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BCCI secretary Jay Shah drops huge update on whether India will travel to Pakistan for Asia Cup 2023

With the asia cup 2023 scheduled to be held in pakistan, bcci secretary jay shah has dropped a huge update on whether the indian cricket team will travel across the border to play the tournament next year..

With the Asia Cup 2023 scheduled to be held in Pakistan, BCCI secretary Jay Shah has dropped a huge update on whether the Indian cricket team will travel across the border to play the tournament next year. India, who last toured Pakistan back in 2006, will have to wait further as Shah stated that the tournament will be held at neutral venue, a decision that was taken during 91st Annual General Meeting in Mumbai on Tuesday.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah with a huge announcement regarding the fate of Asia Cup 2023(Getty Images)

"Neutral venue for Asia Cup is not unprecedented and we have decided that we will not travel to Pakistan," Jay Shah, the secretary of the BCCI and also the president of the ACC, said. "It's the govt which decides over the permission of our team visiting Pakistan so we won't comment on that but for the 2023 Asia Cup, it is decided that the tournament will be held at a neutral venue."

Also Read: Roger Binny elected 36th BCCI president, succeeds outgoing chief Sourav Ganguly

As per the FTP released earlier, Pakistan are scheduled to hold two big ICC events in the next three years - the Asia Cup (which will be a 50-over format ahead of the 2023 World Cup) next year and the Champions Trophy in 2025. Since cricket returned to Pakistan after a decade-long absence, this is the first time that the country was rewarded with the hosting rights of two major ICC events. But with the BCCI making the announcement of a neutral venue, the developments that are expected to follow or how the PCB and other officials react remains to be seen.

The development comes as a complete 360 degree turn since the possibilities of India travelling to Pakistan looked highly likely as per reports emerging last week. A Cricbuzz report stated that a note was shared with all state associations which mentioned the Asia Cup in Pakistan as one of the tournaments the Indian team was expected to take part in. "It will be subject to the clearance of the Government of India as always," a BCCI official was quoted as saying. As it turned out, it was not the case.

India vs Pakistan has always been a highly-awaited cricketing contest. But contrary to the 1980s, 1990s and the early 2000s, where there were no shortages of an IND-PAK tie, bilateral series between the two have been entirely scrapped due to political tensions between the two nations. Since the last bilateral series between the two countries back in 2012-13, India and Pakistan have done battle only 10 times in 10 years, all of which were contested during ICC events.

In August, ahead of the Asia Cup, when Rohit Sharma was asked about the possibilities of a bilateral series between the two nations, the India captain responded by saying: "If I had the option to answer this question, I would have given it. Respectable boards make these decisions. This is not in our hands but if boards decide to play, then we will play."

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Jay shah confirms india won't travel to pakistan for asia cup 2023.

Flagship tournaments are supposed to be held in Pakistan as the Asian giants will host the forthcoming edition of the Asia Cup in 2023 followed by the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

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India won't travel to Pakistan for Asia Cup 2023, confirms ACC chief Jay Shah

Updated Oct 18, 2022, 14:56 IST

India will not travel to Pakistan for Asia Cup 2023

Pakistan were supposed to host the Asia Cup 2023.
Jay Shah has confirmed that India will not be travelling to Pakistan,
The tournament will now be held at a neutral venue.

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Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Jay Shah, who is also a BCCI secretary, has confirmed that India will not be travelling to Pakistan for the Asia Cup next year, according to a report by Indian media .

The development occurred on the day of the BCCI’s annual general meeting in Mumbai, where Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Jay Shah suggested that the Asia Cup would have to be played at a neutral venue.

Next year’s Asia Cup at a neutral venue (not Pakistan) confirms @BCCI secretary Jay Shah — Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) October 18, 2022

The ACC is yet to discuss the issue after which a final decision on the venue will be taken.

India have not toured Pakistan since 2008 and have not played bilateral cricket against them since 2012 because of strained relations between the governments of the two countries. Their contests have taken place only at ICC and ACC events.

Pakistan will host the 50-over Asia Cup 2023 before the ICC Cricket World Cup in India, scheduled in October and November.

Meanwhile, Pakistan will face India in their T20 World Cup 2022 tournament opener at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on October 23.

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PCB finalises venues for Champions Trophy

Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has earmarked Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi as venues for next year's Champions Trophy, continuing to insist that the tournament will stay in the country despite speculation of a 'hybrid model' being under consideration to ensure India's participation.

The Champions Trophy, which was last held in England in 2017, is expected to be held tentatively in February-March next year.

India have not yet confirmed participation and there is speculation that the International Cricket Council (ICC) could use the hybrid model' and hold the country's matches at a neutral venue if the team does not get government clearance to travel. The ICC has already made it clear that it will not ask any member nation to defy government policy.

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"We've sent the schedule for the matches in Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy," PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said at a press conference in Lahore.

"The ICC's security team came and we had a very good meeting. They looked at arrangements here and we'll also share stadium upgrade plans with them.

"We are trying to ensure we host a very good tournament in Pakistan," Naqvi informed.

The PCB has been steadfast in insisting that the tournament will not be altered in any way to accommodate India.

The 'hybrid model' of hosting was used in the Asia Cup last year. The Asian Cricket Council, headed by BCCI secretary Jay Shah, held India's matches in Sri Lanka even though Pakistan was the official host of the tournament.

Naqvi also conceded that condition of all three proposed venues is currently sub-standard in terms of hosting international games of cricket.

"If you look at Gaddafi (Satdium, Lahore), it is good but the viewing experience is not great for cricket. Football maybe, not cricket," Naqvi said.

"We need to improve facilities in the stadiums, where there are some old problems. Karachi is in bad shape. So on May 7, we will finalise bids from international companies who will come and help us design.

"We are already late but we need to do these upgrades in four-five months. It will be a very tough test but we can do it.," Naqvi added.

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PCB proposes three venues to ICC for Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, doubts persist over India's travel

Pakistan are scheduled to host the champions trophy next year. this is the first icc event they will be hosting since 1996 odi world cup. pakistan are also the defending champions having won the previous edition played back in 2017 in england..

Notably, the initial schedule also includes matches involving India but for now, it is only with the ICC and according to ESPNCricinfo, it will undergo changes before being shared with the broadcaster and the other boards. The next official meeting of ICC is in July and most probably, things related to India's stance will get cleared. Meanwhile, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi informed at a press conference in Lahore that ICC's security team visited Pakistan to overlook at the arrangements and had a meeting with the board officials too.

