A land of stupendous dimensions- colourful, exotic, traditional, modern.....The destination of nineties and beyond, India meets the expectation of every type of tourist. With her varied topography, pictureque valleys, high mountain peaks and cacading rivers, she never ceases to surprise tourisrts with her kaliedoscopic attractions. The pomp and pageantry of India's festivals and local fairs are matched by the warmth and hospitality of her people who welcome tourists with open hearts and warm smiles. The shopping scene in India is a journey through centuries -embracing old traditional crafts and artistic skills. A land for recreation, adventure and business, India is an intresting amalgation of tradition and modernity.

Visa Requirements

Indian visas are available from Indian Consular Offices around the world, on payment of a visa fee of around $5. UK citizens have to pay a visa fees of 23Pounds. Application for multiple and single entry visas are accepted. Indian visas are necessary for all foriegners visting India.There are several kinds of visas including Entry Visa, Tourist Visa, Business Visa, Long Term Visa ( upto 5 yrs with multiple entry facilities) etc. are available for foriegn tourists in groups.Visa Extensions Tourists visas are available for maximum period of 180 days. No charges are levied for visa extension within the maximum period of 180 days.Identical passport photographs are required.However in case of extension beyond 180 days, which is allowed in exceptional cases, an extension fees of Rs. 100 for U.S. citizens and Rs. 200 for UK citizens is charged.Tourists from other countries are advised to check current applicable visa fees/visa extension fees with Goverement of India Tourist Offices or Indian Consular Offices located in thier respective countries.

Special Permits

Special Permits can be obtained if specifically asked for while applying for a Visa or they may be obtained after arrival in india. The FRROs ( Foriegners Regional registration offices) in Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta and the chief Immigration officer in Chennai can issue the same as well as group permits. The permit is valid for amaximum period of 15 days only. Permits must be applied for at least two weeks in advance for group tourists.Permits are required for the following places.
1.North Eastern Frontiers
2. Andaman Islands

Currency Regulations

Tourists are not allowed to bring Indian Currency into the country. Unlimited amounts of foriegn currency or traveller's cheques are allowed into the country but an amount over 1000$ should be declared on arrival and a certificate obtained from Customs.All money should be changed at official banks or at official money changers.The tourist recives a currency exchange form for each transactioon. These forms are important as they may be required for re-exchange while leaving the India, for certain official purchases such as airline tickets, for visa renewal and for obtaining income tax clearance.Most branches of State bank of India and all major nationalised banks have special foriegn exchange counters. Credit cards ( like Diners, American Express and Visa Card among others ) are now widely accepted in India.

Customs Formalities And Regulations

The usual duty free regulations of one bottle of whisky, i.e.950 ml or less and 200 cigarettes apply for India. If the tourist brings in more than $1000 in cash or in traveller's cheques, it must be declared by completion of a currency declaration form. While small items like perfumes, cosmeticsetc. are allowed into the country, larger items like video camreas are likely to be entered on a 'Tourist Baggage Re-export' form to ensure that the article is taken
away on Deprature. The TBRE form should be resubmitted on Departure. A tourist can clear goods upto Rs.2,400/- in value duty free.Goods brought in excess of this are charegable to duty as per Prevailing law.

Foriegn Travel Tax

For international travel from Indian airports Rs.150/- must be paid for travel to neighbouring countries and Rs. 300/- for travel to all other countries.This tax is also applicable to infants occupying seats.

Health Regulations

Barring a yellow fever vaccinations for tourists, coming from infected areas ( African and South American countries ) there are no vaccination requirements for tourist in India.

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