India Register Travel insurance Destinations
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Risk level(s)
Risk level(s)
India - Exercise a high degree of caution
Exercise a high degree of caution in India due to a continuing threat of terrorist attacks throughout the country at all times.
Parts of Northeastern India - Avoid non-essential travel
Avoid non-essential travel to the following states, due to conflict:
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Assam
- Manipur
- Meghalaya
- Mizoram
- Nagaland
Western border with Bangladesh - Avoid all travel
Avoid all travel to areas of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland bordering Bangladesh and Myanmar, due to significant conflict.
Jammu and Kashmir - Avoid all travel
Avoid all travel to the states of Jammu and Kashmir, due to sporadic terrorist activity and violent demonstrations. This advisory excludes travelling to Ladakh via Manali, and air travel to Leh.
Border areas with Pakistan - Avoid all travel
Avoid all travel to areas within 10 km of the border with Pakistan in the following states, due to the possibility of landmines and unexploded ordnance, as well as unmarked border areas:
- Gujarat
- Punjab
- Rajasthan
The Wagah border crossing and towns farther from the border, such as Amritsar in Punjab and Bikaner and Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, are excluded from this advisory.
Safety and security
Safety and security
Jammu and Kashmir (see Advisory)
On August 5, 2019, the Government of India announced constitutional changes that will affect the internal political status of Jammu and Kashmir. Security forces have increased their presence. Internet and telecommunications services have been temporarily suspended in several areas. Movement restrictions may be put in place without notice. Monitor local news and follow the instructions of local authorities.
There are risks of civil disorder and acts of terrorism in many districts of Jammu and Kashmir, and the Indian army has special powers in this state. The security threat level remains high.
There are sporadic violent clashes between militants and Indian security forces. There are also occasional terrorist attacks against Indian security forces, in the Kashmir valley and Jammu region of the state. Civilians have been killed or injured during such attacks. You could find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Border with Pakistan (see Advisory)
A strong military presence remains on both sides of the Line of Control (the military control line between India and Pakistan).
Unmarked border areas, landmines and unexploded munitions constitute a risk. Cross-border gunfire and shelling occur sporadically along the LoC.
Terrorism
There is a threat of terrorism.
Be particularly vigilant during election periods and in the lead-up to and during times of national significance, such as Diwali, Eid, Republic Day (January 26) and Independence Day (August 15). Be aware of your surroundings at all times in public places. If you see a suspicious package, immediately leave the area and report the package to authorities.
Targets could include:
- government buildings, including schools
- places of worship
- airports and other transportation hubs and networks
- public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners
Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.
Insurgency
Maoist extremist groups, known as Naxalites, are most active in areas identified by the Government of India as left-wing extremist states, which include:
- Andhra Pradesh
- Bihar
- Chhattisgarh
- Jharkhand
- Madhya Pradesh
- Maharashtra
- Odisha
- Telangana
- Uttar Pradesh
- West Bengal
Naxalites, who are responsible for the majority of terrorist attacks in India are usually based in rural and forested areas within the left-wing extremist affected states. There are frequent bombings and attacks by extremist groups in the northeastern state of Manipur. The Manipur-Mayanmar, Assam-Bangladesh, Nagaland-Myanmar and Arunachal Pradesh-Myanmar border areas are also affected by insurgency.
Extremist groups almost always target government and security forces, and sometimes, trains and railway tracks. While tourists have not been specifically targeted, bystanders can be affected.Since 2012, Naxalites have kidnapped 3 foreigners when they entered into areas controlled by them.
Crime
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs. Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.
Scams
Scams involving the export of jewels and carpets have occurred. Taxi drivers may approach you offering money to export such items.
Don’t accept any offer, no matter how convincing. Beware of offers for cheap transportation or accommodation, extended taxi rides and unwanted tours.
Piracy
Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.
Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy Reporting Centre
Demonstrations and civil unrest
Demonstrations
Street demonstrations by the general public and inter-communal tensions are frequent and may occur quickly. Even peaceful gathering can turn violent at any time. In the past, some have resulted in fatalities.
Demonstrations can lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.
- Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
- Follow the instructions of local authorities
- Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations
More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Curfews
Local authorities can impose curfews and other mobility restrictions on short notice. This may cause significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation.
You should respect the imposed curfews.
General strikes
General strikes, or “bandh,” can result in major disruptions to transportation and tourist-related services. These events sometimes lead to unrest and can leave tourists stranded.
Stampedes
Stampedes have occurred during events with large crowds, including religious ceremonies, and have resulted in deaths and injuries.
Spiked food and drinks
Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.
Women’s safety
Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.
Reports of serious assault, rape and sexual aggression against foreign women have increased. Staring, vulgar comments and groping are not uncommon. Foreign women are often a target for unwanted attention.
