This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information in the Summary and under Terrorism (update) and Civil Unrest/Political Tension (update). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Summary

Safety and Security

Terrorism

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in India because of the high risk of terrorist activity by militant groups. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

Terrorists are active in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly during the summer months. In the past, tourist buses and groups have been targeted. See also Civil Unrest/Political Tension (below).

You should be particularly vigilant in the lead up to and on days of national significance such as Republic Day (26 January) and Independence Day (15 August) as militants have used such occasions to mount attacks. Additional security measures may be imposed from time to time which may cause delays for road, rail and air passengers.

Terrorist attacks can occur anywhere in India. In planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided. There is also a risk of attacks in commercial and public areas and at events and places known to be frequented by foreigners. These include prominent government buildings, places of worship, markets and shopping malls, public transport networks, religious sites, pilgrimages and festivals and tourist sites. Recent attacks have included explosions at a market place, local courts, a cinema and local transport networks. These risks apply in all of India’s cities and tourist centres.

On 26 July 2008, there was a series of bomb blasts throughout Ahmedabad. Dozens of people were killed and around 150 injured. Local authorities also confirmed that up to five bombs exploded in and around Bangalore on 25 July 2008. Local authorities also discovered a number of unexploded bombs, including in Surat.

On 13 May 2008, there was a series of coordinated bomb blasts in the walled city area of Jaipur in the state of Rajasthan. 63 people were killed and over 200 injured. Further attacks cannot be ruled out.

Australians are urged to avoid unnecessary local travel in the areas affected by the blasts and to heed the advice of local authorities. Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

Civil Unrest/Political Tension

You should avoid protests and demonstrations while in India as they may become violent. Australians could be caught up in attacks directed at others. Australians are urged to monitor international and local media and to follow the instructions of local authorities.

On 10 June 2008 a strike began in Darjeeling and surrounding areas. Further strike action is planned from 7 August 2008. During this time road travel may be restricted and shops, government offices and schools are likely to be closed.

Violent protests by sections of the Gujjar people of India began in the Bharatpur region of Rajasthan on 23 May 2008. People died in violence associated with these protests. The protests have since subsided but the potential remains for further disturbances.

On 21 November 2007, civil unrest broke out in Kolkata resulting from a protracted dispute over acquisition of land in Nandigram. A number of protesters and police were injured and the army was deployed to restore calm in the city.

On 29 August 2007, violent protests occurred in the city of Agra in the state of Uttar Pradesh following the deaths of four people in a traffic accident. Curfews were imposed in several areas of Agra. The Taj Mahal was closed and foreigners were advised by police to remain in their hotels until the situation returned to normal.

International events and political developments in the region can trigger demonstrations in India. You should read our travel bulletin entitled Release of a film by Netherlands MP Geert Wilders.

Jammu and Kashmir: We advise you not to travel to the state of Jammu and Kashmir (north India), other than to the Ladakh region via Manali, or by air to the regions main city of Leh, due to frequent armed clashes and terrorist activities.

There is an on-going dispute between India and neighbouring Pakistan regarding Jammu and Kashmir and serious security problems remain in Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as other parts of the state.

The arrest, detention or execution of high profile militants could become catalysts for violence and civil disorder. Large numbers of people, including civilians, have been killed and injured in armed clashes and attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.

Attacks in the recent past have targeted tourists and foreigners have been kidnapped in Kashmir. In May 2008, at least nine people were killed when fighting erupted in the Samba district close to the Line of Control that divides Indian and Pakistani administered parts of Kashmir. Other recent incidents include a grenade attack on a bus stand killing five people (July 2008); an explosion in Srinigar (April 2008); an explosion on the Srinagar-Barmulla highway killing six people (October 2007); six killed and more than a dozen injured in an explosion aboard a tourist bus in Srinagar (July 2007), and attacks on Hindu Pilgrims visiting shrines in the Himalayas (July 2007).

We advise you not to travel in the immediate vicinity of the border with Pakistan (northern and western India), other than at the international border crossing at Atari, India and Wagah, Pakistan. Both India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border. Land mines pose a serious risk along some stretches of the India-Pakistan border.

