The following information is provided to assist you understand the process. All the rules and requirements may not be included here and/or may not apply to you. Specific information on visa application process and fee may vary in different countries. Please contact the INDIAN Embassy, Consulate, Mission or Tourist Office in your country/ region for more details.

Inland Air Travel

Indian Airlines

Indian Airlines (IC) network, spans the country's 8,000 kilometers, from Leh in the north to Trivandrum In the south and about the same from east to west, covers all important places. Of tourist interest linking 64 cities In India; and 14 in 11 neighboring countries including Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Kuwait, UAE, Oman and Malaysia You can choose from a host of low fare packages that take in a lot more than you ever imagined.

Private Air Taxis & Domestic Airlines

The passenger today day has a choice of private airlines which fly to several Important cities in the country Jet Airways, Sahara and Jagson Airlines among others are some Of the Airlines operating within India.
Airports

The international airports of the metro cities offer a range of services ensuring that the traveler on business can continue working while waiting to board an international connection, or when transferring between international flights. These include restaurants, business centers, rest rooms and handy telephone booths. Business centers are equipped with sate-of-the-art equipment including word processors and telefax. Airports also offer tourist duty free and handicrafts shopping; informal snack bars, nursery and baby care rooms, and even an art gallery. Duty free prices in the airport shops are very competitive, offering you bargains on international merchandise.

Type of Visas

Foreigners desirous of visiting India can do so after obtaining a visa from the Indian Mission in the country of their residence. They should possess a valid National Passport.

Tourist Visa

Usually a multi-entry visa is granted for the purpose of tourism. The visa is valid from the date of issue for 6 months.

Transit Visa

Transit visas are granted by Indian Missions abroad for a maximum period of 15 days.

Other Types of Visas

If a foreigner wishes to come to India for a purpose other than tourism, he/she should come after obtaining an appropriate visa out of the following:

Business Visa

A foreigner can obtain one from an Indian Embassy abroad.

Student Visa

A student visa can be obtained from the Indian Embassy on the production of proof of admission and means of sustenance while in India. The visa is valid for one year but can be extended in India for the duration of the course

Conference Visa

Delegates coming to attend international conferences in India can be granted Conference Visas to cover the conference as well as for tourism in India Delegates are advised to apply to the Indian Embassies well in advance.

Missionaries

Valid for single entry and duration as permitted by the Government of India.

Journalist Visa

Journalist visas are given to professional Journalist and photographers for three months' stay in India.

Employment Visa

Employment visas are initially issued for one year stay. This can be extended by the Foreigners' Regional Registration Office in India, if the job contract continues. Spouses and children will get coterminus visas.

Exemption from Registration

Foreigners coming to India on tourist visas for 180 days or a shorter period are not required to register themselves with any authority in India. They can move about freely in the country, except to restricted/protected areas and prohibited places.

Inland Rail Travel

Indianrail Pass

The Indian Railways have introduced the facility of the Indrail Passes which offer all budget visitors the facility to travel as they like over the entire Indian railway system without any route restriction within the period of validity of the ticket. Indrail passes are sold only to foreign nationals and Indians residing abroad. They must be holding valid passports. Payment Is accepted only In US Dollars and Pound Sterling. A tourist traveling on the Indrail Pass is exempted from paying reservations fees, sleeper charges and extra supplementary charges for traveling in super fast trains which are chargeable in the case of ordinary tickets.

Customs Regulations

Visitors are generally required to make an oral baggage declaration in respect of baggage and foreign currency in their possession. They are also required to obtain the Currency Declaration Form from the Customs. They should fill in the Disembarkation Card handed to them by the airline during the course of the flight. There are two channels for Customs clearance:

Green Channel: For passengers not in possession of any dutiable articles or unaccompanied baggage.

Red Channel: For passengers with dutiable articles or unaccompanied baggage or high value articles to be entered on the Tourist Baggage Re-Export Form.

Inland Road Travel

India by Road

Next to the railway, motor transport is the cheapest means of travel within and between cities. Taxis are accessible in large cities and fares are charged on a kilometer basis. In Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta Madras and other major cities, metered taxis as well as luxury cars without meters are accessible. Regular bus service operates in large cities. There are organized conducted tours most tourist centers between popular tourist destinations; comfortable air conditioned coaches ply making travel on short route easy as well as attractive. Rent-A-Car: India offers Rent-A-Car services, with prominent international companies tying up with Indian firms to provide these services. Counters at airports provide the facility of hiring chauffeur driven cars.

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