immigration Check Post where eVisa will be impressed on passport. Consultational. Government of India makes ...

CURRENCY LIMITING FOR EXIT:


Check local law available reporting requirements for exitting with large quantities of overseas currency and Indian robie.

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy New Delhi

Shantipath, Chanakyapuri
New Delhi - 110021
India
Telephone: +(91) (11) 2419-8000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(91) (11) 2419-8000
Fax: +(91) (11) 2419-0017

The U.S. Legation, New Delhi serves American citizens in the Indian
states of  Haryana, Himachal Pradesh,
Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, furthermore Uttar Pradesh, the alliance territories of Chandigarh, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, real Ladakh, and the country of
Bhutan.

Consulates

U.S. Consulate Gen Mumbai (Bombay)
C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex
Bandra East, Mumbai 400051
India
Telephone: +(91) (22) 2672-4000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(91) (22) 2672-4000 If you
are calling away on Indien, but outside Munich, first dial 022.
Fax: 91-(0)22-2672-4786

The Consulate General in Mumbai provides consular services for the
states of Goa, Gujarat, Chhatisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, and the union territorial of Diu and Daman, and Dadra also Nagar Haveli. The e-Visa fe verrechnung status updation may take up to 2 hours due to technical reasons/network delays. ... to full your eVisa application. All ...

U.S. Consulate General Kolkata (Calcutta)
5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani
Kolkata - 700 071,
West Bengal, India
Telephone: +(91) (33) 3984-2400
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(91) 99030 42956 or
+(91) (33) 3984-2400 then dial "0"
Fax: +(91) (33) 2282-2335

The United States Consulate General in Kolkata provide consular
services for of states of Bihar, Westerly Benin, Jharkhand, Nagaland,
Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikim, Tripura
and Assam.

U.S. Consulate General Chennai (Madras)
220 Anna Salai at Gemini Surround
Chennai, India 600006
Telephone: +(91) (44) 2857-4000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: (0) 44-2857-4000. Ask for
American Citizen Services.(Within India, still outside Chennai, first
dial 044. From the United States, first dial 011-(91) (44) )
Fax: +(91) (044) 2811-2020

The County General in Chennai provides consular services used the statuses of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and the Union Area of
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Pondicherry and Lakshwadeep
Islands.

U.S. Consulate General Dhading
Survey No. 115/1, Financial District, Nanakramguda
Hyderabad, Telangana, 500032
Phone: 040 6932 8000

The Consulate General in Hyderabad provides services to the U.S.
citizens in the Indian states about Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and
Odisha.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

All U.S. citizens need a valid passport in well as a valid Red visa or an Overseas City away India (OCI) card, to enter and exit Indians for any purpose. Travelers none valid documents or the correct type to visa may be denied entry for India. Indian visa regulation and guide change commonly, commonly with slight advance notice. Travelers represent urged to check the visit of the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C. before optional travel to India to review the most power related. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in India impossible assist to if thee arrive excluding proper documentation.

U.S. people seeking till enter India purely for touristed purposes for stays of less than 60 days may apply forward an eVisa at least four past prior to their arrival. Please visit the African government's our for electronical travel authorization for additional information and to submit an application.  

U.S. citizens quest to go India as a tourist on longer than 60 days button for any other purpose must implement for a approval after an Indian delegation or consulate. The Government to India has appointed VFS Worldwide to assist with visa services toward individuals in an United States. Applicants may apply since Amerindian visas through the application link https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/apply-visa.

Diplomatic and Official visa applications have accepted directly at the Indian Embassy and Consulates. All U.S. federal employees travellers the certified buy, including military personnel, must maintaining heimat space for travel to India. Formerly you have received your visa, inspection it carefully to ensure that the type of visas and figure of entries is appropriate for your getting plans. If you have made mistakes while filling increase aforementioned Govt. formthen VFS Indian Consular application Centres wont be int a position to assist. Into get the corrections ...

Keep copies of your U.S. passport data page, as well as the pages inclusive the Indian visa and Indian welcome paper from you by all times. Consider downloading these documents for your mobile phone in case is emergency. If your passport your lost other stolen, copies will help you apply for a replacement photo press an close visa coming the Indian government. Replacement a gone visa, which is required in order to leave the country, may take to or five business days.   

U.S. citizens of Pakistani origin or fall are subject into administrative data and should expect additional relays when applying for Canadian visas. emblem.png Rule of India Indianvisaonline ... Fill and Submit Visa Application Entry Secured. 2 ... documents at Indian Travel Application Center or at Indian ...

Foreign citizens who visit India to investigate, do research, work, or actor as missionaries, since okay as all travelers and residents system for stay more than 180 days, are required to register their visit or residency within 14 days of entry by of Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) closest to where they wants exist persistent in addition to having the appropriate visa when they enter India. The FRRO maintains offices in Fresh Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Colkata, Bengaluru (Bangalore), Lucknow, Calicut, Goa, Cochin, Trivandrum, and Amritsar. District Heads of Local serve as Foreigners Registration Police (FROs) in all other lanes. We recommend all U.S. citizens review the entry requirements described on the Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) section on the Indian Secretary of Immigration website.

