Ban on use of Satellite Phone
The use of satellite telephone services is not allowed in India, as per Section 6 of the Indian Wireless Act and Section 20 of the Indian Telegraph Act. Foreign nationals visiting India are prohibited from making unauthorized use of satellite telephone services, such as Thuraya and Irridium. Violators will be prosecuted, and any satellite phones found in their possession will be confiscated.
Visit to the restricted/protected areas
Foreigners can only visit restricted or protected areas in India after obtaining a valid permit. Their visa alone does not grant them access to these areas. For more information, they can visit the Bureau of Immigration website at https://boi.gov.in/.
Health regulations
Foreigners traveling from or through Yellow Fever countries must possess a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate. Detailed information about health regulations can be found at https://boi.gov.in/content/health-regulation.
Wildlife Protection
All forms of wildlife trade are prohibited under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act. Violations of this act can result in heavy fines and imprisonment. Foreigners are advised not to purchase any wildlife or wildlife products, particularly ivory, fur, skin, and items made from wild animals.
Ban on substances that alter mental states or are illegal
Buying, selling, using, or being in possession of psychotropic drugs or any other narcotic substance while in India is a cognizable offense punishable by imprisonment.
Be cautious of deceitful websites offering Indian e-Visa services.
Beware of fraudulent websites that claim to provide e-Tourist Visa services for travel to India. The following websites are fake and do not belong to the Government of India: e-touristvisaindia.com, indianvisaonline.org.in, and e-visaindia.com.
The official website for e-visa is https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/.
Customs declarations
For information about baggage, customs declaration, currency, etc., visitors can refer to http://www.cbec.gov.in/htdocs-cbec/guide_for_travellers/guide-for-travellers.
Requirement of Registration of Foreigners in India
Foreigners, including those of Indian origin, visiting India on long-term visas for study, medical treatment, research, or employment must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) or Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) within 14 days of arrival. However, Pakistani nationals must register within 24 hours of arrival. All Afghan nationals must register within 14 days of arrival, except for those who enter India on a visa valid for 30 days or less and provide their local address in India to the Indian Mission/FRRO/FRO. Afghan nationals who are issued visas with ‘Exemption from police reporting’ are also exempted from police reporting and exit permission as long as they leave within the validity of their visa period.
Business visa holders must register with the FRRO/FRO concerned if their aggregate stay in India on a business visa exceeds 180 days during a calendar year. Foreigners entering on Entry (X) and Business visas valid for more than 180 days must register with the FRRO/FRO if they continuously intend to stay for more than 6 months on each visit. Their visa should bear the endorsement “Stay not to exceed 180 days, and hence no registration required.”
Registration is also necessary if a special endorsement “registration required” is made on the visa sticker for visas of less than 180 days.
Foreigners who do not fall into any of the categories mentioned above are not required to register if their continuous stay in India does not exceed 180 days. However, if their intention is to stay in India for more than 180 days, they should register with the FRRO/FRO before the expiry of 180 days from the date of arrival.
Foreigners, including minors aged 16 to 18, have to report to the appropriate Registration Officer for registration either in person or through an authorized representative. No registration is required for children below 16 years of age.
