Free Travel Guide
India Travel Guide for International Tourists
Everything you need to know before your first trip to India — visa, safety, health, money, and what to pack. Updated for 2025.
Visa Requirements
Most international travelers — including citizens of the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, and 60+ other countries — can apply for an e-Visa online before traveling to India. You do not need to visit an embassy.
India e-Visa — Key Facts
- Apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in (official government site only)
- Processing time: 72 hours in most cases
- Tourist e-Visa: Valid for 1 year from issue date, double or multiple entry
- Stay per visit: Up to 90 days per entry (up to 180 days for USA, UK, Canada, Japan)
- Cost: approx. USD 25 (varies by nationality — check official site)
- You must upload a recent passport-size photo and the first & last page of your passport
- Print or save the e-Visa on your phone — you'll need to show it at the airport
⚠️ Apply at least 4–5 days before travel. YlooTrips provides a visa checklist to every booked traveler — contact us for help.
Visa on Arrival
India does not offer a traditional visa-on-arrival. The e-Visa is the standard process. Apply online before you fly — it is quick, straightforward, and we can guide you through it.
Best Time to Visit India
India is a vast country — different regions have dramatically different climates. Here's your quick guide:
Best weather across most of India. Ideal for Golden Triangle, Rajasthan, Goa, and Kerala. Expect cooler days, clear skies, and festive atmosphere.
Recommended for most travelersHot and dry in North India (40–45°C). Great for hill stations like Shimla, Manali, and Darjeeling. Himalayan treks open up.
Good for mountainsHeavy rains across most of India. Kerala is lush and green — popular for Ayurveda retreats. Rajasthan gets fewer crowds. Budget travelers love it.
Best value pricingCool evenings in North India (15–22°C days, 5–10°C nights in Rajasthan). Perfect for outdoor sightseeing. Holidays can mean crowds — book early.
Best for Golden TriangleIs India Safe for Tourists?
Yes — India is safe for international tourists, including solo travelers and solo female travelers, when you follow basic precautions. Millions of foreigners visit every year and have wonderful experiences.
General Safety Tips
- Use reputable, app-based taxis (Ola, Uber) over street cabs — always check the driver name & car number
- Keep a photocopy of your passport in your bag; leave the original in the hotel safe
- Dress modestly when visiting temples and rural areas — cover shoulders and knees
- Drink only bottled water; avoid ice in street food stalls
- Be firm but polite when declining persistent touts at tourist sites
- Share your itinerary with someone back home — or use YlooTrips' 24/7 helpline
- Avoid flashy displays of expensive cameras/jewelry in crowded markets
- Scams are usually minor (overpriced tuk-tuks, gem shops) — just say no firmly and walk away
YlooTrips Safety Promise: Every traveler gets our 24/7 WhatsApp emergency line. Your guide's number is shared before your trip begins. We pre-vet all hotels, drivers, and activity providers.
What to Pack for India
- ✓Lightweight, breathable cotton clothes
- ✓Light layers for evening (North India gets cold in winter)
- ✓Modest clothing for temples (shawl, long skirt/trousers)
- ✓Comfortable walking sandals + closed shoes
- ✓Rain jacket / compact umbrella (if monsoon season)
- ✓Sunscreen SPF 50+
- ✓Insect repellent (DEET-based)
- ✓Hand sanitiser & face masks
- ✓Rehydration sachets (ORS)
- ✓Basic stomach medicines (loperamide, antacids)
- ✓Prescription medications in original packaging
- ✓Universal power adapter (India uses Type C, D, and M plugs)
- ✓Portable phone charger / power bank
- ✓Download Google Maps offline before travel
- ✓Get an Indian SIM at the airport (Airtel or Jio — cheap data)
- ✓Passport + printed e-Visa copy
- ✓Travel insurance documents
- ✓Hotel booking confirmations
- ✓Emergency contact list
- ✓Small denominations of USD cash (for emergencies)
Health & Vaccinations
No vaccinations are legally required to enter India unless you are arriving from a yellow fever endemic country. However, several are strongly recommended.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A & B — Strongly recommended for all travelers
- Typhoid — Recommended, especially if eating street food
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis — Keep up to date
- Japanese Encephalitis — If visiting rural areas or staying >1 month
- Rabies — For adventure travelers or those in contact with animals
- Malaria tablets — Consult your doctor — depends on specific regions visited
Always consult your GP or travel clinic at least 4–6 weeks before departure. Bring adequate travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
Currency & Payments
India's currency is the Indian Rupee (INR / ₹). The approximate exchange rate is 1 USD ≈ ₹84, 1 GBP ≈ ₹107, 1 EUR ≈ ₹91.
Money Tips
- Withdraw INR from ATMs in India — much better rate than airport exchange
- Major cities have excellent ATM coverage; carry cash for smaller towns
- UPI / QR payments are widely used — even street vendors accept it
- Visa & Mastercard work in most hotels, restaurants, and shops
- Amex is accepted in premium hotels and some restaurants
- Tipping: ₹50–₹100 for guides per day, 10% in restaurants (not mandatory)
- Bargaining is expected in bazaars — not in shops with fixed-price signs
- YlooTrips accepts international bank transfers, Wise, and major credit cards
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