"We've sent the schedule for the matches in Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy. The ICC's security team came and we had a very good meeting. They looked at arrangements here and we'll also share stadium upgrade plans with them. We're continuously in touch with the ICC. We are trying to ensure we host a very good tournament in Pakistan," Naqvi said.

Coming back to India's stance, everything will depend on whether the government gives permission to the team to travel Pakistan and play the matches. PCB had to adopt to hybrid model last year as India refused to tour Pakistan for the Asia Cup but a month later, Pakistan sent the team to India for the ODI World Cup.

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So on May 7th, we'll finalise bids from international companies who will come and help us design. We will work with local consultants as well. We are already late but we need to do these upgrades in four-five months. It will be a very tough test but we can do it," PCB Chairman added.

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Pakistan bans entry of travellers from 26 countries, including India

Times of India TIMESOFINDIA.COM / TRAVEL NEWS , PAKISTAN / Updated : Jun 14, 2021, 12:04 IST

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Pakistan has brought in strict travel restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As per the latest news reports, Pakistan has banned entry of travellers from 26 countries, including India. Citizens from these countries will, … Read more

Pakistan bans entry of travellers from 26 countries, including India

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Pakistani fans ‘clueless’ about Indian visas as match tickets go to waste

Match ticket-holding Pakistani cricket fans await a ‘visa policy’ from India as the ICC Cricket World Cup enters its second week.

Cricket fans in Pakistan have been left ruing their fate after being unable to travel to India for the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup due to a lack of clarity on acquiring Indian visas.

Several match ticket holders told Al Jazeera that their money spent on the tickets will go to waste as the Indian High Commission in Pakistan has still not announced a visa policy for match ticket holders from Pakistan – even though the tournament began on October 5 and India will play Pakistan this Saturday in the biggest match in cricket.

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“We are not eligible for a refund as we fall under the ‘no show’ category,” Umer Faizan, a cricket fan who had tickets to Pakistan’s first two matches of the tournament, told Al Jazeera from Pakistan’s capital Islamabad.

“The tournament has been under way for nearly a week but there is still no visa policy for Pakistani fans,” he said.

Given the bitter ties between the two countries, the visa-seeking process is long and tedious and often requires background security checks from government security agencies on both sides, which can cause long delays.

Pakistanis planning to travel to India for special events, such as the World Cup, are asked to apply under special visa policies that are created to cater to match ticket holders and journalists covering such events.

Faizan bought the tickets in a pre-sale offer in August, nearly two months ahead of his team’s first match on October 6.

“I bought the tickets with three other friends and it was going to be a trip of a lifetime for us to go watch our team in India, but we have no information on how to get an Indian visa.”

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) says it has raised “serious concerns and alarm” over the dilemma faced by fans and journalists and conveyed the message to the Indian government via a long-winded diplomatic route.

“PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf has asked Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Syrus Sajjad Qazi to take up the issue with India’s Home Ministry through Pakistan High Commission Office in New Delhi,” the board said in a statement this week.

Pakistan and India have downgraded diplomatic relations following the tensions emanating from the 2019 attacks in Indian-administered Kashmir and India’s retaliatory cross-border air attacks on what it called “terrorist training camps”.

On Wednesday, the PCB said Pakistani journalists had been asked to submit their passports to obtain visas after Ashraf’s “conversation with the foreign office helped in achieving a positive development”.

Earlier, Pakistani journalists were asked by the ICC to “submit” their questions for Pakistan’s post-match press conferences via WhatsApp messages to PCB’s media team who will read them out to the cricket team’s representatives.

So magnanimous of the organisers to allow Pakistani journalists to send questions for Pak press conference in by WhatsApp ahead of Pakistan’s 2nd game pic.twitter.com/ruamIyRlD6 — Osman Samiuddin (@OsmanSamiuddin) October 8, 2023

In 2011, India co-hosted the tournament with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and several Pakistani fans and journalists were able to travel across the border for their team’s semifinal against their neighbouring country.

Sana Kazmi, a well-travelled die-hard Pakistan fan, watched the semifinal in Mohali in 2011 but has cancelled her plans to cross the border this time.

“In 2011, the Indian visa website was a complete nightmare to navigate but at least we got through in the end,” she said.

“This time, we aren’t able to access the website at all.”

Kazmi and her two friends crossed into India from the Wagah-Attari border hours ahead of the 2011 India-Pakistan semifinal.

When they needed help finding tickets and booking a hotel room, complete strangers from across the border saw Kazmi’s pleas for help on social media and stepped in to ensure Pakistani fans got help.

“If Pakistani fans or journalists post anything on social media about the difficulties they are facing in travelling to India for this World Cup, they receive crude and insulting responses from Indians,” Kazmi said.

A Pakistani fan who has tickets to the tournament’s marquee clash at Ahmedabad on Saturday said he has all but given up on being able to watch it at the world’s biggest cricket stadium.

“I spent thousands of [Pakistani] rupees to get my hands on ticket, but it will all go to waste as I have no hopes of getting a visa in time,” he told Al Jazeera, requesting anonymity.

“I have tried reaching out to government officials in Islamabad but they are as clueless about the visa process as us.”

Pakistani media and fans are not allowed to visit India for #WorldCup2023 – this is just appointment, no visa policy announced by Indian authorities for the World Cup, we have to rely on Indian media for the stories of Pakistani cricket team and then there are empty stadiums. — Shiraz Hassan (@ShirazHassan) October 6, 2023

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PCB proposes three venues for 2025 Champions Trophy

The big question is whether India will travel for the tournament, which will be the first ICC event held in Pakistan since the 1996 ODI World Cup

Sarfraz Ahmed with the prize after Pakistan won the Champions Trophy the last time it was held in 2017 • Getty Images

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Cricket Today

India reportedly considering not traveling to Pakistan for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to political tension

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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be the next major limited overs tournament after the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Scheduled to take place in Pakistan, it will be the first ICC event to be played in the country since the 1996 World Cup. India have not played in Pakistan since 2006 due to political tension. The arch-rivals only face each other in ICC events and the Asia Cup.

According to IANS, Team India may not travel to Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy due to ongoing tensions between the countries. A source told the IANS the the tournament venue could be changed, possibly a hybrid model like the 2023 Asia Cup will be adopted.

“Apart from a bilateral series, the Indian team may not even travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025 owing to security concerns. There could be a change in the tournament’s venue, or a hybrid model is also possible.”

According to the source, the ties between Pakistan and India are not great, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India would require permission from the Indian government to visit Pakistan.

