India Travel Information

At midnight on March 25, a lockdown or curfew was introduced across India. Lockdown has been extended several times, most recently through May 17. From May 4, some relief was introduced in parts of the country, depending on the number of cases of infection. Norwegian citizens are referred to seek information from local authorities for details of what is prohibited and permitted in the various states. Both national and international air traffic have been banned, with the exception of special repatriation flights. For more information about coronavirus and any restrictions, see the section Health. According to Abbreviationfinder, IND stands for India in geography.

Safety

There is increased tension between India and Pakistan. Travelers to India should keep abreast of developments. According to countryaah, India is one of countries starting with letter I.

In recent years, terrorist attacks/bomb explosions have taken place in several Indian cities. Violent demonstrations, riots and political turmoil occur regularly in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, but also in other parts of the country. People should be avoided, take their precautions and follow the advice of the authorities.

On August 5, Indian authorities adopted a contentious constitutional amendment concerning the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Increased security measures have been introduced, which have included, for example, bans and closed internet and mobile networks in parts of Kashmir. It can be very difficult to make contact with people who are in the area and the situation is unclear. It is not known how long the increased security measures will last.

A new law (the Citizenship Amendment Act) passed in December 2019 has led to riots and demonstrations. Violent protests have been reported in several parts of the country and riots can occur at short notice. The capital of New Delhi in particular has been particularly vulnerable lately. Travelers are required to exercise caution, keep abreast of developments and listen to advice from local authorities.

  • Countryaah: New Delhi is the capital of India. Check to find information of population, geography, history, and economy about the capital city.

There is a certain risk in many places in India related to unsafe means of transport, unclear/dangerous traffic, food safety and health.

Female travelers should be cautious especially after dark, and should dress conservatively to avoid unwanted attention. Both men and women should meet when visiting religious sites.

Special permission must be sought from the Indian authorities before visiting certain parts (Restricted/Protected Areas) of India. There are also restrictions on where foreigners can travel in the border areas against Pakistan and China.

Norwegian citizens staying for a shorter or longer period in India are encouraged to register on the Foreign Travel Portal http://www.reiseregistrering.no/. This register is the starting point for identifying Norwegians in the event of a crisis.

Norwegian citizens are strongly encouraged to have valid travel insurance.

Visiting and mailing address for the Embassy:
Royal Norwegian Embassy
50-C, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi – 110021
Email: emb.newdelhi@mfa.no
Phone: + 91 11 4136 3200
Fax: + 91 11 4136 3201
Phone number if you calling from Norway:
Phone: 23 95 87 00
Fax: 23 95 87 01

In crisis and emergency situations, the public is encouraged to contact the embassy by phone: + 91 11 4136 3200. Outside the embassy’s opening hours, the public can contact the UD’s Operational Center by phone: +47 23 95 00 00. E-mail: UDops@mfa.no

Telephone number of the emergency services in India: 112

The introduction and use of satellite telephones in India is prohibited. The embassy is asked to distribute this information to relevant organizations and Norwegians visiting the country. Violation can result in prosecution.

Major Landmarks in India

Entry

Please note that entry regulations may change. The Foreign Service is not responsible if the following information on entry regulations or visa requirements is changed at short notice. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents are valid for entry and to familiarize themselves with the current entry rules for each country.

It is the responsibility of the individual traveler to have valid travel documents and to familiarize themselves with the current regulations for entry, visa and residence.

Norwegian citizens currently have to. have a visa to enter India. Tourists can apply online for ¡°Indian E-visas¡±. Information and application forms can be found on this website. A copy of the confirmation from the Indian authorities must be included on the journey.

The following does not come under this scheme and must apply for a visa in the usual way through Indian Embassy:

  • People traveling on official and special passports
  • People who live or work in India
  • Citizens of Pakistani origin

Travelers with a diplomatic passport on business travel travel visa-free.

Updated visa information for India.

Staying in India beyond the period of validity of the visa is a criminal offense. Read carefully on the visa label how many days are allowed within the validity of the visa. While staying in India, the Foreign Regional Registration Offices (FRRO) are the appropriate body for information on registration, residence permit, visa extension and the like; see link to application portal at FRRO.

Health

The corona virus (covid-19): The virus that originated in the city of Wuhan in Hubei Province, China, has later been detected in several other countries, including India. Cases have been proven in a majority of India’s states.

You can find more information and guidance from the Norwegian health authorities on the website of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. See also UD’s answers to frequently asked questions about travel and coronavirus.

