India is an extraordinary country and is a truly diverse, vibrant and exciting place to visit. Full of mesmerising monuments and spoilt for beautiful beaches it is a dynamic destination with a hidden treasure around every corner.
With its chaotic fusion of vibrant colours, stretches of exquisite countryside and the bustling hubbub of its cities, India is a real festival for all the senses. Take a boat trip down the sacred Ganges, learn about the mystical tradition of India’s temples or gasp in awe at the sheer beauty of the Taj Mahal. Then stop off at some of the world’s best and most colourful markets; you’ll need to brush up on your haggling skills when you find the next great bargain down another spice-scented street.
When the hustle and bustle of Delhi or Mumbai become too overwhelming, you can head down to the laid-back beaches of Goa and relax, sipping cashew-palm liquor on the golden sands. For the more intrepid traveller, India offers a wide variety of exciting activities to suit every adrenalin junkie, from paragliding to scuba diving or elephant riding. Or for the more laid-back among you, why not relax and take a deep breath in the land which brought us the peaceful pursuits of meditation and yoga?
Kickstart your India adventure in its larger-than-life capital. Famous for its medieval ruins, vibrant streets and outstanding culinary treasures, this city is an experience in every sense. From haggling at spice markets to visiting awe-inspiring mosques and flower-shaped temples, New Delhi is a dream destination.
A World Heritage masterpiece, the legendary Taj Mahal surpasses all travellers’ expectations. The Taj Mahal’s history is an epic love story, as Mughal emperor Shah Jahan commissioned it in memory of his favourite wife. As the most recognisable sight in South Asia, a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse of this wonder is worth the journey alone.
Jaipur is the jewel at the end of India’s treasured Golden Triangle route. Nicknamed the “Pink City” after its cotton candy coloured architecture, Jaipur leaves a legacy like no other. Chase the rainbow inside Patrika Gate, marvel at the spectacular Hawa Mahal and admire the centuries-old textile tradition that is just as vibrant as Jaipur itself.
Yearning to experience India off the beaten path? Retreat into the Thar Desert, filled with elusive dunes, secret civilisations and infinite stretches of sand. Camping in this vast desert is a story you’ll be retelling for decades, from sunsets that transform the desert into a bronze planet, to endless constellations that set fire to the night sky.
Kerala proves just how diverse India’s magical scenery is. Immerse yourself in a tropical jungle oasis, featuring roads that wind through valleys, cascading tea garden terraces and palm trees by the open rivers. Exploring this rich landscape is a mystical experience, especially if you’re riding a traditional Shikara boat along its jade waters.
The blue to Jaipur’s pink, India’s vast cities come in every shade. Jodhpur’s vibrant cityscape is like an ocean reimagined, leading up to the epic Mehrangarh Fort atop an enchanting hill. From its opulent historical sites to the royal blue landscapes, Jodhpur is a photographer’s paradise.
India’s golden city of Jaisalmer is glorious. From sandstone complexes with domed rooftops to fortresses nestled into emerald hills, this mysterious city has centuries of history ready to be revealed. Besides its iconic fort, the best way to experience Jaisalmer is on a trip to the inviting bazaars and savouring the sumptuous culinary palette.
Plan a sandy escape to Goa, a tropical getaway in India’s enchanting south. Its dreamy beaches stretch along the Arabian Sea, while inland you can expect an unforgettable blend of Indian and Portuguese influences. This destination is a real cultural fusion and offers a distinct culinary palate that tastes light and fresh.
The Brits are no strangers to good curry and when you think of India you immediately think of curry! You won’t be disappointed as India is full of delicious food; mouth-watering meat curries, flavoursome vegetable curries and fiery fish curries – India has them all. Head down to Goa and sample a shark curry on the beach – it’s a unique experience! For non-curry fans, India offers a whole variety of alternative and gorgeous food, ranging from Aloo Tikki (mashed potato patties) to kebabs and mithai (Indian sweets). While you’re there, why not try out an Indian cookery course and impress your friends back home?
India is big and stretches from the north, where there is permanent snow cover, to the tropical south. In between, you’ll find deserts, river deltas, plains, foothills and other diverse types of terrain. Due to the size of the country, India can be divided into four climatic zones, subtropical, tropical, Alpine and Arid. Depending on where you are in the country, you may experience a combination of snowy fields, dry desert plains or heavenly tropical beaches.
