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Today
11:16 pm
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Travel warning
There's a lot of political tension in some northern states and along the border with Pakistan, with ongoing violence and curfews that can make travel dangerous in those regions.
Weather & climate
Weather in India
India
38°
Overcast
Thu
26°
38°
Fri
26°
36°
Sat
23°
38°
Sun
26°
39°
Mon
23°
37°
Tue
23°
39°
Wed
26°
40°
SPF level in India
Recommended: SPF 50+
Spring
SPF 50
Summer
SPF 50+
Autumn
SPF 50
Winter
SPF 30
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for India
What British travellers need to know
Your passport must have at least 2 blank pages and an expiry date at least 6 months after your arrival date.
You must have a visa to visit India unless you hold a valid Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card.
Foreign nationals must complete an e-arrival card online up to 72 hours before arriving.
It is illegal to overstay your visa, so you must leave before it expires or get an official extension.
If you stay in India for more than 180 days without an OCI card, you must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office within 14 days of arrival.
Good to know:
When you leave, officials will check for an entry stamp, and if you don't have one you must apply for a special exit permit from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office, which can take 5 to 15 working days.
You must have a certificate proving a yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk, or a polio vaccine if from a polio-affected country.
Safety in India
Tips when travelling
India is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Be cautious of drink spiking, especially in bars and nightlife areas, and do not accept drinks from strangers.
It is illegal to smoke in most public places and you must only smoke in designated areas.
Alcohol laws vary by state, and drinking in public places like parks is illegal.
Keep copies of your passport, visa, and flight ticket separate from the originals when travelling.
Take care of your possessions in crowds and tourist areas, as thieves on motorbikes may snatch valuables.
Bonus tips:
Women should avoid isolated areas, including beaches, when alone at any time of day due to the risk of harassment or attack.
When travelling by train, do not accept food or drinks from strangers and take care of your passport as thefts are common.
More information
Driving in India
A valid UK driving license is generally accepted for a limited period, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
80-120 km/h (varies by region and vehicle type)
Urban speed limit
50-60 km/h (varies by region)
Alcohol limit
0.03%
Health in India
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation. Check the policy wording carefully, especially regarding pre-existing conditions. While India does not have reciprocal healthcare agreements with the UK, travel insurance is essential to cover any medical costs you may incur.
Talk to your doctor about recommended vaccinations and malaria prevention well in advance of your trip. Drink bottled water, avoid ice, and be cautious about food hygiene to prevent stomach upsets. Air pollution can be a concern in some cities; check local air quality reports. Seek medical attention immediately if you become unwell.
Cards & payments
Card payments are becoming increasingly common in India, particularly in larger establishments and tourist areas. However, cash is still widely used, especially in smaller shops and markets.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
Tipping in India
Tipping is customary in India for good service, but not obligatory. A service charge may be included in restaurant bills, so check before tipping.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill if service is not included.
Bar/Café
5-10% if service is good.
Taxi
Round up the fare or 10-20 INR for good service.
Hotel Porter
50-100 INR per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
50-100 INR per day, left at the end of the stay.
Tour Guide
200-500 INR per day, depending on the quality of service.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in India. Roaming can be expensive, so consider purchasing a local SIM card.
Local SIM
50 GB for 1200 INR (~£12)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in India
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type D, Type M
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in many hotels, restaurants, and cafes, especially in urban areas. However, the quality and speed can vary.
Average speed
25 Mbps
Staying connected is relatively easy in cities and tourist areas. Public WiFi is available, but can be unreliable. A local SIM can offer better connectivity in more remote areas.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling India
Country code
+91
To call a New Delhi number 2687 9876, you would dial 00 91 11 2687 9876.
The country code for India is 91. When calling from abroad, drop the leading '0' from the local area code.
Languages in India
UK Embassy
British High Commission New Delhi
Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, 110021, India
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Entry requirements
7 days ago
E-arrival card
- Paper e-arrival cards are no longer accepted. You must complete the e-arrival card online.
- The advice now explicitly states you should complete the online e-arrival card process in advance to avoid airport delays.
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.