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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

The Government of Canada’s official source of travel information and advice, the Travel Advice and Advisories help you to make informed decisions and travel safely while you are outside Canada. Check the page for your destination often, because safety and security conditions may change. See Travel Advice and Advisories – FAQ for more information.

Where are you going?

Take normal security precautions

Exercise a high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Travel advice from other countries

Travel advice is also provided by the governments of Australia , New Zealand , the United Kingdom and the United States .

Risk Levels

take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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Travel Advisory June 23, 2023

India - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with updates to health information.

Exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism.

Do not travel to:

The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir (except the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest .
Within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border due to the potential for armed conflict .

Country Summary : Indian authorities report rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crime, such as sexual assault, has occurred at tourist sites and in other locations.

Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and government facilities.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in rural areas from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to these areas.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to India.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined India has a moderate level of COVID-19. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to India:

Do not travel alone, particularly if you are a woman. Visit our website for Women Travelers .
Review your personal security plans and remain alert to your surroundings.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
Review the Country Security Report for India.
Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Avoid all travel to this state (with the exception of visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh). Sporadic violence occurs particularly along the Line of Control (LOC) separating India and Pakistan, and in tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. The Indian government prohibits foreign tourists from visiting certain areas along the LOC.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .

India-Pakistan Border – Level 4: Do Not Travel

India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official India-Pakistan border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in the state of Punjab between Attari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan. The border crossing is usually open but confirm the current status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel. A Pakistani visa is required to enter Pakistan. Only U.S. citizens residing in India may apply for a Pakistani visa in India. Otherwise apply for a Pakistani visa in your country of residence before traveling to India.

Northeastern States – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Incidents of violence by ethnic insurgent groups, including bombings of buses, trains, rail lines, and markets, occur occasionally in the northeast.

U.S. government employees at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India are prohibited from traveling to the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur without special authorization from the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata.

Central and East India – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Maoist extremist groups, or “Naxalites,” are active in a large swath of India from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal, particularly in rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and on the borders of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. The Naxalites have conducted frequent terrorist attacks on local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials.

Due to the fluid nature of the threat, all U.S. government travelers to states with Naxalite activity must receive special authorization from the U.S. consulate responsible for the area to be visited. U.S. officials traveling only to the capital cities in these states do not need prior authorization.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must be valid for six months beyond date of visa application to obtain a visa.

Two pages required.

Yes. Travelers must enter in either on a paper visa, valid for 10 years for U.S. citizens, or an e-tourist visa.

Required for yellow fever if the traveler is arriving from an infected area; others are suggested.

The possession of satellite phones is prohibited in India; Currency in excess of USD $5,000 must be declared. Please check with the Indian Embassy in Washington if you are planning to carry a large amount of currency into India.

Check local law for reporting requirements for exiting with large quantities of foreign currency and Indian rupees.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy new delhi.

Shantipath, Chanakyapuri New Delhi - 110021 India Telephone: +(91) (11) 2419-8000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(91) (11) 2419-8000 Fax: +(91) (11) 2419-0017 [email protected]

The U.S. Embassy, New Delhi serves American citizens in the Indian states of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh, the union territories of Chandigarh, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, and the country of Bhutan.

U.S. Consulate General Mumbai (Bombay) C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex Bandra East, Mumbai 400051 India Telephone: +(91) (22) 2672-4000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(91) (22) 2672-4000 If you are calling from within India, but outside Mumbai, first dial 022. Fax: 91-(0)22-2672-4786 [email protected]

The Consulate General in Mumbai provides consular services for the states of Goa, Gujarat, Chhatisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, and the union territory of Diu and Daman, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

U.S. Consulate General Kolkata (Calcutta) 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani Kolkata - 700 071, West Bengal, India Telephone: +(91) (33) 3984-2400 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(91) 99030 42956 or +(91) (33) 3984-2400 then dial "0" Fax: +(91) (33) 2282-2335

The United States Consulate General in Kolkata provides consular services for the states of Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Tripura and Assam. [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Chennai (Madras) 220 Anna Salai at Gemini Circle Chennai, India 600006 Telephone: +(91) (44) 2857-4000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: (0) 44-2857-4000. Ask for American Citizen Services.(Within India, but outside Chennai, first dial 044. From the United States, first dial 011-(91) (44) ) Fax: +(91) (044) 2811-2020

The Consulate General in Chennai provides consular services for the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and the Union Territories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Pondicherry and Lakshwadeep Islands. [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad Survey No. 115/1, Financial District, Nanakramguda Hyderabad, Telangana, 500032 Phone: 040 6932 8000

The Consulate General in Hyderabad provides services to the U.S. citizens in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha. [email protected]

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Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

All U.S. citizens need a valid passport as well as a valid Indian visa or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, to enter and exit India for any purpose. Travelers without valid documents or the correct type of visa may be denied entry into India. Indian visa regulations and instructions change frequently, often with little advance notice. Travelers are urged to check the website of the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C. before any travel to India to review the most current information. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in India cannot assist you if you arrive without proper documentation.

U.S. citizens seeking to enter India solely for tourist purposes for stays of less than 60 days may apply for an eVisa at least four days prior to their arrival. Please visit the Indian government's website for electronic travel authorization for additional information and to submit an application.

U.S. citizens seeking to enter India as a tourist for longer than 60 days or for any other purpose must apply for a visa from an Indian embassy or consulate. The Government of India has appointed VFS Global to assist with visa services to individuals in the United States. Applicants may apply for Indian visas through the application link https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/apply-visa .

Diplomatic and Official visa applications are accepted directly at the Indian Embassy and Consulates. All U.S. government employees traveling on official orders, including military personnel, must obtain country clearance for travel to India. Once you have received your visa, check it carefully to ensure that the type of visa and number of entries is appropriate for your travel plans.

Keep copies of your U.S. passport data page, as well as the pages containing the Indian visa and Indian immigration stamps with you at all times. Consider downloading these documents to your mobile phone in case of emergency. If your passport is lost or stolen, copies will help you apply for a replacement passport and an exit visa from the Indian government. Replacing a lost visa, which is required in order to exit the country, may take four or five business days.

U.S. citizens of Pakistani origin or descent are subject to administrative processing and should expect additional delays when applying for Indian visas.

Foreign citizens who visit India to study, do research, work, or act as missionaries, as well as all travelers and residents planning to stay more than 180 days, are required to register their visit or residency within 14 days of arrival with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) closest to where they will be staying in addition to having the appropriate visa when they enter India. The FRRO maintains offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru (Bangalore), Lucknow, Calicut, Goa, Cochin, Trivandrum, and Amritsar. District Superintendents of Police serve as Foreigners Registration Officers (FROs) in all other places. We recommend all U.S. citizens review the entry requirements described on the Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) section on the Indian Bureau of Immigration website.

If you overstay your Indian visa, or otherwise violate Indian visa regulations, you may require clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs to leave the country. Generally, you will be fined and, in some cases, may be jailed for months. Visa violators seeking an exit permit must visit the Foreigners Regional Registration Office portal to submit the application and pay any levied fines. Processing of an exit permit under these circumstances can take up to 90 days and decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

For the most current information on entry and exit requirements, please contact the Embassy of India at 2536 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 939-9806 or the Indian Consulates in Atlanta , Chicago , Houston , New York , or San Francisco . Outside the United States, inquiries should be made at the nearest Indian embassy or consulate.

General information regarding Indian visa and immigration rules, including the addresses and telephone numbers for the FRRO offices, can be found at the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs Bureau of Immigration website.

HIV/AIDS RESTRICTIONS: There are no disclosure requirements or restrictions for HIV/AIDS patients who enter India on a tourist visa. Disclosure regarding HIV/AIDS is required of anyone seeking a resident permit in India. Foreign residents found to be suffering from HIV/AIDS will be deported. Please verify this information with the Embassy of India before you travel.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

U.S. citizens should always practice good personal security and situational awareness. Be aware of your surroundings (including local customs and etiquette) and keep a low profile. Monitor local news reports, vary your routes and times in carrying out daily activities, and consider the level of security present when you visit public places, including religious sites, and when choosing hotels, restaurants, and entertainment and recreation venues.

India continues to experience terrorist and insurgent activities which may affect U.S. citizens directly or indirectly. Anti-Western terrorist groups, some on the U.S. government's list of foreign terrorist organizations, are active in India, including Islamist extremist groups such as Harkat-ul-Jihad-i-Islami, Harakat ul-Mujahidin, Indian Mujahideen, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Lashkar-e Tayyiba. The U.S. government occasionally receives information regarding possible terrorist attacks that could take place in India, monitors such information to determine credibility, and advises U.S. citizens accordingly. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages from the Embassy automatically.