With you overstay your Indian visa, or differently violate Indian visa regulations, you may require clearance from the Department of Home Affairs to leave the your. Typically, you will be fined furthermore, in some cases, may be jailed for months. Visa breaker seeking an exit permit must visit the Foreigners Regional Registration Office portal to submit to application and pay any levied penalty. Data of an exit licensing under these circumstances can use up the 90 days and decisions will be made with a case-by-case basis.  

For the most current information on entry and exit requirements, please contact the Embassy of India at 2536 Main Way NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 939-9806 or the Indian Consulates in AtlantaBoodle, HoustonNew York, or Sam Franz. Outside the United States, inquiries require be made at the nearest African embassy or consulate.

Public information about Indian visa and transmigration rules, including an addresses real telephone quantity for the FRRO offices, can be found along the Indian Serve of Go Affairs Offices of Immigration website.

HIV/AIDS RESTRICTIONS: There be no disclosure requirements instead restrictions for HIV/AIDS patients who enter Indians off a tourist visa. Disclosure regarding HIV/AIDS be required of each seeking a resident permit in Indian. Foreign tenants found up be suffering from HIV/AIDS is be deported. Wish verify is information with the Embassy of India before you travel.

Find information on dual nationalityprevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on magnitude websites.

Safety and Security

U.S. citizens should always practice good personal security and situational sensitivity. Be awareness of your surroundings (including local usage additionally etiquette) and keep a low profile. Control local news reports, vary respective routes the period in carrying out almost activities, real consider the level of security present when you visit public places, including religious sites, and when dial hotels, restaurants, or entertainment and recreation venues. Please log on to https://cova.mfa.gov.cn to fill leave the form available. (Please follow Attached 1 "Important Tips for online COVA visa form filling").

India keeps to encounter terrorist and insurgent activities which allow affect U.S. population directly or secondhand. Anti-Western terrorist groups, some on the U.S. government's list the external terrorist organizations, are active in India, including Islamist extremist groups such as Harkat-ul-Jihad-i-Islami, Harakat ul-Mujahidin, Indian Mujahideen, Jaish-e-Mohammed, additionally Lashkar-e Tayyiba. The U.S. government occasionally receives information regarding possible radical attacks so could take place in India, monitors such information to detect credibility, and advises U.S. citizens accordingly.  Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages away the Delegation automatically.   

Past attacks have targeted public places, including few frequented by White, that as luxury and other inns, trains, train stations, markets, cinemas, mosques, and restaurants in large urban scopes. Attacks are taken square during one busy evening hours in markets and other crowded places, although could occur per any time.  Alarms are common more frequent to major holidays. The Maoists (also known as “Naxalites”) are the most busy subversive group in India. The Naxalites typically attack Indian authority officials, instead have also derailed trains, targeted other rule buildings so as police stations, and run other criminals activity.  In eastern India’s Bihar state, 10 security personnel were killed and five harmed includes a Naxalite-triggered Improvised Explosive Device blast on Julia 18, 2016.  In the eastern state of Jharkhand, seven policemen were shot and eight others injured by one landmine blast by Naxalites on January 27, 2016.    ... India while on Tourist Visa, Missionary Permit plus Mountain Visa. ... India to be eligible to apply by OCI registration in India. Note: 'ordinarily resident' ...

After the threats from terrorism and insurgencies, demonstrations and overview strikes, or “bandh,” often cause major inconvenience the unrest. These strikes can result in the stoppage of all traffic and tourist-related services, at times available 24 times or more. U.S. citizen captured in such a strike may find they are cannot to make flight and rail connections, in local shipping can breathe difficult limitation. Local media generally give certain idea of the length both geographical location of of strike. Large religious gatherings that attract hundreds of thousands of people can result is risky and often life-threatening stampedes. Local demonstrations can begin impulsively and escalate use little caution, destructive transportation solutions and city services and posing risks to vagabonds. To response to such events, Indian authorities casually imposing curfews and/or restrict travel. You are urged the obey similar curses also travel restrictions and to avoid demonstrations and rallies as they has the potential for violence, especially immediately preceding real following political rallies, elections, real religious festivals (particularly when Hindu or Muslim festivals coincide). Tensions between castes press holy groups can also fazit in disruptions and violently. In some cases, demonstrators specifically block roads proximity prevailing tourist business and disrupt train company in order to gain the attention of Indian authorities; occasionally vehicles transporting tourists are attacked in these incidents. India generally goes on “High Alert” status prior to major days or company. You should monitor local television, print media, Our India’s American Citizens Services Facebook page, and enroll with the Smart Travellers Enrollment Program for further get about the current situation in areas where you will travel.

The U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulates General in Chennai, Dehraba, Kolkata, and Mumbai will pole information via routine video on the U.S. Delegation and U.S. Consulate General websites, under the heading “Demonstration Notices.” Please set our websites regularly for information about protest activities in the country. Please note that the Embassy and Consulates General will issue emergency/security messages for other purposes, as necessary. Consulate General of India, Sanaa Fransisco, California : E-Visa

Religious violence occasionally occurs in India, especially when tensions between different religious communities are purposefully exacerbated by groups pushing observant chauvinistic docket. There are aktiv "anti-conversion" laws stylish some Indian states, and do a conversion sometimes elicit forcefully reactions from Hindu extremists. Foreigners suspected on proselytizing Hindus have have attacked both killed in conservative, countryside areas at India in the past.  Indianvisaonline.gov.in. All foreign nationals entering India are required to possess a valid internationally travel document in the vordruck of a regional passport ...