North-eastern states of Assam, Nagaland, Tripura and Manipur: We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to the north-eastern states of Assam, Nagaland, Tripura and Manipur. If you do decide to travel to these areas, you should exercise extreme caution. Armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion and terrorism have occurred regularly in these states. Insurgent groups have attacked civilians, and bombed buildings. There is also a risk from insurgent groups in rural areas of these states.

Public transport, including buses and trains, has also been targeted. On 29 June 2008 six people were killed and dozens injured in a bomb blast in a market area in Assam’s Buksa district. On 25 November 2007, a number of bombs exploded in the city of Guwahati.

Crime

Women travellers, especially when travelling alone, often receive unwanted attention and have been sexually harassed and assaulted. Women should avoid walking alone at night in deserted areas, including city streets, village lanes and beaches. There have been a number of sexual offences against foreign women in Delhi and Goa. There have been instances where single women staying on houseboats in Kashmir have been intimidated and harassed by houseboat employees.

Petty theft is common in crowded areas such as markets, airports and bus and railway stations. Thieves on motorcycles commonly snatch shoulder bags and jewellery, especially gold chains.

Travellers have been robbed and assaulted after consuming 'spiked' drinks or food. Incidents of tourists riding in taxis and rickshaws being robbed and assaulted have been reported. Prepaid taxi services should be used and taxis already carrying passengers should be avoided.

Some travellers have been intimidated or tricked into purchasing items which are grossly overvalued after accepting unsolicited approaches for provision of various services, particularly for assistance with shopping for jewellery, gems and carpets.

Hikers have been attacked and have disappeared in the Kulu/Manali district in Himachal Pradesh, particularly on more remote trekking routes. Hikers are strongly urged not to hike alone and to obtain detailed information in advance about proposed hiking routes. You and your group should register your presence with the local police and with the Australian High Commission, New Delhi.

In parts of India, religious missionary activity is resented by some. In January 1999, an Australian missionary and his two young sons were murdered in the eastern state of Orissa.

There are persistent allegations and media reports of sexual misconduct made against certain prominent cults and their leaders in India.

Local Travel

Driving in India is dangerous due to poorly maintained and congested roads and accidents frequently occur. Roads are often shared with pedestrians, carts, cattle and other livestock and are particularly dangerous at night due to insufficient or non-existent street lighting. Local driving practices are often undisciplined and aggressive with poorly maintained vehicles. If a driver hits a pedestrian or cow, the occupants of the car are at risk of being attacked or becoming victims of extortion.

Delays in travel can be expected throughout India due to additional security measures, especially in the lead up to and on days of national significance such as Republic Day (26 January) and Independence Day (15 August).

Traffic delays frequently occur when demonstrators attempt to block roads in order to publicise their grievances. In New Delhi, significant traffic delays caused by construction works can be expected in the lead-up to the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Motorcycle riders are required by law to wear helmets. If you intend to ride a motorcycle, you should check that your travel insurance policy covers injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents.

In order to drive in India, travellers must have either a valid Indian driver’s licence or an International Driving Permit together with an Australian driving licence. An Australian licence alone is not sufficient, despite advice to the contrary provided by some car and motorcycle rental companies.

Bus services are often overcrowded and drivers may lack adequate training.

You are required by law to carry your passport at all times.

You need permission from the Indian authorities to visit certain parts of the country, particularly in the northeast. Permits are generally required for Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, parts of Kulu District and Spiti District of Himachal Pradesh, border areas of Jammu and Kashmir, some areas of Uttarakhand (formerly Uttaranchal), parts of Rajasthan adjacent to the international border, the Tibetan settlements between Hunsar and Madikeri in Karnataka, Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. There are severe penalties for entering a protected or restricted area without prior permission. Indian authorities generally require four weeks' notice to process permit applications. You should seek advice from the nearest High Commission or Consulate of India or the Ministry of Home Affairs, (Foreigners Division) at Jaisalmer House, 26 Man Singh Road, in New Delhi.

