Here's some travel advice to keep you informed and safe when it comes
to travel to India...
Terrorism
Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our Travel Advisories.
We advise you to exercise caution and monitor developments that might affect your safety in India because of the risk of terrorist activity by militant groups. Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
There is an ongoing risk of terrorist activity in India by militant groups. In planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets. These include prominent government buildings, national institutions, public transport, airports and aircraft, religious sites and festivals and tourist sites. There is also a risk of attacks in commercial and public areas and at events and places known to be frequented by foreigners.
On 29 October 2005 three bombs exploded in New Delhi, killing at least fifty people and injuring a significant number of others. Two of the explosions occurred in markets frequented by foreigners and the expatriate community and the third explosion occurred on a bus.
Travellers should be particularly vigilant in the lead-up to and on days of national significance such as Republic Day (26 January) and Independence Day (15 August) as militants have in the past used such occasions to mount attacks.
Extremist and militant groups, such as the Communist Party of India-Maoist, operate in the east and north of India and as far south as the state of Karnataka.
Civil Unrest/Political Tension
On 7 March 2006, a series of explosions occurred at a Hindu temple, a railway station and on a train in the city of Varanasi in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The explosions killed and injured a significant number of people. Incidents of sectarian violence such as this can lead to retaliatory attacks.
In October and November 2005, communal violence resulting from inter-religious tensions occurred in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, resulting in at least 12 deaths.
Communal violence in the western state of Gujarat in 2002 resulted in hundreds of deaths.
You should avoid protests and demonstrations throughout India as they may become violent.
Jammu and Kashmir: We advise you not to travel to Jammu and Kashmir, other than travel to Ladakh via Manali, or by air to Leh. There is an on-going dispute between India and neighbouring Pakistan regarding Jammu and Kashmir and serious security problems remain in Srinagar, as well as elsewhere in the Kashmir valley, and in other parts of the state. Large numbers of people, including civilians, have been killed and injured in armed clashes and terrorist attacks. Several suicide attacks took place in June and July 2005 and further such attacks are possible. Foreigners have in the past been kidnapped in Kashmir and further such incidents are also possible.
North-eastern states of Assam, Nagaland, Tripura and Manipur: We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to the north-eastern states of Assam, Nagaland, Tripura and Manipur. If you do decide to travel to these areas, you should exercise extreme caution. Armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion and terrorism related incidents occur regularly throughout the region, particularly in the states of Assam and Nagaland. Insurgent groups have attacked civilians, and bombed buildings. Public transport, including buses and trains, have also been targeted.
Crime
Hikers have been attacked or have disappeared in the Kulu/Manali district in Himachal Pradesh, particularly on more remote trekking routes. Trekkers can register their presence with the local police.
Petty theft is common in crowded areas such as markets, airports and bus and railway stations.
Thieves on motorcycles commonly snatch shoulder bags and expensive jewellery, especially gold chains.
Travellers have been robbed and assaulted after consuming 'spiked' drinks or food.
Touts and taxi and rickshaw drivers use aggressive tactics to persuade you to accept offers of tickets, tours and accommodation. Tourists riding in taxis and rickshaws have been robbed and assaulted at their destination, particularly in Kashmir and Rajasthan.
Some travellers have been intimidated or tricked into purchasing items which are grossly overvalued after accepting unsolicited approaches for provision of various services, particularly for assistance with shopping for jewellery, gems and carpets. You can purchase authentic items at government jewellery and carpet outlets in India.
Women travellers, especially when travelling alone, often get unwanted attention and have been sexually assaulted and harassed.
In some parts of India there are sensitivities about religious missionary activity. In January 1999, an Australian missionary and his two young sons were murdered in the eastern state of Orissa.
There are persistent allegations and media reports of sexual misconduct made against certain prominent cults and their leaders in India.
Local Travel
Some areas along the India-Pakistan border are heavily mined.
Driving in India is dangerous due to poorly maintained and congested roads and accidents frequently occur. Roads are often shared with pedestrians, carts, cattle and other livestock and are particularly dangerous at night due to insufficient or non-existent street lighting. Local driving practices are often undisciplined and aggressive with poorly maintained vehicles.
Motorcycle riders are required by law to wear helmets. If you intend to ride a motorcycle, you should check that your travel insurance policy covers injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents.
