India Travel Guide

GENERAL TIPS & Visa requirements & Categories FOR INDIA

Foreigners wanting to visit India can do so after obtaining visa from the Indian Mission in their country of residence. They should possess a valid National Passport - except in the case of nationals of Bhutan & Nepal, who may carry only suitable means of identification.

Tourist Visas,

Collective Visas,   

Transit Visas,  

Exemption from Registration,

Landing Permit Facility,    

Tourist Groups,    

Business Visa,         

Student Visa,

Conference Visa,      

Visa Extensions

VISA, INSURANCE & OTHER DOCUMENTS  
 
You should keep a photocopy of your passport, Indian visa and flight ticket separate from the originals when traveling.  
This will save you much inconvenience and time if your documents are lost or stolen.  
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before traveling. You should check any exclusion, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.  
 
CUSTOMS & AIRPORT’S AUTHORITY OF INDIA

·     Indian Customs department at the airport stop one client because they were carrying some Auer Vedic Medicines ( Herbal), which they bought from one of the Ayurvedic Message resort from South of India. So if anyone buys such kind of things must ask and be sure if they can carry with them or not to their home.

Visiting India can be a wee bit unnerving for the first-time visitor. The lifestyle and culture is totally different from the West. I made a list of some important dos and don'ts for hassle-free and enjoyable travel in these both countries.

·    A proper VISA to enter and stay in India is a must. There are reported cases when travelers are advised non-requirement of Indian VISA by their travel agents. Practically every foreign national requires VISA to enter these countries.

·     Do not encourage beggars.

·    Don't trust strangers with money. Trust your Travel Agent & Hotel Manager or Owner, but not people you may bump into on the streets.

·    Don't offer bribes to get any job done. Bribe-taking and bribe-giving are a common practice in India but they are intended to speed up things or win a favor that you are not entitled to. Plan well in advance. Use consultants or trade and industry associations. If you expect favors, let them come free or not at all. Warn anyone (even in government) who asks you for a bribe that you would report him to the Anti-Corruption Bureau or the nearest police-station. If he persists, do it discreetly so that he can be caught red-handed.

·    Indian English has its own delights especially to foreigners of English nativity. Don't show amusement at the different Indian accents and choice of words. This does not take away from the fact that many Indians speak and write better English than many native English speakers.

·     It is advisable to cover yourself with travel insurance for thefts, loss and mediclaim Insurance Policies..

·     Carry proper maps of the places proposed to visit in India, as signboards are often absent. Try to reach a station during daytime if traveling on your own. In any case avoid persistent touts and taxi-drivers at airport/stations/bus stand to help you find your hotel. Always use tourist assistance desk for proper advice.

·     Women traveling alone in certain deserted places should avoid walking at odd hours.

·     While changing money, insist on getting encashment certificate.

·    Do not checkout of the hotel in hurry. While checking out it has been noticed in some hotels, the extras are unreasonably charged which the guest hurriedly pays without cross-checking.

·     Do not leave your cash and valuables in your hotel rooms. Keep your cash divided in different pockets.

·    Take care of proper disposal of your rubbish always whether you are exploring desert, or Himalayas or beaches or anywhere else.

·     Don't accept offers of visiting anyone's home unless you are confident of the person.

·     Use licensed guides for sightseeing.

·     Always use strong suitcases/baggage, as mishandling is common at airports/stations.

·    Don't tip unreasonably and unnecessarily in a hotel. The NEWS soon spreads in the hotel and by the time you checkout there will be a group of them saluting you to expect something.

·     In Monsoon time avoid night stay in the desert while you do camel safari.

Most of the monuments give very good discount for students from all over the world. They must carry there valid school identity card.  