“Given our current relations with Pakistan, the Indian board would require permission from the government.”

The source added that nothing could be done without the government’s approval.

“Since the Champions Trophy is an ICC tournament, India would have to make a difficult decision, but nothing can happen without the permission of the government. It is highly unlikely that we will see bilateral series in the near future. It’s next to impossible.”

The last bilateral series between India and Pakistan took place in 2013, when Pakistan visited India for two T20I and three ODI’s.

Recently, Rohit Sharma stated that he would love to play in a Test series between India and Pakistan.

PCB official responds to reports of India not travelling to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025

After a report claimed that India would not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025, it seems like the PCB would make an official statement, after an announcement is made by the BCCI, formally. Responding to the report, a PCB official told IANS, “PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has said it already that Pakistan is open to play a bilateral series with India at a neutral venue only if India agrees to participate in the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year,” the PCB source told IANS.

“There is a clear and glaring contrast between the statement of Rohit Sharma and a corresponding BCCI source-based story. It clearly shows that if its about cricket, the players are willing and have no problem. But its the political leadership of India that always creates nuisance and blocks the way every time.”

Champions Trophy & IND vs PAK Series Debate

The entire issue had started, when a report claimed that the PCB was interested in hosting India not only for the Champions Trophy, but also a bilateral series. To this, a BCCI official said, “Forget bilateral series…Team India may not even travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.”

Rohit Sharma’s Views on IND vs PAK

Recently, India skipper Rohit Sharma had mentioned that he was ready to play a Test series vs Pakistan, that drew a lot of praise from the other side. “I am ready to play Test matches against Pakistan. We play with them in the ICC tournament. It will be a good contest between both teams. I am not concerned about anything else. All I want a good battle between bat and ball,” Rohit Sharma said.

India may not travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy: BCCI sources

The Asia Cup 2023 was also co-hosted by Pakistan in a hybrid model with Sri Lanka after India refused to travel to the country. read more

Will Team India travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy? It’s a question on everyone’s mind, but a latest news report has suggested that the Men in Blue may not travel to Pakistan next year and the tournament could be shifted out or can be played in a hybrid model. As per news agency IANS , a source in BCCI has said that the chances of Team India travelling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy are next to zero.

“Forget bilateral series…Team India may not even travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. There might be a change of venue, hybrid model is also possible,” the source said. “The Indian board would need permission from the government for travel, currently our relations with Pakistan are not that good either,” sources revealed.

“Champions Trophy is an ICC event, so it would be a tough call for India but nothing without the government’s order/green signal. Bilateral series, I don’t see in the near future, that’s next to impossible.”

The Asia Cup 2023 was also co-hosted by Pakistan in a hybrid model with Sri Lanka after India refused to travel to the country.

The 2025 Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place in Pakistan in February-March next year. This will be the first ICC event in Pakistan since the 1996 World Cup.

Can Indians Visit Pakistan? Full Pakistan/India VISA Guide

Post author By Karl Rock
Post date January 31, 2020
76 Comments on Can Indians Visit Pakistan? Full Pakistan/India VISA Guide
Sticky post

Can Indians Visit Pakistan? How to Get a Visa for Pakistan?

Because I’ve been to Pakistan three times from India and vlogged the entire trip , a common question I get from Indians is, “How can I visit Pakistan?”

Many Indians are interested in visiting what used to be part of India. And likewise, Pakistanis are inquisitive about going to India – when I was there many asked me what India is like .

Can Indians Get Tourist VISAs for Pakistan?

The short answer is no.

Indians are only eligible for business, pilgrim or visitor visas to Pakistan.

The business visa is for business activities – for example, Royal Enfield manufacture products in Pakistan so they would get a business visa to visit the manufacturing plants.

The pilgrim visa allows Indians to visit 15 sites in Pakistan for religious tourism.

The visitor visa is granted if you have close family members or friends in Pakistan and you can only visit a maximum of 5 cities for 3 months.

While the pilgrim visa sounds easy, it’s not guaranteed, and according to reports , Pakistanis have had their requests rejected when they wanted to visit India as pilgrims. Unfortunately, visa policy is usually tit-for-tat so such denials will likely limit Indians wanting to visit Pakistan for pilgrimage too.

Why Can’t Indians or Pakistanis Get Tourist VISAs?

It’s to do with India and Pakistan’s relationship. Their relationship has been plagued by hostility and suspicion since partition. Until that changes, it’ll be difficult to travel to each other’s countries.

Both countries are paranoid about each others’ citizens being spies.

Visa agreements are reciprocal. Pakistanis can only get the same visas available to Indians. For full information, see the India-Pakistan Visa Agreement, 2012 .

Your Only Real Option to Visit Pakistan

All Indians and OCI cardholders can visit a small slice of Pakistan with the Kartarpur Corridor. I’ve written a full FAQ on how to visit Kartarpur .

Update: Many people are commenting asking how they can visit their Pakistani friends. You can try for a visitor visa, if that fails then you also have the option of meeting in the UAE.

Misinformation Online About VISAs

An Official Pakistan Government website says, “Tourist Visa: A non-extendable tourist visa valid for 14 days is issued by Pakistan High Commission, New Delhi” This is out of date, and the information is not valid anymore , we called the Pakistan High Commission, New Delhi and verified that.

Let’s hope that one day this agreement gets updated, and Indians and Pakistanis can enjoy each other’s countries! The more we meet each other and realise we are brothers, the better the relationship will become.

Can Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) get a VISA for Pakistan?

NRIs have a much easier time getting a visa for Pakistan!

They can at least apply with their reason for wanting to visit Pakistan. If the immigration officer is satisfied with the purpose of a visit, they’ll be issued an appropriate visa.

If you want to read more about that process, visit your country’s Pakistan High Commission website. Or check out the High Commission for Pakistan (Wellington) website for information on that process in New Zealand.

Who to Contact for More Information?

For travel to Pakistan from India call the High Commission for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (New Delhi) +91 11 2611 0601.

For travel to India from Pakistan call the High Commission of India (Islamabad) +92 51 2833292 or +92 51 2833282.

Tags India , Pakistan , Tourist VISA , Travel

By Karl Rock

Karl Rock, is a Hindi speaking Kiwi ex-pat who take viewers behind the scenes of incredible India and its neighbours. He has visited every state and union territory in India, and its culturally similar neighbours – Pakistan and Bangladesh, and aims to make others fall in love with India and the subcontinent.