From June to October, the rain-bearing monsoon blows from the southwest. In places rainfall is devastating. From November to February it is cooler and drier and from March to May, it is hot and dry. It is best to check the weather for your individual destination before you travel as India is such a huge, diverse country.
Visas may be required in order to enter or transit through certain countries depending on your passport nationality, your reason for travel and how long you intend to stay.
Visa, passport and entry rules are subject to change and you should check the most up-to-date information from the relevant embassy or visa specialist.
To make things easier we have teamed up with The Travel Visa Company who are one of the UK’s leading travel visa specialists. You can use their website, alongside embassy websites, to find out the specific entry requirements for the countries you intend to travel to.
For a fee, their dedicated team of experts can also apply for visas on your behalf, taking away the hassle and streamlining the process for you if you wish. For more details on the services they provide please click here – The Travel Visa Company
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of India’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in India set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the High Commission of India in London or another Indian consulate in the UK.
To enter India, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and have at least 2 blank pages.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement.
You must have a visa to visit India unless you are an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder.
India has a number of visa categories. Make sure you get the right visa for your travel.
You could be refused entry or deported for having the wrong visa. You could also be banned from entering India in the future.
For the latest information on Indian visas and immigration requirements, see the Indian Bureau of Immigration.
Find out how to apply for a visa from the Indian Bureau of Immigration. Depending on your requirements, you may be able to apply for a:
Check your eligibility and any restrictions before you apply. Allow plenty of time for your application to be processed.
If you are of Pakistani origin, a British-Pakistani dual national or hold a National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), the visa processing time will be substantially longer than other visa applications. More information is available from the High Commission of India.
If you are a British-Pakistani dual national, you must apply for an Indian visa on your Pakistani passport. If you have renounced your Pakistani nationality, or cancelled your Pakistani passport, you will need to submit documentary proof of this.
If you hold a valid Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, you can use this, along with your valid British passport, to visit India. You do not need a visa. If you have a Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) card, you will need to convert it to an OCI card. More information is available from the High Commission of India and the Indian Bureau of Immigration.
Foreign nationals arriving in India must complete an e-arrival card online before reaching immigration. The online e-arrival card can be completed up to 72 hours before you arrive. You should complete the online process in advance to avoid delays at the airport.
More details are available on the Indian visa website. The e-arrival card is not a visa, and you will still need a separate valid visa or OCI card to enter India.
It’s illegal to overstay your visa in India. Make sure you leave the country before your visa expires or get an official extension if needed. More information is available from the Indian Bureau of Immigration.
If you or someone you’re travelling with has a short-term tourist visa and is hospitalised, you may be able to extend or convert to a medical visa.
Make sure you get your passport stamped
Make sure the border control officer puts a stamp in your passport when you arrive in India. You’ll need to show it when you leave, so border control officers know you have not overstayed your visa.
Hotels, hostels and other accommodation providers must register foreign guests with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office. Make sure your accommodation provider registers you using the online C-form. (Web pages not accessible outside India.)
You will need your passport with a valid visa to get accommodation in country. British nationals who have overstayed their Indian visa have found it difficult to find accommodation.
If you plan to stay in India for more than 180 days and do not hold an OCI card, you must register within 14 days of arrival with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (website not accessible outside India). You could be denied permission to leave if you do not do this.
You may need to register your stay depending on the type of visa you hold, check if you need to.
When you leave India, officials will check when you entered the country. If you do not have an entry stamp, for example if you have a newly issued passport or an emergency travel document, you must apply for a special exit permit before you travel. If you need to apply for an exit permit, you can only apply on the Foreigners Regional Registration Office from within India (website not accessible outside India). It can take between 5 and 15 working days for straightforward applications. Factor this into your timeframe to leave India when you are booking flights.
To enter India, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a:
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s India guide.
As a public health measure, India has introduced health screening measures, including filling in a Self-Declaration Forms. Travellers from affected regions should also be prepared to undertake temperature checks. If you show symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine, and/or travel restrictions. Monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities and your travel company.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of India. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
There are restrictions on bringing Indian rupees into India. Visitors, including residents and tourists, must follow Reserve Bank of India guidelines.