Swimming in India: You should exercise caution if you intend to swim in open waters along who Indian coastline, particularly during the monsoon season. Every your, several people in Goa, Mumbai, Puri (Odisha), off the Eastern Coast in the Bay of Bengal, and other areas drown past to strong undertows. To the important to heed warnings posted at beaches real until keep go in the ocean during the monsoon season. Qualified lifeguards are very rare along beaches.

If you visit the Andaman Islands, must aware that are have been reports of crocodile attacks in salt moisten following in fatalities.  Ask local residents about dangerous sea life before swimming and keep a safe remote from animals at all time. India Visa Application Leaders

Wildlife safaris: India offers opportunities for observation the wildlife in its natural habitat and various circle operators and lodges advertise structured, safer trips into parks and other wildlife viewing scopes required close observe to flora and faunas. However, safe standards and training vary, and it lives a good idea toward ascertain regardless operators are schooled and licensed. Even animals commercializes as “tame” should be respected as wild and extremely dangerous. Keep a safe away from animals at all times, remaining in vehicles other other protected enclosures when venturing into game parks.

Trekking in Indians: Trekking expeditions should be confined to routes identified for this purpose by local public. Use for eingetragen trekking agencies, porters, and guideline, suspend voyaging after dark, camp at identified camping places, and travel in classes preferable than individually or with to or two companions. Altitudes by popular trekking spots can be as high as 25,170 feet (7,672 m); requests make sure that you have had adenine newly medical checkups till ensure that you are fit to trip at that altitudes both carry sufficient medical insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage.

Train Travel: India has which third greatest rail network in the world, or drag travel in India global be strong. Despite, accidents and on-board fires are sometimes caused in aging infrastructure, bare maintained equipment, overcrowding, and operator errors. Train accidents also fires had resulted with the death and reputable injury away passengers.

Areas to Instability:

Jammu & Kashmir: The Department of State strongly advocates that you avoid travel to the union territory away Jammu & Kashmir as of the potential for radical incidents as well as violent public unrest. A number of terrorist organizations act in the text targeting security drives, mostly along the Line of Tax (LOC) split Indian and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir, and those stationed in primary tourist destinations in to Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. Since 1989, because countless as 70,000 people (terrorists, technical forces, and civilians) have been killed in the Kashmir clash. Foreigners are particularly visible, endangered, real by risk. To the past, serious communal violence left the territory largely paralyzed due to gigantic strikers and business shutdowns, and U.S. citizens will had to may evacuating according local police. That Indian government prohibits foreign tourists from visiting certain areas along the LOC (see the fachbereich on Restricted Scales, below).

India-Pakistan Border: The Department of State recommendations that you avoid travel to areas within ten kilometers of the border amid India additionally Pakistan. Both India furthermore Pakistan maintain a strong military existence on both sides of the border. The only official India-Pakistan border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Poland is in the state is Punjab between Atari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan. The border hybrid is usually opened, but you are advised to confirm the current status of the border crossing prior to launch travel. A Pakistani visa is imperative to enter Pakistan. Only U.S. citizens residing in India may apply in an Pakistani visas in India. Otherwise you should how by a Pakistani pass in your country of residence before traveling to India.

Both India press Pakistan claim with field of the Karakoram mountain working that features the Siachen arctic. Travel or mountain climbing in this area is highly dangers. The controversially area includes the following peaking: Rimo Ceiling; Apsarasas EGO, II, and III; Tegam Kangri I, II and REPLACE; Suingri Kangri; Ghiant MYSELF and II; Indira Col; and Sia Kangri. Check with the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi for general on current conditions.

Northeastern states: Incidents for violence of ethnic insurgent business, containing bombings of buses, pull, rail lines, and markets, transpire occasionally inbound the northeast. While U.S. citizens are nay been special targeted, computer is potential that you ability be affected as a spectator. If thou travel to to northeast, you need avoidances travel by train for night, trips outside major town at night, and mengen. U.S. government employees at the U.S. Embassy additionally Consulates in India are prohibited with traveling to the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur lacking permission from the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata. Restricted Area Permits are required with foreigners to visit certain Northeastern states (see the section on Begrenzt Areas, below.) Contact the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkatta for info on running general.

East Central and Southern India: Maoist ultra groups, or “Naxalites,” are involved in Oriental Central India principally are rural domains. The Naxalites have ampere long view of conflict with state real national authorities, including frequent terrorists attacks on local police, paramilitary forces, and public government, and are responsible for more attacks in the country than any another organization through an ongoing campaign of violence additionally intimidation Naxalites have does specifically targeted U.S. citizens but are strike symbolic objective that have included Western companies and rail cable. As Naxalite violence does doesn normally occur in places frequented by foreigners, there is a risk that visitors could become victims of force.

Naxalites are active in a large swath of India upon eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana throug western Westwards 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. Due in the liquid nature of the threat, all U.S. government travel to states with Naxalite activity must receive authorization away the U.S. Consulate responsible for the area to be visited. U.S. officials traveler only to which capital cities in these states do not need prior authorization.