Visa Fees

Visa fees are non-refundable and subject to change without notice. The High Commission reserves the right on granting and deciding type/duration of visa irrespective of the fees tendered at the time of making application. Granting of Visa does not confer the right of entry to India and is subject to the discretion of the Immigration Authorities. Visa can be applied for in person or by post at the High Commission of India in London. Visa applications from persons not ordinarily residing in the UK or from people of Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan origin are considered only in the High Commission of India, London and Consulate General of India, Birmingham and their processing may take one week or in some cases much longer. Applicants not ordinarily resident in the UK and Sri Lankan nationals are required to complete an additional form. Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals have to file special visa application forms. In the following cases processing of applications will take longer: (a) British Nationals holding dual nationality or of other origin, (b) applicants not resident in the UK, (c) where clearance from India is mandatory, (d) visitors to restricted areas and (e) certain cases where documents may need to be verified. Visa Section will contact the applicant about the time of delivery for such passports. Please note that each application is examined individually and the time taken for issuing Visa will vary from case to case.

Visitors to restricted/protected areas need special permits and for this purpose an additional form has to be completed. Please contact the High Commission of India, London if you wish to ascertain whether any of the places you intend to visit fall in the category of restricted/protected areas.

Specific Visas are granted for a variety of purposes. The principal types of Visa issued are mentioned below. Please contact the High Commission of India for further details if you are visiting India for purposes other than tourism, such as journalism, conferences, yoga, voluntary work, mountaineering or other expeditions. The visa application form is, however, the same. Separate forms are available for Pakistani and Bangladeshi Nationals.

Application For Visa:

1. Original passport valid for at least 6 months
2. Correct visa fee
3. Two passport size photographs (5 photographs in case of Pakistani Nationals)
4. Supporting documents, where necessary
5. Duly completed application form (Pakistani and Bangladeshi Nationals need to apply on special application forms)

Additional requirements for different types of Visa are given below.

a. Tourist Visa
Tourists wishing to visit India will normally be granted tourist Visa, effective from the date of issue. Tourist Visa are non-extendible and non-convertible. Travel Agents who have to visit India frequently may be granted tourist Visa for a longer duration.

b. Business Visa
Business Visa are normally granted for 3 or 6 months. However, multiple-entry Business Visa for up to 2 years validity may be granted to technicians/experts going to India in pursuance of bilateral agreements or joint venture projects having government approval.

c. Student and Employment Visa
Student Visa can be obtained on furnishing proof of admission to recognized Universities/Institutions in India. Employment Visa can also be obtained on furnishing of proof of employment with companies in India.

d. Transit Visa
Transit Visa are valid for halts of up to 72 hours in India within 15 days from the date of issue of the visa and must be obtained before departure. Transit Visa cannot be obtained from immigration counters at ports of entry in India. Evidence of onward travel to a destination outside India is required.

e. Entry Visa
Entry Visa are issued to persons of Indian origin for a duration of up to 5 years. These can be obtained, depending on the purpose of visit and eligibility, on a case by case basis.

Please Note : Persons holding long term Visa (having validity exceeding 6 months) are normally not expected to stay in India more than 6 months during each visit. Please refer to the boxed note further down for requirement to register with the Foreigners Registration Office (FRO)/Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).

Visa Exemption Letters for Minors
Visa Exemption Letters previously granted to children of Indian origin (for a maximum validity of 90 days from the date of issue) have been discontinued since 1 July 1999. Visa Exemption Letters issued in the past are hence no longer valid. All children holding separate passports are now required to obtain regular Visa.

Health
A good medical insurance policy is essential when visiting India, because medical treatment can be very expensive. Be aware that health care facilities in India are limited. However, there are state-operated facilities in towns and cities, and urban areas also have private consultants and specialists.

Most doctors in India speak English. Ask your hotel to help you get a doctor in a medical emergency. Some of the bigger hotels have their own doctor on call. In case of minor medical problems, a pharmacy will usually be able to help you. Pharmacies are easy to locate as almost every market has one. Most medicines can be obtained without prescription, but make sure you check the sell-by date.
No vaccinations are legally required. However, it is recommended to have meningitis, typhoid and hepatitis A injections before visiting India. Make sure that you are up to date with tetanus boosters as well.