At midnight on March 25, a lockdown or curfew was introduced across India. Lockdown has been extended several times, most recently through May 17. From May 4, some relief was introduced in parts of the country, depending on the number of cases of infection.

Norwegian citizens are referred to seek information from local authorities for details of what is prohibited and permitted in the various states. Both national and international air traffic have been banned, with the exception of special repatriation flights. All Norwegian citizens located in India are encouraged to register on reiseregistrering.no.

If you would like assistance, contact the Embassy in New Delhi, preferably by e-mail: consular.new.delhi@mfa.no or by phone +91 11 4136 3200 (served at 09-17). If it is urgent, contact the Foreign Ministry’s Operational Center on +47 23 95 00 00. Norwegian citizens are further encouraged to comply with the curfew and to remain calm where they are.

In the larger cities there are good hospitals. An increasing number of people who seek out the health care system as a result of the coronavirus may lead to unpredictability and changes in capacity and supply.

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Before departure one should consult a doctor and follow the vaccination advice given by the Institute of Public Health.

In addition to the usual vaccines, rabies vaccine and cholera drinking vaccine are recommended.

Several parts of India and especially the major cities are heavily polluted by air. However, there is great variation throughout the year and between areas. You can follow the trend in air pollution here: Real Time Air Quality Index. The Institute of Public Health has published a theme page on air quality and air pollution. During periods of high air pollution, travelers are advised to consider wearing a mask and reducing outdoor activities. Vulnerable groups are advised to consult with health professionals before leaving.

Mosquitoes transmitted through mosquitoes, such as malaria, zika, dengue, chikungunya and Japanese meningitis, occur in large parts of India. Mosquito bites can be avoided by dressing, mosquito repellent and mosquito nets.

Good hygiene is important to avoid digestive infections. Hand washing and disinfectant should be used carefully. Fruits and vegetables that are not peeled should be disinfected. Uncooked water should neither be drunk nor used for toothbrushing. Tap water should never be drunk.

Further information and more detailed health advice: Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Practical information

Official Name: Republic of India.
Largest cities: Delhi (capital), Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Lucknow.
Languages: 22 official languages ​​are recognized in the Indian Constitution, the most important of which are Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu and English. Hindi has the status of “national language” and is understood in large parts of the country.
Area content: 3.3 mill km2
Census: Approx. 1.4 billion
Population growth: Approx. 1.2 percent

India is a member of, among others, the following international/regional organizations: UN, IAEA, WTO, SAARC and is an observer country in the Arctic Council and in ASEAN.

The overall crime risk of foreigners at well-known tourist destinations in India is relatively small, but petty crime such as purse seizure and theft is common, especially on trains and buses. It is recommended to lock the sleeping bags on trains. Fraud attempts by tourists are also not uncommon. One should exercise common caution and be aware of people who are unusually helpful.

India has very severe penalties for possession of drugs.

Foreigners must be able to identify themselves on request and passports should be brought (if necessary, a copy).

Indian or international driver’s license must be obtained if you are going to drive on your own in India. India has left-hand traffic and the traffic picture is unclear. India has a very high number of traffic accidents.

If you want to travel by taxi, those who book by hotel are recommended, pre-paid taxis available at the airports, or taxis booked through mobile apps such as Uber and Olacabs. Avoid taxis and auto-rickshaws that are stopped on the street, especially after dark.

Homosexuality was decriminalized in India in 2018 but the law change is contentious, and openly gay couples are not common in the public image.

Parts of India are sometimes hit by landslides, floods and earthquakes.

The time difference to India is + 3.5 hours at Norwegian summertime and + 4.5 hours otherwise in the year. According to allcitycodes, the area code for calling from Norway to India is +91. The telephone network is stable and there is good mobile coverage in most places in the country, especially in the cities. Internet coverage is surprisingly good.

Banks and public offices are usually open from 10am. 10 am – 5 pm, shops from 7 p.m. 10 – 20.

The currency unit is Indian Rupee (INR). Visa, Mastercard and American Express are common in shops and restaurants, and ATMs are easily accessible in the countryside (but not always in operation). The maximum withdrawal is usually INR 10,000 at a time.

The power in India is the same as in Norway: 220 V. However, there is unstable power supply in large parts of the country and the power can fluctuate considerably. Sensitive electrical appliances are often damaged. Plug connectors often contain a component that is compatible with Norwegian plugs – but an adapter is recommended.

National holidays are January 26 (Republic Day), August 15 (Independence Day) and October 2 (Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday). Many of the country’s other holidays are moving. In addition, there are a large number of local holidays.