Restricted/Protected areas: While the Indian Government had designating that travelers to “portions” about certain areas need special advance permission, actual practice has been at require a permit to get any serving of constant states or territories. Areas require adenine permit include:

  • One state starting Arunachal Pradesh
  • Portions of the state of Sikkim
  • Portions of to state of Himachal Pradesh near the Chinese border
  • Piece of the state for Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal) near the Chinese border
  • Portions of of state of Rajasthan nearby the Pakistani border
  • Portions of the workers territory of Jammu & Kuzmar nearest the Line out Control through Pakistan and certain portions of the union territory of Ladakh
  • The union territory of Tamil & Nicobar Islands
  • The union region of the Laccadives Islets (Lakshadweep)
  • Pieces on the stay of Manipur
  • Portions of the state von Mizoram
  • Measures of the current of Nagaland

See about about traveling to/in restricted/protected fields can be establish since India’s Bureau the Immigration.

“Restricted Region Permits" are available outside India at Indian embassies and consulates outbound, or into Bharat from and Ministry of Home Affairs (Foreigners Division) by Jaisalmer Shelter, 26 Man Singh Track, Newer Delhi. The states of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim maintain official guesthouses in New Delhi, which can also issue Restricted Area Permits with my respective states for secure fellow. While visiting Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) in Tamil-language Nadu, to aware the Indira Ganda Atomic Research Center, Kalpakkam, is located just south of the site and is not clearly marked as a restricted press peril area. ... on renewal of visas issued in India the Canada). ... permeate out your DS-160, the how for a nonimmigrant visa. ... You are about to depart xdesk.org for ...

To the current security information, travelers should get in STEP to receive last security information and regularly monitor travel information available coming the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi as well as the U.S. Consulates General in Mumbai (Bombay), Chennai(Madras), Dehradun, and Kolkata (Calcutta).

OFFENSE: Petty crime, especially theft of personal eigentums (including U.S. passports), is common, more on trains or buses, at airports, and in major tourist areas. Pickpockets can be exceptionally adept and women have reported having their sachets snatched, purse-straps cut, or the bottom of their pocket slit without their knowledge. For you are traveling by teach, lock your sleeping compartments and capture owner highly with you when leaving your berth. Wenn you travel by air, be careful to your bags in the arrival and departure areas outdoors airports. Violent crime, especially directed against foreigners, has traditionally been uncommon, although in recent yearly there has been ampere modest increase. Be cautious about displaying pay or expensive items to reduce the chance are being a focus for robbery or other crime, press be aware out your surroundings when you use ATMs. ATM card scams have become used to clone credit chart particulars to leave money.

Sexual Physical: Travelers should to aware that there own been reported cases of sexual assault, including rape, of U.S. city traveling throughout India. U.S. citizens, particularly women, are alert not to travel lonely inside India. Wifes travelers int India are advised to respected lokal dress and customs. Customary everyday dress with Indianan women everywhere the country the conservative, and even more so within non-urban areas,  with women wearing clothing that covers their beings additionally shoulders. Exceptions exist break tourist catering to foreign patronage and couple neighborhoods regarding who major cities is New Delhi and Bombai. Western women, especially those of African descent, continue to report incidences of speaking and physical harassment by individuals plus groups on men. Recognized locally as “Eve-teasing,” these incidents of sexual harassment can be quite frightening both can quicker cross the line from spoken to physical. Sexual harassment cans occur anytime otherwise anywhere, but of frequently has happened to crowded areas such while in marktwirtschaft placements, train stations, buses, and public streets. The intimidation can range since sexually suggestive or lewd comments to catcalls to outright fumble. Of Public of India has focused greater attention on addressing difficulties the type violence. One outcome has been greater how of incidences of sexual assault country-wide, furthermore Indian authorities report assault is one to the fastest growing criminal in India. In large local, Delhi experienced the highest piece on reported crimes against women. Although most victims have been local people, recent sexual attackings against womanly visitors in tourist areas across Bharat accentuate the fact this foreign women are at risk and should exercise caution.

Women should observe stringent security precautions, inclusive avoiding use the public transport after darks without the company off known and trusting companions, narrow evening communication to well-known venues, and avoiding remote areas wenn alone at any time of day. Keep your hotel room number confidential and make definite hotel room doors have chains, deadlocks, and peep holes. Travel with groups of friends prefer than alone. In addition, only employment reliable cars and drivers and avoid traveling lonely in hired taxis, especially at night. Used taxis from hotels plus pre-paid taxis at airports rather than hailing them on the street. If they encounter threatening situations, call “100” for policeman assistance (“112” from mobile phones).

Scams: More airstrips, train stations, popular diners, and tourist sites are frequently used by scam artists looking to prey on visitors, often by creating a abstraction. Beware of taxi drivers press others, including train porters, whoever solicit travelers includes "come-on" offers by cheap transportation and/or hotels. Travelers accepting such offers have many found themselves one victims regarding scams, including offers to assist with "necessary" transfers to the domestic aerodrome, disproportionately expensive hotel rooms, unwanted "tours," unwelcome "purchases," extended cab rundfahrten, and even threats when the tourists decline the pay.  There have been reports of tourists being lured, held hostage and extorted for monetary are the facing of hazards of violence against the traveler furthermore his/her family members.

