馃悩 India

Official government travel advice

Advice changes quickly. Check it before you travel and again before you leave.

Recent disaster alerts (UN/EU GDACS)

Updated 4 Nov 2026. Alerts change quickly: check GDACS and your government's advice before you travel.

Costs

Prices here are about 23% of US prices (World Bank, 2025). This compares a country's overall prices, not the cost of a trip.

Practical information

Entry

Most visitors need a visa. Many nationalities can apply for the e-Visa online on the official Government of India portal - check eligibility, the allowed stay and the fee on the portal (guides disagree on the number of days). Apply several days before travel with a clear photo and a passport scan; the passport usually needs at least 6 months' validity and blank pages. Arrive through an airport or seaport designated for e-Visa holders. Check the Bureau of Immigration for any arrival form that may apply. Do not use copycat 'visa' websites that charge extra.

Culture and practical - take note

Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees; many temples and mosques require it). Take off shoes before entering temples, mosques, gurdwaras and many homes - and cover your head where asked. Use your right hand to eat, give and receive. Do not point your feet at people or sacred images. Greet with 'Namaste' (palms together). The cow is sacred to Hindus: beef is banned in many states and many people are vegetarian - ask before ordering. Public displays of affection are frowned upon. Bargaining is normal in markets and with rickshaws; agree the price first. Drink only bottled or filtered water and eat freshly cooked food. Alcohol is banned or restricted in some states and on some days. Use official or app-based taxis, and watch for scams around train stations and tourist sites. Drones need permission. Monsoon (June-September) can disrupt travel. Halal food is easy to find in Muslim areas of the big cities.

Emergency

112 is the national emergency number (old numbers 100 police, 101 fire, 102 ambulance may also work).

Good to know

Rupees, ATMs and card fraud

The currency is the Indian rupee. Canadian advice says non-residents may not import or export rupees, and that foreign currency above a set amount must be declared to customs on entering or leaving. Card and ATM fraud occurs, so unusual card readers should be avoided and ATMs in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business used. Carrying large sums of money is discouraged.

Local laws and customs

Alcohol, vapes and satellite devices

Alcohol rules in India differ by state, and UK advice says drinking in public places is illegal, sales are often banned around festivals and elections, and alcohol is prohibited in Bihar, Gujarat, Mizoram, Nagaland and Lakshadweep. Vapes are banned, and unlicensed satellite phones or GPS devices are illegal even in transit. Canadian advice says to dress conservatively, remove footwear at places of worship, and that several states ban beef.

Taxis and scams

Taxis and autos in India

Where you pick up a taxi matters, says Canada's travel advice: a reputable hotel, an official taxi stand or a trusted ride-sharing app. At airports it points to officially marked taxis or prepaid transport services. Because overcharging is possible, it suggests settling the fare beforehand or asking for the meter, and not riding alone at night or with strangers. UK advice adds that seatbelts are uncommon in autos and in the rear seats of taxis.

Taxi apps in India

Taxis booked through apps such as Uber and Ola are widely available across India, and in every airport terminal building, according to UK travel advice. Ordering a cab online usually lets you share trip details with contacts so they can follow your location. The same advice says that if a hotel driver is picking you up at the airport, make sure they properly identify themselves before you leave.

Jewel export and tour offers

Foreigners in tourist areas and at airports are particular targets for scammers, Canada's travel advice warns. In one reported scam, taxi drivers offer money to export jewels, gemstones, carpets or other goods; the advice is to refuse no matter how convincing it sounds. Also flagged are offers of cheap transport or accommodation, extended taxi rides and unsolicited guided tours. UK advice adds that people offering tickets and tours at railway stations may be scammers.

Who can help

local government

Ministry of Tourism tourist helpline (Government of India)

Helps with: National tourist helpline of the Ministry of Tourism. It gives travel and tourism information and advises callers in distress while travelling in India, alerting authorities if needed.

Who qualifies: Domestic and international tourists in India.

Phone: 1800111363

Official website

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

ngo

Indian Red Cross Society, National Headquarters

Helps with: India's national Red Cross society. The national headquarters in New Delhi lists a main phone line and email, and runs a blood centre with its own enquiry line.

Who qualifies: People in India seeking Red Cross services or information.

Phone: +91-11 23716441

Email: ircs@indianredcross.org

Address: 1 Red Cross Road, New Delhi 110001

Official website

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

un agency

International Organization for Migration (IOM) India

Helps with: The UN migration agency, working in India since 2001. Its work covers labour migration, counter-trafficking, assisted voluntary return and reintegration, and support for migrants.

