» Visa Requirements

Applications for multiple and single entry visas are accepted. Indian visas are necessary for all foreigners visiting India. There are several kinds of visas including Entry visa, Tourist Visa, Business Visa, Long term visa (upto 5 years with multiple entry facilities) etc. are available. Also collective landing permits are available for foreign tourists in groups.

Visa Extensions

Tourist visas are available for a maximum period of 180 days. No charges are levied for visa extension within the maximum period of 180 days. Identical passport photographs are required. However,in case of an extension beyond 180 days,which is allowed only in exceptional cases.An extension fee of Rs.100 for US citizens and Rs.200 for UK citizens is charged.

Special Permits

Special permits can be obtained if specifically asked for, while applying for a visa or they may be obtained after arrival in India.The FRROs (Foreigners'Regional Registration Offices) in Delhi, Mumbai,Calcutta and the Chief Immigration Officer in Chennai can issue the same as well as group permits.This permit is valid for a maximum period of 15 days only.Permits must be applied for at least two weeks in advance for group tourists.

Permits are required for the following places:

• North Eastern Frontiers : Permits are available at the FRROs in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Calcutta, Mumbai and with the Chief Immigration Officer in Chennai.
• Andaman Islands: Permits are obtainable from an Indian Embassy or Consular Offices abroad or from the FRROs in Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta,& Chennai and the Chief Immigration Officer in Chennai.

» Currency Regulations

Tourists are not allowed to bring Indian currency into the country or take it out of the country. Unlimited amounts of foreign currency or traveler's cheques are allowed into the country but any amount over US $ 1000 should be declared on arrival and a certificate obtained from the Customs.

All money should be changed at official banks or at official money changers.The tourist receives a currency exchange form for each transaction.These forms are important as they may be required for re-exchange while leaving India,for certain official purchases such as airline tickets,for visa renewal and for obtaining income tax clearance. Most branches of State Bank Of India and all major nationalised banks have special foreign exchange counters.Credit cards (like Diners, American Express and Visa Card among others)are now widely accepted in India.

» Customs Formalities And Regulations

The usual duty free regulations of one bottle of whisky, i.e. 950 ml or less and 200 cigarettes apply for India.If the tourist brings in more than $1000 in cash or in traveler's cheques,it must be declared by completion of a currency declaration form. While small items like perfumes,cosmetics etc., are allowed into the country,larger items like video cameras are likely to be entered on a 'Tourist Baggage Re-export' form to ensure that the article is taken away on departure. The TBRE form should be re-submitted on departure. A tourist can clear goods upto Ps. 2,400/- in value duty free. Goods brought in excess of this are chargeable to duty as per prevailing law.

» Income Tax Clearance

If a person not domiciled in India intends to stay in the country for more than 120 days,an 'Income Tax Clearance' certificate is required in order to leave the country. This document will prove that the stay in India was financed by his own money by working or selling his goods.

The foreign section of the Income Tax Department at Delhi, Calcutta, Chennai and Mumbai issues these certificates on being shown the person's passport, visa extension form and the currency exchange receipts which have been used by the person.

Foreign Travel Tax

For international travel from Indian airports Rs. 150/- must be paid for travel to neighboring countries at Rs. 500/- for travel to all other countries.This tax is also applicable to infants who may not be occupying seats.

Health Regulations

Barring a yellow fever vaccination for tourists coming from infected areas (African and South American ountries there are no vaccinations requirements for tourists to India.

» Restricted And Protected Areas

Military installations and areas,defence organizations and research organizations are considered protected areas .The visitors are required to obtain special permissions from the Indian consulates in their countries if they are planning on visiting them.

Photography Restrictions

Photography is prohibited in places of military importance,railway stations,bridges, airports and other military installations.

Export Of Antiquities

Antiquities include sculpture, painting or other works of art and craftsmanship, Illustrative of science, art, crafts, religion of bygone ages and of historical interest which have been in existence for not less than one hundred years.

Also manuscripts, or other documents of scientific, historical,literary or aesthetic value in existence for not less than seventy five years - art - treasures - not necessarily antiquities but having regard to the artistic and aesthetic value cannot be exported out of India.

For export of any of the antiquities concerned authorities in major cities of India have to be contacted.

Restrictions Pertaining To Export Of Articles Made From Animals Etc.

Govt. of India is concerned about the conservation of its endangered and rare fauna.With this view, export of all wild animals indigenous to country and articles made from such listed animal like skin,pelts,furs,ivory,rhino horns,trophies have been totally banned. Tourists are also advised to acquaint themselves with the provisions of Convention on International Trade endangered species of wild fauna and flora. All the member countries of the convention allow import of the articles covered by convention on the strength of a certificate of export from the country of origin.

» Climate

India has three major seasons : summer,winter and the monsoon. The summer months (April - June) are hot in most parts of India.This is the season to visit the summer resorts of Shimla,Mussoorie, Nainital,Kufri and the Kashmir valley,Darjeeling, Shillong,Ootacamund, Kodaikanal, Pachmarhi and Mount Abu. The winter months (November -March) are pleasant throughout India with bright sunny days. Winter is more severe in the northern plains, and in the foot-hills of the Himalayas,while the southern, eastern and western zones of India, remain pleasantly cool. The monsoons break at the beginning of June on the South-west coast of India and gradually break at all parts of the country, except south-eastern areas. between mid-October and end-December.

» Important Tips

India is a vast country and different customs are followed in different parts of the country. You may find the metros more liberal and cosmopolitan - as would be case anywhere in the the world - and you may come across various unusual customs as you move in the hinterland, preserved over thousands of years. You may also find that in general, the attitude to life is vastly different from that in the western world. However, Indians are a hospitable people and usually people will accept your different ways as a foreigner. Nevertheless, there may be certain situations These are the situations you need to know about.

• Always remove your shoes before entering a holy place - a temple, Gurudwara or mosque. Gurudwaras require you to cover your head. In general, dress conservatively at a place of worship.
• Feet and the left hand are considered impure so do not touch any holy object with these. Also, do not give, take or point at anything with the left hand.
• If you are required to eat with your fingers at any place, do not use the left hand.Public show of affection is generally disapproved, particularly in smaller cities and villages.Avoid it.Avoid wearing clothes that bare your arms and legs - in the small cities and villages, in particular. Metros are fairly permissible in this particular respect.
• Always follow the rules written on notice boards at holy places. These may include 'leather objects not allowed', 'cameras not allowed' and so on.
• Giving tips is customary but not mandatory. At restaurants, the usual rule of 10 per cent applies.
• Bargaining for a lesser price is a fairly common fact of life, specially at local bazaars, with rickshaw and auto drivers. However recognized and larger shops and departmental stores usually charge fixed prices.

Note: We would be happy to organize a specialized, tailor-made tour for you to suit your requirements.

For details, please contact sandhyapande@nettoursindia.com