Special Permits:
Some regions in India - usually border districts - are out of bounds for normal travellers due to security and political reasons. However, some of these are extremely beautiful and attractive places, their remoteness lending them a special value and quality, Hence, special permits may be obtained if you want to travel those parts. Such permits are generally procured to groups and for a limited number of days. You need not to pay any extra money for getting the permits and they may be obtained from the Indian missions abroad or governmental agencies with in India.
ARRIVAL AND CUSTOMS INFORMATION
Two customs clearance channels are there. The red channel is for travellers carrying dutiable items while the green channel is for travellers carrying non-dutiable items.
LANGUAGES :-
In India popular languages are English and Hindi, along with 15 main local languages and over 700 dialects are spoken in Indian States.
PHOTOGRAPHY BAGGAGE INFO
PHOTOGRAHY :-
If you are taking any photographs of the local people, always ask their permission before hand. Your guide or driver can help you in this. Do not take photographs of any official buildings, such as military installations, railway stations, airports, border posts or road blocks. It is recommended to carry your camera in dust-proof bags especially in the dry season. Film rolls are gettable in most hotels and lodges but it is wise to stock up in major cities.
BAGGAGE INFORMATION
There are various sets of baggage allowance regulations in effect for international and regional flights. Baggage allowances can change depending on which airline(s), class of service and air routing is used. Please be advised that baggage limits are adhered to very strictly on both domestic and international flights. International carriers have favorable baggage limitations as compare to most domestic carriers. On domestic flights, the baggage allowance in economy class is 30 kilograms (66 lbs.) per person for those travelling while 40 kilograms (88 lbs.) per person for those travelling in business class.
In case of a small plane being used for travel within Indian region or Nepal, the maximum baggage allowance varies some where between 15 to 20 kilograms (33 lbs.) per person.
Any luggage in excess of airline specifications may be subject to significant freight charges by the airline. These costs are the entire responsibility of the traveller. (Please be advised that some domestic airlines categorically reject excess luggage. Also, payment of excess luggage costs on domestic flights within India and Nepal may not guarantee that the luggage is transported).
Every item of checked luggage should be locked and contain identification note inside (as well as outside) stating your home address and phone number. In addition, do not pack valuable items (such as your jewellery and camera) in checked luggage.
Visa:
All foreign tourists to India except nationals of Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan, must possess a valid visa. You are not permit a visa on your arrival in India. The price of a visa is US$ 30 for up to 6 months, US $ 50 for up to 1 year and US $ 100 (subject to change / revision without prior notice. Please contact the Indian Embassy or Commission in the country of your residence) for more than 1 year and up to 5 years. Contact the Indian embassy or Indian consulate in your nation for issuing of Visas. A tourist visa is unexpired for 3 to 6 months. Tourist visas permit multiple entry to simplify visits to neighboring countries. You will be mandatory to fill in a disembarkation card on your arrival in India which will have to be submitted at the Immigration counters at the airport.
Transit Visas:-
Transit visas are permitted by foreign Indian Missions for a maximum period of 15 days.
Exemption from Registration:-
Foreigners visiting to India on tourist visa for 180 days or a shorter period are not needed to register themselves with any Indian Government authority. They can move about freely in the country, except to restricted / prohibited places and protected parts. Nationals of Bangladesh are exempted from registration for up to 6 months. But if their stay more than 6 months, they have to register themselves. Family passports issued by other governments are accepted with any discrimination and prejudice.
Extension of Visa:-
As a law, no extension of stay is given on a tourist visa. Tourist visa are available for a maximal period of 180 days. No cost are levied for visa extension within the maximum period of 180 days. Identical passport photographs are needed. However in case of an extension more than 180 days, which is allowed only in special cases, an extension fee which varies from nation to nation is charged. In case a foreign tourist has got extension beyond 3 months of his/her stay in India, he will have to give up his certificate of Registration and Residential Permit before leaving India.
