🛂 Passport Requirements

Travelers entering India must have a valid passport and an appropriate Indian visa or e-Visa, unless they qualify for an applicable exemption.

For e-Visa applications, the passport must have at least six months of validity from the date of application and at least two blank pages.

Travelers should also prepare:

• Valid passport

• Indian visa or e-Visa

• Return or onward ticket

• Accommodation details

• Travel itinerary

• Travel insurance

• Other supporting documents when applicable

🛂For Philippine Passport Holders

Philippine passport holders are eligible to apply for India's e-Visa for tourism, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements.

For tourism, the e-Tourist Visa is available in different validity options, including a 30-day visa and longer-duration multiple-entry options.

The e-Visa must be obtained before traveling to India and is not the same as a visa-on-arrival facility.

Travelers should ensure that the e-Visa is approved before departure and carry a copy of the Electronic Travel Authorization when traveling.

🛃 e-Arrival Card

Foreign travelers entering India are also required to complete the e-Arrival Card within 72 hours before arrival under the current Indian immigration procedure.

The e-Arrival Card is an arrival-information requirement and is separate from the visa.

🌏 For Other Nationalities

Visa requirements vary according to nationality, passport type, purpose of travel, and length of stay.

Some nationalities are eligible for India's e-Visa program, while others must apply for a regular visa through an Indian diplomatic mission.

Travel Reminder: Indian visa, passport, immigration, and entry requirements can change. Travelers should verify the latest requirements before departure.

India has an extremely diverse climate due to its enormous size and varied geography.

• Northern plains: Hot summers, monsoon rainfall, and cooler winters.

• Rajasthan: Very hot summers and cooler winter temperatures, particularly at night.

• Southern India: Generally warm and tropical throughout the year.

• Himalayan regions: Cooler temperatures with cold winters and snowfall at higher elevations.

• Coastal areas: Generally warm and humid with regional monsoon patterns.

India experiences significant regional differences in temperature and rainfall, so travelers should check the weather for each destination on their itinerary.

Weather & Climate

• Plan your itinerary by region because India is a very large country.

• Allow plenty of travel time between destinations.

• Consider domestic flights for longer distances.

• Book trains and popular attractions in advance.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes.

• Carry modest clothing for visits to religious and cultural sites.

• Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellent.

• Carry some Indian Rupees for smaller purchases and local markets.

• Drink bottled or properly treated water.

• Be cautious with street food if you have a sensitive stomach.

• Keep valuables secure in crowded markets and transportation hubs.

• Use reputable transportation providers and pre-arranged transfers where appropriate.

• Carry copies of important documents.

• Check local weather conditions before traveling between regions.

Travel Tips

Passport, Visa & Entry Requirements

Practical Travel Essentials

💰 Currency

Indian Rupee (INR / ₹)

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major hotels, shopping centers, restaurants, and tourist establishments.

Cash remains useful for:

• Local markets

• Small businesses

• Street vendors

• Local transportation

• Rural destinations

🚆 Transportation

India has an extensive transportation network.

Common options include:

• Domestic flights

• Trains

• Metro systems

• Buses

• Taxis

• Ride-hailing services

• Private cars with drivers

• Auto-rickshaws

For sightseeing itineraries such as Delhi–Agra–Jaipur, private cars with drivers can be a convenient option for traveling between cities.

📱 Connectivity

Mobile networks and internet services are widely available in major cities and tourist destinations.

Travelers can use:

• Local SIM cards

• eSIMs

• International roaming

• Hotel Wi-Fi

• Mobile data packages

Connectivity may be less reliable in remote rural and mountainous areas.

✈️ Airport Transfers

Major international airports offer:

• Airport taxis

• Ride-hailing services

• Airport trains or metro services where available

• Private transfers

• Hotel transfers

For first-time visitors, families, and groups, pre-arranged airport transfers can provide a more convenient arrival experience.

🛂 Travel Documents

Before departure, prepare:

• Valid passport

• Approved Indian visa or e-Visa

• e-Arrival Card

• Flight tickets

• Hotel confirmation

• Travel itinerary

• Travel insurance

• Tour and transportation confirmations

• Copies of important documents

• Emergency contact information

Keep digital copies of important documents in a secure location.

🔌 Electricity

India generally uses 230V electricity at 50Hz.

Common plug types include Type C, D, and M.

A universal travel adapter is recommended.

🕐 Time Zone

India follows Indian Standard Time (IST), UTC+5:30.

India does not observe daylight saving time.

💡 Other Useful Notes

• Stay hydrated, particularly during warmer months.

• Drink bottled or properly treated water.

• Carry hand sanitizer and tissues when traveling.

• Dress appropriately for religious and cultural sites.

• Keep valuables secure in crowded areas.

• Carry small amounts of cash for everyday purchases.

• Allow additional travel time for traffic in major cities.

• Check local weather conditions before traveling.

• Be respectful when photographing religious ceremonies and local communities.

• Follow instructions at monuments, temples, national parks, and other protected sites.

🌏 Travel Smart, Explore Responsibly

India offers an extraordinary journey through history, spirituality, architecture, cuisine, culture, and diverse landscapes. Travel with an open mind, respect local traditions and communities, and help preserve India's remarkable cultural and natural heritage.

Travel Reminder: Passport, visa, immigration, and entry requirements may change. Always verify the latest requirements before departure.

Best Time to Visit

India is a year-round destination, but the ideal time depends heavily on the region.

🍂 October–February

Generally one of the most comfortable periods for exploring many popular destinations, particularly northern India.

🌸 March–April

Pleasant in many areas, although temperatures begin rising toward the end of the season.

☀️ May–June

Hot in much of the country, while Himalayan and other high-altitude destinations can provide cooler conditions.

🌧️ July–September

Monsoon season brings rainfall to many parts of India, creating lush landscapes while also affecting some outdoor activities and transportation.

For a classic Delhi–Agra–Jaipur itinerary, October to March is generally a particularly comfortable period for sightseeing.