Take an ample supply of prescribed medication, as well as a copy of your prescription. Keep the packaging of your medication showing the generic name. This will make it easier to fill prescriptions, especially if the specific brand name is not available. Take an extra pair of glasses and a copy of your prescription as well, as lost or broken glasses can be difficult to replace. If you wear contact lenses, consider wearing glasses for the duration of your stay in India, because the dust and heat can become quite irritating for contact lens wearers.
A basic health rule is not to drink the water! Not even the ice. Unless you're absolutely sure, always assume that the water is untreated. Use water from containers with a proper seal, or purify it by boiling or treating it chemically. The water in Calcutta is extremely polluted. Take special care, because gastric disease is endemic here.

If mosquitoes do bite you, try not to scratch the bite as infection and tropical ulcers can easily set in. Also try to stay away from bees, wasps, leeches and snakes!

Aids is a problem in India, as in most places, so take the necessary precautions. You may want to carry your own syringes and transfusion kit.
 
Medicine and Medical Help
Bring your own medicines if you are taking any. Brand names may differ as all medicines are manufactured locally. If you ever need a doctor, please ask the hotel to recommend one. Most hotels have some physicians on call at all times.  

Vaccinations
Please consult Public Health Services and / or your physician for their current recommendations. Review your health insurance policies / coverage if you are covered for overseas treatment, hospitalization and medical evacuation. Get a physical. It is better at home than on road. Get any needed immunizations. Have your prescriptions filled. Take extra doses separately. Carry prescription in original. Have your doctor use generic names of your medicine as trade names vary from country to country. Get a letter from your doctor outlining your current treatment and illness, if any.  

Staying Healthy During Your Trip  
Prevent Insect Bites
Many diseases, like malaria and dengue, are spread through insect bites. One of the best protections is to prevent insect bites by: 
 
Using insect repellent (bug spray) with 30%-50% DEET. Picaridin, available in 7% and 15% concentrations, needs more frequent application. There is less information available on how effective picaridin is at protecting against all of the types of mosquitoes that transmit malaria. 

Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a hat outdoors. 

Remaining indoors in a screened or air-conditioned area during the peak biting period for malaria (dusk and dawn). 
Sleeping in beds covered by nets treated with permethrin, if not sleeping in an air-conditioned or well-screened room. 

Spraying rooms with products effective against flying insects, such as those containing pyrethroid.  
For detailed information about insect repellent use, see Insect and Arthropod Protection. 
 
Prevent Animal Bites and Scratches
Direct contact with animals can spread diseases like rabies or cause serious injury or illness. It is important to prevent animal bites and scratches.
 

 
Be Careful about Food and Water
Diseases from food and water are the leading cause of illness in travelers. Follow these tips for safe eating and drinking:

Avoid Injuries
Car crashes are a leading cause of injury among travelers. Protect yourself from these injuries by:
 

Safety  While Travel
 
Generally speaking, India is a safe country to visit. Crime levels are well below those of Western countries and violent crime is unusual. However, tourists are always obvious targets for thieves.
Bihar is notorious for its absence of law and order. Kidnappings, banditry, murder and rape are common occurrences. Be careful when traveling here, especially at night.

It's advisable to make a copy of your passport, visas, airplane ticket and other important documents to make it easier to get replacements if they are lost or stolen. Also keep a record of the serial numbers of your travelers cheques, and a copy of your travel insurance policy.

Make sure that your travel insurance policy covers you against theft. If you do get robbed, report it to the police. You will need a police report if you want to file an insurance claim. 
Be alert to credit card fraud: insist that restaurants and shops process your credit card payment in front of you. Sometimes credit cards are used to make duplicate forms, and the client is then billed for fictitious transactions.

Flooding is India's major natural hazard. By early July, the monsoon (seasonal wind) rages throughout the whole country, bringing moisture with it. Usually it comes from the southwest, but the southeastern coast gets the short and very wet northeastern monsoon. This monsoon brings rain from mid-October to the end of December. The monsoon can be very destructive, resulting in floods, homelessness and even death, as well as causing poor road and rail conditions.

Checked Baggage Rules
The Free Baggage Allowance

                                             
Weight Concept:
For Travel starting from India to Europe/Far East/Middle East a passenger is allowed Free Baggage allowance by the airlines that is based on the class of travel. A child gets the equivalent allowance as an adult. Infant are not allowed any free baggage allowance, except for items like Strollers or Infant's utility bag.
Normally, the following entitlement is allowed based on the class of travel :-
First Class: 60 Kg
Business Class: 40 Kg
Economy Class: 23 Kg

Piece Concept:

International Air Transport Association (IATA) has formed certain guidelines and rules for smooth processing of various aspects of travel. The rules framed by IATA are enforced by all member airlines to avoid any ambiguity and ensure service/quality standards.

