India

Singaporeans are required to obtain a visa before travelling to India. There should be at least six months' validity on your passport on the expected date of departure from India. As visa requirements often change at short notice, we advise you to contact your travel agency, or the High Commission of India in Singapore for up-to-date information. Singaporeans, including OCI card holders, traveling to India are also required to complete the Indian e-Arrival Card online 72 hours prior to their arrival in India.

e-Visa Facility for Entry into India – The Indian e-Visa is valid for entry through 284 designated airports and 5 designated seaports. Indian e-Visa holders can also exit from any of the authorised Immigration Check Posts (ICPs) in India. This Indian e-Visa is an addition to the existing Visa services. Singaporeans need to apply for the electronic Visa (e-Visa) prior to arrival, i.e. submit your Indian visa forms online and secure the necessary approval before departing for India. Upon arrival in India, travellers on the e-Visa would need to proceed to a “Visa on Arrival” counter at the airport to get their visa stamped on their passport. Please refer to the Indian Visa Online website for more information, and beware of fake websites that claim to offer visa services.

There are several types of visas issued for travel to India, such as Tourist, Business, and Medical visas. The validity of all visas commences from the date of issue of the visa and not the date of arrival in India. You should ensure that you obtain the right visa for your travel purposes.

Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card holders: OCI cardholders do not require a visa to enter India, and only need to present a valid passport and OCI card.

If your passport is lost or stolen in India, you will need to do the following:

1. Lodge a police report with the Indian authorities.

2. Report a lost passport online with ICA or contact the Singapore High Commission in New Delhi or Consulates in Mumbai or Chennai.

3. Depending on your location, the nearest Overseas Mission will contact you for the collection once your passport or Document of Identity (DOI) is ready.

4. If you are applying for a new passport or Document of Identity (DOI) at the High Commission or Consulate in person, you will need to have the following documents:

   • One (for DOI application) or two (for passport applications) passport-sized photographs. Instant photographs are acceptable.

   • A copy of your police report.

   • Documentary proof of your Singapore Citizenship (such as your Singapore Identification Card or Driving License) to verify your identity.

   • Relevant fees for the application.

   • Travellers can refer to ICA's website for more information on loss of passports overseas.

5. For DOI holders, you will need an exit permit from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). You will need to provide proof of address in Delhi and one passport-sized colour photograph. Please note that exit permits are not issued on weekends or Indian Public Holidays. The contact details for the FRRO in New Delhi are:

   • Block 8, Sector 1
     R.K. Puram
     Telephone: 91-11-2671-1348, 2671-1443
     Fax : 91-11-2671-1348

Crime and motor accidents: The rate of crime and motor accidents in India are high. Travellers should pay close attention to their personal security at all times and monitor the local news on information regarding security risks. Precautions that travellers can take include:

1. Avoid isolated or unlit areas, including city streets, village lanes and beaches.

2. Do not accept food or drinks from strangers or leave drinks unattended.

3. Do not leave your belongings unattended at all times, and pay close attention particularly in crowded areas.

4. Travel in well-maintained vehicles with seatbelts.

5. Avoid travelling alone on public transport, autos, taxis and rickshaws, particularly at night.

Travel for women in India: Women should exercise caution when travelling in India. Women tend to receive unwanted attention in the form of verbal and physical harassment by individuals or groups of men. There have been sexual assaults on female visitors in tourist areas. Women travellers should respect local dress codes and customs. Avoid travelling alone, even in major cities and at tourist sites. Choose safe modes of transport, and arrange airport transfers before arrival.

Terrorism and civil unrest: In November 2008, terrorists attacked a number of sites in Mumbai, including luxury hotels, a railway station and a restaurant. Over 160 people were killed and scores wounded. A Singapore citizen was also killed. In addition, protests and demonstrations occur sporadically and often spontaneously in the country. Travellers should exercise vigilance and minimise risks:

1. Monitor the news for new or emerging threats.

2. Heed official warnings seriously and avoid areas identified as possible areas of attack.

3. Stay clear of all demonstrations, political event rallies, processions and large-scale public gatherings.

4. Be particularly vigilant in the period around days of national significance, such as Republic Day (26 January) and Independence Day (15 August).

Gold, Silver & Jewellery: There are strict regulations governing the carriage of gold, silver and jewellery into India by International travellers. Please refer to the guide for travellers published by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Government of India at https://www.cbic.gov.in/entities/internationalTravellers for information on customs requirements and restrictions.

Satellite phones: Travellers are advised to ensure that they do not carry satellite phones to India. Satellite phones carried by travellers to India will be detained/confiscated and the traveller may be penalised under the relevant sections of Indian Telegraph Act. Satellite phones are also not permitted to be imported except with a license issued by the WPC wing of Department of Telecommunications. Refer to https://dot.gov.in/spectrum-management/2457 for details. For information on customs requirements and restrictions as well as a comprehensive list of dutiable and duty-free goods allowed into India, refer to https://www.cbic.gov.in.

Alcohol: The laws governing alcohol consumption vary from state to state, and it is prohibited in some. Travellers should seek advice from your local travel agent, hotel or the local authorities before visiting such places.

Currency: The withdrawal of the old 500 and 1000-Indian banknotes was announced by the Indian government in November 2016. It is no longer possible for non-Indian nationals to exchange these old notes. Travellers can refer to the Reserve Bank of India for more information and advice.

Travel restrictions around designated tribal areas: The movement of tourists around designated Restricted or Protected Areas requires permission from the Indian authorities. The list of areas can be obtained from the Bureau of Immigration. Travellers should seek advice from the High Commission of India to Singapore when planning to visit these areas.

Natural disasters: Parts of India are susceptible to natural disasters like monsoons, cyclones and earthquakes. There can be widespread disruptions to services when they occur. Travellers can monitor the media and the India Meteorological Department website for updates.

Mosquito-borne diseases: Malaria is a risk in parts of India, including in major cities. Dengue fever and Chikungunya fever are quite prevalent. Travellers should take precaution against mosquito-borne illnesses:

1. Make sure that your accommodation is mosquito-proof, such as through the presence of mosquito nets or screen doors.

2. Take measures to avoid insect bites. Use insect repellent and wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing. Avoid outdoors at dawn and dusk.

3. Discuss your travel plans and vaccination needs with your doctor prior to travel.

Travellers may refer to this guide for more information on protection against mosquitos.

Please refer to MFA’s general travel advice for Singaporeans before you travel overseas.