An international driving license is required to legally operate a vehicle or motorcycle in India and to validate any applicable insurance. An Australian licence alone is not sufficient, despite advie to the contrary by some car and motorcycle rental companies.
Bus services are often overcrowded and drivers may lack adequate training.
You are required by law to carry your passport at all times.
You need permission from the Indian authorities to visit certain parts of the country, particularly in the northeast. Permits are required for Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, parts of Kulu District and Spiti District of Himachal Pradesh, border areas of Jammu and Kashmir, some areas of Uttar Pradesh, parts of Rajasthan adjacent to the international border, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. There are severe penalties for entering a restricted area without prior permission. A minimum of four weeks' notice is required for processing applications for permits. You should seek advice from the nearest High Commission or Consulate of India or the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi.
There are concerns about the safety and maintenance standards of helicopters operating in the north eastern states.
Piracy occurs in the coastal areas of India. See our travel advice on Shipping and Ports for further information. The International Maritime Bureau issues weekly piracy reports on its website.
Natural Disasters
Parts of India are in active seismic zones and are subject to earthquakes. Landslides and flooding occur in the monsoon season (from July to early September) and may disrupt essential services such as power and water supplies and transport.
Coastal and some inland areas of India are vulnerable to cyclones which can cause coastal storm surges. You can obtain up to date advice on cyclone activity from the Indian Meteorological Department.
In the event of a natural disaster, follow the advice of local authorities.
Local Law and Customs
Travellers are reminded that when overseas, they are subject to local laws. Local
laws and legal processes can be very different from those at home. A violation
of local laws may result in a jail sentence, served in a local prison. Consular
assistance cannot override local law, even where local laws may appear harsh or
unjust by your standards.
Penalties for drug offences are severe and include mandatory sentences and the death penalty. The judicial process can be lengthy.
Homosexual acts are illegal in India and penalties include imprisonment.
Penalties for some crimes, such as murder and treason, include the death penalty.
Photography of airports, military establishments and dams is illegal.
There are strong codes of dress and behaviour in India, particularly in northern India and at religious sites, and you should take care not to offend. Physical contact between men and women in public is not considered acceptable.
Entry and Exit Requirements
Visa conditions change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of India for the most up to date information.
If planning to stay in India for more than 180 days, you are required to register within 14 days of arrival with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata) or with the Superintendent of Police in other areas.
There are heavy penalties, including jail sentences, for overstaying your visa.
If your passport is lost or stolen while in India, an exit visa is required to depart from India. Exit visas can be obtained by presenting a police report to the Foreigners Registration Office.
Health Issues
Avian Influenza: The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.
The World Organisation for Animal Health has confirmed cases of avian influenza in poultry in India. The Department of Health and Ageing advises Australians who reside in India for an extended period to consider, as a precautionary measure, having access to influenza antiviral medicine for treatment. Long term residents are at a greater risk of exposure to avian influenza over time. Medical advice should be sought before antiviral medicines are commenced. Australians intending to travel to India for shorter periods are at much lower risk of infection but should discuss the risk of avian influenza with their doctor as part of their routine pre-travel health checks.
If the avian influenza virus mutates to a form where efficient human-to-human transmission occurs, it may spread quickly and local authorities could move quickly to impose restrictions on travel. Australian travellers and long-term residents in India should be prepared to take personal responsibility for their own safety and well-being, including deciding when to leave an affected area and ensuring they have appropriate contingency plans in place. Australians in India should monitor the travel advice and bulletin for updated information and advice, and ensure that their travel documents, including passports and visas for any non-Australian family members, are up to date in case they need to depart at short notice.
In February 2006 the Australian Government decided as a precautionary measure to hold a limited supply of the antiviral medicine oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and protective face masks at its mission in India. The antivirals would primarily be used to protect emergency staff providing consular and other essential services in the event of a widespread outbreak of avian influenza amongst humans. Australian missions will not be in a position to provide influenza antiviral medicines to Australians in affected areas and it is the responsibility of individual Australians to secure their own supply of such medicines (such as Tamiflu or Relenza), if required.
There is a high incidence of mosquito and water-borne diseases, such as malaria, cholera, gastro-enteritis and dengue in India. The incidence of dengue rises dramatically during the monsoon season. Outbreaks of typhoid and hepatitis are common in India.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about immunisations
and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides useful
tips for staying healthy while travelling overseas.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.
Source: Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
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