Countries where the piece system applies
between USA/US Territories and all countries.
between Canada and Europe, Middle East, Southern Africa, South Asian Subcontinent, the Far East except Guam and South West Pacific, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay.
between the Far East and Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Mexico, USA.
between Guam/Saipan and Japan, Okinawa, Hong Kong, Korea Republic, China, Taiwan, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, India.

between Pago Pago and South West Pacific.
The normal Free Baggage Allowance is:
First and business class passengers 

 2 pieces of free checked baggage upto a maximum weight of 70 lbs (32 Kg) each, where the total of the three dimensions does not exceed 157cm (62 inches) for each bag.
Economy class passengers   

 2 pieces of free checked baggage upto a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23 Kg) each, where the total of the three dimensions for any one bag does not exceed 157 cm (62 inches) for each bag.

Maximum weight of any one bag is 32 kg (70 lb) except within North America where it is 23 kg(50 lb). (Note: domestic airlines within USA may apply a Free Baggage Allowance based on a weight or piece system.
Checked baggage over 50 lbs (23 kg) and not exceeding 70 lbs (32 Kg) will be charged at the rate of USD 25 per piece.

Children are entitled to the same free baggage allowance as adult passengers. Infants not entitled to a seat are allowed one checked bag of which the total of the three dimensions should not exceed 115 cm (45 inches) plus one fully collapsible stroller or pushchair.

Articles considered as a single piece of baggage
The following articles, irrespective of their actual dimensions, may be considered as a piece of baggage at 135 cm (53 inches):
one sleeping bag or bedroll.
one rucksack/knapsack/backpack.
one pair of snow skis with one pair of ski poles and one pair of ski boots.
one golf bag, golf clubs and pair of golf shoes.
one duffle-type bag of B-4 type bag.
one suitably packed bicycle.
one pair of standard water skis or one slalom water ski.
suitably packed fishing equipment comprising not more than two rods, one reel, one landing net, one pair of fishing boots and one fishing tackle box.

certain sporting firearms (subject to each airlines conditions of carriage).
any portable musical instrument not exceeding 100 cm (39 inches) in length.
Cabin Baggage Allowance

With ever growing emphasis on security and to avoid over crowding of Inside Cabin luggage overhead bins, airlines are are now enforcing the principle of One cabin baggage in all parts of the world.
Coats, Canes, umbrellas, reading material, small purses/camera cases don't usually count against your carry-on allowance. Backpacks, laptops, large purses or briefcases may be counted especially on crowded flights. Most of the cabin / check-in baggage restrictions are based on Linear inches that can be described in layman terms as total of length + width + height. One small bag or one garment bag whose three dimensions should not exceed 115cm/45in and the maximum weight should be 10kgs.

Excess Baggage Charge
The Excess Baggage Charge levied on baggage in excess of the free allowance is determined by a number of factors : the city or country of departure; city or country of arrival; and , in a number of instances, by the airline of travel. Each combination of factors has a standard Excess Baggage Fee.
Each bag in excess of of the number permitted which does not exceed the dimensions/weight limits is charged at the standard fee.

If within the baggage allowance a bag exceeds the dimensions limit for free carriage but does not exceed 203 cm (80 inches) and is within the weight limit, the standard fee is still applied. However, any bag both in excess of the number and dimensions, but where the sum of the three dimensions does not exceed 203 cm (80 inches) and is within the weight limit, twice the standard fee is charged.

Any piece of baggage in excess of 203 cm (80 inches) or in excess of the 32 kg (70 lb) or, within North America 23 kg (50 lb), weight limit will not be carried unless prior handling arrangements are made with the airline. If accepted for carriage, such bags are weighed and charged at three times the standard fee for each additional 10 kg (22 lb) or fraction thereof.

