India Travel Requirements And Restrictions

Since the Coronavirus pandemic, the Indian Government has opened its borders and lifted travel restrictions. Although it sounds great, there are still a few things you must know before boarding international flights to India.

In this post, we'll discuss important information for international travelers to India. First, I will indicate if you need an Indian Visa, the required documents, and COVID-19 requirements.

Here is everything you need to know about:

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The first thing that you must confirm is whether you need a visa before traveling to India. There are different Indian Visas you can apply for. These include the 10-Year Tourist Visa, Emergency Visa, or an E-Visa.

Before stressing about the Indian Visa, let me first explain if you need one.

• Do US Citizens Need A Visa To Travel To India?
• Do US Green Card Holders Need A Visa To Travel To India?
• Where Can I Apply For My Indian Visa?

Do US Citizens Need A Visa To Travel To India?

Yes, US citizens need an Indian Visa. However, although US citizens need an Indian Visa, they can apply for the Indian 10-Year Tourist Visa. So, instead of applying for a short-stay visa, I suggest you apply for the 10-Year Tourist Visa.

Do US Green Card Holders Need A Visa To Travel To India?

Yes, US Green Card Holders, also known as permanent residents, must apply for an Indian Visa. However, please remember that you don't have to make an Indian Visa application if you have an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card.

An OCI Card is a Smart Card that can only apply to Indian citizens. Before an Indian citizen can apply for the OCI Card, they must renunciate their Indian citizenship. Please check our guide on how you can apply for your OCI Card.

Where Can I Apply For My Indian Visa?

All Indian Visa applications are made through a VFS Indian Consular Application Center. The only exemption is the E-Visa. Therefore, I suggest you head to the Government of India's official website to start your E-Visa application.

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Now that you understand the India Visa requirements, we must discuss the required documents you must have when traveling to India. All international passengers and foreign nationals traveling to India must present the following travel documents before entering India:

• Valid passport (your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your trip)
• Your approved Indian Visa
• Flight itinerary
• Hotel itinerary
• Healthcare/Travel insurance
• Proof of financial sufficiency

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No, there are no India Quarantine requirements. You should, however, self-monitor for 14 days after arriving. Suppose you acquire signs and symptoms suggestive of COVID-19. In that case, you should immediately self-isolate and report to their nearest health institution or call the National Helpline Number (1075) or State Helpline Number.

Although there aren't any quarantine requirements upon arriving in India, you may be asked to go to the medical facility if you show signs of having contracted COVID-19.

Do I Need An Air Suvidha Declaration Form?

No, you don't. Government authorities have suspended the Air Suvidha Declaration form. This means that you no longer need to complete this form for your travels.

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The last and most important thing you must know is the COVID-19 requirements when traveling to India. Please remember that they can change without notice. Therefore, you must keep updated by going to the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) website.

• What Are The COVID-19 Entry Requirements To India?
• What Are The COVID-19 Entry Requirements When Returning To The US?

What Are The COVID-19 Entry Requirements To India?

Foreign citizens traveling to India are no longer required to present a negative COVID-19 test before entering India. However, suppose you are over 5 years old but do not have a COVID-19 vaccination. In that case, you must present a negative RT-PCR test result taken no more than 72 hours pre-departure.

Additionally, local authorities will guide you to a medical facility if you do not pass the thermal screening procedure. Let me break down the requirements to travel to India:

• You do not have to be vaccinated to travel to India; however, the CDC advises you to be vaccinated

COVID-19 testing must be done by a professional and must be done 72 hours before boarding your plane.

What Are The COVID-19 Entry Requirements When Returning To The US?

Suppose you are a US citizen and returning to the US. In that case, you do not have to show proof of vaccination, a negative COVID-19 test, or proof of recovery. This is because the CDC lifted the entry requirements for US citizens returning to the US on the 12th of June, 2022.

However, if you are a non-US citizen or non-US immigrant, you must provide the following:

• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
• Proof of recovery

Please ensure to keep updated with the latest COVID-19 information before traveling. The COVID-19 restrictions can change without notice, so please use the following recourses for the most recent travel restrictions and exceptions: Indian Ministry of Health and Family, the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Civil Aviation

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India is currently considered a low risk for COVID-19 infections. However, sporadic violence occurs mainly along the Line of Control (LOC), separating India and Pakistan, and in tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam.

I hope you enjoyed our time together as much as I have. But, of course, the last thing you must do is enjoy your Indian getaway and take many photos. Lastly, please head over to our FAQ section for additional information.