76 replies on “Can Indians Visit Pakistan? Full Pakistan/India VISA Guide”

Hi I Amandeep I want Pakistan visa in Indian passport ca n you tell me how I get the Pakistan visa in Indian passport

I want also😢

You can only get this if you have a friend or family member living here in Pakistan.

Friends meen ? Facebook, instagram or other social media friends is enough??

I also have a good frend in Pakistan . I want meet ….

I have friends over ther

How can apply for pakistan visa to meet my relatives in pak

Please tell how can I get visa for Pakistan if I wanted to visit my friend home

Hi Karl, you have inspired me so much. I love watching your videos. I am turning 50 shortly and going to take traveling seriously and with passion for rest of my life and your inspiring videos are one of the reason. Thank you.

Mai india jana hai

Welcome jii

Welcome brother

Hi, i got married in jodhpur,i m pakistan national i haven’t get india’s permanent citizenship yet, if i wana visit my family in Pakistan what to do?

Hey bro I m also a Pakistani and got married with a Indian girl we want to go India together. How can I get visa. Can you help me plz🙏 her want to see me with her. +923434924596 this is my WhatsApp plz help me if you can

Bhai mujhe bhi Pakistan ma krni ma india sa hu kuch ho sakta ha

I also want to marry in Pakistan how can I apply for visa please brother tell

Please help ne to go pakistan i wanna went to pakistan can u help me?

You can visit by legall manners

I m living in kashmir but i m soo curious to see visit in Pakistan very long time but due to bad relationship between india and Pakistan it’s not possible but my question is how can i go to vist Pakistan

If you have family or friends in Pakistan, you can go.

will it work if we are only social media friends?

I doubt it will work.

Sir can i have your number plz

I want to visit pakistan for meeting Hindu fimilay It’s my hearty choice to visit every place of Pakistan where hindu lives

It’s not possible to visit every where. You can choae 5 sites (cities) to visit in your single trip.

How much does it cost for visa from india to pakistan , since pakistan embasy is in delhi hoe much they charge for 4 days vsits visa and if we go by train or bus please calrify the amounts.

I want to visit Karachi Hyderabad coz I got lot of friends in there can I visit Pakistan being an Indian citizen. Plz can u help me with this My friends wedding in March.. 2021 How do I have to travel.. I already been to Pakistan in 2006 but know I want travel with my family and kids. Can I plz can u help me with this..

Hi. I’m talking to a guy online. He was born in India and he has gotten Canadian PR but still has an indian passport. I live in Pakistan and he wants to visit me in on a visitor visa. Would that be possible? 🙁 Please help!! 🙁

Probably not. He needs Canadian passport

Can any indian go for study in pakistan

I don’t think there’s a study visa. Call the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi and ask.

Me Indian m also want to go Pakistan mt wd my best frmd can any one help me 🙏please

I’m an Indian citizen lives in Dubai and want to visit Pakistan I’ve got friends there, what will be the procedures?

Can I go Pakistani 😊

i am from pakistan but now in dubai.and my friend in dubai but she belong to india.so i want to invite my friend in pakistan for marriage with me so how i apply pakisatni vizt visa for my girl friend.then she come and we get marriage

I was refused a visa to Pakistan in 1970. I am Indian origin and never lived in india and dont have Indian citizenship. I finally took an Afgan Airlines flight from Amritsar to Kabul. The pland had problems and had to land at Rawalpindi. We were there for about 8 hours. The Indians were kept at the transit hall with guards but 2 policemen took me on a tour and got me food. I had a very nice time at the airport One of the first question they asked me was if I was Muslim but i was born and grew up in a Muslim country, Malaysia. They called me brother.

Yr please koi to mujhe Pakistan jana koi rasta bata do, dill da mamla hai 😭

Get invitation from your “dil ka mamla” and also get info from Pakistani embessy or cuonsul the papers you need from your Pakistani dil ka mamla to get Visa.I hope it will help you.

Ayesha bahen kya kr skte h kchh bhi nahi. Meri bhi girlfriend Islamabad se thi aur m India se, mne bhot koshish ki lekin itni zyada political tension ki wjah se nahi ja ska, aur is year April me uski shadi uske cousin se ho gyi. I lost her just because of border and politics 😭😭😭😭😭😭

How to apply for katasraj temple I’m a santani want to visit my historical temple

Namaste Shubham. Happy Diwali. Every year a group of pilgrims go there from India. Please search news articles for this and call whoever is organising the tours.

Same here😢😢

Hi I am Tejasvi virdhi I am from India and I am very much fascinated by Pakistani culture ,their language and the beautiful town Murre on the outskirts of Islamabad ….Though I have never visited Pakistan but still I am very much fascinated…I really want to visit Pakistan and the beautiful Pakistani town Murre but I don’t know if I will ever be able to visit it because of the legal tensions between the two countries

I hope you can visit one day 🙏

Hello kral rock, my best friend is an indian girl we worked together in dubai . She still in dubai she wants to visit to Pakistan, can she visit in Pakistan?

It’s unlikely. Call the Pakistan Embassy in Dubai and ask.

Hello karl, iam working in Saudi Arabia , basically from India, my boyfriend is from Pakistan , we worked together here before, so I want to visit Pakistan, would that be possible?? Plzz help

Hi Tarar. If you have an Indian passport then it’s probably not possible. But contact the Pakistan High Commission (New Delhi) and ask them for a definite answer https://pakhcnewdelhi.org.pk/contact-us/ . Good luck.

Hi Karl, I like all the videos and you too, Can you vlog beautiful places in New Zealand, please…Love from Tamil Nadu, somewhere in a village.

Hi, Karl, I like all the video and including you to buddy. Can you do a vlog in New Zealand’s heavenly places and I like to tour European countries such as London, Canada, Switzerland and New Zealand countryside. Love from Tamilnadu, somewhere in a small village. I love you brother

Hi my wife family is in Pakistan i want to take my wife and my mother in law to Pakistan it’s that possible

Hi Muhammad, aapko VISA mil jana chahiye kyouki aapka pariwar Pakistani mein hai. Contact Pakistan High Commission (Delhi) for more help +91 11 2611 0601.

I’m an Indian and I want to visit the Shrine of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar(R.A) but it is not in the list of 15 pilgrimage places of Pakistan. Is there any other way to visit Shrine of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar(R.A) from India?

Not as far as I know sorry

I’m British Indian (ethnically Sindhi–my dad was born in Karachi pre-Partition). I should be good yeah?

Yup. Apply via your local Pakistan High Commission. If they act funny tell them about your link back to Pakistan via family.