Special charges
Special charges apply for the carriage of :-
bulky or fragile items as hand baggage warranting the use of one or more additional seats. To/from the USA the normal piece system excess charges apply but the minimum charge will be 75% of the full one-way adult fare for the class used by the passenger. Elsewhere, a standard excess charge of 75% of the full one-way adult fare for the class used by the passenger applies.

accompanied pets . The animal and container cannot be allowed in the passenger's free allowance. To/from USA the normal excess baggage fee is charged. Elsewhere, the charge is twice the standard fee.
snow skiing and golf equipment. If in excess of the normal free allowance, one set of skis/ski poles/ski boots will be carried at 25% of the standard excess baggage fee and one golf bag/golf shoes at 50% of the standard fee. Additional sets are charged at the full standard fee.

Incidents of Lost Baggage/ Delay /Damaged Baggage
Even though airlines try to ensure that the checked-in baggage arrive at the destination in safe condition and at the same time as the passenger, there are cases of Lost or Damaged baggage due to in-flight/airport/transit mishandling of the baggage by the airline staff. Again IATA helps the passenger to claim his loss based on certain rules and regulations.

Lost Baggage: If the baggage on arrival is found to be missing, passenger must file a complaint with the concerned airline immediately. In most of the developed countries the process of retrieving the baggage is quick and delivery process smooth, with airlines delivering the luggage at the doorstep of passenger. However in India the process is not as smooth. 

Once the baggage is reported lost by the passenger, he must take Property Irregularity Report (PIR) that is issued by all airlines. In India, passenger must get this PIR endorsed by Customs before leaving Airport premises, as failure to do so will result in customs charging Duty on the goods being claimed. Once you take the PIR for customs endorsement, they would value the Duty Free allowance being claimed and balance due so that when passenger comes to the airport for retrieval of his/her lost baggage the same is given to him.
 
If the airline is unable to retrieve your lost baggage and declares it Lost and unrecoverable, then the compensation process is activated. As per IATA guidelines, passenger is entitled for claim with maximum liability of the airline being limited to USD 20 per Kg or a maximum of USD 635 per piece of checked-in baggage. For items checked-in with Limited Liability baggage tags, different compensation rules apply. this amount can be higher if the lost/damaged bag was Insured.

Damaged Baggage: Damage to the checked-in baggage are governed by various rules, that primarily regulates the type of damage. An airline will not be liable for normal wear and tear/scratches, manufacturers defect etc.
Any damage to the baggage should be reported to the concerned airline immediately, within 24 hrs of arrival at the airport. In case of the travel being made through a combination of various airline alliance partners, the delivering carrier is held responsible.

Ensure Your Baggage Safety:
To avoid the possibility of losing your baggage either due to airline's fault or a fellow passenger's fault because of identical appearance of the baggage - Label all your baggage with Name Label, that gives your address, destination port, telephone number etc.

Lock all bags and remove old destination and identification tags before checking baggage.
Never put Cash, Jewellery, Electronic equipment, computers in the checked-in baggage, as airlines will not be liable for any loss/damage.
Dangerous Goods:
For safety reasons, the dangerous articles listed below must not be carried in passengers baggage-
briefcases with built-in alarms or lithium batteries and/or pyrotechnic materials
compressed gases/inflammable or not/toxic/refrigerated liquids like camping gas devices
corrosive products/acids/mercury/alcali/wet batteries
flammable liquids/coal gas/paints and thinners
asbestos materials
oxidizing agents such as chloride of lime and peroxide
flammable solids/matches and materials which ignite easily substances capable of spontaneous combustion or which on contact with water emit flammable gases
poisonous and infectious substances
radioactive substances
 
INDIAN Customs Regulations
Must/Must not do
On arrival, expensive items, such as video cameras and radios, must be entered into your passport on a 'Tourist Baggage Re-Export' form. This will ensure that you can take these items with you when you leave the country. You must not import narcotics, plants, gold and silver bullion and coins not in current use. If you are transporting firearms, make sure you have a possession License. Indian embassies and consulates issue such licenses abroad, or by a district magistrate on arrival in India. It is strictly prohibited to take antiques, art objects, animal skins (or products made with animal skin), and ivory and rhino horns out of India.
 