- Avoid travelling alone, particularly at night, on public transportation, taxis and auto-rickshaws
- Avoid less populous and unlit areas, including city streets, village lanes and beaches
- Respect local customs
- Reach police immediately if you feel threatened
Trekking
There are no commercial mountain rescue services operating above 3,000 metres. If you intend on trekking:
- ensure your insurance policy covers you for altitudes over 2,400 metres as well as mountain rescue and helicopter costs
- never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
- buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
- ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
- ensure that You’re properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
- inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp
- know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
- obtain detailed information on trekking routes or ski slopes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails or slopes
Road safety
Road conditions and road safety are poor throughout the country. Most roads, including major highways, are poorly maintained. There is severe traffic congestion.
Drivers do not respect traffic laws. They are often aggressive or reckless. They often use the horn or flash the headlights to let other drivers know they’re there.
- Avoid travelling outside urban centres after dark
- Avoid any travel by motorcycle or scooter
- Be very careful when crossing the street, even at pedestrian crossings
Travel by road to Pakistan
The four roads between India and Pakistan are highly restricted. Border crossings (road and rail) are open on a limited basis only. Contact border authorities before travelling to Pakistan.
Travel Advice and Advisories for Pakistan
Accidents
There is a possibility of mob anger when accidents cause serious injury to a person or a cow.
In such cases, remain in your vehicle and drive to the nearest police station to report the accident.
Public transportation
Trains
Rail accidents are common in India, mostly due to poor maintenance. Air and rail traffic in northern India is sometimes affected by cancellations and rescheduling in December and January, due to fog or smog.
Taxis
If you use a taxi, try to get it from a reputable hotel.
- Use only officially marked taxis
- Pre-negotiate the fare or ask the metre be turned on when available
Maritime transportation
Maritime accidents are also common and are often caused by poor safety practices. Don’t board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy.
Air travel
We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.
General information about foreign domestic airlines
Entry/exit requirements
Entry/exit requirements
Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.
We have obtained the information on this page from the Indian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.
Verify this information with foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada.
Passport
Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.
Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.
Regular Canadian passport
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from your date of entry into India and must contain two blank pages for use by immigration officials.
Passport for official travel
Different entry rules may apply.
Other travel documents
Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest diplomatic mission for your destination.
Useful links
Visas
Tourism visa: required
Work visa: required
Business visa: required
Student visa: required
As a Canadian citizen, you must obtain a visa for India prior to arrival or you will be refused entry into the country. Ensure you apply for the proper type of visa for the specific purpose of your trip.
If you are denied entry by immigration officials, you will be returned to your point of departure. Canadian-Pakistani citizens are subject to different visa application and registration procedures.
Tourist visas
If you are in possession of a tourist visa, you can only stay in India for up to 180 consecutive days, even when the validity of the visa exceeds 180 days.
If you’re going to India to execute projects or contracts, you must enter on an employment visa.
e-Tourist Visa
You can obtain an e-Tourist Visa for tourist visits if:
- your stay doesn’t exceeding 60 days
- you are entering through one of the designated international airports or seaports
You can apply online for an e-visa. Do so at least 4 days prior to travelling. Carry a printed copy of the email confirmation of your e-visa.
E-tourist visa – Government of India
Stays of more than 180 days
If you are staying in India for more than 180 days, you must register within 14 days of arrival with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) closest to your place of residence. District Superintendents of Police are designated Foreigners Registration Officers (FROs) in certain cities.
If you have overstayed your visa, the local police must provide clearance to FRRO to issue an exit visa which can be a lengthy process.
You are required to schedule an online appointment with the Bureau of Immigration before visiting the FRRO for your visa related issues.
- e-FRRO online portal (for Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru) – India’s Bureau of Immigration
- Online registration – India’s Bureau of Immigration
- Schedule an online appointment – India’s Bureau of Immigration
- FRRO Contact List – India’s Bureau of Immigration
Lost or stolen passport
If your passport is lost or stolen, an exit visa is required to leave India.
To obtain an exit visa you must present the FRRO with:
- a police report
- two current passport-size photographs
- a letter providing details of the loss or theft from the High Commission of Canada to India in New Delhi or Consulate General of Canada in either Chandigarh or Mumbai
Entry details must be verified by the FRRO before an exit visa can be issued. This process can take several days.
- e-FRRO online portal (for Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru) – India’s Bureau of Immigration
- Online registration – India’s Bureau of Immigration
- Schedule an online appointment – India’s Bureau of Immigration
- FRRO Contact List – India’s Bureau of Immigration
Special permits
Special permits are required to visit certain parts of India designated as restricted or protected areas.
Restricted or protected areas – India’s Bureau of Immigration
Other requirements
Entry
Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.
Overseas Citizens of India
If you hold an Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card, you must present it upon entry into India.
