Visa
The government of India defines 'tourist' as a person, not normally resident
in India, who enters the country for a stay of not more than six months in any
twelve-month period for purely non-immigration purposes, such as touring, recreation,
sports, health, family reasons, study, religious pilgrimage or business. The
entry of this 'tourist' is governed by a number of regulations:
Visas
All foreign nationals, including those from Commonwealth Nations, require visa
to enter India . However there are some relaxation for Bhutanese and Nepalese
nationals. Visas are not issued on arrival. Tourist visas are generally valid
for a stay of 120 to 180 days. The cost of the visa is US$ 30 for up to six
months. If you are planning to visit a neighbouring country, such as Nepal ,
and then re-entering India , a double/multiple entry visa should be obtained.
As a rule, no extension of stay is granted on a Tourist visa. Tourist visas
are available for a maximum period of 180 days. No charges are levied for visa
extension within the maximum period of 180 days. You need to keep identical
passport photographs. However, in case of an extension beyond 180 days, which
is allowed only in exceptional cases, an extension fee is charged the, the amount
of which varies from country to country. For extending the visa, you may apply
for a letter of permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Lok Nayak Bhawan,
Khan Market, New Delhi . Tel - +91-11-4693334, +91-11-4612543, +91-11-4617649.
Thereafter the letter is to be presented to Foreigners Regional Registration
Office (FRRO) which is located at Hans Bhawan, Tilak Bridge , New Delhi . Tel
- +91-11- 3319489, +91-11-3318179 (Timings: 0930 to 1330 and 1400 to 1600 hrs;
weekends and national holidays closed). Or you may seek the help of your travel
agent.
If a foreigner wishes to come for a purpose other than tourism, he should obtain
an appropriate visa for the same. Business Visa — a multiple-entry visa is valid
for five years, Student Visa — can be obtained on the production of the proof
of admission and means of sustenance while in India, Conference Visa — delegates
coming to attend international conferences are granted conference visa as well
as for tourism purposes, Employment Visa — this is initially granted for one
year and can be extended up to the period of contract. Foreigners wanting to
study yoga, music, Vedic culture, dance etc, or undertake trekking, botanical
expeditions, rafting etc, or sportspersons may obtain their appropriate visas.
Customs on Arrival
There are two customs clearance channels. The green channel is for travellers
carrying non-dutiable items while the red channel is for visitors carrying dutiable
items. Duty Free include items such as clothing and other articles which may
reasonably be required during the stay, provided that, if not consumed in India
, they are re-exported on departure. Professional materials, which have a high
value, can only be imported duty free if the traveler gives a written undertaking
that these articles will be re-exported. This formality should better be done
in the home country in consultation with Indian Mission. Take care to obtain
an Export Certificate for these items if you are travelling to neighbouring
countries and intend a multiple entry.
Visitors are generally required to make a declaration in respect of Foreign
Currency in their possession; if it is more than the permitted limit (cash or
travellers cheques over US$ 10,000 or equivalent), they will have to obtain
a currency declaration form before leaving customs. The import of Prohibited
Articles such as dangerous drugs, live plants, gold/silver bullion and coins,
not in current use, is either totally prohibited or restricted. Weapons brought
into the country should be licensed and declared. Possession of narcotics is
strictly prohibited. Separate regulations govern the importation of Commercial
Samples and Merchandise. This travelers should consult with High Commission/Embassy
before departure.
As regards, Cigarettes, Cigars, Tobacco and Alcohol, tourist may import the
following without paying any duty : (a) 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams
of tobacco; and, (b) 1 litre of wine; and (c) 1 litre of alcoholic liquor.
Indian Currency
The import or export of Indian currency is forbidden without the prior permission
of the Reserve Bank of India.
Mishandled Baggage
In case your baggage has been lost or mishandled by the airline, please obtain
a certificate to this effect from the airline for follow up with the airline.
You should also have the certificate countersigned by the Customs, indicating
specifically how much of your duty-free allowance is un-utilized. Customs Enquiry/Complaints:
Assistant Collector of Customs at the international airport OR Commissioner
of Customs, Near Customs House, Near IGI Airport, New Delhi - 110037, Tel -
+91-11- 5652990, E-mail -cusdel@excise.nic.in
Customs on Departure
By law, visitors are banned from taking gold jewellery (above Rs. 6,000), wildlife
products and antiques (over 100 years old) out of the country - any infringement
is punishable by fines and imprisonment. For verification of antiques, you may
contact the Archeological Survey of India, Janpath, New Delhi, Tel - +91-11-3019451
or Archeological Survey of India offices in other states.
Caution
The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act bans all forms of wildlife trade. Violations
of the provisions of the Act are punishable with heavy fines and imprisonment
up to 7 years. Foreigners are, therefore, advised not to buy any wildlife or
wildlife products or derivatives — specially ivory articles, fur and skin articles
derived from wild animals such as Shahtoosh.
A Foreign Travel Tax must be paid by all tourists on departure — Rs. 150 for
departures to Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
and Maldives and Rs. 500 for all other countries.
Further Information
If you have any doubt as to whether any item you are planning to import is dutiable
or prohibited you should enquire at the High Commission/Embassy for further
details.
