Travel To India: Rules For Returning Indian Citizens

Indian citizens are allowed to travel back to India. However, there are some important points to note. Firstly, Indian citizens with Pakistani origin or descent are subject to additional administrative processing and may experience delays when applying for Indian visas. Secondly, Indian citizens who have overstayed their visa or broken Indian visa rules may need clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs to leave the country and may face fines or even jail time. Finally, it is important to be aware of the security and safety risks in India, including crime, terrorism, and natural disasters. The U.S. Department of State, for example, advises U.S. citizens to exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism, with some areas having an increased risk. Similarly, the Government of Canada advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in India due to the threat of terrorist attacks and insurgency in certain regions.

Travel advisories and restrictions for Indian citizens

Indian citizens are advised to exercise a high degree of caution when travelling within India, due to the threat of terrorism and the risk of terrorist attacks throughout the country. The following areas are particularly affected:

• The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (with the exception of the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and the unpredictable security situation.
• Border areas with Pakistan within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border due to the potential for armed conflict, the presence of landmines, and unexploded ordnance.
• Parts of Northeastern India, including the states of Assam and Manipur, due to the risk of terrorism, insurgency, and ethnic tensions.
• Portions of Central and East India due to Maoist extremist groups, or "Naxalites," who target local government and security forces.

In addition to the above, there are several other travel advisories and restrictions that Indian citizens should be aware of:

• Consular services are temporarily unavailable in Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Mumbai. Contact the High Commission of Canada in New Delhi for consular assistance in these areas.
• There is a threat of violent demonstrations, mass gatherings, and general strikes ("bandh" or "hartal") throughout India, which can lead to disruptions in traffic and public transportation.
• Road conditions and road safety are poor throughout the country, with poorly maintained roads and severe traffic congestion. Driving conditions may be hazardous during the rainy season, and some roads can become impassable.
• India has an extensive passenger train system, but rail accidents are common due to poor maintenance, and thefts frequently occur on certain train lines.
• Maritime accidents are also common due to the overloading and poor maintenance of vessels.
• There is a risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and chikungunya in India, particularly during the rainy season.
• The quality of healthcare varies significantly throughout the country, with limited or unavailable medical services in rural areas.
• There are strict regulations on the importation and exportation of certain items, such as electronic equipment, ivory, and gold objects.
• India is prone to extreme weather events, including heavy rain, flooding, cyclones, and earthquakes.

Visa requirements for Indian citizens

Indian citizens are required to have a valid Indian visa or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card to enter and exit India. The visa rules change often, so travellers should check the website of the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C. before travelling to India.

United States Citizens

U.S. citizens seeking to enter India for less than 60 days can apply for an eVisa at least four days before their arrival. For longer stays, U.S. citizens must apply for a visa from an Indian embassy or consulate.

Canadian Citizens

Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for 6 months from their date of entry into India. They must also have at least two blank pages in their passport for use by immigration officials.

Other Nationals

Nationals of other countries should check with their local Indian embassy or consulate for visa requirements.

Restricted and Protected Areas

Special permits are required to visit certain parts of India designated as restricted or protected areas.

Registration requirements for Indian citizens

Indian citizens are required to register their visit or residency within 14 days of arrival with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) if they meet any of the following criteria:

• Staying in India for more than 180 days.
• Visiting India to study, do research, work, or act as missionaries.
• Giving birth in India.

The FRRO has offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru (Bangalore), Lucknow, Calicut, Goa, Cochin, Trivandrum, and Amritsar. District Superintendents of Police serve as Foreigners Registration Officers (FROs) in all other places.

Indian citizens must also ensure that they have a valid Indian visa or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card to enter and exit India.

Safety precautions for Indian citizens

Indian citizens are allowed to travel back to India. Here are some safety precautions for Indian citizens:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the FDA's India Office (INO) played a crucial role in protecting Americans in India and ensuring the availability of critical medical products sourced from the country. The INO assisted with the repatriation of over 6,000 Americans from India after the suspension of commercial flights. They also led the interagency COVID-19 specification task force, which determined the needs and specifications of donated medical supplies, such as oxygen cylinders, rapid diagnostic tests, and N95 masks.

• Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially during periods of national or religious significance, such as Republic Day (January 26), Independence Day (August 15), Diwali (usually in October or November), and Eid (date varies).
• Avoid protests, large gatherings, and religious sites. Follow the advice of local authorities, monitor local media, and adhere to any curfew restrictions.
• Keep your belongings secure and be cautious in tourist areas to prevent theft and scams.
• Do not accept food or drinks from strangers, and be cautious when consuming alcohol in public places as it is illegal in certain regions.
• Avoid isolated areas, including beaches, when alone, due to the risk of sexual assault and harassment, which is prevalent against women.
• Respect local dress and customs, especially when visiting religious sites and rural areas.
• Be cautious when using public transportation, such as buses and trains, as accidents are common due to reckless driving and poor road conditions.
• When driving, always wear a seatbelt and helmet, comply with police, and avoid remaining at the scene of accidents involving pedestrians or cows to prevent attacks by passersby.
• Use reputable local guides and stay on established routes when trekking to avoid hazards like sudden weather changes, avalanches, and landslides.
• Be cautious when engaging in activities involving cameras and binoculars near military sites, government buildings, airports, and railway stations.
• Be aware of extreme weather events and natural disasters, such as flooding, landslides, cyclones, and earthquakes, which can cause significant disruptions to infrastructure and services.
• Always carry a copy of your passport, visa, and other important documents when travelling.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to stay informed and make it easier for authorities to locate you in an emergency.
• Respect local laws and customs of the country you are visiting, especially regarding alcohol, drugs, and restricted areas.
• Exercise caution when swimming in open waters along the coastline, as strong undertows can be dangerous.
• Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and when using public transportation.
• Avoid travelling alone at night, and use reputable taxi services or app-based options like Uber or Ola.
• Be cautious of scams and do not accept offers of cheap transportation, hotels, or tours from strangers.
• Be wary of purchasing expensive items like carpets, jewelry, and gemstones, as they may be of inferior quality or counterfeit.
• Avoid carrying packages or goods for strangers, as it could result in unknowingly transporting illegal substances.

Health advisories for Indian citizens

Indian citizens are allowed to travel back to India, but they should be aware of the following health advisories:

• The CDC recommends that travellers going to India get vaccinated for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Japanese Encephalitis. They also recommend that travellers going to certain areas of India take prescription medicine to prevent malaria.
• The CDC also reports that there is an outbreak of Zika in the state of Maharashtra, India. All travellers to Maharashtra should take steps to prevent mosquito bites and sexual transmission of the Zika virus during and after their trip.
• The CDC further advises that diseases such as dengue, Zika, filariasis, and leishmaniasis are spread by bugs and cannot be prevented with a vaccine. They recommend taking steps to prevent bug bites, such as covering exposed skin, using insect repellent, and staying in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• The Government of Canada reports that the quality of health care varies significantly throughout the country. Medical care in major cities may be good, but it is usually very limited or unavailable in rural areas. They advise purchasing travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
• The Government of Canada also warns that ambulances are often equipped with basic and old medical equipment, and response times can be very slow. In case of serious illness or injury, they suggest taking a taxi or private vehicle to the hospital rather than waiting for an ambulance.
• The Government of Canada further advises avoiding consuming beef or beef-derived products in India, as several states impose prohibitions on beef slaughter and consumption. In some rural areas, cow protection vigilantes have attacked people suspected of selling, consuming, or possessing beef or items made with cowhide.

Frequently asked questions