Who qualifies: Migrants and people affected by trafficking or labour migration issues. It is not a help service for ordinary tourists.

Phone: +91 11 24100026

Email: iomnewdelhi@iom.int

Address: UNESCO House, Ground Floor, 1 San Martin Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021

Official website

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

embassy

Diplomatic missions in India (Ministry of External Affairs)

Helps with: For a lost passport or serious trouble, contact your own country's embassy or high commission. The Ministry's homepage links to a Diplomatic Missions in India section under Foreign Relations.

Who qualifies: Citizens of each country, through their own country's embassy or high commission.

Official website

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

local government

Tourist Police Station, Agra

Helps with: Tourist police station for Agra, listed on the Uttar Pradesh tourism department site next to the foreigners registration office and district police numbers.

Who qualifies: Tourists visiting Agra who need police help.

Phone: 9454402764

Official website

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

local government

Delhi Tourism

Helps with: Delhi government's tourism body. Its website lists an office address, phone numbers and an email for tourist enquiries about Delhi.

Who qualifies: Anyone visiting Delhi or planning a trip there.

Phone: +91-11-23365358

Address: 18-A, D.D.A. SCO Complex, Defence Colony, New Delhi 110024

Official website

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

local government

Emergency number 112 (police, ambulance and fire)

Helps with: Reaches the police, ambulance and fire services in India, with support in English, Hindi and other languages. The number comes from UK government travel advice.

Who qualifies: Anyone in the country, including visitors, can call this number.

Phone: 112

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

Cities and places

Delhi DelhiIndia's capital and main entry point, with Mughal monuments, the Qutub Minar, busy bazaars and rich street food.Photo: Ronakshah1990, CC BY-SA 4.0 Agra AgraHome of the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, usually visited on the Golden Triangle route with Delhi and Jaipur.Photo: Yann (talk), CC BY-SA 4.0 Mumbai MumbaiIndia's financial and film capital, known for the Gateway of India, the Marine Drive seafront and colonial-era buildings.Photo: Rutiknatekar, CC BY-SA 4.0 Jaipur JaipurRajasthan's Pink City, with the hilltop Amber Fort, royal palaces, the Hawa Mahal and colourful craft markets.Photo: Chainwit., CC BY-SA 4.0 Goa GoaA coastal state known for relaxed beaches, Portuguese-era churches, fresh seafood and a lively nightlife scene.Photo: Tanya Dedyukhina, CC BY 3.0 Kerala KeralaKnown for houseboat trips on the backwaters, the tea hills of Munnar, Ayurvedic treatments and green tropical scenery.Photo: Saad Faruque from Bangalore, India, CC BY-SA 2.0

City selection based on: India Tourism Data Compendium (Ministry of Tourism), Delhi Economic Survey, monument visitor statistics

Festivals and events

festival

Diwali (festival of lights)

6-10 Nov 2026 路 Delhi

One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.

culture

Pushkar Camel Fair

around Nov 2026 路 Pushkar

Thousands of camels, traders and pilgrims at the holy lake.

culture

Jaipur Literature Festival

around Jan-Feb 2027 路 Jaipur

The world's largest free literature festival.

culture

Republic Day parade (26 January)

26 Jan 2027 路 Delhi

Military and cultural parade on Kartavya Path.

festival

Goa Carnival

around Feb 2027 路 Goa

Parades and music before Lent.

festival

Holi (festival of colours)

21-22 Mar 2027 路 Jaipur

One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.

religious

Ganesh Chaturthi

around Aug-Sep 2027 路 Mumbai

Ten days of Ganesh processions - Mumbai's biggest festival.

culture

Onam and snake-boat races

around Aug-Sep 2027 路 Kochi (Kerala)

Kerala's harvest festival with long snake-boat races.

religious

Durga Puja

around Sep-Oct 2027 路 Kolkata

The city fills with artistic pandals (temporary temples).

festival

Diwali (festival of lights)

27-31 Oct 2027 路 Delhi

One of the country's biggest yearly events. Hotels fill up and prices rise, so plan early.

culture

Pushkar Camel Fair

around Nov 2027 路 Pushkar

Thousands of camels, traders and pilgrims at the holy lake.

culture

Jaipur Literature Festival

around Jan-Feb 2028 路 Jaipur

The world's largest free literature festival.

culture

Republic Day parade (26 January)

26 Jan 2028 路 Delhi

Military and cultural parade on Kartavya Path.