If you’re visiting India, you can bring cash, travellers cheques (in British pounds or another foreign currency) or a bank card with you and exchange or withdraw rupees in India.
You must declare any amount above 5,000 US dollars in notes, or 10,000 US dollars in notes and travellers cheques combined.
Special permits are required to visit certain parts of India designated as restricted or protected areas.
Permit regulations can change at any time.
Information is available from:
You need to apply for permits 3 months before your arrival. You can submit your application:
Using your left hand when eating or greeting is considered impolite. This is generally because the left hand was used as a substitute for toilet roll before it came into common use. There are a variety of different religions practiced throughout India and it is important that you respect their culture and traditions by dressing modestly in non-tourist areas, particularly when visiting temples or religious sites. You may need to cover your shoulders so bear that in mind while packing. Public displays of affection are also frowned upon in some areas.
The Indian government has announced a ban on e-cigarettes and related vaping products. You will be unable to buy e-cigarettes in India or bring them into the country.
We have selected what we believe to be the key points that you should be aware of when travelling in India.
Gap 360 follows advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and we recommend that you frequently check the FCDO for updated travel advice. You can find the website here: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office
Avoid travelling alone on public transport, in taxis or auto-rickshaws in India, especially at night. If you have to take a taxi, use one from a hotel taxi rank or use pre-paid taxis at airports and avoid hailing taxis on the street. If a driver is sent to collect you at the airport make sure they properly identify themselves. Mumbai airport has pre-paid taxi facilities. Scams have been reported, involving unofficial taxi drivers who charge high rates once you have got into their cab. Only use either prepaid taxis or metered taxis.
In Mumbai, there have been reports of armed robbers holding up taxis along the main highway from the airport to the city in the early hours of the morning. If arriving at these times, it is best to arrange to travel by coach if possible. The international and domestic airport terminals in Mumbai are far apart and not within walking distance of each other. You can use the free shuttle services if you have an onward connection, but you cannot use the service once you exit the terminal building. Look after your passport and bank cards, particularly on buses and trains. Never leave your luggage unattended on trains.
Handbag snatching has been on the increase, particularly in Delhi, so be vigilant. You should keep a photocopy of your passport, Indian visa and flight ticket separately from the original documents. If your passport is lost or stolen you should notify the police immediately and get a police report. Confidence tricksters operate in India, particularly in Goa, Agra and Jaipur, and they will promise large amounts of cash for delivery of jewellery abroad, which proves worthless, but they will scam you out of an initial deposit, often of thousands of pounds.
Risks of unpredictable violence are higher in rural areas outside the main cities and tourist areas. These included bombings, grenade attacks, shootings and kidnapping. The British High Commission can provide limited consular assistance in Jammu & Kashmir.
Drink spiking, especially in Goa has led to travellers being robbed or sexually assaulted, with deaths also reported as a result of the misuse of drugs or alcohol. Avoid beaches after dark. Incidents of rape, assault, or attacks by packs of stray dogs have been reported, particularly in Goa.
There have been reports of deaths and cases of serious illness after tourists and locals have drunk alcoholic drinks contaminated with methanol. Cases have been reported in bars, shops and hotels, especially in popular tourist areas. Criminal gangs manufacture fake replicas of well-known brands of alcohol which can contain high amounts of methanol, so take particular care if you buy spirit-based drinks, as bottles which may appear genuine may be counterfeit. Methanol poisoning has also been reported after drinking adulterated local spriti drinks, such as a local rice or palm liquor. Always make sure that drinks/cocktails are prepared within your sight.
Female travellers should be cautious when travelling in India, as cases of sexual assault against female visitors in tourist areas are rising, particularly in areas such as Goa, Delhi, Bangalore and Rajasthan. Female travellers often receive unwanted attention or verbal and physical harassment. Women travelling in India should respect local dress codes and customs and avoid isolated areas, including beaches, while alone, and at all times of the day.
India frequently sees political rallies and demonstrations, particularly around election times and this may cause disruption to transport and public services at short notice.
There is a significant risk of terrorist attacks by insurgent groups including Lashkar-e Tayyiba, Jaish-e Mohammed and the Indian Mujahideen. Terrorists have been known to target public places such as restaurants, hotels, railway stations, markets, places of worship and sporting venues, so be vigilant and always check for local travel warnings. Unattended baggage should be reported immediately. Security is high at major hotels and transport hubs. National holidays such as Republic Day (26 January), Independence Day (15 August), Eid (29 July 2014) and Diwali (23 October 2014) can often be the targets of terrorism.