Visitors are not allowed to bring Indian currency into India or take any of it out (except when going to Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan or Sri Lanka). There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency or travelers' cheques you can bring into the country, but amounts exceeding USD10,000.00 must be declared upon arrival. You may bring the following items into India without incurring customs duties:

1 pint of alcohol 
200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250g of tobacco 
250ml of eau de toilette
Be prepared to pay foreign travel tax on departure. This tax must be paid at a special desk at the airport before checking in your luggage. Foreign currency is accepted as payment.

Duty Free Customs Allowance
Government of India offers various benefits to bonafide travelers and tourists, and their personal items can be imported duty free as part of baggage. The list of these items includes:
Personal Jewellary
One Camera, Binoculars
One Laptop/notebook computer.
One electronic diary
One portable typewriter.
One portable CTV (Color Television)
One music system including compact disc player.
One perambulator.
One tent and other camping equipment.
Sports equipment, such as fishing outfit, tennis racket, one gulf set (14 pieces).
One portable receiving set (Transistor Radio).
To avoid misuse of the above allowance, passengers are advised not to bring these items in its original package. The above information has been taken from baggage rules as notified by the Government of India- dated 28th October 1999.

Money
Notes are available in denominations of INR1.00, 2.00, 5.00, 10.00, 20.00, 50.00, 100.00 and 500.00. Coins come in 5, 10, 20, 25 and 50 paise, and INR1.00, 2.00 and 5.00 (although the latter is very rare).
Be careful not to accept torn notes from anyone as no-one else will accept them, making them quite useless. Change is often in short supply, so try not to carry large denominations.
Visitors are not allowed to bring Indian currency into India or take it out of the country. However, you may bring an unlimited amount of foreign currency or traveler's cheques with you. Note that any amount exceeding USD2,500.00 must be declared on arrival in India. Most foreign currencies and traveler's cheques can be changed in the big cities.
If you've been in India for more than 180 days, you must obtain a tax clearance certificate before leaving the country.

These are available at the foreigners' section of any income tax department in larger cities. You'll need to produce bank receipts ('encashment certificates') to show that you have changed money legally.
An easy currency­converter is available online.

You can check the value of your money right away.

All popular credit cards are easily accepted in most metropolitans of India.
Packing list for travel

Clothes
Boots/hiking shoes, Sandals, Trousers, Shorts/skirt, Swimwear, Windproof jacket, T-shirts Socks Underwear Thin-blouse/Sweater, Headscarf/hat, Sunglasses, Sleeping sheet/Sleeping bag, Washing-line/Washing soap, Sink-stopper, Thread & Needle, Extra shoelaces, Towel, Sarong, Mosquito net …
Documents
Passport, Tickets, Travelers-cheques, Visa/Master card, Visa (for entry into country if necessary)
Driver’s License, Extra passport photos (for visas, etc.) Copies of all documents, Money belt Wallets


Luggage
Backpack w/detachable day pack each Extra shoulder bag Toilet bag
Books
Country guidebook, Diary/notebook, Fiction, Phrase book, Address book
Toiletries
Shaving equipment , Deodorant, Toothbrush, Toothpaste


Medical kit
Painkillers , Malaria prophylaxes , Band aids ,Thermometer , Sunscreen, Antibiotics

Restricted Areas in India Where Special Permits / Permissions Are Required

ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS, India
Permissions to stay up to 30 days are issued on arrival at the airport in Port Blair. If you are arriving by sea, you need the permit in advance. As you need it to buy the ticket. It is advisable to get a permit while getting your Indian visa. It costs nothing and saves time later.
Following are the places for which permit is required:
1). Municipal Area, Port Blair. 2). Havelock Island. 3). Long 4). Neil Island 5). Jolly Buoy 6). South & North Cinque 7).Red Skin 8). Entire Island of Middle Andaman (excluding tribal reserve) 9). All Islands in Mahatma Gandhi Marine National except boat, Holoday, Twin Islands, Tarmugli Malay, and Pluto 10). Entire Island of South Andaman (excluding tribal reserve) 11). Basatang Island 12). North Passage Island 13). Little Andaman Islands excluding tribal reserve 14). Mayabunder 15). Diglipur 16). Rangat 17). Mt. Harriet 18). Madhuban 19). Ross Island 20).Narcondum Island 21). Interview Island 22). Brother Island 23). Sister Island 24). Barren Island restricted to visit on board vessels.