Past attacks have targeted public places, including some frequented by Westerners, such as luxury and other hotels, trains, train stations, markets, cinemas, mosques, and restaurants in large urban areas. Attacks have taken place during the busy evening hours in markets and other crowded places, but could occur at any time. Alerts are usually more frequent around major holidays. The Maoists (also known as “Naxalites”) are the most active insurgent group in India. The Naxalites typically attack Indian government officials, but have also derailed trains, targeted other government buildings such as police stations, and conducted other criminal activity. In eastern India’s Bihar state, 10 security personnel were killed and five injured in a Naxalite-triggered Improvised Explosive Device blast on July 18, 2016. In the eastern state of Jharkhand, seven policemen were killed and eight others injured in a landmine blast by Naxalites on January 27, 2016.

Beyond the threat from terrorism and insurgencies, demonstrations and general strikes, or “bandh,” often cause major inconvenience and unrest. These strikes can result in the stoppage of all transportation and tourist-related services, at times for 24 hours or more. U.S. citizens caught in such a strike may find they are unable to make flight and rail connections, as local transportation can be severely limited. Local media generally give an idea of the length and geographical location of the strike. Large religious gatherings that attract hundreds of thousands of people can result in dangerous and often life-threatening stampedes. Local demonstrations can begin spontaneously and escalate with little warning, disrupting transportation systems and city services and posing risks to travelers. In response to such events, Indian authorities occasionally impose curfews and/or restrict travel. You are urged to obey such curfews and travel restrictions and to avoid demonstrations and rallies as they have the potential for violence, especially immediately preceding and following political rallies, elections, and religious festivals (particularly when Hindu and Muslim festivals coincide). Tensions between castes and religious groups can also result in disruptions and violence. In some cases, demonstrators specifically block roads near popular tourist sites and disrupt train operations in order to gain the attention of Indian authorities; occasionally vehicles transporting tourists are attacked in these incidents. India generally goes on “High Alert” status prior to major holidays or events. You should monitor local television, print media, Mission India’s American Citizens Services Facebook page, and enroll with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for further information about the current situation in areas where you will travel.

The U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulates General in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai will post information about routine demonstrations on the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulates General websites, under the heading “Demonstration Notices.” Please monitor our websites regularly for information about protest activities in the country. Please note that the Embassy and Consulates General will issue emergency/security messages for other purposes, as necessary.

Religious violence occasionally occurs in India, especially when tensions between different religious communities are purposefully exacerbated by groups pushing religiously chauvinistic agendas. There are active "anti-conversion" laws in some Indian states, and acts of conversion sometimes elicit violent reactions from Hindu extremists. Foreigners suspected of proselytizing Hindus have been attacked and killed in conservative, rural areas in India in the past.

Swimming in India: You should exercise caution if you intend to swim in open waters along the Indian coastline, particularly during the monsoon season. Every year, several people in Goa, Mumbai, Puri (Odisha), off the Eastern Coast in the Bay of Bengal, and other areas drown due to strong undertows. It is important to heed warnings posted at beaches and to avoid swimming in the ocean during the monsoon season. Trained lifeguards are very rare along beaches.

If you visit the Andaman Islands, be aware that there have been reports of crocodile attacks in salt water resulting in fatalities. Ask local residents about dangerous sea life before swimming and keep a safe distance from animals at all times.

Wildlife safaris: India offers opportunities for observation of wildlife in its natural habitat and many tour operators and lodges advertise structured, safe excursions into parks and other wildlife viewing areas for close observation of flora and fauna. However, safety standards and training vary, and it is a good idea to ascertain whether operators are trained and licensed. Even animals marketed as “tame” should be respected as wild and extremely dangerous. Keep a safe distance from animals at all times, remaining in vehicles or other protected enclosures when venturing into game parks.

Trekking in India: Trekking expeditions should be limited to routes identified for this purpose by local authorities. Use only registered trekking agencies, porters, and guides, suspend trekking after dark, camp at designated camping places, and travel in groups rather than individually or with one or two companions. Altitudes in popular trekking spots can be as high as 25,170 feet (7,672 m); please make sure that you have had a recent medical checkup to ensure that you are fit to trek at these altitudes and carry sufficient medical insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage.

Train Travel: India has the third largest rail network in the world, and train travel in India generally is safe. Nevertheless, accidents and on-board fires are sometimes caused by aging infrastructure, poorly maintained equipment, overcrowding, and operator errors. Train accidents and fires have resulted in the death and serious injury of passengers.

Areas of Instability: Jammu & Kashmir: The Department of State strongly recommends that you avoid travel to the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir because of the potential for terrorist incidents as well as violent public unrest. A number of terrorist groups operate in the territory targeting security forces, particularly along the Line of Control (LOC) separating Indian and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir, and those stationed in primary tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. Since 1989, as many as 70,000 people (terrorists, security forces, and civilians) have been killed in the Kashmir conflict. Foreigners are particularly visible, vulnerable, and at risk. In the past, serious communal violence left the territory mostly paralyzed due to massive strikes and business shutdowns, and U.S. citizens have had to be evacuated by local police. The Indian government prohibits foreign tourists from visiting certain areas along the LOC (see the section on Restricted Areas, below).

India-Pakistan Border: The Department of State recommends that you avoid travel to areas within ten kilometers of the border between India and Pakistan. Both India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official India-Pakistan border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in the state of Punjab between Atari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan. The border crossing is usually open, but you are advised to confirm the current status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel. A Pakistani visa is required to enter Pakistan. Only U.S. citizens residing in India may apply for a Pakistani visa in India. Otherwise you should apply for a Pakistani visa in your country of residence before traveling to India.

Both India and Pakistan claim an area of the Karakoram mountain range that includes the Siachen glacier. Travel or mountain climbing in this area is highly dangerous. The disputed area includes the following peaks: Rimo Peak; Apsarasas I, II, and III; Tegam Kangri I, II and III; Suingri Kangri; Ghiant I and II; Indira Col; and Sia Kangri. Check with the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi for information on current conditions.

Northeastern states: Incidents of violence by ethnic insurgent groups, including bombings of buses, trains, rail lines, and markets, occur occasionally in the northeast. While U.S. citizens have not been specifically targeted, it is possible that you could be affected as a bystander. If you travel to the northeast, you should avoid travel by train at night, travel outside major cities at night, and crowds. U.S. government employees at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India are prohibited from traveling to the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur without permission from the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata. Restricted Area Permits are required for foreigners to visit certain Northeastern states (see the section on Restricted Areas, below.) Contact the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata for information on current conditions.

East Central and Southern India: Maoist extremist groups, or “Naxalites,” are active in East Central India primarily in rural areas. The Naxalites have a long history of conflict with state and national authorities, including frequent terrorist attacks on local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials, and are responsible for more attacks in the country than any other organization through an ongoing campaign of violence and intimidation Naxalites have not specifically targeted U.S. citizens but have attacked symbolic targets that have included Western companies and rail lines. While Naxalite violence does not normally occur in places frequented by foreigners, there is a risk that visitors could become victims of violence.

Naxalites are active in a large swath of India from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal, particularly in rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and on the borders of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. Due to the fluid nature of the threat, all U.S. government travelers to states with Naxalite activity must receive authorization from the U.S. Consulate responsible for the area to be visited. U.S. officials traveling only to the capital cities in these states do not need prior authorization.

Restricted/Protected areas: While the Indian Government has designated that travelers to “portions” of certain areas need special advance permission, actual practice has been to require a permit to enter any portion of certain states or territories. Areas requiring a permit include:

The state of Arunachal Pradesh
Portions of the state of Sikkim
Portions of the state of Himachal Pradesh near the Chinese border
Portions of the state of Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal) near the Chinese border
Portions of the state of Rajasthan near the Pakistani border
Portions of the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir near the Line of Control with Pakistan and certain portions of the union territory of Ladakh
The union territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands
The union territory of the Laccadives Islands (Lakshadweep)
Portions of the state of Manipur
Portions of the state of Mizoram
Portions of the state of Nagaland

More information about travel to/in restricted/protected areas can be found from India’s Bureau of Immigration .

“Restricted Area Permits" are available outside India at Indian embassies and consulates abroad, or in India from the Ministry of Home Affairs (Foreigners Division) at Jaisalmer House, 26 Man Singh Road, New Delhi. The states of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim maintain official guesthouses in New Delhi, which can also issue Restricted Area Permits for their respective states for certain travelers. While visiting Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) in Tamil Nadu, be aware the Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Center, Kalpakkam, is located just south of the site and is not clearly marked as a restricted and dangerous area.

For the latest security information, travelers should enroll in STEP to receive updated security information and regularly monitor travel information available from the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi as well as the U.S. Consulates General in Mumbai (Bombay), Chennai (Madras), Hyderabad , and Kolkata (Calcutta).

