Asia
India
A subcontinent of colors, contrasts, and cuisines
Capital
New Delhi
Language
Hindi, English +
Currency
Indian Rupee (INR)
Best Time
India's vast geography creates diverse climate zones requiring careful timing
Safety
Increased caution
per live govt advisories
Photo by Subhadeep Saha on Unsplash
UK FCDO: Avoid all travel to parts
Reviewed July 9, 2026 · Read full advisory on GOV.UK ↗
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
What 3 governments say
- United States
- Level 2 of 4
- United Kingdom
- Regional advisories only (parts at Level 4)
- Canada
- Level 2 of 4
- Australia
- No data
Low divergence — the 3 government sources covering this destination broadly agree.
Sources retrieved September 18, 2026
Compare advisories for all countries
United Kingdom: Contains public sector information from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (gov.uk) licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Canada: Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada, published by Global Affairs Canada.
Australia: Contains material from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Smartraveller website – www.smartraveller.gov.au, provided under the Creative Commons Attribution licence.
Reviewed by Moise Ouoba, Founder
Last reviewed: August 25, 2026
Sources: government travel advisories and health authorities · How we verify
Quick answers about India
Direct answers to what travelers actually ask, reviewed before publication.
✦ opens the travel assistant, where you can ask a follow-up.
Entry and visas
Your passport
Do I need a visa for India?
Visa required on a Nigerian passport — apply via the Indian mission early
Do I need a visa for India?
Visa required on a Nigerian passport — apply via the Indian mission early
Nigerian passport holders need a visa for India. Apply through the Indian mission in your country — the route that works regardless of e-Visa eligibility, which is unconfirmed and should be verified on the official portal before relying on it. Start the day your dates are confirmed, and don't pay third-party services for what you can do directly.
- Indian mission is the primary route — allow 1–3 weeks
- e-Visa eligibility unconfirmed — verify officially first
- Passport valid 6+ months, two blank pages
Visa facts reviewed August 2026 · official government sources · reconfirm before booking
Do I need a visa for India?
eVisa required on a French passport — apply before you fly
Do I need a visa for India?
eVisa required on a French passport — apply before you fly
French passport holders are not visa-free for India. The e-Visa covers tourism and is applied for online through the official Indian government portal. Apply at least a week out, don't leave it to the last minute. Use only the official channel — third-party sites charge extra for the same result.
- e-Visa required — apply 4–7+ days before departure
- Passport valid 6+ months, two blank pages
- Print the approval and carry it to the airport
Visa facts reviewed August 2026 · official government sources · reconfirm before booking
Do I need a visa for India?
eVisa required on a US passport — apply before you fly
Do I need a visa for India?
eVisa required on a US passport — apply before you fly
US passport holders are not visa-free for India. The e-Visa is the standard route for tourism — apply online through the official Indian government portal. Don't book non-refundable flights until the approval is in your inbox. Avoid any third-party site charging a markup for the same application.
- e-Visa required — apply at least 4–7 days ahead
- Passport valid 6+ months, two blank pages
- Print the approval — immigration expects a hard copy
Visa facts reviewed August 2026 · official government sources · reconfirm before booking
How do I apply?
Online, through the official Indian government portal
How do I apply?
Online, through the official Indian government portal
The e-Visa is the right route for most tourists — no embassy queue, no paper forms. Upload a passport scan and photo, pay the fee, and wait for the approval email. Only book non-refundable flights after that email arrives.
- Apply online: passport scan + photo + fee
- Embassy route available if e-Visa doesn't apply to you
- Print the approval — carry it at check-in and immigration
Reviewed August 2026 · official government sources
How long does it take?
4–7 days for e-Visa; up to 3 weeks by embassy
How long does it take?
4–7 days for e-Visa; up to 3 weeks by embassy
e-Visas often come through faster, but the official guidance is 4–7 days — build that buffer in. Embassy visas can take one to three weeks depending on location and season. Apply the day your dates are fixed, never closer than two weeks to departure.