Authority That Grants Permits:-
AMHA & FRROS
All Indian Missions abroad
Chief Immigration Officer, Chennai
Immigration Officer, Port Blair
 
Remarks: Places for 1 to 8 day and night visit allowed. Places from 14 to 24 only day visit allowed. Night halt in 9 subject to special permission of the U.T.Administration. Individual tourists are permitted, 30 days allowed.
LAKSHADWEEP ISLANDS, INDIA

Tourists may visit Bangaram and Suheli islands after obtaining a permit from the Lakshadweep Administration, Willingdon Island, Harbour Rd, Cochin-3.
For Agatti Island Indian National as well as foreigner need to obtain the entry permit.
NORTH-EASTERN REGION, INDIA

Currently the following places require special permits. Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and parts of Spiti. Theoretically, permits are granted to tourists in groups of four or more people on a tour arranged through a recognized travel agent. Permits allow for a maximum 10 day stay in each state.
MANIPUR, INDIA

Places for which permit has to be obtained: Lohtak Lake, Imphal, Moirang INA memorial, Keibul Deer Sanctuary and Waithe Lake Kongjam War Memorial.

Authority That Grants Permits -
All Indian Missions abroad
All FRROs & MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs)
State Govt. of Manipur

INDIVIDUAL TOURISTS NOT PERMITTED, 6 DAYS ALLOWED.
Remarks : Calcutta to Imphal by air only.
Additional areas opened up:
Imphal-Bishnupur-Phubala, Moirang-Sendra-Keibul-Lamjao-Imphal
Imphal-Moirang-Lake Keibul-Lamjao-Chur-Chanderpur-Khuga-Imphal
Imphal-Litan-Ukhral-Shiroy-Sangsak-Imphal
Imphal-Thoubal-Waithu-Lake, Khonjam-Kakching-Thingjao-Waikhong-Sugnu-Imphal
Imphal-Khonghampat-Kanglatombi-Kangpokpi-Senapati-Karong-Mao Gate-Imphal
Imphal-Nonoh-Khongsang-Nungba-Jiribam-Imphal

FOREIGNERS ALLOWED ONLY IN GROUPS OF 4 OR MORE. 10 DAYS ALLOWED ENTRY BY ROAD ALLOWED ON NH39 & NH53 FOR DIMAPUR-KOHIMA-IMPHAL-JIRIBAM-SILCHAR.
MIZORAM, INDIA

Places for which permit is required: Varaingle, Thingdawl and Aizwal.
Authority That Grants Permits:-
Home Commr., Govt. of Mizoram, Aizwal
All FRROs at Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai
All Indian Missions abroad
INDIVIDUAL TOURISTS NOT PERMITTED, 10 DAYS ALLOWED.
ARUNACHAL PRADESH, INDIA
Places for which permit is required: Itanagar,Ziro, Along, Deporijo Miao, Namdapha & Tipi Sujusha(Puki), Bhalukpong
Authority that grants Permits :-
Home Commissioner, Govt.of Aurnachal Pradesh, Itanagar
All FRROs at Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Chief Immigration Officer Chennai
All Indian Missions abroad
INDIVIDUAL TOURISTS NOT PERMITTED, 10 DAYS ALLOWED . TOURIST GROUPS ARE TO TRAVEL ON IDENTIFIED TOUR CIRCUITS ONLY.
Additional Routes for Trekking Holidays in India Opened-up for foreign tourists:
Pasighat-Jengging-Yingkion
Bhalukpong-Bomdilla-Tawang
Roing-Mayodia-Anini
Tezu-Hayuling
HIMACHAL PRADESH, INDIA
Places for which permit is required
Poo-Khab-Sumdho-Dhankar-Tabo-Gompa-Kaza
Morang-Dabling
 

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