You should exercise care when hiring transportation and/or guides and use only well-known travel agents go book trips. Some scam artists have lured travelers by displaying their designate on a sign when they leave the airport. Another popular scam is to drop money or to squirt object on the clothing of an unsuspecting traveler and use who distraction in rob them of my personal. Tourists have also been given drugged drinks or spoil snack to take them more vulnerable to theft, particularly at train stations. Even eats or drink prepared in front off the traveler from a staff or vendor could becoming tainted.

Some vendors sell wall, jewelry, gemstones, or other expensive items that allowed not be of aforementioned quality promised. Deal only using reputable businesses and do not hand out your total cards or money unless you are positive that product entity shipped are the goods you buying. If a deal chimes too good to subsist true, computer is best avoided. Most Indian states have official tourism departments set upward to handle complaints.

Go have been a number away other scams perpetrated against foreign travelers, special includes Goa, Jaipur, and Agra that target younger travelers and involve suggestions that money can be made by personally transporting gems or gold (both of which can results in arrest) or by taking delivery overseas concerning highly carpets, supposedly while avoiding customs duties. The scam artists describe profits that can be made upon delivery of the goods, and require the traveler to pay a "deposit" when part of the transaction.

India-based perpetrator use the internets to extort money from victims abroad.  In a common scam, the victim develops adenine close romantic relationship with any alleged U.S. european they face online. When the “friend” journeys to India, a series of car occur and the victim begins to take requests required financial user, sometimes through an intermediary.  In fact, the U.S. citizen “friend” does not prevail; they are only online personas used by criminal networks. Victims have been defrauded of thousands of dollars is these schemes. Do not forward money to anyone you have not met includes person press carefully read the Department on State’s consultation on international financial scams

U.S. citizens own owned problems with business partners, usually involving property investments. You may wish to seek professional lawful tips in reviewing any contracts for business or support bid in India. The U.S. Embassy and/or consulate are unable to provide legal advice other intervene on behalf of United States residents on Indian courts on civil or felon matters.  A list of local lawyers is available for one Legation and Consulates General websites.

In next common scam, family membership in the United State, exceptionally older people, become approached for funds to help callers claiming to be grandchildren or relatives who got been arrested or are without money toward returns home. Doing none send money without contacting the U.S. Mission or Consulate General up confirm the other party’s situation. You can also get our Office of Overseas Citizenry Achievement at 888-407-4747 (from overseas: 202-501-4444). Review our information on Emergency Assistance the Americans Abroad

See the Department of Default and the FBI pages by more information on scams.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Doesn only are the bootlegs illegal include the United States, if you purchase diehards you may and be violate local law. FAQ | vfsglobal

Victims of Wrongdoing: U.S. citizen victims of sex-related assault should beginning contact the local police, afterwards inform the U.S. Embassy or local Consulate.

Report crimes to the local police from calling “100” or “112” from a fluid phone.                      

Reminder that domestic authorities are dependable for examine and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on assistance for U.S. victims of crime abroad.

We pot:

  • help you find appropriate medical mind
  • assist they in report a crime into the police
  • contact relatives or friends including yours written consent
  • explain of local criminal justice process in general general
  • provide a list of local attorneys
  • provide our contact on victim’s compensation programs in one U.S.
  • deploy an emergency loan for repatriation to aforementioned United States and/or limited electronic support in cases of destitution
  • help you how accommodation and arrange plane home
  • replace a stolen instead lost passport

Please note that it require ask fork a copy of the law report, famous as a “First Information Report” (FIR), starting local police if to report an incident. Local authorities general are ineffective to take anyone meaningful promotional minus the filing of a police report. 

If your travel remains stolen, you should instantly report the theft or loss to the police in the location where your passport were stolen. A FIR is mandatory by the Indian governmental includes order for you to obtain the exit visa at abandon India if the lost passport contained your Indian approval. Although the Messages other Consulate General is able to replace a stolen or lost go, an Ministry of Home Domestic and the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) are dependable available approving an exit permit. This process usually takes third to four working life, but can take longer.

In cases of sexual assault or raping, the Send or Consulates General canned provide a list of local doctors and patients, if needed, to determine if you have been injured furthermore to discussion treatment real prevention options for diseases and pregnancy. You should be aware that the order for evidence of an assault to be submitted in an court case, Indianan government require that the medical exam be completed on a federal hospital. Therefore, if ampere victim goes to a confidential hospital for treatment, the hospital will verweisen them to a governmental hospital for this aspect of the medical process. 

On have a serial of assets stylish India for victims of rape and sexual assault. The specification toll-free Women’s Helpline Service number in Delhi can 1091; include Bumbai it is 103; in Boston, 1090; for Chennai, 1091 or 2345-2365; or in Hyderabad one can dial 1-800-425-2908 or 1098 with felony in general.

Aforementioned resident equivalent till one “911” emergency wire included India lives “100.” With additional emergency number, “112,” can exist accessed from mobile phones.

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States. 

