Passports
Get your passport if you don't have one! Here's the link.
Visa
It's pretty straightforward....you have to fill out a form online and then print it out and send it with your passport to them. The whole process takes less than two weeks.
They have a list of what you need in order to apply (address of a contact - which we can provide, and two passport sized photographs, plus some other stuff), and it costs about a hundred bucks (?).
Ah forget it, here's the info:
Tourist Visa - India Visa Requirements
These requirements were generated on 07/26/2010 6:37pm EST.
A Tourist visa is given to those visiting India for tourism or other non-business related purposes.
Per requirements of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, persons of Indian origin, his/her spouse and dependent children will be granted only an Entry visa and should not apply for a Tourist visa.
Applicants volunteering, working with charities or working with non-profit organizations must apply for an Employment visa.
5 year and 10 year Tourist visas are available only to US citizens under a bilateral arrangement.
There should be a gap of at least 2 months between two separate visits to India on a Tourist visa. For Tourist visa holders who wish to visit India within 2 months of their last visit, an application for a Permit to Re-enter India is necessary. No Permit is needed if the visa holder is traveling to multiple countries on the same itinerary and the trip follows the itinerary exactly. The visa holder must carry a copy of the itinerary to show the Immigration Officer.
All non-US passport holders are only eligible for up to a Six (6) month Tourist visa.
Irrespective of the duration of validity of visa, on each visit maximum period of stay in India is limited to 6 months (180 days). Please note the visa is valid beginning on the day it is issued. So a 6 Month visa issued on January 1 would be valid until June 30.
Per requirements of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, persons of Indian origin, his/her spouse and dependent children will be granted only an Entry visa and should not apply for a Tourist visa.
Applicants volunteering, working with charities or working with non-profit organizations must apply for an Employment visa.
5 year and 10 year Tourist visas are available only to US citizens under a bilateral arrangement.
There should be a gap of at least 2 months between two separate visits to India on a Tourist visa. For Tourist visa holders who wish to visit India within 2 months of their last visit, an application for a Permit to Re-enter India is necessary. No Permit is needed if the visa holder is traveling to multiple countries on the same itinerary and the trip follows the itinerary exactly. The visa holder must carry a copy of the itinerary to show the Immigration Officer.
All non-US passport holders are only eligible for up to a Six (6) month Tourist visa.
Irrespective of the duration of validity of visa, on each visit maximum period of stay in India is limited to 6 months (180 days). Please note the visa is valid beginning on the day it is issued. So a 6 Month visa issued on January 1 would be valid until June 30.
- Application: Complete the online India Visa Application. After the application has been completed, you must print and sign the application.
- Passport: Passport must have a minimum validity of six months from the date of application with at least two blank visa pages. Last 2 amendment pages are not acceptable. Must be the actual passport not a copy because your visa will be stamped in the actual passport.
- Photographs: 2 latest identical passport size photographs (black/white or color) depicting front pose against light background on photographic paper. No glasses are allowed to be worn in the photo. Follow the instructions on the India Visa Application on how to affix the photos to the application.
- Proof of Address: Applicants must submit a photocopy with proof of residence/address that matches the present address on the visa application exactly. Photocopy of state issued ID (Driver License or ID), or major utility bill (Water, Gas, Electric, Sewage) must be submitted. If you don't bring a copy, we will make a photocopy for you for $2.00.
The following items are not accepted: cell phone bill, credit card statement, bank statement or lease. The address cannot include a P.O. box.
For minors, a proof of address from both parents or a legal guardian may be submitted instead. - Parents' Passport Copies: A copy of the vital page(s) containing the picture and signature page of both parents signed passports. For Minor Applicants only.
- Copy of Birth Certificate: A photocopy of the birth certificate or any government issued document that shows parents name, date of birth and nationality. Depending on your nationality at birth, these are the documents that are accepted.
- US Born: Only birth certificates are accepted for applicants born in the US.
- Indian Born: Those born in India can use their birth certificate, old Indian passport or school leaving certificate.
- All Others: Those not born in the US or India should submit a birth certificate or any government document from the country of origin that has parents name, date of birth and nationality. Must be translated into English and notarized.
