Most U.S. citizens use the India e-Visa (e-Tourist, e-Business, or e-Medical). The e-Tourist comes in multiple durations (short 30-day and longer multi-entry (1-year / 5-year) options); choose the one that matches your trip purpose and length.
Apply online at the official Indian Government e-Visa portal (https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/) — upload a passport bio page scan and a recent passport-style photo, pay the fee, and print the e-Visa approval when issued. Do NOT use third-party sites that charge large markups; always verify the domain ends with .gov.in.
Typical e-Visa processing is 3–7 business days but can vary; apply at least 2–3 weeks before travel for peace of mind and earlier if you need a longer-duration visa or travel during peak season. For complex cases (work, longer stays) use a consular visa and allow more time.
You need a valid passport scan, a passport-style photo, an email address, and a credit/debit card for payment; supporting documents (invitation letter, business documents, medical letter) depend on visa type. Keep digital and printed copies of the application/approval.
Your passport should have at least 6 months validity from the date of arrival in India and at least 2 blank pages; while return/onward tickets are not always mandatory for e-Visa, immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel so carry one.
Bring printed copies of your passport bio page and e-Visa approval, and save digital copies offline (phone and email). Carry a few extra passport-sized photos only if you anticipate a consular visa or airport requests.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended (medical evacuation and trip cancellation coverage); policies vary — buy one that covers medical care in India and emergency evacuation. Some employers/university programs require insurance, and it’s helpful for peace of mind.
Have a light, protein-forward dinner to prepare for a long flight; opt for a balanced meal like grilled fish or chicken with vegetables at a neighborhood restaurant to avoid heavy late-night digestion issues before travel.
Major carriers include Air India (direct to DEL/BOM), United, American, Delta (with/without partner segments), Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, British Airways and Lufthansa (one-stop via Middle East/Europe). Direct nonstops often operate from JFK, EWR, IAD, SFO, and BOS to major Indian hubs.
Use flexible dates, set price alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner, compare multi-airline itineraries and consider mid-week departures; connecting via the Gulf or Europe can reduce fares but add travel time. Book 2–4 months ahead for best balance of price and availability on popular routes.
For international flights to India, arrive at your U.S. airport 3 hours before departure for check-in and security; check visa status before check-in as airlines may verify it. Keep printed & electronic copies of e-Visa and passport easily accessible.
Immigration forms may be handled electronically or at counters — have your passport, e-Visa and accommodation address handy; Indian immigration officers can ask about purpose and duration of stay. If you have prescription medication, keep it in original containers and bring a doctor’s note for controlled meds.
Key international airports: Indira Gandhi International (DEL, New Delhi), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (BOM, Mumbai), Kempegowda (BLR, Bengaluru), Chennai (MAA), Hyderabad (HYD), and Kochi (COK). Choose your arrival airport by convenience for your itinerary.
At arrival you’ll pass immigration where your e-Visa will be verified then collect luggage and go through customs; declare items per the arrival card and allow extra time (30–90 minutes) depending on queues. Keep your baggage tag and passport ready in the queue.
Buy a prepaid SIM at the airport (Airtel, Jio, Vodafone-Idea) — you’ll need your passport and a photo; activation can take 10–60 minutes. Typical tourist packages (data + local minutes) cost ~INR300–1000 depending on validity.
Withdraw some INR (2000–5000) at airport ATMs to cover taxis, small purchases and meals; most hotels and larger establishments accept cards but cash is useful for rickshaws, small shops and tips. Inform your bank of travel plans prior to departure to avoid card blocks.
Enjoy a light, stomach-friendly South Indian breakfast (idli, dosa, sambar) at a reliable chain such as Saravana Bhavan or Sagar Ratna, open typically from 7:00am–10:30pm; these are gentle on the stomach after travel.
Head to Karim’s near Jama Masjid for classic Mughlai dishes (open ~11:00am–11:00pm); it’s a culinary landmark and a good introduction to North Indian cuisine if you tolerate rich food — otherwise choose milder naan/vegetable dishes.
Visit India Gate and the nearby Connaught Place for a short orientation walk, cash exchange counters and SIM/e-wallet top-ups; most shops open ~10:00am and some attractions are accessible daily, with outdoor spaces open all day.
For a special first-night meal, Indian Accent (modern Indian fine dining) or Bukhara (classic north-west frontier) offer a safe, high-quality introduction to Indian flavors; reservations are recommended and dinner seatings typically start ~7:00pm.
