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£1 ₹128.73
Today
3:54 pm
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Travel warning
Avoid travelling to Kashmir, the India-Pakistan border, and Manipur state due to ongoing violent clashes, curfews, and security risks.
Weather & climate
Weather in India
India
36°
Mainly clear
Sat
24°
36°
Sun
26°
38°
Mon
26°
38°
Tue
26°
40°
Wed
24°
36°
Thu
25°
39°
Fri
24°
38°
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 vigilant in tourist areas as scammers, pickpockets and ticket touts target foreign nationals.
Avoid accepting drinks or food from strangers due to risks of drink spiking and methanol poisoning.
Keep copies of your passport and valuables secure as theft from buses, trains and in crowds is common.
Be cautious near beaches and isolated areas as there is a risk of sexual assault, especially for women travelling alone.
Drinking alcohol in public places is illegal and some states have a complete ban, with severe penalties including long prison sentences.
Bonus tips:
Vapes and related products are banned, so you cannot buy them in India or bring them into the country.
Many beaches have strong currents and lack warning signs or lifeguards, so take local advice before swimming.
Stay connected on your trip
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.
No vaccinations required
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
UK adapter needed
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
Hindi(primary)
English
UK Embassy
British High Commission New Delhi
Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, 110021, India
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Warnings and insurance
16 days ago
Travel disruption
- The advice to check with your airline or tour operator 'before travelling' has been shortened to simply 'before travelling'.
- The advice to review your travel insurance policy for coverage 'before you travel' has been shortened to simply 'before you travel'.
Entry requirements
29 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.
Airports in India
Beaches in India
Frequently asked questions
Yes, British citizens require a visa to enter India for tourism or any other purpose. You can apply for an e-Visa online or through the Indian Visa Application Centre. Ensure you apply well in advance of your travel dates.
Generally, India is a safe country for tourists, but it's essential to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions, especially in crowded areas. Be mindful of your belongings, avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas, and research any regional safety concerns.
The best time to visit India depends on the region. For most of the country, the cooler, drier months from October to March are ideal. However, the Himalayan regions are best visited during the summer months from May to September.
Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended due to the heat. Women may want to carry a scarf for covering their head in temples or mosques. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
Street food is a significant part of Indian culture, but exercise caution. Choose vendors with high turnover and freshly cooked food. Ensure the food is piping hot and avoid salads or uncooked items. However, eating street food can pose high risks of stomach upset.
India has a variety of transport options. Trains are a popular and affordable way to travel long distances, but book in advance. Taxis, auto-rickshaws (tuk-tuks) and ride-sharing services like Uber and Ola are readily available in cities. Be sure to negotiate the fare beforehand with taxis and auto-rickshaws.
Be wary of common scams like inflated prices for goods and services, particularly from taxi drivers and shopkeepers. 'Gem scams' and fake holy men are also prevalent. Always agree on a price before taking a taxi or rickshaw, and be cautious of overly friendly strangers who offer unsolicited help.
Remove your shoes before entering temples and some homes. Avoid public displays of affection. Use your right hand for eating and giving/receiving items. Be respectful of local customs and traditions during religious festivals. Bargaining is common in markets, but do so respectfully.
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.