The customs and local conditions could be very much different from home. Try to learn local customs and rules by contacting Indian Missions in your country, travel agents and visiting libraries.

Always remember that you will be subjected to the rules and regulations of the country you are going to visit.

Keep track of the current happenings in India to have first-hand information on current affairs.

The travel requires a valid passport and a valid visa. Obtain the visa from the Indian Mission in your country. Visas will not be issued at the entry point. For more information see Travel Documents and Visa Rules & Regulations

Entries to certain regions are restricted to foreigners. Obtain the special permit well in advance if you are planning to visit those regions. For more information see
Restricted Regions

Pre-plan your journey and make all advanced reservations. Use a reputed travel agent/tour operator to look after your interests.

Foreign tourists should be in possession of their yellow fever vaccination certificate conforming to International Health Regulations if they are originating or transiting through Africa or South America.

Get yourself inoculated against Cholera, hepatitis, typhoid and Malaria.

If you wear glasses, keep an extra pair.

Getting a travel insurance to cover theft, loss and medical problems will be a very positive step.

Keeping additional sets of passport size photographs will come handy.

If you are planning to drive in India, get an international licence from your national automobile organization.

Make photocopies of passport information page, the page on which visa is stamped, credit cards, travel insurance policy, air, bus and train tickets, driving licence etc. Keep one copy at home. Keep another copy with you separate from the original.

Equip yourself to travel light and make your journey pleasant.

Always pack up only a minimum amount of required valuables to carry with you.

Keep photocopies of your passport information page and the page where the visa is stamped. It will help you to replace your passport in the event it is lost or stolen.

To avoid problems when passing through the customs, keep your medicines in their original labelled containers. If a medication is unusual, carry a letter from your doctor certifying the need for you to use the medicine.

Carry traveller's cheques and credit cards and lesser currency notes.