- e-Visa: allow 4–7 days minimum
- Embassy: 1–3 weeks depending on location
- Peak travel seasons run slower — apply earlier
Reviewed August 2026 · official government sources
How much does it cost?
Varies by nationality — check the official fee table
How much does it cost?
Varies by nationality — check the official fee table
India's e-Visa fee is charged in USD and differs by passport and visa duration. There is no single flat figure — check the current fee table on the official government portal before budgeting. Pay only through official channels; any site charging a surcharge on top is taking a cut for nothing.
- Fee set in USD, varies by nationality
- Check official portal for your exact amount
- Embassy fees are separate and also vary
Reviewed August 2026 · official government sources
Safety
Is India safe right now?
Go — but India needs more situational awareness than most destinations
Is India safe right now?
Go — but India needs more situational awareness than most destinations
India is safe for millions of tourists every year and deeply worth it. The risks are real but manageable: petty scams, chaotic traffic, and occasional harassment in crowded areas are the everyday irritants. Stay alert in train stations and big-city tourist zones, use ride-hailing apps to avoid taxi disputes, and monitor advisories for the specific regions you're visiting.
- Scams concentrated in Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Varanasi
- Traffic is a genuine hazard — cross carefully
- Some border regions have active advisories — check before you go
Government advisories · safety data reviewed August 2026 · live feed above
What scams should I watch for?
3 scams that will find you — especially in the north
What scams should I watch for?
3 scams that will find you — especially in the north
The 'closed office' trick is India's most persistent hustle: someone outside a train station or monument tells you the ticket office is closed and steers you to a fake agency. Walk past them and go inside. Use ride-hailing apps to avoid commission-tour drivers, and never accept flowers, blessings, or bindis from strangers at ghats or temples.
- Fake 'closed' ticket offices — always go inside
- Taxi drivers detour to commission shops — use Uber or Ola
- Stranger blessings at ghats lead to demands for money
Traveler reports + curated intel · reviewed August 2026
Are there any active travel warnings?
No nationwide alert — several regional notes worth checking
Are there any active travel warnings?
No nationwide alert — several regional notes worth checking
Most of India is fine for tourists, but the country is large enough that regional situations vary significantly. Certain border areas and states carry active or elevated advisories. Check your government's current guidance for the specific regions on your itinerary — not just for India as a whole.
- Border regions: Kashmir, northeast states — check advisories
- Monitor local news for protests or curfews in cities
- Classic tourist routes are generally unaffected
Live advisory feed · government sources · updated regularly
Health
What vaccinations do I need?
More shots than usual — book a travel clinic early
What vaccinations do I need?
More shots than usual — book a travel clinic early
Nothing is mandatory for most travelers, but the recommended list is longer than average. Get Hepatitis A and typhoid at minimum — both food-and-water illnesses common for India visitors. Depending on your route, a travel clinic may also recommend Hepatitis B, rabies, or Japanese encephalitis. Book that appointment at least four weeks before departure.
- Hep A + typhoid: recommended for all visitors
- Rabies + Japanese encephalitis: discuss with a travel clinic
- Routine vaccines should be up to date
Health notices · official health authority guidance · not medical advice — confirm with a travel clinic
Can I drink the water?
Bottled or filtered only — tap water is unsafe
Can I drink the water?
Bottled or filtered only — tap water is unsafe
Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in India for travelers. Sealed bottled water is cheap and widely available — use it for drinking and brushing your teeth. Be cautious with ice, fresh juices with added water, and raw salads from street stalls. Traveler's diarrhea is one of the most common complaints; this is the main way to prevent it.
- Sealed bottled water only — widely available and cheap
- Skip ice and raw salads at unknown places
- A filter bottle or purification tablets work for longer trips
Health guidance reviewed August 2026 · official health sources
Culture and etiquette
What should I know before I go?
India rewards respect — a few rules matter a lot
What should I know before I go?
India rewards respect — a few rules matter a lot
Remove your shoes before entering any temple, mosque, or home — look for the pile of sandals at the door. Use your right hand for eating, giving, and receiving. Dress modestly, especially at religious sites; women should carry a scarf. Avoid criticizing religion or politically sensitive topics in public.
