Travel tips for traveling to India

Visa and Transit Visa Requirements

 Non-Indian Citizens :
Non-Indian nationals need a visa for India. For more details on obtaining an Indian Visa, visit:
http://www.indianembassy.org
http://www.indianembassy.org/embassy/cgi.htm

 Indian Citizens
Indian passport holders do not need a Visa for entering India. A Visa might be required if a stop is being taken in a country for more than 24 hours en route to India.
 Transit Visa for Indian Citizens
Indian passport holders may need a Transit Visa while transiting through Europe.

The Transit Visa requirements are also applicable to Indian citizens traveling without a valid US visa (to India) or on Advance Parole.

We recommend all Indian passport holders check with the airline they are flying on the Transit Visa requirements for the country they are transiting though before the travel date.

The countries that have strict Transit Visa rules include United Kingdom, France, Germany and Canada. For more details on obtaining a Transit Visa, visit:

France: http://www.consulfrance-newyork.org/us/visas/airporttransit.htm
United Kingdom: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk or http://www.britainusa.com
Germany: http://www.germanyinfo.org/relaunch/index.html
Canada: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.html
   
 A Transit Visa may be required even if the traveler:
- Does not leave the airport.
- Does not change aircrafts.
- Does not have a halt of more than 24 hours.

Obtaining a Transit Visa may take from 1-15 days and is at the discretion of the Embassy of the country being transited.
 

There are three main seasons for travel - Peak, Off-Peak and Shoulder (in between). Within these seasons, fares vary and change with dates . If you're flexible about your travel dates, then there are definitely ways of getting the lowest deals. Do remember that while traveling during Peak season and long weekends, you should make reservations well in advance. Seat availability during those times is limited. Some airlines even have a Weekend Supplement i.e. flying on Friday, Saturday and Sunday carries a surcharge while traveling on Monday - Thursday does not.

If traveling to India, sale fares are generally offered between April 1 - May 30 and September 1 - October 31. Higher fares are offered between June 14 - July 14 and December 12 - 24.
 
Off-Peak season Shoulder season Peak season
Jan 20 - May 15  August 1- 30 June 1 - July 30
Sep 1 - Oct 30 Nov 15 - Dec 10 Dec 10 - 24
  Dec 26 - Jan 24  
 
Checklist

It is important to make a mental checklist of important things to do before taking off. These are:

 Flights to India are usually booked to capacity so it's recommended to call the airline you are flying on at least 72 hrs prior to departure time and reconfirm your departure with them.
 
 Photocopy your passport, traveler's cheques, credit cards, itinerary and airline tickets. Carry one copy with you and leave one copy and your overseas contact details with a person in your home city. In case you lose any valuable documents, you'll have a record and know whom to call.
 
 Carry an international driving license. Even if you're not planning to drive, it serves as a form of identification.
 
 Put identification tags with your name, address and phone number on all of your baggage. It is advisable to use details of your workplace, if possible.
 
Security

Heightened security measures at airports have increased the time needed at the airport and the variety of security measures you may encounter. The following tips will help smooth the process:

 Allow plenty of extra time by being at the airport at least two hours before departure to catch your flight especially if traveling with children or senior citizens.
 
 You will be required to produce your travel documents at different points through your journey so remember to keep them easily accessible at all times.
 
 Avoid wearing clothing, jewelry, or other accessories that contain metal when traveling. Be aware that any metal detected at the security checkpoint must be identified. If you set off the alarm, you will be required to undergo a secondary screening, including a pat-down inspection.
 
 Take your laptop computer out of its carry case and place it in the bin separate from the carrying case. 
 Outer coats and jackets must go through the X-ray machine for inspection. Pack these in your carry-on baggage when possible.
 
 Wear shoes that can be taken off and put back on relatively easily since you will have to remove them every time you go through security inspection.
 
     
Airports

Airports in India can be extremely chaotic, which provides a perfect opportunity for touts, thieves and conmen. As you would anyway, don't trust strangers and stay alert. Also remember a few safety tips.

 Never leave your luggage, briefcase or other items unattended. When you set them down, place them between your feet or against your leg.
 
 Avoid currency exchange windows if possible or exchange only a small amount. Do not let others see how much currency you are carrying.
 Be wary of imposter porters or guides. Assure they are properly uniformed or identified.
 
 Pre-paid taxis and auto rickshaws (3 wheelers) are available from the airport. Use only authorized, properly identified taxis. If you have a lot of luggage, it is advisable to pre-book a private car transfer with your travel representative.
 
 Assure all your baggage is placed inside the taxi trunk and the lid is closed before entering the taxi. 
 Don't accept an offer to share a taxi to your hotel unless you know the individual. 
 Beware of touts offering cheap accommodation or deals. They are usually cheats and conmen.