Hi Karl,can Indian marry a Pakistani?

Hi Khansan, yes, it’s possible. But I don’t know how. Try find out how Sania Mirza did it, she married a Pakistani. I’m sure it’d be possible to meet and marry in another country like Dubai.

I just love the beauty of Pakistan and Afghanistan and i am a traveller i want to visit Pakistan’s Islamabad one day ..Can anyone tell me how can i go there ?If i dont get visa then any other option tht can help me visit Pakistan?And also i want to visit the historic cities of pakistan where India and pakistan ‘s ancient history is stored?can anyone help me ?

I want to visit pakistan beacouse my love is there and I want to marry her I really love her she also loves me wants marry me, so how can I go there for marry her please tell me any body help me …😢😢😢

I want to go Pakistan one of my biggest dream I have friends over there if possible then rlp my comment

I want to go to Pakistan coz it’s my fantasy to visit Pakistan once in my life. I have friends over and I have my love too . If possible then please help out in finding ways to visit pak

Is there any “Friends to rent to get visa” Website in Pakistan or in India? If the politicians are not going to do their work, than we, the ppl, have to do it.

I wanna love to visit Pakistan.

Love from Indian Punjab

Hey Manpreet. Pakistan will check and they will likely interview that person too. I know a few people whose sponsors have been interviewed. Don’t risk it.

Yes it could be possible if he has Canada visa or passport he can apply for a tourist visa

hi i just want to share my experience. i’m indian born canadian. in the past it was possible to visit both countries – when i was 18 and travelled to india on own for the first time – my ticket to bombay was with PIA and i had a stopover in karachi! anyways both countries are very petty and any restriction one place the other does the same. pakistani origin people (even if born in the US/Canada with foreign passports) are not allowed in india and even i had to show all my canadian passports for the past 50 years to prove i’m not pakistani and get an indian visa (i’m muslim). after watching all of karl’s pakistan videos i’m planning a trip to pakistan this september and have run into issues getting a visa because i’m indian born! i need to find a sponsor in pakistan who will send me a notarized letter of invitation and a copy of their shinaqti card before the embassy will give me a visa (thankfully i have some friends here who will get their relatives to do this) for indian passport holders it’s impossible to get a pakistani visitor visa unless they are sikh pilgrims or academics attending a conference

I would like to visit Pakistan, I live in Germany and have traveled to many Asian countries to my astonishment is it for international air travel still required that you need 2 Covid vaccinations to enter the country does anyone know more?

Can I get a visa to visit my ancestral village in Pakistan left behind during partition? Do I need to be sponsored by a facilitator organisation for this purpose such as an NGO?

Hey, the only way I know is to get proof of your ancestry and go to a Pakistan High Commission and show them and tell them the reasons you want to visit. If you’re in contact with family there it maybe be easier. There’s a family visa type you should look up on their visa website. Best of luck.

Dear Karl, Good informative article. Basically if you are a citizen (and passport holder) of these two contries then chance of visiting each other is almost nil and with current tensions and Pakistan’s financial situation it has become harder. I am Indian born but naturalized citizen of the USA and I had no problem in getting the visa. I went for the darshan of Ma Hinglaj (Nani Bibi) in 2006 and I was treated like a prince by everyone. You can read about this at http://offroadpakistan.com/2011/06/jay-shahs-pilgramage-to-mata-hinglaj/ The PK High commision in ~2009 told me that if there is a group and want to go to just one place of pilgrimage that is not on the original agreement of pilgrimage visa https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protocol_on_Visits_to_Religious_Shrines_1974 then they may consider. But, in general, people (even Pakistanis are concerened about safety in the Northwest Frontier – Balochistan.

Hope and pray that the peace prevails between the two countries soon and both propser. Love Jay Shah

Congrats bro. That must’ve been an incredible experience. Even I haven’t been there because Balochistan requires more permissions these days. Thanks for commenting.

I have pak pilgrimage visa for 15 days from canada .so should i report to police in pak while visit

Call the Embassy that issued you the visa and ask what you have to do.

14 things you need to know before traveling to Pakistan

Sep 2, 2023 • 9 min read

Shepherds with their flocks in the mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan

Pakistan offers amazing adventures but it pays to read up on the challenges © Dave Primov / Shutterstock

Pakistan is one of the world’s great surprises, with an incredible diversity of scenery – from the world’s biggest mountain glaciers to the sparkling waters of the Indus River – alongside some of the most beautiful forts, mosques and archaeological sites in the Subcontinent. It is the cultural bridge between India and Central Asia and home to some of the most hospitable people you’ll ever meet.

It would, however, be fair to say that Pakistan has a mixed reputation beyond its borders. The country is beset with economic, political and security problems, but much has changed security-wise in recent years. An incredible welcome is guaranteed here, but this is also a destination that requires a bit of research in order to travel with confidence. Start your planning with the following essential travel tips.

1. Choose the right season for the areas you are visiting

Travel in Pakistan is strongly affected by the seasons . The summer months of July and August are the best time to visit the high mountains of the Karakoram and Hindu Kush ranges in the north, but this is also the busiest time for domestic tourism and it’s incredibly hot elsewhere in the country. If you want to explore the center, south and west of the country, consider a visit in spring (April and May) or autumn (October and November), especially if you don’t plan on going trekking. October brings fabulous fall colors to places like the Hunza Valley, whereas winter (November to February) is the best time to explore central and southern Pakistan.

Festivals worth planning your trip around include the Shandur Polo Festival in the second weekend of July, held atop the mountain pass between Hunza and Chitral, and the Chilam Joshi spring festival in the Kalash Valley in mid-May.

2. You’ll probably need a visa and letter of invitation to visit Pakistan

Most foreigners need a visa to enter Pakistan but you can apply online through the immigration department’s slightly glitchy e-visa system . You will also need a letter of invitation from a local hotel, your Pakistani host or a Pakistani travel agent to secure a visa, so give yourself enough time to get this document in place. Even if you don't plan on taking a tour, travel agencies can provide a letter of invitation for a fee. Contact your local Pakistani embassy or high commission for the latest information.

3. Be prepared for some challenges if you travel during Ramadan

The Muslim fasting month of Ramadan brings a specific set of challenges for travelers. Most Pakistani Muslims avoid eating or drinking between dawn and dusk during this holy month, and most restaurants close during the day, with offices often working reduced hours. You’ll need to be fairly self-sufficient when it comes to food during daylight hours and you should avoid eating in public during the fasting period. This said, evenings are especially lively during Ramadan, as the devout break their daily fast with blowouts in local restaurants.

