You must have a passport with you all of the time; it is the most basic travel document. Ensure that it will be valid for the entire period you intend to remain overseas. If your passport is lost or stolen, file an F.I.R. and immediately contact your country's representative (see Embassies & Consulates).

Visas for India

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Six month multiple-entry visas (valid from the date of issue) are now issued to most nationals regardless of whether you intend staying that long or re-entering the country. Visas cost A$55 for Australians, UK£19 for Britons, and FF200 for French passport holders. US passport holders may also apply for one year and 10 years multiple-entry visas, the latter, at the time of writing, only available from Indian embassies in the USA, Japan and Hong Kong. For US citizens, a six month multiple-entry visa costs US$50, a 12 month multiple-entry visa costs US$70, a 10 years multiple-entry visa costs US$120 and a transit visa costs US$25. 

Onwords Tickets

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Many Indian embassies and consulates will not issue a visa to enter India unless you hold an onward ticket, which is taken as sufficient evidence that you intend to leave the country.

Travel Insurance

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A travel insurance policy to cover theft, loss and medical problems is a good idea. Some policies offer lower and higher medical expense options. Check that the policy has ambulance and emergency flight home cover.



Driving License & Permits

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If you are planning to drive in India, get an International Driving Licence from your national motoring organisation. In some centres, such as Delhi, it's possible to hire motorcycles. An International Driving License can also be used for other identification purposes, such as plain old bicycle hire.

Rent a Car