Indien

Översikt

India’s primary security concerns are linked to terrorism and domestic insurgency groups in the east. However, the major issues for travellers are poor sanitation standards, frequently leading to stomach illnesses for foreign nationals, and the dire status of road transport safety. Although India is considered a rising power in Asia, it remains one of the poorest countries in the world in terms of per capita income, and variables such as high population density and income inequality contribute to issues such as high urban crime levels, inadequate safety for women and recurrent intercommunal unrest, particularly in the north. The confrontation with nuclear-armed neighbour Pakistan remains unresolved and the 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai and ongoing campaigns against terrorism reflect an ongoing threat from Islamist extremism. Hindu chauvinist and organised crime groups are also powerful and active in the country.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for India. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza. Travellers might also consider the vaccinations for Hepatitis B and rabies, according to the specifics of their travel.

India has confirmed Chikungunya and Dengue cases nationally. Transmission occurs year-round in southern areas and from April through November in northern states.

India has confirmed recent cases of Cholera in Punjab.

Malaria risk is present throughout India, excluding the high altitude areas of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, and the urban areas of New Delhi and Agra. Risk is present in Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi (suburban areas), Varanasi, and Goa. Travellers must take a full course of malaria suppressive medication. This prophylaxis should be supported by the use of insect repellent, mosquito nets and long-sleeved clothing around the hours of dusk.

There is active Zika transmission in India. Travellers should take meticulous anti-mosquito bite measures during the daytime. Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to the country.

Cases of Japanese Encephalitis are reported from all states except for Dadra, Daman, Diu, Gujarata, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, Meghalaya, Nagar Haveli, Punjab, Rajasthan and Sikkim. High rates of disease reported from the states of Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Goa, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Most cases reported May-October, particularly in northern region.

India has the third largest HIV epidemic in the world with 2.4 million people living with HIV. The HIV epidemic in India is driven by sexual transmission with the highest HIV prevalence in Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland states.

Travellers should be aware of the risks associated with travellers’ ailments such as diarrhoea. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been filtered and boiled.

It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration.

Tuberculosis is endemic and a major public health problem in India.

In an effort to curb the use of e-cigarettes among youth, has banned the sale, production, and import of electronic cigarettes in the country. However, the personal use of the devices is still allowed. 

Travellers are advised to take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance prior to travel. Private medical care in India is available but can be expensive. Public sector facilities suffer from dire levels of sanitation and should be avoided. 

Travellers should note that hospitals and clinics may carry out extra or unnecessary treatment or tests in an effort to procure more payment either from the patient or from insurance companies. 

Pass

Visitors to India must be travelling on a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure from India.

Visum

Immigration laws require that all foreign nationals apply for a visa in order to enter the country. Travellers without a visa will be refused entry as there are no provisions for visa upon arrival.

Travelers from many countries, including EU, USA, China, Russia and Australia can apply for an electronic visa valid for 30, 60, 90 or 180 days.

Travellers with visas that are valid for more than 180 days must register with the Foreigner Regional Registration Offices (FRRO) in one of the following locales: Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai or New Delhi.

Business visas can be granted for single or multiple entries. These visas may be valid from 3 months to 5 years, but require evidence in the form of a letter from a sponsoring domestic national company when applied for. Business visas cannot be extended in country.

NB: If you plan on travelling to sensitive areas such as Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep, you must obtain a travel permit. The application period for this takes approximately four weeks.