CRIME: Petty crime, especially theft of personal property (including U.S. passports), is common, particularly on trains or buses, at airports, and in major tourist areas. Pickpockets can be very adept and women have reported having their bags snatched, purse-straps cut, or the bottom of their purses slit without their knowledge. If you are traveling by train, lock your sleeping compartments and take your valuables with you when leaving your berth. If you travel by air, be careful with your bags in the arrival and departure areas outside airports. Violent crime, especially directed against foreigners, has traditionally been uncommon, although in recent years there has been a modest increase. Be cautious about displaying cash or expensive items to reduce the chance of being a target for robbery or other crime, and be aware of your surroundings when you use ATMs. ATM card scams have been used to clone credit card details to withdraw money.

Sexual Assault: Travelers should be aware that there have been reported cases of sexual assault, including rape, of U.S. citizens traveling throughout India. U.S. citizens, particularly women, are cautioned not to travel alone in India. Women traveling in India are advised to respect local dress and customs. Customary everyday dress for Indian women throughout the country is conservative, and even more so in non-urban areas, with women wearing clothing that covers their legs and shoulders. Exceptions are vacation resorts catering to foreign clientele and some neighborhoods of the major cities of New Delhi and Mumbai. Western women, especially those of African descent, continue to report incidents of verbal and physical harassment by individuals and groups of men. Known locally as “Eve-teasing,” these incidents of sexual harassment can be quite frightening and can quickly cross the line from verbal to physical. Sexual harassment can occur anytime or anywhere, but most frequently has happened in crowded areas such as in market places, train stations, buses, and public streets. The harassment can range from sexually suggestive or lewd comments to catcalls to outright groping. The Government of India has focused greater attention on addressing issues of gender violence. One outcome has been greater reporting of incidences of sexual assault country-wide, and Indian authorities report rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Among large cities, Delhi experienced the highest number of reported crimes against women. Although most victims have been local residents, recent sexual attacks against female visitors in tourist areas across India underline the fact that foreign women are at risk and should exercise vigilance.

Women should observe stringent security precautions, including avoiding use of public transport after dark without the company of known and trustworthy companions, restricting evening entertainment to well-known venues, and avoiding isolated areas when alone at any time of day. Keep your hotel room number confidential and make sure hotel room doors have chains, deadlocks, and peep holes. Travel with groups of friends rather than alone. In addition, only hire reliable cars and drivers and avoid traveling alone in hired taxis, especially at night. Use taxis from hotels and pre-paid taxis at airports rather than hailing them on the street. If you encounter threatening situations, call “100” for police assistance (“112” from mobile phones).

Scams: Major airports, train stations, popular restaurants, and tourist sites are often used by scam artists looking to prey on visitors, often by creating a distraction. Beware of taxi drivers and others, including train porters, who solicit travelers with "come-on" offers of cheap transportation and/or hotels. Travelers accepting such offers have frequently found themselves the victims of scams, including offers to assist with "necessary" transfers to the domestic airport, disproportionately expensive hotel rooms, unwanted "tours," unwelcome "purchases," extended cab rides, and even threats when the tourists decline to pay. There have been reports of tourists being lured, held hostage and extorted for money in the face of threats of violence against the traveler and his/her family members.

You should exercise care when hiring transportation and/or guides and use only well-known travel agents to book trips. Some scam artists have lured travelers by displaying their name on a sign when they leave the airport. Another popular scam is to drop money or to squirt something on the clothing of an unsuspecting traveler and use the distraction to rob them of their valuables. Tourists have also been given drugged drinks or tainted food to make them more vulnerable to theft, particularly at train stations. Even food or drink prepared in front of the traveler from a canteen or vendor could be tainted.

Some vendors sell carpets, jewelry, gemstones, or other expensive items that may not be of the quality promised. Deal only with reputable businesses and do not hand over your credit cards or money unless you are certain that goods being shipped are the goods you purchased. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it is best avoided. Most Indian states have official tourism bureaus set up to handle complaints.

There have been a number of other scams perpetrated against foreign travelers, particularly in Goa, Jaipur, and Agra that target younger travelers and involve suggestions that money can be made by privately transporting gems or gold (both of which can result in arrest) or by taking delivery abroad of expensive carpets, supposedly while avoiding customs duties. The scam artists describe profits that can be made upon delivery of the goods, and require the traveler to pay a "deposit" as part of the transaction.

India-based criminals use the internet to extort money from victims abroad. In a common scam, the victim develops a close romantic relationship with an alleged U.S. citizen they meet online. When the “friend” travels to India, a series of accidents occur and the victim begins to receive requests for financial assistance, sometimes through an intermediary. In fact, the U.S. citizen “friend” does not exist; they are only online personas used by criminal networks. Victims have been defrauded of thousands of dollars in these schemes. Do not send money to anyone you have not met in person and carefully read the Department of State’s advice on international financial scams .

U.S. citizens have had problems with business partners, usually involving property investments. You may wish to seek professional legal advice in reviewing any contracts for business or services offered in India. The U.S. Embassy and/or consulates are unable to provide legal advice or intervene on behalf of United States citizens with Indian courts on civil or criminal matters. A list of local attorneys is available on the Embassy and Consulates General websites .

In another common scam, family members in the United States, particularly older people, are approached for funds to help callers claiming to be grandchildren or relatives who have been arrested or are without money to return home. Do not send money without contacting the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General to confirm the other party’s situation. You can also call our Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 888-407-4747 (from overseas: 202-501-4444). Review our information on Emergency Assistance to Americans Abroad .

See the Department of State and the FBI pages for more information on scams.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should first contact the local police, then inform the U.S. Embassy or local Consulate.

Report crimes to the local police by calling “100” or “112” from a mobile phone.

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

help you find appropriate medical care
assist you in reporting a crime to the police
contact relatives or friends with your written consent
explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
provide a list of local attorneys
provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
replace a stolen or lost passport

Please note that you should ask for a copy of the police report, known as a “First Information Report” (FIR), from local police when you report an incident. Local authorities generally are unable to take any meaningful action without the filing of a police report.

If your passport is stolen, you should immediately report the theft or loss to the police in the location where your passport was stolen. A FIR is required by the Indian government in order for you to obtain an exit visa to leave India if the lost passport contained your Indian visa. Although the Embassy or Consulate General is able to replace a stolen or lost passport, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) are responsible for approving an exit permit. This process usually takes three to four working days, but can take longer.

In cases of sexual assault or rape, the Embassy or Consulates General can provide a list of local doctors and hospitals, if needed, to determine if you have been injured and to discuss treatment and prevention options for diseases and pregnancy. You should be aware that in order for evidence of an assault to be submitted in a court case, Indian authorities require that the medical exam be completed at a government hospital. Therefore, if a victim goes to a private hospital for treatment, the hospital will refer them to a government hospital for this aspect of the medical process.

There are a number of resources in India for victims of rape and sexual assault. The specific toll-free Women’s Helpline Service number in Delhi is 1091; in Mumbai it is 103; in Kolkata, 1090; in Chennai, 1091 or 2345-2365; and in Hyderabad one can dial 1-800-425-2908 or 1098 for crimes in general.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in India is “100.” An additional emergency number, “112,” can be accessed from mobile phones.

Please see our information for victims of crime , including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

Furthermore, some activities are crimes under U.S. law and can be prosecuted in the U.S. regardless of whether they are allowed under local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Alcohol: Each of India’s states has independent regulations concerning alcohol purchase and consumption. Legal drinking ages range from 18 to 25 and can vary by beverage type. Some states permit alcohol use for medicinal purposes only, others require you to hold a permit to buy, transport, or consume alcohol. Penalties for violation can be harsh.

Drugs: Several U.S. citizens have been arrested at Indian airports for attempting to smuggle illegal drugs from India. All claimed that they did not realize they were carrying narcotics. Never transport or mail packages that do not belong to you and maintain direct control of your luggage at all times.

Beef and Cow Hide: Several states in India impose various types of prohibition on beef. In some rural areas, cow protection vigilantes have attacked people they suspected of selling or consuming beef, or possessing items made with cow hide.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:

Dual nationality: India does not permit its citizens to hold dual nationality. In 2006, India launched the "Overseas Citizens of India" (OCI) program, which does not grant Indian citizenship but is similar to a U.S. "green card" in that you can travel to and from India indefinitely, work in India, study in India, and own property in India (except for certain agricultural and plantation properties). If you are a U.S. citizen and obtain an OCI card you will not become a citizen of India; you will remain a citizen of the United States. An OCI card holder does not receive an Indian passport, cannot vote in Indian elections, and is not eligible for Indian government employment. The OCI program is similar to the Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) card except that PIO holders must still register with Indian immigration authorities, and PIO cards are not issued for an indefinite period. U.S. citizens of Indian descent can apply for PIO or OCI cards at the Indian Embassy in Washington, or at the Indian Consulates in Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Atlanta, and Houston. Inside India, U.S. citizens can apply at the nearest FRRO office (please see “Entry/Exit Requirements” section above for more information on the FRRO). U.S. citizens are required to travel on a U.S. passport when traveling in and out of the United States.