- Shoes off at temples, mosques, many homes
- Right hand only for eating and exchanging items
- Modest dress — scarf essential for women at religious sites
Curated cultural intel · reviewed August 2026
How does tipping work?
Expected — small notes all day
How does tipping work?
Expected — small notes all day
Tipping is customary and genuinely matters to incomes. About 10% in restaurants where service isn't included, and small amounts for drivers, porters, and hotel staff. Keep a supply of small notes in your pocket — you'll use them constantly.
- Restaurants: ~10% if service not included
- Guides + drivers: tip daily, amount is your call
- Small notes for porters and housekeeping
Reviewed August 2026
Planning your trip
When is the best time to visit?
October–March for most of India
When is the best time to visit?
October–March for most of India
The cool, dry months from October to March are the sweet spot for North India, Rajasthan, and the Golden Triangle. Goa and the south are best December through March. Avoid June–September in the plains — the monsoon is relentless, though beautiful if you know what you're signing up for. Summer (April–June) in the north is brutal heat.
- North + Rajasthan: Oct–Mar
- Goa + south coast: Dec–Mar
- Monsoon Jun–Sep — intense, not impossible
Reviewed August 2026
What should I see in a week?
Delhi → Agra → Jaipur, then push further
What should I see in a week?
Delhi → Agra → Jaipur, then push further
For a first week: Delhi (2 nights), Agra for the Taj at sunrise (1 night), Jaipur (2 nights). That's the Golden Triangle and it works. If you have ten days, add Varanasi — it's unlike anywhere else on earth. Train travel connects everything and is genuinely part of the experience; book on the official rail booking platform.
- Golden Triangle: Delhi → Agra → Jaipur
- Add Varanasi if you have 10 days
- Trains link it all — book ahead
Reviewed August 2026
What will India cost per day?
$40–70 per day mid-range — budget is possible at $20
What will India cost per day?
$40–70 per day mid-range — budget is possible at $20
India is exceptional value. A decent hotel room, two restaurant meals, and a day of sightseeing comes in well under $70. Budget travelers stretching to $20 a day is genuinely achievable. Thali meals are the best value eat in the world — unlimited food for a few dollars. The one place not to cut corners is long-distance trains: book in advance or you won't get a seat.
- Mid-range hotel: ~$30 a night
- Thali meal: $2–4, hard to beat
- Train travel is cheap — book well ahead
Reviewed August 2026
Money
Ask AI about money in India
UK FCDO — India travel adviceGovernment of Canada — India: Travel advice and advisoriesSection last verified 2026-08-20
Currency basics
- The currency in India is the Indian Rupee.
- Visitors may bring foreign currency cash or travellers cheques and exchange or withdraw rupees in India.
- Non-residents are prohibited from importing or exporting Indian rupees.
Scams and safety
Ask AI about scams in India
UK FCDO — India travel adviceUS Department of State — India: Travel AdvisorySection last verified 2026-08-20
Common patterns on the ground
- Cybercrime, internet scamming, card skimming and confidence scams are common and can cause significant financial loss.
- Criminals sometimes use the details of official foreign missions to appear legitimate.
- Some travelers report drinks or food being spiked by strangers, leading to robbery or assault.
- Alcoholic drinks containing methanol have caused serious illness; methanol cannot be detected by taste or smell.
- Criminals on motorbikes have been reported snatching valuables from people in crowds or on public transport.
- Scammers, pickpockets and ticket touts are known to target foreign nationals in tourist areas.
- People at railway stations offering tickets or tours may attempt to scam travelers.
Area awareness
- There is a high threat of terrorist attack in India, including in places visited by foreign nationals.
- Terrorist and insurgent groups are active in certain regions, particularly Jammu and Kashmir and some eastern and central states.
- Travel to Jammu and Kashmir is advised against by UK authorities, except limited travel to and within the city of Jammu.
- Travel to Manipur is advised against by UK authorities due to ongoing ethnic violence.
