India Visa Requirements
For 🇯🇵 Japan passport holders
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond stay
Blank Pages
At least 1 page required
Multiple Entry
Single entry
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Travel Essentials
Health & Safety
Safety Rating
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Malaria prophylaxis (region-dependent), Japanese encephalitis (rural), Rabies, COVID-19.
Tap Water
Bottled water recommended
Safety Tips
Exercise increased caution in India. Petty crime, scams, and aggressive touts affect tourists - be firm but polite. Use prepaid taxis from airports, and insist on meters for city rides. Avoid demonstrations and protest areas. Some regions (Kashmir, northeast border areas) have travel advisories. Traffic is chaotic - don't drive yourself. Food and water safety requires vigilance.
Money & Costs
Currency
₹ Indian Rupee (INR)
Daily Budget (USD)
Budget: $30 · Mid: $80 · Luxury: $200+
Cards & ATMs
Cards accepted in cities and tourist areas. Cash essential in smaller towns and for street vendors.
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated in India but amounts are modest. In restaurants, 10% is generous if service charge isn't included. Hotel porters expect ₹50-100 per bag, housekeeping ₹50-100 per day. Tour guides typically receive ₹300-500 per day. Drivers expect ₹100-200 per day. Small tips to helpful individuals are part of the culture.
Practical Info
Power
Type C, D, M, 230V, 50Hz
Driving
Left side
Emergency
Emergency: 112
Police: 100
Ambulance: 102
Fire: 101
Mobile/SIM
Getting a SIM card in India is notoriously bureaucratic - it requires passport copies, photos, and can take 24-48 hours to activate. Buy at Airtel, Jio, or Vodafone stores (airport or city). Tourist plans cost ₹500-1000 for 30-60 days with generous data. Alternatively, get an eSIM before arrival or use WiFi initially. Coverage in cities is excellent.
Getting There
Main Airports
Chennai (MAA) · Mumbai (BOM) · New Delhi (DEL) · Bangalore (BLR)
Airport Transfers
Delhi IGI: Airport Metro Express to New Delhi Station (₹60, 20 minutes). Prepaid taxi booth inside arrivals - around ₹400-600 to central Delhi. Uber/Ola work from designated areas. Mumbai CSI: Train to Churchgate (₹10, 1 hour - locals only, not with luggage). Prepaid taxi ₹700-1000 to South Mumbai (1-2 hours depending on traffic).
Local Transport
Trains are the backbone of Indian travel - book through IRCTC.co.in weeks ahead. Classes range from basic sleeper to luxury. Domestic flights are affordable and save enormous time - IndiGo and SpiceJet are reliable. City transport: Delhi and a few cities have metro systems. Use Uber/Ola everywhere. Auto-rickshaws are ubiquitous - agree on price first or insist on meter.
Culture & Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
October-March cooler and dry (peak season). April-June very hot. July-September monsoon (varies by region). North mountains summer.
Cultural Notes
India is deeply spiritual and incredibly diverse - languages, religions, cuisines, and customs vary dramatically by region. Remove shoes before entering temples and homes. Dress modestly, especially at religious sites - cover shoulders and knees. The left hand is considered unclean - eat and give/receive things with your right hand. The head wobble that looks like "no" often means "yes" or acknowledgment.
Insider Tips
India requires patience and flexibility - embrace "Indian Standard Time" where things happen eventually. Book trains through the official IRCTC website well in advance, especially for popular routes. Start your trip in more touristed areas if it's your first visit - Rajasthan's Golden Triangle is a good introduction. Bargaining is expected everywhere except fixed-price shops. Carry toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
Dress Code
Modest dress, especially at temples. Cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes at temples.