The dates for Ramadan shift annually according to the Islamic lunar calendar and sightings of the moon, and the festival moves forward by 11 days each year, relative to the Gregorian calendar; in 2024, the festival should start around 10 March.

A view from the Hiran Minar in Pakistan's Punjab Province

4. Get a Pakistani SIM card to use the local taxi apps

Public Wi-Fi is not all that common outside of larger cities in Pakistan, so it’s useful to bring an unlocked smartphone for mobile browsing. Buy a local SIM card from the main customer service center for your chosen operator, in whichever town you happen to be in. Travelers recommend Zong , Telenor or Jazz for central Pakistan, or the government-owned SCOM for the mountainous northern area of Gilgit-Baltistan .

With a local SIM and phone number, you should be able to use local taxi apps such as Uber and its local equivalent Careem , which will save you both time and money, compared to flagging down local taxis in big cities such as Islamabad and Lahore .

5. Bring plenty of photocopies of your passport

There are lots of checkpoints in Pakistan where you'll need to show your identity documents, so bring lots of photocopies of your passport’s information pages and Pakistan visa, and always travel with the original passport on your person. You’ll find yourself handing over these copies regularly on long-distance road trips, including when traveling on the Karakoram Highway .

6. Enjoy the local hospitality (but don’t abuse it)

Culture and customs can vary widely as you move from region to region in Pakistan but in general, you’ll find most Pakistanis to be extremely friendly and hospitable. Conversations, cups of chai and even dinner invitations flow easily, and you can expect to participate in hundreds of selfies.

Hospitality is so integral to Pakistani culture that many locals feel obliged to offer to pay for a foreigner’s meal or bus tickets, even if money is short. You may have to turn down these invitations multiple times to avoid burdening anyone unnecessarily. If you do share a meal in Pakistan be sure to pass and accept food with your right hand only; the left hand should not be used for eating or shaking hands.

A woman looks over the Hunza Valley, Pakistan

7. Women travelers might face some challenges in Pakistan

For the most part, Pakistan is a conservative, male-dominated society, and this can pose some challenges for female travelers. Women and men don’t mix much in public, and women generally sit in segregated areas on public buses and trains and, often, in restaurants. Attitudes towards foreign women can be protective and curious but women traveling alone may face some suspicion, and sexual harassment can sometimes be a risk in crowds. Special rules for women also apply at some religious sites.

For solo women travelers traveling through Pakistan, it helps to already have some experience of travel in other Islamic countries. Women traveling with a male companion generally face fewer obstacles. On the plus side, women travelers can gain insights into family dynamics and the lives of Pakistani women, which are completely off-limits to male travelers. And in some situations, foreign women may have unique access to both the male and female worlds.

8. Invest in a shalwar kameez to travel like a local

Pakistan’s national dress is the shalwar kameez , a garnet resembling a long shirt worn over wide, baggy trousers, popular with both men and women. It's worth investing in a set if you are going to be traveling for any length of time in Pakistan. The shalwar kameez is supremely practical and comfortable in this climate – you’ll also blend in nicely with the crowd, and locals will respect you for sharing in their culture. Women should also add a dupatta scarf to cover their hair when visiting mosques and other religious sites.

9. Dial down public displays of affection

Many Pakistanis are socially conservative, and public displays of affection between men and women – including kissing, touching and even holding hands in public – are frowned on. Attitudes towards LGBTIQ+ people can also be quite negative, and same-sex relationships are illegal, so Pakistan is not a good place for openly LGBTIQ+ people to travel . It is not unusual for Pakistani men to hold hands or drape arms around each other, but this is generally platonic.

10. Treat bargaining as a lighthearted sport

Haggling is acceptable, commonplace and often necessary in Pakistan, but it is best approached as a lighthearted social exchange rather than a life-or-death struggle, as some travelers treat it when traveling in Asia. The goal is for both purchaser and seller to walk away happy.

When bargaining, respond to the first price quoted with a lower offer, then work back and forth until you reach a price you can both agree on. If you can afford it, avoid haggling over small sums – local people are often poorly paid and financially insecure, and overpaying by a few rupees won’t make a big dent in your wallet.

Riders on camels pass a fort in rural Pakistan

11. Be aware of the no-go areas

The security situation can vary widely as you travel around Pakistan. Potentially dicey areas include parts of rural Sindh, some neighborhoods in Karachi , the area of Indus Kohistan close to Abbottabad (where Osama Bin Laden lived in hiding until 2011), parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan , and all of Baluchistan and Azad Kashmir provinces.

In general, you are unlikely to stumble into a danger zone because foreigners require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to visit such places, and you won’t be given one of these without excellent local contacts. The safest parts of the country are central Punjab Province and the area north of Gilgit, extending as far as the Chinese border along the Karakoram Highway . Check out the latest travel advisory information from your home government before you travel.

While the risk is small, terrorist attacks and kidnappings do take place in Pakistan, and street crime can be an issue in parts of Karachi. Stay alert, exercise caution, and heed local advice on problem areas. Be aware that Sufi and Shia shrines are sometimes targeted by extremists, so visiting these locations can bring a slightly elevated risk.

12. Don’t panic if you get an armed escort

The Pakistani government is keen to protect the nation’s tourism industry, and officials sometimes insist that tourists take an armed guard to visit certain locations. You don’t have to pay for these guards, but the use of their services is mandatory.

Some travelers find the guards somewhat constraining but their presence is usually just a precaution. You may be given a police escort in places such as Swat, the Kalash Valley and the scenic Fairy Meadows hiking area (on the northern flanks of Nanga Parbat peak).

13. Get travel insurance (and read the small print)

Good travel insurance is important for travel to Pakistan, but be aware that most policies won’t cover you for areas where your home government advises "against all travel." For example, in 2023, the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office was advising against all travel to Swat and Peshawar, amongst other destinations. Check the latest government travel advisories for up-to-date information and plan your itinerary accordingly.

14. Give some thought to potential problems before you come

Beyond security issues, natural disasters such as flooding and earthquakes are unfortunately common at times in Pakistan, while power cuts are a smaller but more frequent occurrence. Monitor the local and international media for news on problem areas, and if you get caught in a natural disaster, follow the guidance of the authorities.

In terms of personal health, intestinal problems are the most common complaints among foreign tourists; the two golden rules are don’t drink the tap water and be wary of pre-cooked food. Eating from busy stalls and restaurants where food is freshly cooked is the way to go.