You should not send the originals - we cannot be responsible for original documents. If you don't bring a copy, we will make a photocopy for you for $2.00. - Tourist Visa Prohibitions: Per requirements of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, applicants who meet the following criteria should apply for an Entry visa, NOT a Tourist visa:
- Persons of Indian origin.
- Spouse and children of a person of Indian origin.
- Spouse and dependent family members of a foreign national coming to India on long term visa such as Employment, Business, Research or Student.
- Green Card Holders: Applicants who are not Citizens of USA, but hold long term US visa or a Green Card should submit a copy of the visa or the Green Card. Do not send the original Permanent Residence Card/Green Card. Travisa Outsourcing cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to original Permanent Residence Card/Green Card (Non US Citizens - Permanent Resident/Green Card Holders Only)
- Short Term Visa Holders: Applicants who are not citizens/residents of the USA and hold a tourist or other short-term visa for the USA should normally apply for Indian visas in the country of their permanent residence. In case of emergency or special circumstance, an application could be made at the Indian Embassy in Washington DC or Consulates General of India in the USA. In addition to the relevant visa fee there is a reference fee of $20.00 for reference to be made to the country of their original residence. Such cases have a minimum processing time of one to two weeks, and some cases may take longer. (Non US Citizens - Short Term Visa Holders Only)
- Special Pakistan Application: In addition to the requirements above, Special Visa application form (https://www.indian-visa.com/pdf/Pakistan.pdf) should be filled in by citizens of Pakistan (4 copies with 4 photos). (Pakistan Citizens Only)
- Sri Lanka Additional Form: One copy of the Sri Lanka Addition Form which is available here:https://indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com/pdf/Sri_Lanka_Form.pdf (Sri Lanka Citizens Only)
- Persons of Sri Lankan Origin: One copy of the Sri Lanka Additional Form which is available here:https://indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com/pdf/Sri_Lanka_Form.pdf
- Special Bangladesh Application: In addition to the requirements above, Special Visa application form (https://www.indian-visa.com/pdf/Bangladesh.pdf) should be filled in by citizens of Bangladesh (2 copies with 2 photos). (Bangladesh Citizens Only)
- Dual Citizenship: Applicants who have dual citizenship with the US and another country must apply on their US passport, if living in the US. The exception is for applicants who hold dual citizenship with Pakistan. Persons who have held Pakistani citizenship, and have also acquired US citizenship must apply for a visa on their Pakistani passport. When applying for the visa on the Pakistani passport it is required to complete the extra Pakistan application, and submit all requirements.
- Processing Time:
US Citizens born in the US
- In Person Applications - Same day visa applications for US citizens born in the US must be submitted in person to the Outsourcing Office between 9:00am and 11:00am for consideration. Youmust have an appointment that is selected at the end of the online application form. You will need to pay with Cash or Money Order. Pickup for same day applications, if the visa is granted, is usually between 5:30pm and 6:00 pm. We do not guarantee the visa will be issued same day. Applications received after 11:00am will have the visa issued, if approved, the following working day for non-reference cases. Persons of Indian origin should allow for extra processing time. Processing time cannot be guaranteed and tickets should not be purchased until all visas are granted and in your possession.
- By Mail Applications - Applications sent by mail take approximately 7 - 9 working/business days to process from the date of receipt. This time schedule does not apply to services where prior approval is required from authorities in India or other Indian embassies or for Non-US citizens. Persons of Indian origin should allow for extra processing time. Processing time cannot be guaranteed and tickets should not be purchased until all visas are granted and in your possession.