Religious activities and faith-based travelers: See the Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report . If you plan to engage in religious proselytizing you are required by Indian law to have a "missionary" visa. Immigration authorities have determined that certain activities, including speaking at religious meetings to which the general public is invited, may violate immigration law if the traveler does not hold a missionary visa. Foreigners with tourist visas who engage in missionary activity are subject to deportation and possible criminal prosecution. The states of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh have legislation that regulates or places restrictions on conversion from one religious faith to another. If you intend to engage in missionary activity, you may wish to seek legal advice to determine whether the activities you intend to pursue are permitted under Indian law.

Tourists should also be mindful of restrictions and observances when planning to visit any religious establishment, whether Hindu temples, mosques, churches, or other locations considered sacred by the local population. Many individual temples and mosques do not permit non-members to enter all or parts of the facilities, and may require the removal of shoes, the covering of the head, or have other specific requirements for appropriate attire.

Customs restrictions: Before traveling to or from India, you are urged to inspect all bags and clothing thoroughly to ensure they do not inadvertently contain prohibited items. Several U.S. citizens have been arrested or detained when airport security officials discovered loose ammunition (even spent individual bullets and casings) or weapons in their luggage. If you are found to have loose ammunition or bullets (including empty bullet shells used in souvenirs) on your person or in your bags, you could be charged with violation of the Indian Arms Act, incarcerated, and/or deported from India.

In addition, U.S. citizens have been arrested for possession of satellite phones. Satellite phones, personal locator beacons, and hand-held GPS devices are illegal in India.

Indian customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from India of such items as, antiquities, electronic equipment, currency, ivory, gold objects, and other prohibited materials. Permission from the Government of India is required to bring in restricted items, even if you are only transiting through India. If you do not comply with these regulations, you risk arrest or fine or both and confiscation of these items. If you are charged with any legal violations by Indian law enforcement, have an attorney review any document before you sign it. The Government of India requires the registration of antique items with the local police along with a photograph of the item. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of India in Washington or one of India's consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements. More information is available from the Indian Central Board of Excise and Customs .

Indian customs authorities encourage the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) Carnet for the temporary admission of professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes. ATA Carnet Headquarters, located at the U.S. Council for International Business , 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, issues and guarantees the ATA Carnet in the United States. For additional information call (212) 354-4480, or email USCIB for details. Please see our section on Customs Information for more information.

Natural disaster threats: Parts of northern India are highly susceptible to earthquakes. Regions of highest risk, ranked 5 on a scale of 1 to 5, include areas around Srinagar, Himachal Pradesh, Rishikesh and Dehra Dun, the northern parts of Punjab, northwest Gujarat, northern Bihar, and the entire northeast. Ranked 4 (high damage risk) is an area that sweeps along the north through Jammu and Kashmir, Eastern Punjab, Haryana, Northern Uttar Pradesh, central Bihar and the northern parts of West Bengal. New Delhi is located in zone 4. Severe flooding is common in hilly and mountainous areas throughout India. Flooding in 2013 in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and other areas left thousands of people presumed dead and temporarily stranded dozens of U.S. citizens.

Typhoons/cyclones and subsequent flooding are common along the Indian coasts, in particular the Eastern coastal states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal, and have at times resulted in massive loss of life. Tourists and residents in areas prone to these events should remain vigilant during severe weather, monitor local media for latest developments, and heed all municipal warnings. Residents in these areas should have contingency plans for loss of power and inavailability of goods and services, including supplies for multiple days after a severe weather event.

Accessibility: While in India, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different than what you find in the United States. Despite legislation that all public buildings and transport be accessible for disabled people, accessibility remains limited. One notable exception is the Delhi metro system, designed to be accessible to those with physical disabilities.

Women Travelers: Please review our travel tips for Women Travelers .

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

LGBTQI+ Travelers: Section 377 of India’s penal code makes same-sex sexual acts illegal in India. On September 6, 2018, the Supreme Court of India declared unconstitutional the application of Section 377, barring discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, effectively legalizing homosexuality in India. Reports of widespread discrimination and violence against LGBTQI+ persons, particularly in rural areas, persist. See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Zika is present in India. See the Centers for Disease Control’s website for more information.

The quality of medical care in India varies considerably. Medical care in the major population centers approaches and occasionally meets Western standards, but adequate medical care is usually very limited or unavailable in rural areas.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance (our webpage) to cover medical evacuation.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of India to ensure the medication is legal in India. Always, carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If you are arriving in India from Sub-Saharan Africa or other yellow-fever areas, Indian health regulations require that you present evidence of vaccination against yellow fever. If you do not have such proof, you could be subjected to immediate deportation or a six-day detention in the yellow-fever quarantine center. If you transit through any part of sub-Saharan Africa, even for one day, you are advised to carry proof of yellow fever immunization.

Dogs and bats create a high risk of rabies transmission in most of India. Vaccination is recommended for all prolonged stays, especially for young children and travelers in rural areas. It is also recommended for shorter stays that involve occupational exposure, locations more than 24 hours from a reliable source of human rabies immune globulin and rabies vaccine for post-exposure treatment, adventure travelers, hikers, cave explorers, and backpackers. Monkeys also can transmit rabies and herpes B, among other diseases, to human victims. Avoid feeding monkeys. If bitten, you should immediately soak and scrub the bite for at least 15 minutes and seek urgent medical attention.

Influenza is transmitted from November to April in areas north of the Tropic of Cancer (north India), and from June through November (the rainy season) in areas south of the Tropic of Cancer (south India), with a smaller peak from February through April; off-season transmission can also occur. All travelers are at risk. Influenza vaccine is recommended for all travelers during the flu season.

Outbreaks of avian influenza (H5N1 virus) occur intermittently in eastern India, including West Bengal, Manipur, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Assam. For further information on pandemic influenza, please refer to the Department of State's 2009-H1N1, Pandemic Influenza, and H5N1 Fact Sheet .

Malaria prophylaxis depends on time of year and area the traveler is visiting. Please consult the CDC website for more information. Dengue fever presents significant risk in urban and rural areas. The highest number of cases is reported from July to December, with cases peaking from September to October. Daytime insect precautions such as wearing long-sleeved shirts and mosquito repellent are recommended by the CDC.

Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in India. For further information, please consult the CDC’s Travel Notice on TB .

Further health information:

World Health Organization
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in India, and you should consult your doctor prior to travel and consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you. The air quality in India varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons. It is typically at its worst in the winter. Anyone who travels where pollution levels are high is at risk. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include:

Infants, children, and teens
People over 65 years of age
People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema;
People with heart disease or diabetes
People who work or are active outdoors

Current air quality data can be found on the Embassy’s Air Quality page . The data on this site are updated hourly.

Rh-negative blood may be difficult to obtain as it is not common in Asia.

For emergency services, dial 112 from a cell phone; from a land line, dial 100 for police, 102 for ambulance (108 in parts of South India), and 101 for fire. Ambulances are not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment, and traffic does not yield to emergency vehicles. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance. Most hospitals require advance payment or confirmation of insurance prior to treatment. Payment practices vary and credit cards are not routinely accepted for medical care.

Medical Tourism: Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. Companies offering vacation packages bundled with medical consultations and financing options provide direct-to-consumer advertising over the internet. Such medical packages often claim to provide high quality care, but the quality of health care in India is highly variable. People seeking health care in India should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and refer to the information from the CDC . Persons traveling to India for medical purposes require the proper “medical” visa. Please check with the nearest Indian embassy or consulate for more information.

Despite reports of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in hospitals, in general travelers should not delay or avoid treatment for urgent or emergent medical situations. However, health tourists and other travelers who may be contemplating elective procedures in this country should carefully research individual hospital infection control practices.

Surrogacy: Commercial surrogacy is illegal for foreigners in India, subject to complex local regulation. For additional information, visit the Government of India’s official information on foreigner surrogacy .

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in India maintain lists of local doctors and hospitals, all of which are published on their respective websites under "U.S. Citizen Services." We cannot endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Travel by road in India is dangerous. India leads the world in traffic-related deaths and a number of U.S. citizens have suffered fatal traffic accidents in recent years. You should exercise extreme caution when crossing streets, even in marked pedestrian areas, and try to use only cars that have seatbelts. Seatbelts are not common in three-wheel taxis (autos) and in taxis’ back seats. Helmets should always be worn on motorcycles and bicycles.Travel at night is particularly hazardous.

On Indian roads, the safest driving policy is always to assume that other drivers will not respond to a traffic situation in the same way you would in the United States. Buses and trucks often run red lights and merge directly into traffic at yield points and traffic circles. Cars, autos, bicycles, and pedestrians behave only slightly more cautiously. Use your horn or flash your headlights frequently to announce your presence. It is both customary and wise.

Inside and outside major cities, roads are often poorly maintained and congested. Even main roads frequently have only two lanes, with poor visibility and inadequate warning markers. On the few divided highways one can expect to meet local transportation traveling in the wrong direction, often without lights. Heavy traffic is the norm and includes (but is not limited to) overloaded trucks and buses, scooters, pedestrians, bullock and camel carts, horse or elephant riders en route to weddings, bicycles, and free-roaming livestock.