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Modi must be reined in

In recent times, the world has been rocked by startling revelations from an investigative report by prominent British newspaper, The Guardian. The report claims that the Indian government, through its secret intelligence agency RAW (Research and Analysis Wing), has been directly involved in orchestrating the killing of 20 individuals on Pakistani soil. These alleged extrajudicial killings have been justified under the banner of national security, a claim that raises profound ethical and legal questions. The modus operandi, as described by Pakistani investigators, involves sleeper cells of RAW operating from foreign territories. These cells are reportedly responsible for meticulously planning and executing the killings, often by paying local criminals or impoverished Pakistanis substantial sums of money. The surge in these killings in 2023 has been attributed to the increased activities of these covert RAW operatives. What further exacerbates the situation is the alleged control of RAW directly from PM’s Office, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Interviews with intelligence officers corroborate the claim that India has adopted a policy of targeting individuals abroad who are perceived as adversaries of the Indian state. Such a revelation indicates a deeply concerning trend where state-sponsored violence is being perpetrated beyond national borders.

If the Indian Defence Minister remains intent on carrying out infiltrations and attacks in Pakistan, Pakistan’s armed forces stand ready to respond. They are not only vigilant in safeguarding the country’s land, sea, and air borders but also prepared to teach any intruder a lesson they won’t forget. The allegations and revelations surrounding India’s alleged state-sponsored terrorism demand immediate attention from the international community. It’s high time that the world holds India accountable for its actions, ensuring that such blatant violations of international laws and human rights do not go unpunished. Only through collective action can we hope to foster a world where peace, cooperation, and respect for sovereignty prevail

In a surprising turn of events, Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh acknowledged these actions, showing no remorse but rather a defiant stance. This confession not only validates the claims made by The Guardian but also paints a picture of an unapologetic state machinery. The concerns do not stop at Pakistan’s borders. There are also indications of India’s alleged involvement in the killings of Sikh separatists, or attempts on them, in Canada and the USA. Incidents like the assassination of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada point towards a broader pattern of state-sponsored violence that extends beyond regional confines. The question that arises in the wake of these revelations is whether the international community will hold India accountable for these actions. Will global powers demand answers regarding India’s alleged involvement in the killings of civilians in Pakistan, and Canada? Who authorized these operations, and what international laws were violated in the process? Rajnath Singh’s televised confession, where he not only admitted to these actions but also threatened further infiltrations and attacks in Pakistan, adds fuel to the fire. It seems as though the Defence Minister has conveniently forgotten the events of 27 February 2019, when India’s attempt to infiltrate and attack Pakistan was thwarted. On that day, not only were two Indian jets shot down by the Pakistani Air Force, but an Indian pilot, Abhinandan, was also captured after intruding into Pakistani territory with hostile intentions. It’s imperative for the Indian Defense Minister to remember that any malicious intent towards Pakistan has historically been met with a robust response from Pakistan’s armed forces. They have consistently thwarted India’s aggressive designs, making India rue its hostile actions. The Guardian report suggests that despite India’s massive military expenditures and acquisitions of advanced weaponry, it has resorted to using hired assassins for its covert operations. This shift can be interpreted as an admission of India’s failure on the international stage. When a state or government resorts to using hired assassins to carry out its agenda, it not only compromises its moral standing but also risks becoming a facilitator for criminal activities. The world must take note of these developments as India’s alleged state-sponsored violence is not limited to Pakistan but has reportedly extended to the USA and Canada as well. The actions and statements attributed to the Modi government indicate a concerning shift towards a more aggressive and confrontational foreign policy. This approach not only jeopardizes regional stability but also poses a threat to global peace and brotherhood. The Modi government’s alleged actions have transformed India from a nation advocating for peace and cooperation to one that appears to be adopting the tactics of a terrorist state. This aggressive stance, driven by enmity towards Pakistan, seems to have blinded the government to the extent that it disregards international laws and norms. However, the Modi government would do well to remember that Pakistan’s armed forces and intelligence agencies remain vigilant. They have demonstrated their commitment to protecting the nation’s borders and citizens time and again. The arrest of Kulbhushan Jadhav serves as a testament to Pakistan’s resolve in safeguarding its sovereignty and security interests. If the Indian Defence Minister remains intent on carrying out infiltrations and attacks in Pakistan, Pakistan’s armed forces stand ready to respond. They are not only vigilant in safeguarding the country’s land, sea, and air borders but also prepared to teach any intruder a lesson they won’t forget. The allegations and revelations surrounding India’s alleged state-sponsored terrorism demand immediate attention from the international community. It’s high time that the world holds India accountable for its actions, ensuring that such blatant violations of international laws and human rights do not go unpunished. Only through collective action can we hope to foster a world where peace, cooperation, and respect for sovereignty prevail.

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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]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

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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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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Wasim Akram Slams India, Pakistan Fans' Trolling, Says 'When Hardik Pandya's Kid..."

Mumbai indians are not their usual self while hardik pandya's captaincy, since replacing rohit sharma in mumbai indians, is under the scanner.

IMAGES

Kashmir Crisis Raises Fear of Intensified India-Pakistan Conflict
Ramiz Raja Reply to India Cricket Board
Indian roads vs Pakistani Roads (2018)
India and Pakistan
The latest crisis between India and Pakistan over Kashmir, explained in
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VIDEO

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INDIA'S BUDGET FOR BALOCHISTAN😲