Departure
All passengers boarding flights in India must present their tickets or printouts of their e-tickets, along with photographic identification, to be allowed into the departure terminals.
Poliomyelitis
You must produce proof of polio vaccination if you are arriving from Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Israel, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan or Somalia.
Yellow fever
Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).
Children and travel
Learn about travel with children.
Health
Health
- Global Measles Notice - July 23, 2019
- Zika virus: Advice for travellers - January 17, 2019
Vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccines, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Some of these vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.
Vaccines to Consider
You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health professional about which ones are right for you.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.
Influenza
Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.
Japanese encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain. It is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is low for most travellers. Vaccination should be considered for those who may be exposed to mosquito bites (e.g., spending a large amount of time outdoors) while travelling in regions with risk of Japanese encephalitis.
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.
Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.
Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.
Rabies
Rabies is a deadly illness spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from an infected animal. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who have a high risk of exposure (e.g., are children, have an occupational risk, or in close contact with animals, including free roaming dogs in communities).
Typhoid
Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Travellers going to countries in South Asia should speak to a health care professional about getting vaccinated.
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
Risk
- There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.
Country Entry Requirement*
- Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country where yellow fever occurs.
Recommendation
- Vaccination is not recommended.
- Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
- There is currently a shortage of the yellow fever vaccine in Canada. It is important for travellers to contact a designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre well in advance of their trip to ensure that the vaccine is available.
About Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada
* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.
Food/Water
Food and Water-borne Diseases
Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.
In some areas in South Asia, food and water can also carry diseases like cholera, hepatitis A and typhoid. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in South Asia. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Cholera
Risk
Cholera is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk.
To protect against cholera, all travellers should practise safe food and water precautions.
Travellers at higher risk of getting cholera include those:
- visiting, working or living in areas with limited access to safe food, water and proper sanitation
- visiting areas where outbreaks are occurring
Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers, and should be discussed with a health care professional.
Travellers' diarrhea
- Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
- Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.
- The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.
Typhoid
Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.
Travellers visiting regions with a risk typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.
Insects
Insects and Illness
In some areas in South Asia, certain insects carry and spread diseases like chikungunya, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis, malaria and Zika virus.
Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.
Chikungunya
There is currently a risk of chikungunya in this country. Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is a viral disease that typically causes fever, bleeding under the skin, and pain. Risk is generally low for most travellers. It is spread to humans though contact with infected animal blood or bodily fluids, or from a tick bite. Protect yourself from tick bites and avoid animals. There is no vaccine available for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.
Dengue
- In this country, dengue fever is a risk to travellers year-round. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
- Dengue fever can cause severe flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to dengue haemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal.
- The level of risk of dengue fever changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. After a decline in reported dengue cases worldwide in 2017 and 2018, global numbers have been steeply rising again.
- Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.
Leishmaniasis, viceral
Visceral leishmaniasis (or kala azar) affects the bone marrow and internal organs. It is caused by a parasite spread through the bite of a female sandfly. It can also be transmitted by blood transfusion or sharing contaminated needles. If left untreated it can cause death. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from sandfly bites, which typically occur after sunset in rural and forested areas and in some urban centres. There is no vaccine or medication to protect against leishmaniasis.
Lymphatic filariasis
Lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis, is caused by filariae (tiny worms) spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause a range of illnesses. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine available for lymphatic filariasis although drug treatments exist.
Zika virus infection
Zika virus infection is a risk in this country. Recent or ongoing cases of Zika virus have been reported in this country.
Travel recommendations:
All travellers should protect themselves from mosquito bites day and night.
Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects such as abnormally small heads (microcephaly). Zika virus can also be sexually transmitted.
Travellers who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy:
- Should avoid travel to this country.
- If travel cannot be avoided follow strict mosquito bite prevention measures.
- Talk to your health care professional about the risk of Zika infection in pregnancy.
- Use condoms correctly or avoid having sex for the duration of the pregnancy, if you are pregnant and your partner has travelled to this country.
- Female travellers: wait at least 2 months after returning from this country or after onset of illness due to Zika (whichever is longer) before trying to conceive (get pregnant) to ensure that any possible Zika virus infection has cleared your body.
- Male travellers: wait 3 months after returning from this country or after onset of illness due to Zika (whichever is longer) before trying to conceive. Use condoms or avoid having sex during that time.
See travel health notice: Zika virus: Advice for travellers
Malaria
Malaria
- There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this country.
- Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no vaccine against malaria.
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites. This includes covering up, using insect repellent and staying in enclosed air-conditioned accommodations. You may also consider pre-treating clothing and travel gear with insecticides and sleeping under an insecticide-treated bednet.
- Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. See a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic, preferably six weeks before you travel to discuss your options.
Animals
Animals and Illness
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, and bats. Certain infections found in some areas in Southern Asia, like avian influenza and rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.
