Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp and or visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.

US Embassy/Consulate

[91] (11) 2419-8000; US Embassy in New Delhi, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi – 110021, India; acsnd@state.gov; https://in.usembassy.gov/

LGBTQIA+ Travelers

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html

Telephone Code

91

Local Emergency Phone

Ambulance: 102; Fire: 101; Police: 100, 103 (traffic accident)

Vaccinations

An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

http://www.who.int/

Climate

Varies from tropical monsoon in south to temperate in north

Currency (Code)

Indian rupees (INR)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, D, M

Major Languages

Hindi , Bengali, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, Gujarati, Urdu, Kannada, Odia, Malayalam, Punjabi, Assamese, Maithili, English

Major Religions

Hindu 79.8%, Muslim 14.2%, Christian 2.3%, Sikh 1.7%

Time Difference

UTC+5.5 (10.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Potable Water

Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit

Suggested

Road Driving Side

Left

Tourist Destinations

Taj Mahal; Delhi; Dhamek Stupa; Amer Fort; Beaches of Goa; Periyar National Park; Agra Fort; Ellora Caves; Mehrangarh Fort; Nalanda Mahavihara Archaelogical Site; Mahabodhi Temple

Major Sports

Cricket, field hockey, soccer, badminton, tennis, kabaddi (contact team sport played between two teams of seven players each)

Cultural Practices

Wearing shoes indoors and pointing at people is considered rude.

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping 7-10% of the total bill is sufficient at restaurants. Round up taxi fares. Tip bellhops loose change for carrying bags to your room. For housekeeping, tip 5-7% of the hotel charge per night divided by the number of days stayed.

Souvenirs

Handmade shoes and leather goods, traditional saris, Nehru jackets, gold and bangle jewelry, furniture and lacquered decorative items, brass and wood carvings; cardamom, cinnamon, curry, saffron, and other spices; antiques

Traditional Cuisine

Khichdi — a dish of rice and lentils; Biryani — long-grain rice cooked with spices and meat and often topped with fried onion flakes and boiled eggs; Tandoori Chicken — whole chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, and baked in a tandoor (a traditional Indian clay oven)

Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? 
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444


Page last updated: Friday, June 23, 2023