Travelling to India from the US

At India Someday, we can help you on your travels to India. In this article, we offer extensive guidance on travelling to India from the US. We cover how to get an Indian Visa for American citizens, vaccinations, flight information and more.

You can visit the temple in India

VISA

Travelling to India from the US? You’re eligible for an e-visa into India! For more information on this, see our blog post regarding e-visas. It’s best to start this process sooner rather than later, as visas are required prior to your arrival, and for India only; if your plan is to add on Sri Lanka or Nepal to your trip, we recommend taking out a regular visa.

Once you land, make sure you have a copy of your visa stored in a separate bag from the original, in case one gets lost or stolen.

Apply for your visa now and enjoy a wonderfully exotic holiday to India (Photo Credit – Julien Tromeur)

VACCINES

We’d strongly recommend making sure you are up to date on any vaccines and boosters that are required. Kindly consult your doctor for his recommendations. In some areas, it is advised to carry anti-malarial pills. If you’re on any prescription drugs, carry a sufficient amount to last you on the trip, along with the prescription for them. It’ll help if you know the generic names of these drugs, in case you misplace them and have to restock with local equivalents.

While in India, stick to bottled and filtered water. Eat hot and well-cooked food. Make sure you have a good stock of any prescription medication you’re on.

Please contact a healthcare professional for advice on suggested inoculations or medication

FLIGHTS

Generally, the cheapest cities to fly into from America are New Delhi or Mumbai. Direct, one-way flights from New York to New Delhi or Mumbai go from $391 in November, all the way up to $724 in August. They tend to average at around $450 for the rest of the year.

You will most likely be flying in and out of Mumbai or Delhi

SEASONS

With the exceptions of the northern areas, India is widely classified as a warm, tropical country. India can reach extremely high temperatures, as well as high humidity and UV levels. Indian summer begins in April and lasts until the beginning of October.

To experience luscious greenery, a great time to visit India is between September and December, after the monsoon season. For more information about Indian climate depending on the time of year, visit our blog posts regarding monthly weather in India.

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In season you can visit hill stations (Photo Credit – Subharnab Majumdar)

cultural differences

Consider that there is a difference in customs when travelling to India from Australia. We suggest to always try to be modest, courteous and conscious of your behaviour.

• Criminal penalties, especially for consumption or possession of drugs and extending your stay beyond your visa are harsh. They could include a stay of up to 10 years of jail time. While your government will do what they can to help you under the Consular Services Charter, they cannot physically release you from jail.
• It is important to remove your shoes before entering a home, store or particularly a temple. If you see others doing so, we’d suggest you do too.
• When visiting places of religious significance, it is important to dress conservatively and to be mindful and respectful of local sentiments.
• Laws on decency are open to interpretation, so it is important to be careful about engaging in public displays of affection.
• Feet are considered as unclean by many. Be sure to always apologise if you step on something, or accidentally touch someone with your feet.
• Lack of personal space is common in India. Accordingly, do not be offended if people openly stare, or brush up against you. However, avoid crowded places if it makes you uncomfortable. If you feel unsafe, go to the police for help.
• Whilst the English language is widely spoken and used in India, it may be difficult to recognise at first. Indian-English has its own rich flavour borrowed from local languages.

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The Golden Temple – Amritsar

ROUTES

India is a huge, incredible and fascinating country with a myriad of interesting experiences to do and see. We would recommend a minimum of a 14-day trip, especially if it is your first time here. This way, you can cover one or maybe two regions.

We have a wide variety of sample routes that may give you inspiration. If you have something else in mind, do not hesitate to contact us with your queries, and we’ll sort everything for you!

Trains are a great way to see the countryside by day and meet new, exciting people by night

THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR:

No matter which country you visit, there are some basic guidelines you should follow in order to have a safe, healthy and enjoyable journey. The same applies to travel in India. Here are some important factors to consider when planning your trip to India. 

Travel Restrictions:

Before jetting off to India from the US, foreign nationals must be sure to check the latest travel restrictions due to the evolving global situation. Travellers with tourist visas have different rules from those with work or residence visas. Keep an eye on entry requirements, vaccination mandates and quarantine protocols for international flights, before you enter India. Stay informed about any updates from both the US and Indian governments to ensure a smooth journey. Flexibility in your travel to India is key, as regulations can change swiftly.

Health Care:

Prioritise your health while exploring the country. Research local healthcare provisions, find the nearest health facility to where you are staying and consider travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Vaccinations, like for typhoid and hepatitis might be recommended. Be prepared for random post arrival testing in the wake of COVID-19 scares. Consult your healthcare provider before you travel to India. Maintain hygiene, drink bottled water and self-monitor what you eat to prevent stomach upsets. Be cautious about your health post arrival in the country, but don’t let health concerns hinder your incredible Indian experience.

Current News:

Stay tuned to reliable news sources for the latest updates on India before and during your travel to India. Be aware of any ongoing protests, political events or local unrest in minor and major cities that might impact your plans. Staying informed about the COVID-19 situation, transportation strikes or extreme weather conditions will empower foreign nationals to make well-informed decisions and enjoy a safe journey.

Local Laws & Regulations:

Upon entering India, immerse yourself in India’s rich culture, but always respect local laws. Dress modestly, particularly in religious sites and conservative areas. Public displays of affection are usually frowned upon. Abide by photography rules at monuments. Possession of certain substances is illegal, so be cautious. Understand local customs to avoid unintentional disrespect. Knowledge of laws and checking with local authorities can keep you out of trouble and foster positive interactions with the welcoming locals.

Documentation:

Secure your travel to India with proper documentation. A valid passport with at least six months’ validity from your return date is essential. Obtain an appropriate  visa well in advance – tourist, business, or e-visa, depending on your purpose of visit. Carry printed and electronic copies of all essential documents, including travel insurance. Additionally, keep your emergency contacts and embassy information handy. Organising your paperwork ensures a seamless entry and stay in India.

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skincare is a travel essential (Photo credits – pexels_tara-winstead)

Frequently Asked Questions:

What documents do I need to travel to India?

Irrespective of which country you are coming from, there are travel and entry restrictions for all visitors to India. If you are travelling to India from the US, you will require a valid Indian visa in your passport. Now there is a much more accessible online e-visa facility, which you can use to get your visa to India.

What do I need when travelling to India?

Now that the world has recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic, there are new rules in place for entering India. In order to enter the country, you will be required to submit a self-declaration form that has complete accurate information regarding vaccinations and travel information in the two weeks before your arrival in India. Without this form, you may not be allowed to enter the country. Check the latest travel regulations online before you travel and stay up to date with your documentation.

What jabs do I need to travel to India?

The most common vaccines or injections advised to foreign nationals before travelling to India include those for typhoid, malaria, hepatitis, tetanus and diphtheria. Depending on your country of origin, there may be extra injections that you will be required to take. 

Do I need a yellow fever vaccine for India?

Foreign nationals are highly susceptible to diseases in India, the severity of which may be much higher than locals who are also infected. To be on the safer side, vaccinations are advised for foreign nationals planning to travel to India. Of these vaccines, the yellow fever vaccine is also recommended. 

Is India safe for American tourists?

India can be a very tourism-friendly country, if you avoid areas of conflict, stay vigilant while travelling at night and remain practical in the way you travel. Avoid travelling to Jammu and Kashmir due to political unrest, Leh-Ladakh during off-season months to avoid being stranded in the winter months or to prohibited areas in the Nicobar Islands where indigenous tribes inhabit the land and do not welcome tourists.