India Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizens

Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizens: India

Note: Requirements can change quickly due to immigration policy updates. Verify again right before you travel.

Passport & Visa Requirements

• Passport validity: Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in India.
• Blank pages: Passport must have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
• Visa required: U.S. citizens must obtain a visa to enter India (tourist, business, medical, etc.) or apply for an e-Visa / e-Tourist Visa online before travel.

Entry Procedures

• e-Visa / e-Tourist Visa: U.S. citizens may apply for an e-Tourist Visa or other e-Visa types through the official Indian government portal.
• Stay duration limit: The total stay on tourist visas or e-Tourist visas is limited to 180 days per calendar year for U.S. citizens.
• Entry points: e-Tourist visas are valid only for entry at designated international airports and seaports, not for land border crossings.
• Onward/return ticket and funds: Travelers must have proof of return or onward travel and sufficient funds to cover their stay.

Health & Vaccinations

• Yellow fever: A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
• Other vaccinations: No additional mandatory vaccinations are required, though travelers should review current health advisories before travel.

Traveling with Minors

• Parental authorization: Minors require a notarized parental authorization letter signed by both parents, along with copies of parents' passports and their marriage certificate.

Additional Restrictions & Considerations

• Duration of stay: Even with multiple-entry visas, the combined total stay under a tourist or e-Tourist visa cannot exceed 180 days per calendar year.
• Foreigners Registration (FRRO/FRO): Foreign nationals staying long-term may need to register with a Foreigners Regional Registration Office depending on their visa type and duration.
• Currency declaration: Travelers carrying large amounts of currency or valuables should review India's customs and currency declaration regulations.

Special Permit Zones

Some areas in India are designated as Protected Areas or Restricted Areas and require special permits (in addition to your Indian visa) to visit. These zones are typically located near international borders or in tribal and environmentally sensitive regions.

Types of Permits

• Protected Area Permit (PAP): Required for certain areas in the northeast and border regions.
• Restricted Area Permit (RAP): Required for certain island territories and other sensitive areas.

Regions Requiring Special Permits

• Arunachal Pradesh (PAP)
• Nagaland (PAP)
• Mizoram (PAP)
• Manipur (PAP)
• Sikkim (PAP for certain border areas; central and southern areas usually open)
• Andaman and Nicobar Islands (RAP - only certain islands open to tourists)
• Lakshadweep (RAP - must book through authorized operators)

Note: Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh currently do not require permits for most areas, though restrictions can change depending on security conditions.

How to Obtain a Permit

• Apply through the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) website or via an Indian embassy/consulate.
• Use a licensed Indian travel agency or tour operator to arrange the permit (often the easiest way).
• Processing can take 2-8 weeks depending on the region.
• Some areas only allow foreign visitors in groups of two or more.

Important Tips

• Carry multiple printed copies of your permit to present at checkpoints.
• Check the specific dates and routes listed on your permit and follow them strictly.
• Some permits restrict overnight stays to certain towns or villages.
• Respect local cultural and environmental regulations in sensitive areas.