Drugs are illegal in India and possession of even a small amount for personal consumption can lead to a minimum sentence of 6 months, with a 10-year sentence for possession of other amounts. It can take several years for a case to come to trial.
Indian roads can be dangerous, and car and motorbike accidents are one of the biggest causes of injury and death. Avoid travelling at night if possible and always travel in a well-maintained vehicle with seatbelts. There have been some reports of travellers being drugged and robbed on trains, especially on overnight journeys, so never accept food or drink from strangers and take care of your passport and valuables when boarding and travelling on trains. Do not accept tickets or tours offered at railway stations.
We do not recommend hiring motorbikes, scooters, ATV vehicles, quad bikes or other types of motorised vehicles whilst abroad. Safety and quality of vehicles vary considerably and the traffic conditions can be much more dangerous than what UK travellers are used to. Should you wish to go against this advice, you should ensure you are hiring from a reputable company and that your travel insurance covers you for such activities.
If you are trekking, you should travel in groups with local guides, and in some more remote areas, you will require special permits. At heights above 3000 metres, there are no commercial mountain rescue services, and in some border areas only the Indian Air Force is permitted to carry out air rescues, although resources are limited and they are not required to undertake a rescue. Check that your insurance policy covers you if you intend to climb to over 2,400 metres.
The coastal areas of India often have strong currents and most beaches do not have flags, warning signs, lifeguards or life-saving equipment, meaning there is a higher risk of drowning.
The monsoon season can cause flooding and landslides which can make travel in rural areas hazardous and cut off towns and villages. Recent flooding has affected road and train travel in Odisha in Eastern India. Always check your route access before setting off.
Cyclones and tropical storms are common, particularly off the east coast of India. Keep an eye on local and international weather updates and follow local advice. Parts of India lie on highly active earthquake fault zones, with three high-risk areas that commonly experience earth tremors. Landslides can occur in mountainous areas. Limited emergency response and medical facilities mean the impact can be greater in these areas.
Water and food hygiene can be an issue throughout India. Make sure you take extra precautions to prevent suffering from a ‘Delhi belly'. Only drink boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. Mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and chikungunya are common so make sure that you seek advice from your GP before travelling to ensure that all necessary vaccinations are up to date and you have the necessary malaria medication with you. Please check our general Travel Advice section for more detailed information and general health and safety advice.
February is the shortest month of the year, yet you can still go big on adventure. Spring is right around the corner, and nothing brightens up the winter days more than going abroad. Maybe you’re seeking a romantic...
Exploring all Seven Wonders of the World is a huge bucket list achievement. Each of these iconic landmarks is a cultural kaleidoscope, shining a light on how civilisations have evolved into the countries we know today. The bragging rights to...
If you have an appetite for adventure, then you know that some of the most cherished travel memories go beyond the places you see or the people you meet. It’s uncovering a hidden gem and tasting an authentic...
Sunset lover? Who isn’t? There’s something about a beautiful sunset or sunrise that can make all your problems go away. So, whether you’re dreaming of fiery skies over the Serengeti, the sun coming up...
So you’re looking for something new… Do you like the weather of Thailand or Bali, but want a unique experience? Why not visit one of South Asia’s many hidden gems? Here are 4 destinations that give...
We all want to enjoy our time on our travels, so here are some tips to make your time in India delightful! Delhi is a lively city offering many beautiful historic sites to explore. Plus, Delhi also provides some of...
Learning a language is a fun way to immerse yourself in new cultures. You can get to know the locals and make your big adventure more memorable. Discover the best languages to learn before you set off around the...
When people think of India they tend to imagine the chaotic cities in the North. Yes, in some places you will find crowded and noisy streets, reckless rickshaw drivers weaving in and out of traffic, and cows wandering into the...
What are your top 3 travel must dos? As a travel advisor, I don’t think I’ll ever satisfy the need in me to explore the world. Having already visited 5 continents (Africa being my absolute favourite) I&rsquo...
It all started… with an overnight train.. I had been dreading the over night train. Even though I’ve been on them in Thailand, I’d heard some horror stories about the Indian ones. And of course...