Stay in a reputable hotel in central Delhi (Chanakyapuri/Lodhi/Connaught Place) for easier access to hospitals and transport; use hotel-arranged taxis or app taxis (Ola/Uber) at night and avoid isolated areas after dark.
Recommended vaccines: routine childhood vaccines up to date plus Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and consider Hepatitis B; Yellow fever only if arriving from an infected country. Rabies is advised for extended rural stays or animal exposure; consult a travel clinic 4–8 weeks prior to travel.
As of late 2025 India does not routinely require COVID vaccination proof or testing for entry, but rules can change — verify current entry requirements with the airline and Indian government before departure. Keep a recent PCR/antigen test if your onward destination or airline requires it.
Malaria risk varies by region; take antimalarial prophylaxis if visiting high-risk areas (e.g., parts of rural India, Northeast); use mosquito repellent and bed nets where necessary. Carry a basic travel health kit, prescribed antibiotics if advised, and all prescription meds in original bottles with notes.
Try a balanced Indian thali (multiple small dishes) at places like Rajdhani or a reputable local dhaba for variety; thalis are a safe way to sample different regional dishes and are typically served from lunch through dinner hours.
Eat hot, freshly cooked foods and avoid uncooked salads if unsure about water hygiene; good street food vendors with high turnover are usually safe but start cautiously (e.g., freshly fried snacks). Drink bottled or filtered water only and request sealed bottles.
For foreigners in Delhi: Apollo Hospitals, Fortis, Max Healthcare, and AIIMS for serious needs — many have international patient desks and English-speaking staff. Save clinic locations in your phone and carry insurance/emergency contact details.
Use ATMs for local currency (INR) — major banks accept international cards; many places accept Visa/Mastercard, but small vendors prefer cash or UPI. Expect foreign-transaction fees depending on your US card; consider a no-foreign-transaction-fee card for travel.
For a casual evening, try a reputable kebab house or vegetarian restaurant (popular in Delhi) to experience local specialties; choose busy spots with good reviews and avoid very spicy/unfamiliar dishes if you have a sensitive stomach.
Notify banks of travel dates to avoid card blocks and save international helpline numbers; use UPI-enabled apps (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm) with local SIM for convenience, but set up safety features and avoid public Wi‑Fi for banking.
Pack light layers for Delhi (day warm, evenings cooler in certain seasons), comfortable walking shoes, a travel first-aid kit, and a universal power adapter (India uses Type C, D and M plugs at 230V/50Hz). Bring prescription meds in original packaging with a copy of the prescription.
Dress modestly—shoulders covered and midriffs avoided in many places—especially when visiting religious sites; in cities casual western clothing is common, but conservative dress gains respect in rural or religious settings.
Useful phrases: 'Namaste' (hello/respectful greeting), 'Shukriya' or 'Dhanyavaad' (thank you), and 'Kitna hai?' (how much?) for markets. Most service staff speak English in urban areas; learning a few local words is appreciated.
Use app taxis (Ola/Uber) for safer point-to-point travel; auto-rickshaws are common for short trips (agree fare or use meter/app). For intercity travel, Indian Railways (IRCTC) and domestic flights are efficient — book trains via IRCTC or trusted agents and flights via domestic carriers.
Beware of over-friendly strangers offering unsolicited help, inflated taxi fares, and pressure to buy; keep valuables secure, use hotel safes, and avoid flashing expensive items in crowds. In crowded areas, watch for pickpocketing and use anti-theft bags.
Install Google Maps, Ola/Uber, IRCTC Rail (or Cleartrip/MakeMyTrip), Google Pay/PhonePe/Paytm for payments, and translation apps; keep digital copies of travel documents and emergency contacts offline on your phone.
India-wide emergency number: 112. U.S. Embassy in New Delhi and Consulates-General in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Bengaluru — save embassy phone numbers and address in your phone and enroll in STEP (U.S. State Department) before travel for alerts.
Finish with a relaxed meal at a well-reviewed neighborhood restaurant you’ve vetted via recent reviews (use Google/Yelp/Zomato) — aim for busy, clean places to reduce food-safety risk.
Confirm domestic onward transport (tickets/hotel), re-check visa & passport, ensure you have enough INR and functioning SIM, and keep emergency contacts ready; use hotel concierge for reliable local travel arrangements.