Public Transportation: Buses, patronized by hundreds of millions of Indians, are convenient in that they serve almost every city of any size. However, they are often driven fast, recklessly, and without consideration for the rules of the road. Accidents are quite common.

Traffic Laws: Traffic in India moves on the left. It is important to be alert while crossing streets and intersections, especially after dark as traffic is coming in the "wrong" direction. Travelers should remember to use seatbelts in both rear and front seats where available, and to ask their drivers to maintain a safe speed.

In order to drive in India, you must have either a valid Indian driver’s license or a valid international driver’s license. Because of difficult road and traffic conditions, you may wish to consider hiring a local driver.

If a driver hits a pedestrian or a cow, the vehicle and its occupants are at risk of being attacked by passersby. Such attacks pose significant risk of injury or death to the vehicle's occupants or risk of incineration of the vehicle. It could be unsafe to remain at the scene of an accident of this nature, and drivers may instead wish to seek out the nearest police station. Protestors often use road blockage as a means of publicizing their grievances, causing severe inconvenience to travelers. Visitors should monitor local news reports for any reports of road disturbances.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

Emergency Numbers: The following emergency numbers work in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata:

Fire Brigade 101
Ambulance 102

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of India’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of India’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page . Travelers are urged to use caution while booking private helicopters for travel, especially in the northeast.

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See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips.

India was cited in the State Department’s 2023 Annual Report to Congress on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with respect to international parental child abduction. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in India . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Canada issues second advisory for its citizens travelling to India, asks them to be vigilant

NEW DELHI: Canada has issued a second advisory (within a span of a week) for its citizens travelling to India.

"In the context of recent developments in Canada and in India, there are calls for protests and some negative sentiment towards Canada on social media. Please remain vigilant and exercise caution," the Canadian government said in an update on Sunday.

Tensions flared between India and Canada following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's explosive allegations of a "potential" involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, 45, on his country's soil on June 18 in British Columbia.

India had designated Nijjar as a terrorist in 2020.

India angrily rejected the allegations as "absurd" and "motivated" and expelled a senior Canadian diplomat in a tit-for-tat move to Ottawa's expulsion of an Indian official over the case.

Canada has asked its citizens to be extremely vigilant and exercise a great degree of caution in India due to the threat of terrorist attacks throughout the country. "Avoid non-essential travel to Assam and Manipur due to risk of terrorism and insurgency and avoid all travel to Jammu and Kashmir due to unpredictability, civil unrest, kidnapping,’’ the advisory reads. It excludes advisory to Ladakh.

The advisory also says that Canadian citizens should avoid all travel to areas within 10 km of the border with Pakistan which includes the states of Gujarat, Punjab and Rajasthan due to the presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance. The advisory excludes the Wagah border crossing.

"The level of tension between India and Pakistan may change suddenly. You could experience difficulties when travelling between the two countries. You may be subject to scrutiny if officials from either country become aware that you have recently travelled to the other," it says.

"The security situation along the border with Pakistan, especially along the Line of Control (LoC), which separates the Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh from Pakistan-administered Kashmir, remains volatile. Cross-border gunfire and shelling are occurring sporadically along the LoC. The presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance also constitute a risk. Although international travellers regularly use the Wagah border crossing linking Amritsar, India, to Lahore, Pakistan, it remains vulnerable to attack. Security measures are in place. You may experience long delays,’’ it states.

ALSO READ | Canada puts itself in a spot after honouring Nazi veteran in Parliament, Speaker apologises

They have also cautioned travellers from going into Naxalite areas like Chattisgarh and Telangana.

The advisory also says (for Jammu and Kashmir) that since there are violent clashes between militants and security forces, avoid gatherings and demonstrations, and always carry an ID.

"In the context of recent developments in Canada and in India, there are calls for protests and some negative sentiments towards Canada on social media, please remain vigilant and exercise caution,’’ the advisory reads.

There is a special word of caution for women as they say foreign women are the target of unwanted attention and crimes committed against women are frequent in India. There is a special word of caution for women visiting Goa and Delhi and in Yoga centres and spiritual retreats.

There is also special mention of road conditions and road safety – which are poorly maintained and lead to traffic congestion.

``Drivers do not respect traffic laws, they are aggressive and reckless. Driving is hazardous due to the presence of livestock and fatal road accidents can lead to mob anger and assault.’

READ MORE | Trudeau repeats allegations, says he's not looking to 'provoke', urges India to work with Canada to uncover truth’

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Canada and India have issued advisories for travel to each other. Here's why

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Canada has just updated its advisory for travellers to India — but India has also released an advisory for its citizens who travel to the great white north.

According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, there has been a " sharp increase in incidents of hate crimes , sectarian violence and anti-India activities in Canada" and people travelling to the country should exercise caution.

The crimes have been discussed with the Canadian authorities but the perpetrators have not been brought to justice, said the Indian government.

But the head of a Sikh group based in Mississauga, Ontario, said the allegations in the advisory are directed at peaceful Sikh political activism in Canada and are baseless.

Balpreet Singh, a spokesman for the World Sikh Organization, said the statement is "completely political" and there is no evidence of any rise in sectarian violence or extremism targeting Indian nationals or students in Canada.

He said a Hindu temple was vandalized with graffiti in Toronto last week, but police there have so far not linked that incident to "anti-India activities."

Canada updates its travel advisory for India

On Oct. 1, the Canadian government updated its advice for travellers headed to India. Tourists should exercise a high degree of caution in India due to the "threat of terrorist attacks throughout the country."

There are parts of India that should be completely avoided, however. Parts of Northeastern India, including Assam and Manipur, should be avoided for all non-essential travel due to terrorism and insurgency.

The advisory notes that all travel should be avoided in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir due to the unpredictable security situation that includes a threat of terrorism, militancy, civil unrest, and kidnapping. The advisory does not apply to people "travelling to or within the Union Territory of Ladakh," however.

Due to an "unpredictable security situation, presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance," travellers should also avoid all travel to areas within 10 km of the Pakistan border in the following states: Gujarat, Punjab, and Rajasthan. The advisory excludes the Wagah border crossing.

There is a threat of terrorism across India, mostly from Maoist extremist insurgents, known as Naxalites. The groups are typically based in "rural and forested areas within zones," according to the advisory.

Other crimes, such as pick-pocketing and ATM fraud, are also common in the country. Find out more information on how to stay safe with Canada's India travel advisory .

With files from the Canadian Press.

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Canada updates travel advisory to India

By Emma Crawford

Posted September 25, 2023 12:51 pm.

Canadians travelling to India are advised to exercise “a high degree of caution” due to the “threat of terrorist attacks throughout the country.”

The Canadian government updated the travel advisory Sunday due to growing anti-Canada sentiment in that country, which comes after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said there is credible evidence India was behind the fatal shooting of a Sikh leader in Surrey.

“In the context of recent developments in Canada and in India, there are calls for protests and some negative sentiment towards Canada on social media,” the travel advisory says.

“Please remain vigilant and exercise caution.”

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Advisory for Indian Nationals and Indian Students in Canada

September 20, 2023

In view of growing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence in Canada, all Indian nationals there and those contemplating travel are urged to exercise utmost caution. Recently, threats have particularly targeted Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community who oppose the anti-India agenda. Indian nationals are therefore advised to avoid travelling to regions and potential venues in Canada that have seen such incidents. Our High Commission/Consulates General will continue to be in contact with the Canadian authorities to ensure the safety and well being of the Indian community in Canada. Given the deteriorating security environment in Canada, Indian students in particular are advised to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant. Indian nationals and students from India in Canada must also register with the High Commission of India in Ottawa or Consulates General of India in Toronto and Vancouver through their respective websites, or the MADAD portal madad.gov.in. Registration would enable the High Commission and the Consulates General to better connect with Indian citizens in Canada in the event of any emergency or untoward incident. New Delhi September 20, 2023

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Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau greets people at the Khalsa Day parade, an event that celebrates the Sikh new year, at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto on Sunday in April 2017.

Mark Blinch / The Canadian Press /File photo
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The Indian government has issued a safety advisory to its citizens and foreign students in Canada, warning about what it describes as an increased risk of hate crimes, sectarian violence and anti-India activities.

Indian government website

The travel advisory was issued as a warning to Indian citizens and foreign students in Canada about “a sharp increase in incidents of hate crimes, sectarian violence and anti-India activities in Canada.”

A critical or contextual examination of a topical issue based on factual reporting.

Why India’s Canadian travel advisory was really a diplomatic shot across the bow

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India issued a diplomatic shot across Canada’s bow Friday and disguised it as a travel advisory.

It was a confusing and strangely vague travel advisory — particularly for those who haven’t been paying attention to the Canada-India relationship.