COMMENTS

India won't travel to Pakistan for 2023 Asia Cup
18-Oct-2022. The Indian men's team has not played in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup • ACC. India will not travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup in 2023, raising questions as to where the ...
'Indian hostility' looms over Asia Cup's stripped-back hosts Pakistan
Islamabad, Pakistan - When Pakistan last hosted the Asia Cup in 2008, Imran Khan was a political novice, Narendra Modi was still banned from travelling to the United States, India's cricket ...
'India won't travel to Pakistan for Asia Cup because they are afraid of
The last time India travelled to Pakistan was way back in 2006, where they lost the Test series but won the ODIs. Ever since, Pakistan have toured India twice before bilateral ties were severed ...
Jay Shah drops huge update on whether India will travel to Pakistan for
With the Asia Cup 2023 scheduled to be held in Pakistan, BCCI secretary Jay Shah has dropped a huge update on whether the Indian cricket team will travel across the border to play the tournament ...
Jay Shah confirms India won't travel to Pakistan for Asia Cup 2023
BCCI secretary on Tuesday completely dismissed the speculations of Team India travelling to Pakistan for the event and said that the Asia Cup will be held at a neutral venue. "We will have Asia Cup 2023 at a neutral venue. It's the government which decides over the permission of the team visiting Pakistan so we won't comment on that but for the 2023 Asia Cup it's decided that the tournament ...
India won't travel to Pakistan for Asia Cup 2023, confirms ACC chief
India and Pakistan have not participated in a bilateral series since 2013. In fact, the last time that India travelled to Pakistan was for a bilateral series way back in 2006 for three Test Matches and five ODIs. While Pakistan won the Test Series 1-0, the Rahul Dravid led India team decimated Pakistan 4-1 in the ODI series
India will not travel to Pakistan for 2023 Asia Cup: Report
India will not be travelling to Pakistan for the 2023 Asia Cup and will ask for a neutral venue for the tournament, it was reported on Monday. The decision not to travel to Pakistan, the host of the 2023 Asia Cup, to take part in the tournament and to demand a neutral venue for the tournament was taken at the BCCI AGM (Annual General Meeting ...
India won't go to Pakistan for 2023 Asia Cup: Jay Shah
MUMBAI: On the day he started his second term as BCCI secretary, Jay Shah made it clear India "will not travel to Pakistan" for the 2023 Asia Cup, reports Gaurav Gupta."It will be held at a ...
India will not travel to Pakistan for Asia Cup 2023: BCCI
By Web Desk. | October 18, 2022. Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Jay Shah, who is also a BCCI secretary, has confirmed that India will not be travelling to Pakistan for the Asia Cup next ...
PCB finalises Karachi, Lahore & Rawalpindi as venues for Champions
The PCB has been steadfast in insisting that the tournament will not be altered in any way to accommodate India. The 'hybrid model' of hosting was used in the Asia Cup last year. The Asian Cricket Council, headed by BCCI secretary Jay Shah, held India's matches in Sri Lanka even though Pakistan was the official host of the tournament.
PCB proposes three venues to ICC for Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan
Interestingly, it is still not confirmed whether India will travel to Pakistan for the event. Notably, the initial schedule also includes matches involving India but for now, it is only with the ...
Team India not to travel to Pakistan for Asia Cup 2023 ...
India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral cricket series since 2012-13 when Pakistan had toured India for three T20Is and as many ODIs. Since then, both teams have not played in bilateral series, and the teams have just met in world events or Asia Cup. _ Update _: 91st Annual General Meeting of BCCI
Reports: Team India may not travel to Pakistan for the ...
In 2023, India refused to travel to Pakistan to take part in the Asia Cup. Consequently, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) adopted a hybrid model for the event, with Sri Lanka being the co-host ...
Pakistan bans entry of travellers from 26 countries, including India
Pakistan has brought in strict travel restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As per the latest news reports, Pakistan has banned entry of travellers from 26 countries, including India.
Pakistani fans 'clueless' about Indian visas as match tickets go to
Cricket fans in Pakistan have been left ruing their fate after being unable to travel to India for the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup due to a lack of clarity on acquiring Indian visas.. Several ...
PCB proposes three venues for 2025 Champions Trophy
Pakistan last held an ICC event back in 1996, when they co-hosted the ODI World Cup with India and Sri Lanka. Since then, they've gone through two periods when security concerns have meant teams ...
Pakistan Travel Restrictions
Find continuously updated travel restrictions for Pakistan such as border, vaccination, COVID-19 testing, and quarantine requirements. ... Do I need a COVID test to enter Pakistan? Visitors from India are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Pakistan.
India reportedly considering not traveling to Pakistan for ICC
India have not played in Pakistan since 2006 due to political tension. The arch-rivals only face each other in ICC events and the Asia Cup. According to IANS, Team India may not travel to Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy due to ongoing tensions between the countries. A source told the IANS the the tournament venue could be changed ...
PCB official responds to reports of India not travelling to Pakistan
PCB is slated to host first-ever ICC tournament -- Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan since the 1996 World Cup. After a report claimed that India would not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025, it seems like the PCB would make an official statement, after an announcement is made by the BCCI, formally.
India Travel Advisory
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. ...
Pakistan Travel Advisory
Vicinity of Line of Control - Level 4: Do Not Travel Do not travel to the India-Pakistan border, including the Line of Control. Militant groups are known to operate in the area. India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official Pakistan-India border crossing point for persons who are not ...
India may not travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy: BCCI sources
As per news agency IANS, a source in BCCI has said that the chances of Team India travelling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy are next to zero. Advertisement. "Forget bilateral series…Team India may not even travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. There might be a change of venue, hybrid model is also possible," the source said.
Pakistan International Travel Information
Vicinity of Line of Control - Level 4: Do Not Travel Do not travel to the India-Pakistan border, including the Line of Control. Militant groups are known to operate in the area. India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official Pakistan-India border crossing point for persons who are not ...
Mohammad Hafeez wants India to play ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan
Pakistan, meanwhile, are currently playing against New Zealand in a five-match T20I series, which the Kiwis lead 2-1 after four games. The Men in Green will be visiting the United Kingdom (UK) in ...
Can Indians Visit Pakistan? Full Pakistan/India VISA Guide
For travel to India from Pakistan call the High Commission of India (Islamabad) +92 51 2833292 or +92 51 2833282. Tags India, Pakistan, Tourist VISA, Travel; By Karl Rock. Karl Rock, is a Hindi speaking Kiwi ex-pat who take viewers behind the scenes of incredible India and its neighbours. He has visited every state and union territory in India ...
14 things you need to know before traveling to Pakistan
10. Treat bargaining as a lighthearted sport. Haggling is acceptable, commonplace and often necessary in Pakistan, but it is best approached as a lighthearted social exchange rather than a life-or-death struggle, as some travelers treat it when traveling in Asia.
India State Terrorism: Unveiling the RAW Operations
The world must take note of these developments as India's alleged state-sponsored violence is not limited to Pakistan but has reportedly extended to the USA and Canada as well.
Strategic Choices: Will Pakistan-India Normalize Relations in 2024?
The year 2024 began with hopes of normalization of relations between Pakistan and India, the two arch-nemeses in South Asia. These hopes were based on the assumption that following general ...
India International Travel Information
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 ...
Wasim Akram Slams India, Pakistan Fans' Trolling, Says 'When Hardik
Even former Pakistan cricket team star pacer Wasim Akram, whose exploits with the ball is legendary, is concerned about how things have developed for Pandya. "This is the problem in India ...