INDIA
VISA INFORMATION
The Government of India has introduced e-Tourist Visa (enabled by Electronic Travel Authorisation) facility for travellers visiting India from 43 countries. Passport should have at least six months validity from the date of arrival in India. The passport should have at least two blank pages for stamping by the Immigration Officer.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is valid for entry through 9 designated Airports i.e. Bengaluru, Chennai, Cochin, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai & Trivandrum.
The information and instructions for the e-Tourist visa enabled with ETA is available on https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html
CURRENCY
India’s currency is 'Rupee', abbreviated as ‘Rs’. One Rupee is equal to 100 paise. Notes (Bills) are in denominations of 10, 50, 100, 500 & 2000 Rupees.
Visitors may bring up to $10,000 US dollars into India. Visitors may not bring or take away any Indian currency. Money should leave only as travellers’ cheques. At all international airports, a bureau de change is available as you leave customs. You can change money here or at the many hotels, which offer foreign exchange facilities, at rates generally on par with those quoted by banks. Also, ATM machines are widely available in all cities.
CREDIT CARDS
American Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. It is sometimes necessary to have cash (rupees) on hand for smaller hotels, lodges and camps. When making a credit card transaction, ensure slips are completed and validated in your presence.
TIME DIFFERENCE
India is 5.5 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
HEALTH INFORMATION
Vaccinations are not required when you travel in India. However, anti-malaria medication is strongly recommended. If you have visited or transited a yellow fever area ten days prior to your scheduled trip, a yellow fever inoculation certificate is mandatory.
As a precaution, always drink bottled water. Also, ensure your liquid intake is consistent throughout the day.
ELECTRICITY
In India voltage is 220 /240 volts AC, 50 cycles, though some areas also have DC supplies. Visitors are advised to check the voltage before using electrical appliances. Socket sizes vary, so it is as well to take a set of plug adapters, available from most electrical stores.