Customs / Immigration / Visas

Customs Formalities

Visitors are generally required to make an oral baggage declaration in respect of baggage and foreign currency in their possession. Visitors in possession of more than US$ 10,000 or equivalent thereof as in the form of travelers’ checks, bank notes or currency notes are required to obtain a Currency Declaration Form before leaving customs. They should fill in the Disembarkation Card handed over to them by the airline during the course of the flight.

There are two channels for Custom clearance:

• Green Channel: For passengers not in possession of any dutiable articles or unaccompanied baggage.
• Red Channel: For passengers with dutiable articles or unaccompanied baggage or high value articles to be entered on the Tourist Baggage Re-export form.

Immigration Passport

Citizens of all countries require a valid national passport or valid travel documents and valid visa granted by Indian Missions abroad for entering India.

Arrival Formalities: If the visa for a stay in India is more than 180 days, a Registration certificate and Residential Permit should be obtained from the nearest Foreigner’s Registration Office within 15 days of arrival. Al persons, including Indian nationals are required to fill in a Disembarkation Card at the time of arrival. Four photographs are also required for registration. The Foreigners registered at the Foreigner’s Registration Office are required to report any change of address.

Exit Formalities: Every foreigner who is about to depart finally from India should surrender his Certificate of Registration either to the Registration Officer of the place where he/ she is registered or of the place from where he/ s he intends to depart or to the Immigration Officer at the Port / Check post of exit from India. All persons leaving India by air, road or rail have to fill in an Embarkation Card at the time of departure.

Visas

Requirement of Visa: Foreigners desirous of visiting India can do so after obtaining a visa from the Indian Mission in the country of their residence. They should possess a valid National Passport. Various categories of Vise exist which are TRANSIT VISA, LANDING PERMIT FACILITY, TOURIST GROUPS, BUSINESS VISA, STUDENT VISA, CONFERENCE VISA, EMPLOYMENT VISA etc. You are requested to get in touch with the nearest Indian consulate.
List of India Consulates

Health Regulations

No vaccinations are necessary to travel to India, however, foreign tourists should be in possession of a Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate conforming to International health Regulations, if they are originating or traveling through Yellow Fever endemic countries.

Note: It is always a wise precaution, however, to consult your physician, as to your needs, when traveling to foreign destinations.