India travel guide for foreigners
Planning your first trip to India? Start with the entry checks, local customs, clothing, food and water precautions that matter for your route. These eight guides help foreign visitors prepare for everyday travel and find the right help when needed.
Practical guides for your India trip
Start with what you need today. Come back for the details as your plans take shape.
Your India travel checklist
Before you fly
Check your visa, current arrival and health declaration requirements, insurance and regional advice. Complete the applicable official forms and save confirmations offline.
Indian laws for touristsWhen you arrive
Confirm your transfer, keep your accommodation address handy and leave time to settle in.
Travel safety in IndiaAs you explore
Ask about local customs, check food and water handling, and make time for the unexpected.
India travel do’s & don’tsPlan your first India itinerary
Choose the regions you most want to visit, then compare the journeys between stops before booking. Leave room for arrival recovery and transport delays instead of filling every day with long transfers. Tour Guide.
Budget for accommodation, transport, meals, entry fees, insurance and a contingency. Confirm current prices with providers; a planning estimate is not a booking quote. Estimate your India trip budget.
Help when you need it
Calling from a foreign SIM? Connectivity can vary. If a call fails, ask nearby staff or use another phone. Save your embassy and insurer’s contacts separately.
BEFORE YOU GO
India trip planning FAQs
Find helpful answers and plan your next journey with confidence.
Choose your route, read your government's current regional advice and check the entry conditions for your passport. Then arrange arrival transport, suitable insurance and accommodation, and use the clothing, food and etiquette guides to prepare for daily travel.
Check passport requirements, visa or other entry permission, permitted activities and length of stay. Follow current official instructions for arrival forms and any health declaration. Requirements can depend on your nationality and journey; the local laws guide links to the relevant authorities.
There is no single duration that suits every route. Start with the places you want to see, allow for travel between them and leave time to rest. A shorter itinerary with fewer stops can be easier to manage than trying to cover several distant regions.
No. Weather, customs, access requirements and local restrictions differ. Check each destination and venue on your itinerary.
These are web pages, with no dedicated offline mode. Save the information you need in your notes or a PDF, open any FAQ answers you want to include, and check the saved copy before travelling. Save bookings and emergency contacts separately.