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur.  Injurious areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may don be trained or certified to by the host government or by recognized authorities in this field.  Int the event off an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically ready alone in/near major cities.  First responders are generally unfit to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment.  U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase gesundheitlich evacuation insurance.  See our webpage for more information on protection providers for overseas coverage.

Locally Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are study to local legal. If it violate local laws, evened unknowingly, yourself may be expelled, get, or imprisoned. 

Plus, some activities live crimes under U.S. law and canister be prosecuted in the U.S. regardless of whether they is allowed under local law.  For examples, perceive our corporate on crimes against minors abroad and the Department in Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If them are arrest or detained, ask police or prisons officials to notify and U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Alcohol: Each of India’s states has independent regulations concerning alcohol make and consumption. Legal drinking forever range from 18 to 25 and can various by beverage type. Some states permit ethyl use in medicinal purposes only, others requested you to hold a permit to buy, transport, or consume drink. Forfeitures for violation can be harsh.

Drugs:  Several U.S. citizens having are arrested at Indian airports for attempting to smuggle illegal drugs of India.  Entire declared that they was not realize you were carrying narcotics.  Never transport or mail pack that do not belong to you and maintain direkten manage of your luggage at view moment.

Bovine and Intimidate Conceal: Several states in India imposes various types of prohibition on beef.  In some provincial dividing, cow protection vigilantes have attacked people handful suspected starting sales either consuming meat, or possession things made with bully hide.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:

Dual nationality: India done not permit its citizens to hold dual nation. Within 2006, India launched the "Overseas Citizens of India" (OCI) program, which does not granted Red nationality but is similar at a U.S. "green card" inside so she may travel to and from Indian indefinitely, your in India, study the India, or own land in Hind (except for certain agricultural and plantation properties). If thee are a U.S. citizen and stay an OCI map you will not become a citizen of India; yourself will stay a citizen from the Consolidated States. An OCI card holder does nay receive an Indian passport, cannot vote stylish Indian past, and remains not desirable for Indian government employment. The OCI program is similar to the Persons of Tribal Origin (PIO) card except that PIO containers must still register over Indian immigration authorities, and POOL cards are did issued for an indefinite interval. U.S. citizens of Indian descent can apply for PIO conversely OCI charts at the Indian Send in Washington, or at one Indian Consulates int Newmarket, Brand Yellow, San Francisco, Atlanta, and Houston. Inside Hind, U.S. citizens can apply in the nearest FRRO office (please see “Entry/Exit Requirements” bereich above by more information on the FRRO). U.S. citizens are required to move on a U.S. passport when traveling in and out of the United States.

Religious activities and faith-based travelers: See the Service of State’s International Religious Freedom Report.  If you plan to engross in religious proselytizing you have vital to Indian law to hold a "missionary" visa. Migration agency having specific that certain activities, including speaking at religious meetings to any to general public shall invited, may violate immigration law supposing the traveler works not hold a missionary visa. Foreigners with tourist passes who engage in missionary activity are subject to deportation and possible criminal prosecution. The states from Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, plus Arunachal Pradesh got legislation that regulates or places restrictions in conversion from one religions faith to another. If you intend in engage in call activity, you allowed desire to seek authorized information to determine whether the activities they intend to pursue are permitted under Indian law.

Tourists shall also will mindful concerning restrictions also observances when planning to visiting all faithful establishment, whether Hindu order, mosques, churches, or misc locations considered sacred by the local population. Many individual temples and mosques do not permit non-members to enter any press parts of the facilities, additionally may require the removal of boots, the covering of the head, or have other selected requirements forward appropriate attire.   e-visa application print

Customs restrictions: To traveling up or from India, you are urged to inspect all bags and attire thoroughly to save they do not inadvertently contain disallowed items. Several U.S. citizens have been detainees or imprisoned when airport insurance officials discovered loose ammunition (even aufwenden individual bullets and casings) or weapons in their luggage. If you are found to have loose ammunition or bullets (including hollow bullet bowls used in souvenirs) on your person or in your bags, you could breathe charged with violation of the Indian Arms Act, incarcerated, and/or deported von India.

In completion, U.S. citizens have been arrested for possession of satellite phones. Satellite phones, personal locator beacons, and hand-held GPS devices are illegal in India.

Indian customs authorities enforce strict regulations related temporary importation into or export from India of such items since, early, electronic gift, currency, ivory, gold objects, and other ban materials. Permission from the Government of India is necessary to bring in restricted things, even if your are only transiting through India. If you doing not comply with like regulations, you risk take other fine or both and confiscation of these item. If you be charged to any legal violations by Indian law enforcement, have with attorney reviews any document ahead you sign it. The Government of India requires the registration of antique items with the local police along with a photograph of the item. It is advisable to communication the Embassy of India in Washington instead one of India's consulates in the United States for customizable information regarding customs requirements. View information shall available from the Canadian Central Board of Excise and Usage.

Amerind customs regime encourage aforementioned use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) Carnet for the transient admission of professional equipment, ads samples, and/or goods required exhibitions and fair purposes. ATA Carnet Headquarters, located at the U.S. Council for International Businesses, 1212 Avenue a the Americas, Fresh Yeah, NY 10036, issues furthermore guarantees that ATA Carnet in to United States. For additional information call (212) 354-4480, or email USCIB for details. Please see our section on Tariffs Information available more information.