Former Indian Nationals
Due to recent changes in requirements, there is a delay in processing time for former Indian nationals. Former Indian nationals should allow for extra time when applying for their visa to accommodate these delays. Same day processing is not available for former Indian nationals.Pakistan nationals and persons of Pakistani origin
Processing of visa requests by Pakistani nationals as well as persons of Pakistani origin takes a minimum of 6 weeks. It can take longer as the matter is examined by the concerned authorities in India. The Embassy/Consulate will promptly convey the decision on their application to the applicant as soon as it is received from New Delhi. You are requested to be patient and not make enquiries in this regard by phone, email, personal visit, fax or letters, which, due to constraints, we will not be able to respond to. You may rest assured that we will, on our own, pursue your case.Sri Lanka nationals and persons of Sri Lankan origin
For Sri Lankan nationals and those of Sri Lankan origin, the visa process takes time. The Embassy/Consulate will promptly convey the decision on their application to the applicant as soon as it receives required approvals. You are requested to be patient and not make enquiries in this regard by phone, email, personal visit, fax or letters, which, due to constraints, we will not be able to respond to. You may rest assured that we will, on our own, pursue your case.Non-US citizens and Naturalized US citizens
US citizens who require a reference and all Non-US citizens have a minimum processing time of one to two weeks, and some cases may take longer. This time schedule applies whether applying in person or by mail. Pickup for in person applications is between 4:30pm and 6:00 pm.
Non-refundable tickets or reservations should not be purchased until all visas and passports are secured and in your possession. Terms and Conditions.
Applications sent by mail take about 7 - 9 working/business days to process from the date of receipt. - Fees:
View the Consular Fees.
Shots?
Kidding aside (I'm not kidding), I don't recommend shots. I heard that the anti-malarial medication actually feels worse than malaria symptoms. Plus the medical care you can get in Bombay and Nasik is great and very affordable, if you do end up getting sick. But of course, you should talk to your doctor about it.
No matter what, everyone will get some sort of stomach bug, and you'll suffer from some sort of jet lag. If you can acknowledge and prepare for this, then you won't be disappointed when it happens.
Here is some information from the CDC about Traveling to India.
And here's the part about preparing for a trip to india:
Preparing for Your Trip to India
Before visiting India, you may need to get the following vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases you might be at risk for at your destination:(Note: Your doctor or health-care provider will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities.)
To have the most benefit, see a health-care provider at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to allow time for your vaccines to take effect and to start taking medicine to prevent malaria, if you need it.
Even if you have less than 4 weeks before you leave, you should still see a health-care provider for needed vaccines, anti-malaria drugs and other medications and information about how to protect yourself from illness and injury while traveling.
CDC recommends that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. Find a travel medicine clinic near you. If you have a medical condition, you should also share your travel plans with any doctors you are currently seeing for other medical reasons.
If your travel plans will take you to more than one country during a single trip, be sure to let your health-care provider know so that you can receive the appropriate vaccinations and information for all of your destinations. Long-term travelers, such as those who plan to work or study abroad, may also need additional vaccinations as required by their employer or school.
Although yellow fever is not a disease risk in India, the government requires travelers arriving from countries where yellow fever is present to present proof of yellow fever vaccination. If you will be traveling to one of these countries where yellow fever is present before arriving in India, this requirement must be taken into consideration. See Yellow Fever Vaccine Requirements and Information on Malaria Risk and Prophylaxis, by Country for more information.
Be sure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Check the links below to see which vaccinations adults and children should get.
Routine vaccines, as they are often called, such as for influenza, chickenpox (or varicella), polio, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), and diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) are given at all stages of life; see the childhood and adolescent immunization schedule and routine adult immunization schedule.
Routine vaccines are recommended even if you do not travel. Although childhood diseases, such as measles, rarely occur in the United States, they are still common in many parts of the world. A traveler who is not vaccinated would be at risk for infection.
What to bring
Things I always recommend: a book, travel toilet paper, some of your favorite snack foods, Tums, sunblock, and tampons.
Here's a great post from an expat mom living in Delhi about what she recommends for a move to India. You'll have to cull out the important bits from this list until we can prepare a real list for you.
- a book
- travel toilet paper
- some of your favorite snack foods (I bring Maruchan Ramen Noodles, for example, and Starbucks Instant Coffee)
- Tums
- Sunblock
- Tampons (OB is all you can find out there)
- Plug Adapter for India
- Day Pack
- Sturdy Shoes
Here's another link to the About.com India Travel Guide (my online friend Sharrell who lives in Mumbai writes this column).
