General information only, not legal advice. Consult a qualified Indian lawyer for a specific legal question or incident.
Prescription medicines and controlled drugs
- Unauthorised activities involving narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances are regulated and penalised under the NDPS Act. Do not assume a substance sold openly is lawful.
- If your medicine contains a narcotic or psychotropic substance, contact India's Narcotics Commissioner well before departure about permission to bring it for personal medical use. Keep your prescription and any approval; a prescription alone is not import permission.
Tourist visas, overstaying and regional permits
- Check the authorised purpose and duration of your visa. Do not assume tourist permission allows employment or that a pending request automatically extends your stay.
- Overstaying can have serious consequences. Contact the appropriate Indian immigration authority before expiry if your plans change. Some regions require separate access permits.
India arrival forms: e-Arrival Card and Air Suvidha
The Ministry of Home Affairs says foreign nationals, including OCI cardholders, must complete an e-Arrival Card. Its current instructions give a submission window within 72 hours before arrival. This does not replace a visa or other permission to enter.
A separate Air Suvidha 2.0 health self-declaration is currently required for international arrivals. The health ministry says it can be completed within 24 hours before arrival and asks passengers to submit it before boarding. Save the confirmation. The official service is free.
Recheck the linked government instructions close to departure: arrival and health requirements can change. Use the official portals and confirm any itinerary-specific requirements with your airline.
Alcohol, drinking-age and smoking rules
- Alcohol restrictions, permit requirements and legal drinking ages vary by state. Confirm the rules at each destination rather than relying on a single India-wide age or permission.
- Smoking is prohibited in many public places. Follow posted restrictions and use only designated areas where smoking is permitted.
Bringing vapes and electronic cigarettes into India
India prohibits the import of electronic cigarettes. The law covers devices with or without nicotine; do not assume a nicotine-free vape is exempt. Check the official law before packing vaping equipment.
Photography rules at sensitive and restricted sites
- Respect security instructions and photography restrictions, especially around military and other sensitive sites. Do not assume a camera ticket permits entry to restricted areas.
- Read signs and ask security staff before photographing a sensitive site. Permission to enter a location does not automatically include permission to photograph it.
Drones, satellite phones and restricted souvenirs
India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) prohibits importing complete drones, including semi-assembled or disassembled kits, with limited exceptions for authorised research and development, defence or security purposes. Do not assume a tourist's personal drone qualifies. Before packing one, obtain written confirmation from Indian Customs and DGFT about your specific equipment and journey.
Satellite phones are restricted goods. Check the required import and operating permissions before carrying one; permission in another country does not establish permission in India.
Check customs and wildlife rules before buying animal products or items sold as antiques. A shop receipt alone does not establish permission to take an item across a border.
Getting legal and consular help in India
- Ask to contact your embassy or consulate and a qualified local lawyer.
- Request an explanation or interpretation of documents you do not understand before signing.
- Consular assistance does not override Indian law or guarantee release.
BEFORE YOU GO
Common questions
Find helpful answers and plan your next journey with confidence.
No. India prohibits importing electronic cigarettes, including devices with or without nicotine. Do not assume a nicotine-free vape is exempt; check the official law before packing vaping equipment.
Rules depend on the medicine. For narcotic or psychotropic medicines, seek permission from India’s Narcotics Commissioner well before travel. Keep your prescription and any approval: a prescription alone is not import permission.
No. Alcohol restrictions, permit requirements and legal drinking ages vary by state. Confirm the rules for every destination and do not assume permission in one state applies elsewhere.
Do not assume either is allowed. DGFT prohibits imports of complete drones, including kits, with limited authorised exceptions for research and development, defence or security. Obtain written Customs and DGFT confirmation for your equipment and journey before packing a drone. Satellite phones require separate checks of import and operating permissions.
Do not assume a tourist visa permits employment. Check the authorised activities, length of stay and any permit requirements for your visa with the appropriate Indian authority before making plans.
Ask to contact your embassy or consulate and a qualified local lawyer. Request an explanation or interpretation of documents you do not understand before signing. Consular assistance does not override Indian law or guarantee release.