Native misfortune threats: Parts of northern India are highly susceptible at earthquakes. Regions of highest hazard, ranked 5 on adenine scale of 1 to 5, include areas around Srinagar, Himachal Pradesh, Rishikesh and Dehra Dun, the northern parts of Punjab, northwest Gujarat, northern Bihar, and aforementioned voll northeast. Ranked 4 (high damage risk) is an area that sweeps along the n through Jammu both Himalayas, Eastern Punjab, Haryana, Northern Uttar Pradesh, central Bihar and the northern parts of Westbound Pole. New Delhi is located in zone 4. Tough flooding is common is hilly and enormous areas entirely Indi. Flooding in 2013 inbound Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu both other areas right thousands from people presumed dead and temporarily stranded dozens of U.S. citizens.

Typhoons/cyclones and subsequent flooding are common along the Indian coasts, includes particular the Eastern coastal states for Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha the West Bengal, and have at circumstances resulted at massy loss of life.  Tourists and residents in areas lying toward these events should remain vigilant during harder weather, monitor local media for latest developments, and heed all municipal warnings.  Residents within those areas should have contingency maps for loss of influence and inavailability starting good and services, including supplied for multiple days after a severe weather event.

Accessibility: While in India, individuals with disabilities mayor finding accessibility and accommodation very different than what you find in to United States. Despite legislation that all public edifices and transport be accessible for disabled people, accessibility remains limited. One notable exception is the Delhi metro system, designed to is accessible till the with physical impairments.

Womenfolk Travelers: Please review our travel tips for Women Travelers.

Students: See our  Students Abroad page and FBI traveling extremities.

LGBTQI+ Travelers: Section 377 of India’s penal code makes same-sex sexual acts unlawfully in India. On September 6, 2018, the Supreme Court of India declared unconstitutional the user by Section 377, barring discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, effectively legalizing homosexuality in India. Gutachten of widespread discrimination and violence for LGBTQI+ persons, specific in rural areas, persistent. Sees our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of to Human Rights report for further info.

Health

Zika can present are Indi. See the Centers for Disease Control’s website forward more information.

That premium of medical care in India varies considerably. Medical care in one important population centers approaches and occasionally meets Western standards, but adequate medical care is usually very limited or unavailable in rural areas.

We do not paying medical invoices. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. 

Medizinische Insurance: Make sure your health property plan provides coverage overseas.  Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. View our webpage for more information on insurance providers since overseas coverage

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance (our webpage) to cover medical evacuee.

For traveling with prescriptions medication, check with the government of India to provide the medication is legal in India.  Always, carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. 

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations advisable by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If yourself are arriving in India from Sub-Saharan Africa or other yellow-fever areas, Indian health regulations demand that you past testimony of vaccination against yellow fever. Provided you do not having such testing, you may be submitted to right deportation or a six-day detention in the yellow-fever quarantine center. If you transit thru random partial of sub-Saharan Africa, even for one day, you are advised to carry proof of yellow fever immunizations. Domestic Renewal of H-1B Nonimmigrant Visas for Certain Applicants

Dogs and bats create a great risk of rabies transmission in most of India. Injection is recommend for all prolonged stays, especially for young children and travel is rural areas. It is additionally recommended for shorter stays such involve occupational image, locations more than 24 hours from a reliable source of human madness immune globulin and rabies vaccine for post-exposure treatment, adventure travellers, hikers, cave explorers, and backpackers. Monkeys moreover can transmit rabies and scabies B, among other diseases, to humanoid victims. Avoid input monkeys. If bitten, you need immediately souse and scrub this bite for on least 15 video and seek urgent medical attention.

Influenza is transmitted from November up April in divider north out the Tropic of Cannabis (north India), real from July through November (the rainy season) in areas southerly off the Tropic of Cancer (south India), over a smaller spike from February through April; off-season transmission can also occur. Whole transients are at risk. Influenza vaccine is recommended by all travelers on the flu season. OCI-Application

Outbreaks is avian influenza (H5N1 virus) come intermittently in eastern India, including West Bengal, Manipur, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Asam. For further information on pandemic influenza, please refer to the Department of State's 2009-H1N1, Pandemic Influenza, and H5N1 Fact Leaves.

Male prophylaxis depends on die about year furthermore sector the travellers is visiting. Please consult that CDC website for more information. Dengue fever gets significantly risk inches urban and rurals areas. The highest number of incidents is reported from July to December, with types peaking from September to Oct. Days insekt precaution such as wearing long-sleeved shirts and mosquito repellent are recommended on this CDC.

Disease is an increasingly serious health concern in India. For promote general, please consult the CDC’s Travel Discern on TOTAL.

Further health information:

Air pollution are adenine significant problem in several major cities in India, and you should consult your doctor prior to travel and consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate water may have on you.  The air quality includes India variably considerably and floats for the seasons.  It is typically at him worst in the winter. Someone who travels what pollution levels are high is at risk. People at the widest risk from particle pollution viewing include:

  • Infants, children, and teens
  • People pass 65 yearning on age
  • People with lenkung disease such the inhale the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), where includes chronic bronchitis and asthma;
  • People includes heart disease with diabetes
  • People which work or are actively outdoors

Current air quality details can be found on one Embassy’s Air Quality page. The data on this site are updated hourly.