- Naxalite groups are active across parts of eastern, central and southern states and target government forces.
- The India-Pakistan border area within a defined distance is subject to an all-travel warning.
- Violent crime including sexual assault occurs at tourist sites and other locations across India.
- Female travelers have reported verbal and physical harassment by individuals or groups of men.
- Isolated areas including beaches carry a higher risk of sexual assault, at any time of day.
- Strikes, political rallies and demonstrations occur frequently and can become violent with little warning.
- Stampedes have occurred at large public gatherings including sporting events and parades.
- Strong coastal currents cause drownings annually; most beaches lack warning signs or safety equipment.
Culture and etiquette
Ask AI about culture in India
Government of Canada — India: Travel advice and advisoriesUK FCDO — India travel adviceSection last verified 2026-08-20
Daily conduct
- India is described as a traditional, conservative and multi-faith society.
- Dressing conservatively and behaving discreetly is advised to respect local sensitivities.
- Public displays of affection may attract unwanted negative attention.
- Footwear should not be worn inside places of worship.
- Same-sex relationships are legal, but discrimination and harassment remain a risk, especially outside major cities.
- Same-sex marriage is not legal in India.
- Consuming beef or beef-derived products is inadvisable, as several states prohibit it and vigilante incidents have occurred in rural areas.
- Alcohol laws, including the legal drinking age, vary by state; some states prohibit alcohol entirely.
- Drinking alcohol in public places such as parks is against the law.
- Smoking is prohibited in most public places; only designated smoking areas are permitted.
- Vapes and related products are banned and cannot be purchased or brought into India.
- Possession or use of illegal drugs carries severe penalties including lengthy imprisonment.
- Possession of satellite phones or GPS devices without a licence is against the law, including for those in transit.
- Photography of military installations, airports and dams is prohibited.
Visiting religious sites
- Permission should be sought before photographing places of worship such as temples or mosques.
- Footwear must not be worn inside places of worship.
- Crowds at religious sites can be large; gatherings there have occasionally turned violent.
- In certain states, engaging in religious proselytism is against the law; foreign missionaries require a specific visa.
Rules and border
Ask AI about local laws in India
Government of Canada — India: Travel advice and advisoriesUK FCDO — India travel adviceSection last verified 2026-08-20
In-country law
- Overstaying a visa is against the law; travellers must leave before expiry or obtain an official extension.
- Non-residents are prohibited from importing or exporting Indian rupees.
- Strict regulations apply to importing or exporting firearms, antiquities, electronic equipment, local currency, ivory, gold objects, protected animals and pornographic material.
- Antique items intended for export must be registered with local police, with a photograph of each item.
- Possession or use of satellite phones and GPS devices without a licence is illegal, including during transit.
- Vapes, e-cigarettes and their refills are prohibited from import, possession or use.
- Photography of military installations, airports and dams is prohibited.
- Buying, selling, killing or capturing protected wild animals or trading their parts without a licence is against the law.
- Entry may be refused for travelers without valid documents or the correct visa type.
Connectivity and digital
Ask AI about staying connected
UK FCDO — India travel adviceSection last verified 2026-08-20
Good to know
- Mobile networks and internet services may be disrupted during civil unrest, strikes or curfews.
- Phone signal is extremely unlikely to be available in mountainous trekking areas.
Emergency contacts
Ask AI about emergencies in India
UK FCDO — India travel adviceSection last verified 2026-08-20
Dial from any phone
National emergency number (ambulance, fire, police)
112
Police helpline
100
Women helpline
1091
Indian Ministry of Tourism helpline
1800111363
Keep your own government's consular number saved separately; it is listed on their travel page for this country.
Do I Need a Visa?
Ask AI about visas for IndiaVisa requirements vary by nationality and change frequently. Verify with your country's embassy or the destination's official immigration authority before traveling.
Content on Ouoba is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, immigration, visa, insurance, tax, medical, financial, safety, or other professional advice. Users should consult official authorities, qualified professionals, or service providers before making important travel, financial, legal, or health-related decisions.