Which is precisely the point that New Delhi was trying to make: that Canada, and particularly Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, is paying no heed to India’s very serious concerns

Concerns that are chiefly to do with the Sikh separatist movement in this country and the lingering, simmering frustration that it has developed into a political force too great for any politician to challenge or defy.

“From a Canadian politician’s point of view, a riding is more important than relations with India,” Vishnu Prakash, a former Indian High Commissioner to Canada, told the Star .

A calculation that Indians can understand, even if they are, in Prakash’s estimation, fed up with their national unity and national security concerns being ignored in Ottawa.

The language employed by Indian diplomats was that which one might expect to be used more to describe Iraq, Libya or Afghanistan.

Indian citizens in Canada should “exercise due caution and be vigilant,” the advisory continued.

“The perpetrators of these crimes have not been brought to justice so far in Canada.”

Neither the Indian government nor the High Commission in Ottawa would explain, but it appears that the “crimes” referred are not multiple, but singular — a solitary, as-yet-unsolved, crime.

At 6:57 a.m. on Sept. 14, Toronto police received a call about graffiti that had been discovered at the front gates of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Hindu Temple in on Clairville Drive in Etobicoke.

Social media accounts have posted video showing the words “Hindustan Murdabad” (meaning “Death to Hindustan”) sprayed in orange paint on two white columns at the temple’s entrance. On a plaque out front someone had sprayed a phrase that hinted at a possible motive: “Khalistan Zindabad” (meaning “Long live Khalistan”).

Khalistan is how Sikhs separatists refer to the homeland they want to establish in Punjab — one that would be politically separate from India.

The following day, temple officials issued a statement saying that they were “shocked and saddened by anti-India graffiti at the gates” of the temple — an act they attributed to “anti-social elements.”

“The BAPS temple in Toronto, like all temples of BAPS worldwide, is an abode of peace, harmony, equality, selfless service, and universal Hindu values,” the statement read.

“We are thankful to the appropriate authorities, including the governments of India and Canada, for their continued support and sympathy.”

Toronto Police Const. Sinderela Chung said that any incidents involving the desecration of religious sites of worship are automatically flagged to the force’s Hate Crimes Unit for tracking and followup investigation if necessary.

She said the police are still investigating the graffiti at the Hindu temple but conveyed the conclusion of Toronto’s Hate Crimes Unit that it “has not seen a notable trend in hate crimes against people of Indian/South Asian descent.”

With a shadow cast over the claims of a hate-crime increase — at least in Toronto — we move to the next possible source of the Indian government’s grievances: a vote.

Last Sunday, an estimated 100,000 people turned out at Brampton’s Gore Meadows Community Centre to vote in a referendum on whether the state of Punjab, where Sikhs are the majority, should separate from India.

It wasn’t a real referendum, in the sense that it was not organized by the government of India and its results will not be legally binding.

It was more an expression of will.

The vote was organized by Sikhs for Justice, an organization that calls itself a human rights group but is considered by the Indian government to be a terrorist organization. It was overseen by the Punjab Referendum Commission, a panel of independent political experts based not in Punjab or India, but in Arlington, Va.

The referendum votes, which have already been held in London, England and in Brescia, Italy, may be illegitimate in the eyes of the Indian government, but they are nonetheless a major source of frustration.

An Indian foreign ministry spokesperson referred to the Brampton referendum in comments this week as a “farcical exercise held by extremists and radical elements” and admitted that India had requested Canadian officials intervene to stop the vote from being held.

“India has consistently tried to marginalize and silence voices that support Khalistan. One of the talking points that India has used is that this is a fringe movement not supported by the Sikh community and that those individuals who show up at Sikh parades or at gurudwaras ... are extremists and fringe,” said Balpreet Singh, legal counsel and spokesperson for the World Sikh Organization of Canada.

But Singh, whose organization was not involved in the planning of the referendum vote, said the turnout was both a strong display of support for the creation of an independent Sikh homeland and a rebuff to those who say that Sikh separatists are a radical minority of the total population.

And as proof, he pointed to an article published in the Times of India by a pro-India protester who showed up at the Brampton community centre.

Devanshu Narang said that a wide cross section of the Sikh community showed up for the referendum in Brampton and “there is no denying the fact that the event was far, far beyond the fringe.”

He wrote “people came in droves from everywhere and were of all age groups — young, old, very old in wheelchairs, children, men and women and from various parts of Ontario.”

Narang went on to say “for any person who stands up for a cause of united India, it was a depressing sight indeed.”

Narang wrote that he was “heckled, abused and called names” by people lined up to vote. “Many slurs were thrown at me by passersby ... but the volunteers moderated them and asked them to allow me to continue protesting in peace.”

He went on to say: “the volunteers ensured that no one came near me and the moment the general public started abusing me, they tried to intervene,” and added, “the volunteers even offered me langar (traditional Sikh) food that they were eating and as they too are our brothers, even though misguided, I thanked them for the same and ate standing there.”

In the absence of other specific incidences of hate crimes and sectarian violence, one must wonder whether the Indian travel advisory was not so much a warning to travelling citizens and students, but to the Canadian government and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in particular.

That was the conclusion of Prakash, who was India’s high commissioner in Ottawa in 2015 and 2016.

“Khalistani elements are looking more emboldened with the Trudeau regime. Now they have a double advantage because you have Mr. Trudeau who is generally seen as friendly and well disposed toward the community,” he said.

“But also it’s a government in minority and they are leaning on the NDP for support and the colourful Mr. Jagmeet Singh does not hide his Khalistani leanings at all.”

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, who is Sikh and has advocated in the past for Canada to recognize that Sikhs in India were victims of a genocide in the 1980s, has said that he supports the right of individuals to debate and advocate for sovereignty, whether in India, Spain, Scotland or Quebec.

“But because I am a federal leader in Canada, my position in Canada is for a united Canada,” he told CTV in 2018.

“But around the world it’s not my place to say whether Scotland should or should not vote for independence, whether that applies to Catalonia or to India, these are decisions made by the people who are in these communities and it’s up to them to decide.”

India’s beef with Trudeau goes back to at least 2017, when he was prime minister and attended a Khalsa Day rally with Sikhs at Toronto’s Nathan Philips Square.

At the rally there were flags and signs displaying support for Punjab’s independence but also posters glorifying Sikh militants as martyrs.

The Hindu newspaper reported on May 15, 2017, that one of those posters bore the image of Talwinder Singh Parmar, who was recognized as being responsible for terrorist bombings, including that of Air India flight 182 in 1985, which killed 329 passengers and was Canada’s deadliest terrorist attack. However, Balpreet Singh, of the World Sikh Organization of Canada, said that account is “not true.”

“No Parmar posters were displayed,” he said.

When Trudeau travelled to India in 2018 and visited the state of Punjab, he was reportedly handed a list of nine individuals in Canada — Brampton, Hamilton, Toronto and Surrey, B.C. — but Prakash said Canada has shown no willingness to crack down on Sikh militants.

“If I were to put myself in a (Canadian) politician’s shoes perhaps that makes sense to me,” Prakash said.

But it doesn’t lessen the sense of disappointment in New Delhi.

“I know for a fact that at the highest echelons of governance in India there is a lot of interest and goodwill. But it is frustrating when you get a sense that anti-India elements have been given a safe ride and safe haven,” Prakash said.

“We have tried to remain calm, but some kind of soul searching needs to be done.”

Clarification — Oct. 3, 2022 : This story has been edited to include additional comments from Devanshu Narang’s letter to the Times of India, that clarify that he saw a wide section of the Sikh community at the referendum vote in Brampton and that in his view the vote was far from a “fringe” event.

Allan Woods is a Paris-based staff reporter for the Star. He covers global and national affairs. Follow him on Twitter: @WoodsAllan .

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India warns travellers to Canada of 'politically-condoned' violence as diplomatic row worsens

Prime minister trudeau linked death of sikh activist to 'agents of the indian government'.

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Citing concerns about "politically-condoned" hate crimes and violence, India warned its citizens Wednesday to exercise the "utmost caution" when travelling in Canada.

India's new travel advisory for "Indian nationals and Indian students in Canada" warns that "threats have particularly targeted Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community."

"In view of growing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence in Canada, all Indian nationals there and those contemplating travel are urged to exercise utmost caution," the advisory says.

The foreign ministry in New Delhi issued the updated travel advisory Wednesday, just days after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told Parliament that Canada's national security apparatus has reason to believe that "agents of the Indian government" carried out the killing of a Canadian citizen at a Sikh temple in British Columbia in June.

"Canadian security agencies have been actively pursuing credible allegations of a potential link between agents of the government of India and the killing of a Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar," Trudeau said.

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Nijjar, 45, was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, B.C., on June 18. A leader in the Sikh diaspora in Canada, Nijjar had been active in a group supporting the push for an independent Sikh homeland in northern India called Khalistan.

Nijjar had been branded a "terrorist" by the Indian government and accused of leading a militant separatist group — something his supporters have denied.