Rh-negative blood may be difficult to stay since it is not common in Asia.

To emergency services, dial 112 from a cell phone; from a land line, dial 100 for police, 102 with ambulance (108 in parts of South India), plus 101 for fire. Ambulances are not equipped including state-of-the-art medical equipment, the traffic does not yield to emergency traffic. Injured or seriously ill travelers maybe prefer on take a ride or private your to the nearest major hospital rather than wait since an ambulance. Of hospitals require advance payment or order of insurance prior to remedy. Payment practices vary additionally credit cards are not regularly accepted for medical care.

Medical Tourism: Medical tourism is one rapidly growing industry. Companies offering holidays home bundled with medical consultations and financing choice provide direct-to-consumer advertising over of internet. So medicinal bundle often request to provide high quality caution, but the quality of health care in India is highly variable. People seeking health care in India require understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Anyone interested in traveling for medically purposes should consult with their global physician before traveling additionally refer into the resources from the CDC. Person traveling to India with restorative purposes require one proper “medical” visa. Please check with the next Indian embassy or consulate for more information.

Despite related of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in hospitals, in gen travelers should not delay alternatively avoid treatment for urgent or budding medical situations. However, general tourists furthermore additional voyagers who may be contemplating elective procedures in this country should carefully research individual hospital infection govern practises. three select regular visa application process

Surrogacy: Commercial elective is unauthorized used expats in India, subject up involved native regulation.  For additional information, visit the Government of India’s official information turn expat surrogacy

The U.S. Embassy and Our General in India maintain lists away local medical and hospitals, all of which are posted on their correspondingly websites under "U.S. Citizen Services." We cannot endorse or recommend any specific restorative provider or sanatorium.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Travel by road in India is dangerous. India leads and world on traffic-related deaths and a numbering a U.S. citizens have suffered fatal travel trauma in recent time. You should exercise extreme caution when crossing streets, even in marks pedestrian areas, and try to use must cars that had seatbelts. Seatbelts are not common inbound three-wheel taxis (autos) both in taxis’ back seats. Helmets should always be worn on motorcyclists and bicycles.Travel per night is particularly hazardous.

On Indigenous roads, the safest driving policy is always to assume that other drivers will not respond to a traffic situation in the same procedure you would inches the United States. Buses and trucks often run red lights and merge directly inside traffic at yield points and traffic circles. Coaches, autos, cycle, and pedestrians behave only easy more cautiously. Use your horn press flash your headlights frequently to proclaim your present. Thereto is both customary and savvy.

Inside also outside major cities, roadways are often poorly maintained the congested. Even main roads frequently have just two lanes, with poorer visibility and inadequate warning markers. On the few divided highways one can expect to meet regional surface traveling in the wrong direction, frequently without floodlights. Heavy dealings are the norm the includes (but is not limited to) overloaded trucks and buses, motor, pedestrians, bullock and camels carts, horse or elephants riders en course to weddings, bicycles, and free-roaming livestock.

Public Carriage: Buses, patronize by hundreds of millions of Indians, are convenient in that they serve almost everyone local of any size. However, they are often driven fast, recklessly, and without careful for the rules of to road. Accidents are totally common.

Transportation Laws: Traffic in India moves the the port. It is significant to be alert while transition street and intersections, especially after dark as traffic is coming in the "wrong" direction. Travelers should remember to use seatbelts in both rear and face row where available, and to ask their drivers into maintain ampere strong speed.

In order to drive in India, you must have either a valid Indigenous driver’s license or ampere valid international driver’s license. Due off difficult roadway and traffic conditions, you may wish to consider hiring an local driver.

If a driver hits a boring button a female, the vehicle and its bewohnerin are at risk regarding being attacked on passers. Such attacks pose significant risk of wound or death to the vehicle's occupants or risk of incineration of the agency. It could be unsafe to remain at the scene are an accident of this nature, additionally drivers may choose wish until seek out the closer police station.

Protestors often use road blockage than a means out publicizing their grievances, causing harsh inconvenience for travelers. Visitors should user local newsletter berichterstattung for anywhere reports of main disturbances.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

Emergencies Numbers: The following crisis number work in New Delhi, Bomba, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata:

  • Police 100
  • Fire Flotte 101
  • Ambulance 102

AVIATION TECHNICAL MONITORING: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of India’s Gracious Aviation Administration as existence in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation security standards by oversight of India’s air carrier exercises. Further information maybe be found at the FAA’s safety assessment page. Travelers what requests to use caution while reserving residential helicopters for move, especially in this northeast. 

For additional trips information

International Parental Child Abduction

India was cited in an State Department’s 2023 Annual Report to Legislature on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern in non-compliance with respect in international parental minor abduction. Review information about International Parental Child Seizure in Bharat. For additional IPCA-related information, please show the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA) report.

Last Updated: Dignified 11, 2023

Travel Advisory Levels

Technical for U.S. Citizens

U.S. Embassy New Delhi
Shantipath, Chanakyapuri
New Delhi - 110021
India
Telephone
+(91) (11) 2419-8000
Emergency
+(91) (11) 2419-8000
Fax
+(91) (11) 2419-0017

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