Person-to-Person
Person-to-Person Infections
Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.
For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.
Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.
High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.
Medical services and facilities
Quality of health care varies greatly throughout the country.
Medical care in major cities may be good but it is usually very limited or unavailable in rural areas.
Government hospitals provide services free or at minimal cost. Private facilities often provide a higher level of care, but can be expensive. Most hospitals require up-front payment or confirmation of insurance coverage prior to commencing treatment.
Specialised treatment for psychiatric illness may not be available outside major cities.
Decompression chambers
There are decompression chambers in Goa and in the Andaman and Nicobar islands.
Ambulances
Ambulances are often equipped with basic and old medical equipment. Traffic doesn’t yield to emergency vehicles and response times are slow.
In case of serious illness or injury, you may consider taking a taxi or private vehicle to go to the hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.
Medical tourism
Canadian citizens have had serious health complications following cosmetic or other elective surgeries abroad.
Before leaving for a medical travel, make sure you have done your research and use competent health-care providers only.
Receiving Medical Care in Other Countries
Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Keep in Mind...
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.
Laws and culture
Laws & culture
You must abide by local laws.
Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
Drugs
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines. You could also be incarcerated for several years before your trial.
Alcohol
Laws on purchasing and consuming alcohol, including the legal drinking age, differ from state to state. Authorities often call for dry periods during religious festivals, elections and some national holidays.
Culture
India is a traditional, conservative society. To avoid offending local sensitivities:
- Dress conservatively
- Behave discreetly
- Respect religious and social traditions
- Avoid displays of affection in public
Forced marriage
Forced marriage affecting foreigners occurs. It sometimes occurs without the affected person’s prior knowledge or consent.
Family law
Indian family law is very different from Canadian law. Exercise particular caution when dealing with situations involving family law, such as child custody.
Commercial surrogacy
A proposed Indian government ban on foreign commercial surrogacy could affect Canadians travelling to India to enter into a surrogacy agreement.
If you are considering this option, you should seek independent legal advice to ensure you are eligible and well informed regarding both Canadian and Indian laws and requirements. If you have already entered into a surrogacy arrangement, you should also seek advice from a local lawyer on how you could be affected.
Foreigner surrogacy - Government of India
LGBTQ2 travellers
Indian law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, homosexuality is not widely accepted in Indian society.
General safety information and advice for LGBTQ2 travellers abroad
Dual citizenship
Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in India.
If local authorities consider you a citizen of India, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.
General information for travellers with dual citizenship
Identification
You must carry your passport and Indian visa at all times.
Photographs
Photographing military installations, airports and dams is prohibited.
Prohibitions on beef
Several states in India impose prohibitions 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.
Satellite phones
It is illegal to carry or use a satellite phone in India.
Imports and exports
There are strict regulations on the temporary import or export of items such as:
- firearms
- antiquities
- electronic equipment
- local currency
- ivory
- gold objects
- protected animals
- pornographic materials
- other prohibited materials
Among others, you must register antique items for export with local police, with a photograph of each item.
Customs Guide for Travellers - India’s Central Board of Excise and Customs
Driving
Traffic drives on the left.
Motorcycle and scooter drivers and passengers must wear helmets.
You must carry an international driving permit
More about the International Driving Permit
Money
The currency in India is rupee (INR). It’s not fully convertible.
Non-residents are prohibited from importing or exporting the Indian rupee, while limits are imposed on residents.
Natural disasters and climate
Natural disasters & climate
Monsoon
The rainy (or monsoon) season extends from June to September. Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.
Cyclones
India’s coastline is subject to cyclonic storms. Heavy rain can cause flooding throughout the country, resulting in significant loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure, and hampering the provision of essential services.
Keep informed of regional weather forecasts, avoid disaster areas and follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders.
Seismic activity
Parts of India are located in active seismic zones.
Air pollution
The air quality in India varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons. Many cities frequently experience high levels of air pollution. Dust storms also occur across northern India.
It is typically at its worst in the winter. Children, the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions may be especially affected by particle pollution.
- System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting and Research - Ministry of Earth Science of India
- Real time ambient air quality data - Delhi Pollution Control Committee
- Air pollution - World Health Organization.
Assistance
Assistance
Local services
Emergency services
In case of emergency, dial:
- police: 100/112 from cellular telephones
- firefighters: 101
- medical assistance: 102/108 in parts of South India
- victim of sexual harassment: 1091 or 1096
Consular assistance
New Delhi - High Commission of Canada
Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore) - Consulate General of Canada
Chandigarh - Consulate General of Canada
Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) - Consulate of Canada
Mumbai (Formerly Bombay) - Consulate General of Canada
For emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Canada in India, in New Delhi, or the Consulate General of Canada in Bengaluru, Chandigarh or Mumbai, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.
The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.
If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.
Learn more about consular services.