Indian officials called Trudeau's allegations "absurd" and "unsubstantiated" and summoned Canada's High Commissioner to India to inform him that a senior Canadian diplomat had been kicked out of India and given five days to leave.

The Indian foreign ministry said it will remain in contact with Canadian authorities to ensure the safety of Indian communities in Canada. It warned that "students in particular are advised to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant."

A man in a suit walks in the sun and points.

Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Sean Fraser said Wednesday that he would not comment on the specifics of the probe into Nijjar's death because he does not want to compromise any investigations.

He said Canadians should have faith in the security services' ability to investigate the death. "It's important that if we believe in justice ... we believe in the process that gets us there," he said.

"I am sure there are good reasons not to share details that may ground such extraordinary allegations because protecting the process of getting to a just result is extremely important," Fraser said.

Speaking on his way into the Liberal caucus meeting Wednesday morning, MP Marcus Powlowski, who represents the riding of Thunder Bay—Rainy River, said India's travel advice "sounds like a joke."

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Marc Serré, the Liberal MP for the Northern Ontario riding of Nickel Belt, said India can do what it wants with its travel advisories but Canada has to stand by its citizens.

"There's a lot of individuals here, even in Northern Ontario, Sudbury, the students, they are concerned with the Indian government, they are concerned with what's going on and I think we as Canadians, we have to stand together with them," he said.

Consequences of rising tension with India

While in New York City for the UN General Assembly, Trudeau spoke about India at every bilateral meeting he attended with other world leaders, including EU President Ursula von der Leyen and leaders from Chile, Kenya, Italy and Germany.

Also in New York on Wednesday, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the accusations coming from Canada are "concerning."

"We have been monitoring these developments with partners closely, we will continue to do so, and will confirm that we have raised our concerns with India," she said.

Wong also said that "Australia's principle position is that we believe the sovereignty of all countries should be respected."

with files from The Associated Press

A 'tit for tat' move? Canada’s travel advisory for India explained

The Canadian government has asked its nationals to avoid travelling to Gujarat, Rajasthan and Punjab. The advisory comes a week after India cautioned its citizens flying to Canada citing a ‘sharp increase in incidents of hate crime, sectarian violence, and anti-India activities’

Canada has asked its citizens to avoid travelling to “areas within 10 km of the border with Pakistan” in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Punjab.

The North American country’s travel advisory for these three states comes a week after India cautioned its nationals flying to Canada to remain vigilant citing “sharp increase in incidents of hate crime, sectarian violence, and anti-India activities”.

After some media reports claimed it was a ‘tit for tat’ move by Ottawa, the Canadian High Commission clarified that no new updates have been made to the ‘risk level’ and ‘safety and security’ sections of the travel advisory for India, reported The Hindu .

What does Canada’s travel advisory say? Why has India cautioned its nationals visiting the North American nation?

Let’s understand in detail:

Canada’s travel advisory

Citing the “presence of landmines” and “unpredictable security situation”, Canada instructed its nationals to steer clear of the areas bordering Pakistan in the abovementioned Indian states.

“Avoid all travel to areas within 10 km of the border with Pakistan in the following states due to the unpredictable security situation and presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance: Gujarat, Punjab Rajasthan,” ANI cited the advisory, which was updated on 27 September.

However, it excluded the Wagah border crossing in Punjab.

The Canadian citizens have been asked to avoid all travel to Jammu and Kashmir because of the “threat of terrorism, militancy, civil unrest and kidnapping”.

Warning about the alleged “threat of terrorist attacks” across India, the Justin Trudeau-led government urged its citizens to “exercise a high degree of caution” in the South Asian nation.

Moreover, Canadian nationals have been recommended to avoid unnecessary travel to Assam and Manipur “due to the risk of terrorism and insurgency”.

Canada’s clarification

Canada says the travel advisory for its citizens to avoid going to Gujarat, Punjab and Rajasthan has “not been recently updated and has been in place for a long period of time,” Times of India reported.

“The information in the ‘risk level’ and ‘safety and security’ sections of the travel advisory has not been recently updated and has been in place for a long period of time, and publicly available,” a High Commission of Canada spokesperson was quoted as saying by The Hindu.

Further, the commission explained that its recent update was regarding only the ‘health’ section.

“The update made on 27 September was related only to the ‘health’ section and more specifically to the ‘COVID-19 and international travel’ and ‘Monkeypox: Advice for travellers’ sub-sections,” the spokesperson said, as per The Hindu.

What was MEA’s advisory?

On 23 September, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued an advisory cautioning its nationals moving to Canada.

“In view of the increasing incidences of crimes as described above, Indian nationals and students from India in Canada and those proceeding to Canada for travel/ education are advised to exercise due caution and remain vigilant,” the Indian government’s advisory stated.

The MEA said it has raised the incidents of “hate crimes, sectarian violence and anti-India activities” with Canada and asked for a probe and appropriate action.

“The perpetrators of these crimes have not been brought to justice so far in Canada,” the ministry added.

Advisory for Indian Nationals and Students from India in Canada https://t.co/dOrqyY7FgN pic.twitter.com/M0TDfTgvrG — Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) September 23, 2022

The central government also asked its nationals in Canada to register with the Indian mission in Ottawa or consulates in Toronto and Vancouver, saying it would “enable the high commission and the consulates general to better connect with Indian citizens in Canada in the event of any requirement or emergency.”

Tension between India and Canada

The tensions between India and Canada have increased in the wake of an online “referendum” for Khalistan.

The so-called referendum was organised by the pro-Khalistani group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) in Canada’s Brampton on 19 September. Holding the Khalistan flag, the Canadian Sikhs raised anti-India slogans and chanted “Khalistan Zindabad”, reports ThePrint .

ALSO READ : From vandalism of Hindu temple to Khalistan referendum: The growing pro-Khalistan sentiment in Canada

Responding to the referendum, India termed it a “farcical exercise” by “extremist and radical elements”.

India also escalated the matter to Canadian authorities, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said on 22 September.

Earlier this month, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto was defaced with “anti-India” graffiti, PTI reported.

The High Commission of India in Ottawa condemned the attack and called for an investigation into the matter.

“We are deeply anguished by this hate crime that seeks to terrorize the Indian community. It has led to increased concern and insecurity in the Indian community here. We have approached the Canadian government to investigate and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice swiftly,” the Indian commission tweeted.

As per ThePrint sources, MEA’s recent travel advisory, which was issued after “anti-India” incidents in the North American nation, was a signal to the Trudeau government for their “lackadaisical approach” towards New Delhi’s continuous requests to “tame” the Khalistani elements that have “given rise to gangsterism”.

The caution note was a “loud and clear” message to Canada which keeps on “relying heavily on these elements for vote bank politics,” sources told ThePrint .

With inputs from agencies

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Travel advisory: India urges citizens, international students to be 'cautious' in Canada

The government of India is advising Indian nationals and students living in Canada to be cautious amid what it calls "growing anti-India activities" in the country.

The travel advisory is the latest development in rising tensions between the two countries following allegations from Ottawa that India's government may have been involved in the killing of a Sikh separatist leader.

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In its advisory, the Indian government warned its citizens of what it described as "growing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence."

“Given the deteriorating security environment in Canada, Indian students in particular are advised to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant,” read the statement.

The relations between Canada and India have been on a decline since a Sikh separatist activist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, was killed on Canadian soil in June. Nijjar was gunned down by two masked men in the parking lot of a Sikh temple in Surrey, B.C., where he served as president.

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The case remains under investigation by B.C.'s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged India to investigate allegations that New Delhi was involved in the assassination .

India fired back, through a statement, that the allegations were "absurd and motivated."

Besides denying any connection to Nijjar's death, allegations which Trudeau has described as credible, the South Asian country said Canada was trying to shift the focus from Sikh independence, or Khalistan, movement , which is banned in India but has support among the Sikh diaspora.

The travel advisory followed a day after barbs were traded, with India alleging hate crimes and that "recently, threats have particularly targeted Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community who oppose the anti-India agenda."

All Indian citizens and students in Canada were advised by the Indian government to register in the diplomatic offices in Ottawa, Toronto or Vancouver “in the event of any emergency or untoward incident,” read the country’s press release.

On Monday, Global Affairs Canada updated its Travel Advice and Advisories (TAA) to India, but told CTVNews.ca the update was unrelated to the allegations and fallout surrounding Nijjar's death.

A travel advisory, which has been in place for some time in Canada for those heading to India, states that visitors should “exercise a high degree of caution in India due to the threat of terrorist attacks throughout the country.”

The advisory says to avoid non-essential travel to Assam and Manipur states due to “the risk of terrorism and insurgency," as well as to avoid all travel to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir due to the “unpredictable security situation.”

“No new risk information has been added to the India TAA page,” a spokesperson said Tuesday, adding that any changes were part of a pre-scheduled and routine maintenance in the section on travel health.

With files from The Canadian Press and The Associated Press.

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"Negative sentiment": Canada updates travel advisory to India

Canada has recently updated its travel advisory to India as diplomatic tensions between the two countries continue.

On its website, Global Affairs Canada notes that travellers should “exercise a high degree of caution” while visiting the South Asian country.

In addition to a number of regional advisories within India, Global Affairs also added that “there are calls for protests and some negative sentiment towards Canada on social media” following “recent developments” between the two countries.

“Please remain vigilant,” adds the advisory.

This comes after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made serious allegations about India’s alleged involvement in the death of a Sikh leader on Canadian soil.

On Monday, September 18, Trudeau told the House of Commons, “Over the past number of weeks, Canadian security agencies have been actively pursuing credible allegations of a potential link between agents of the government of India and the killing of a Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar.”

Nijjar was a 45-year-old plumber and Sikh community leader in Surrey. He was shot dead on June 18 in his car while leaving a gurdwara.

He was publicly connected to the campaign for Khalistan, an independence movement seeking a separatist Sikh nation in Punjab, India.

However, the movement has been condemned by the Government of India over its extremist ties. According to reports from India, Nijjar was wanted in the country and declared a terrorist .

Following Trudeau’s accusation, tensions between both countries have remained high.

Canada took further action and expelled an Indian diplomat from the country.

India responded by also removing a Canadian diplomat. It also issued its own travel advisory for Indian nationals and students in Canada and suspended visa services.

India also recently claimed Canada was a “safe haven, for terrorists, extremists, and organized crime.”

Indian government involved with killing of Canadian Sikh leader: Trudeau
India issues travel advisory for Canada after probe into Sikh leader's death
"A safe haven for terrorists": India suspends visa services in Canada

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How many months do I need left on my UK passport before I travel?

Many countries across the world require you to have a few months left on your passport at the time of travel – here are the main holiday destinations to watch out for, article bookmarked.

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You might think that you can just hop on a plane with an in-date passport and travel the world. In fact, many countries demand that visitors have months left on their passport before it expires.

Some – including Australia , Canada and the US – only require your travel document to be in date for the duration of your trip.

But others give a more restrictive time frame, with no real pattern from region to region – while most of Asia requires six months on your passport, for example, different Caribbean islands demand different time frames.

In some destinations, you can also be caught out for not having enough space left in your passport for new immigration stamps.

Here are the key passport validity rules for British passports for the world’s top holiday destinations.

Barred from Europe: 2.4m Brits caught in post-Brexit passport chaos
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Valid for the duration of your stay

These countries only ask that your passport is valid until the day you leave the country.

*While this is technically the rule for Canada, if you have six months or less on your passport, it may take longer for you to get through immigration.

Valid for one day

Costa Rica requires Britons to have one day’s validity from the day of their departure.

Valid for three months

All EU countries, plus those in the Schengen Area (excluding Ireland) require you to have three months left on your passport from the day you plan to leave. Your passport must also be less than 10 years old on the day you enter the country. This is true for the following countries:

Republic of Cyprus
Czech Republic
Liechtenstein
Netherlands
Switzerland
Vatican City

These non-European countries also require three months’ validity on your day of departure:

British Virgin Islands
French Polynesia
New Zealand
South Korea

Valid for six months

In most cases, this means valid for six months from the date you arrive in the country, but it’s worth checking the Foreign Office’s individual entry requirements for the country you’re visiting to make sure.

Antigua and Barbuda
The Bahamas
Dominican Republic
Ecuador (& Galapagos Islands)
Madagascar*
Philippines
South Africa*
United Arab Emirates

*South Africa, Madagascar, Kenya also require you to have two blank pages left in your passport; Namibia requires one blank page.

Valid for 180 days

India requires a more specific 180 days of validity from the date you arrive. It also asks visitors to have two blank pages available for their visa.

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IMAGES

Canada to India Travel Checklist: How Prepared are you?
Canada Issues Travel Advisory For Its Citizens Says Beware Of Terrorism
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Understanding How Government Advisories Affect Your Travel Insurance
Important Tips for Canadian Travelers Visiting India

COMMENTS

Travel advice and advisories for India
Don't travel to India to obtain restitution after losing money to a scam. Overseas fraud. ... IMPORTANT:The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk. Avoid non-essential travel
India Travel Advisory
Travel Advisory. June 23, 2023. India - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. O U T C. Reissued with updates to health information. Exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism. Do not travel to: The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir (except the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest ...
Travel advice and advisories
India: Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories) 2024-03-13 14:58:21: indonesia ... IMPORTANT:The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk. Avoid non-essential travel
India International Travel Information
Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories.
PDF Frequently Asked Questions about travel to India
for Indian nationals to enter Canada with the particular visa category before issue of ticket/ boarding pass to the Indian passenger. 12. I'm an international student in Canada and have valid visa. Can I travel to Canada now? All universities/colleges are conducting online classes till 31 December 2020 which can be attended remotely.
Canada updates travel advisory to India amid protests, 'negative
Published Sept. 25, 2023 8:43 a.m. PDT. Canada has updated its travel advisory for India to include warnings about protests and "negative sentiments" towards Canadians in light of a recent ...
Guidelines for International Arrivals
COVID-19, Guidelines for International Arrivals, For latest guidelines for international arrivals, Ministry of External Affair, Government of India
Canada issues second advisory for its citizens travelling to India
NEW DELHI: Canada has issued a second advisory (within a span of a week) for its citizens travelling to India. "In the context of recent developments in Canada and in India, there are calls for ...
India urges 'utmost caution' in Canada travel advisory as ...
India's foreign ministry urges its nationals to avoid traveling to regions and potential venues in Canada that have witnessed "anti-India" incidents. The Canadian government is investigating ...
Canada travel advisory India: Both countries have warnings
00:02:49. Canada has just updated its advisory for travellers to India — but India has also released an advisory for its citizens who travel to the great white north. According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, there has been a " sharp increase in incidents of hate crimes, sectarian violence and anti-India activities in Canada" and ...
Canada travel advisory to India updated
India halted visa services for Canadians last week, saying it was "due to operational reasons." This came a day after India issued a travel advisory of its own, telling its citizens there are anti-India activities ongoing in Canada and that they should be careful.. Canada's advisory varies by region in India. It says all travel to areas bordering Pakistan, as well as the Union Territory ...
Advisory for Indian Nationals and Indian Students in Canada
Advisory for Indian Nationals and Indian Students in Canada. September 20, 2023. In view of growing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence in Canada, all Indian nationals there and those contemplating travel are urged to exercise utmost caution. Recently, threats have particularly targeted Indian ...
India issues tit-for-tat travel advisory for Canada
Canada has also issued a travel advisory for its citizens in India. Bilateral ties have been affected by online activities of a Sikh leader, leading to India expelling a Canadian diplomat.
Why India's Canadian travel advisory was really a diplomatic shot
The travel advisory was issued as a warning to Indian citizens and foreign students in Canada about "a sharp increase in incidents of hate crimes, sectarian violence and anti-India activities in ...
India warns travellers to Canada of 'politically-condoned' violence as
India's new travel advisory for "Indian nationals and Indian students in Canada" warns that "threats have particularly targeted Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community."
A 'tit for tat' move? Canada's travel advisory for India explained
Canada has asked its citizens to avoid travelling to "areas within 10 km of the border with Pakistan" in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Punjab. The North American country's travel advisory for these three states comes a week after India cautioned its nationals flying to Canada to remain vigilant citing "sharp increase in incidents of hate crime, sectarian violence, and anti-India activities".
India warns its citizens to be cautious in Canada
The government of India is advising Indian nationals and students living in Canada to be cautious amid what it calls "growing anti-India activities" in the country. The travel advisory is the ...
India warns citizens in Canada to be cautious
India-Canada relations hit a new low this week. India has urged its citizens travelling to or living in Canada to "exercise utmost caution". The advisory comes a day after tensions escalated ...
Canadian Government Updates Travel Advisory to India, Health Section
The recent change in Canada's travel advisory for citizens travelling to India is only under the "health section". Aishwarya Varma Updated : 21 Sep 2023, 11:04 AM IST
India issues Canada travel advisory as tensions rise over Nijjar murder
Touria Izri reports on the details of the travel advisory and the reaction - Sep 20, 2023. India urged caution on Wednesday by its nationals in Canada, and those planning to visit, as relations ...
"Negative sentiment": Canada updates travel advisory to India
Canada has recently updated its travel advisory to India as diplomatic tensions between the two countries continue. On its website, Global Affairs Canada notes that travellers should "exercise a high degree of caution" while visiting the South Asian country. In addition to a number of regional advisories within India, Global Affairs also ...
India issues travel advisory for Canada
India issues travel advisory for Canada. September 20, 2023. India is warning its citizens against travelling to Canada, after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau cited "credible evidence" of the Indian ...
Passport renewal: How many months do I need left to travel
Valid for three months. All EU countries, plus those in the Schengen Area (excluding Ireland) require you to have three months left on your passport from the day you plan to leave. Your passport ...

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