Travellers should exercise caution while visiting Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) in Tamil Nadu (South India) as the Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Centre, Kalpakkam, is located just south of the site and is not clearly marked as a restricted area.

Fog often affects northern India, usually during December and January, and may delay air and rail travel, and make road travel more dangerous.

There are concerns about the safety and maintenance standards of helicopters operating in the north-eastern states.

Piracy occurs in the coastal areas of India. See our travel advice on travelling by sea for more information. The International Maritime Bureau issues weekly piracy reports on its website. Tourist boats and other small commercial craft may not carry life preserving/saving equipment.

Touts are often found at airports/railway stations/bus stations and may use aggressive tactics to persuade travellers to buy tickets on tours. They may not have any connection to the relevant commercial service providers.

Airline Safety

Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.

If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns this will be included in travel advice.

The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.

Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate

Annual monsoon rains can cause extensive flooding in the North and East Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. In the past they have affected millions of people, resulting in many deaths. During these periods, fresh drinking water and food can be in short supply. The high risk of contracting a water-borne disease continues after the water recedes. Transport and communication infrastructure can also be affected.

Parts of India are in active seismic zones and are subject to earthquakes. Information on volcanic activity can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. Landslides and flooding occur in the monsoon season (from June to September) and may disrupt essential services such as power and water supplies and transport.

Coastal and some inland areas of India are vulnerable to cyclones which can cause coastal storm surges. You can obtain up to date advice on cyclone activity from the Indian Meteorological Department.

All oceanic regions of the world can experience tsunamis, but in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, there is a more frequent occurrence of large, destructive tsunamis because of the many large earthquakes along major tectonic plate boundaries and ocean trenches. See the Tsunami Awareness brochure.

In the event of a natural disaster, follow the advice of local authorities.

Wildlife Watching

Australians are advised to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

Money and Valuables

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Check with your bank whether your ATM card will work overseas.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

For Parents

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or child care facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or child care facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.

Local Laws

When you are in India, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Legal processes in India generally take several years or longer to conclude. Australians arrested for major offences can expect to be imprisoned for several years before a verdict is reached in their case.

Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include mandatory sentences and the death penalty. The judicial process can be lengthy.

Homosexual acts are illegal in India and penalties include imprisonment.

Penalties for some crimes, such as murder, kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery with murder, and treason, include the death penalty.

You are required by law to carry your passport at all times.

Trespassing and photography of airports, military establishments and dams is illegal with penalties ranging from three to 14 years imprisonment.

Maiming or killing of a cow is an offence which can attract a punishment of up to five years imprisonment.

Some states within India have passed religious anti-conversion legislation making conversion to another religion by force or inducement an offence where penalties include imprisonment. Foreigners with tourist visas who engage in missionary activity may be subject to deportation and possible criminal prosecution.

Strict regulations apply for the possession and export of antiques with penalties including up to three years imprisonment. The government of India requires the registration of antiques. For further information contact the High Commission of India in Canberra or the Indian Central Board of Excise and Customs at www.cbec.gov.in.

There are strict rules governing the purchase of property by foreigners in the state of Goa. The Reserve Bank of India website has some information, however Australians should seek reliable legal advice and familiarise themselves with applicable laws before entering into any agreements to purchase property.

Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.

Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.

Local Customs

There are strong codes of dress and behaviour in India, particularly in northern India and at religious sites, and you should take care not to offend. Physical contact between men and women in public is not considered acceptable. If in doubt, seek local advice.

Information for Dual Nationals

The Indian constitution does not allow dual nationality. However, local law allows persons of Indian origin in a number of countries, including Australia, to apply for Overseas Citizenship of India. Further advice is available from the Overseas Citizenship of India section of the Indian Government's Ministry of Home Affairs website. In some instances, access to Australian consular assistance by Australian/Indian dual nationals may be limited by Indian authorities, particularly in cases of arrest or detention.

Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of India for the most up to date information. Australians must obtain a visa before travelling to India. If you arrive without a visa you will be refused entry.

If planning to stay in India for more than 180 days, you are required to register within 14 days of arrival with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata) or with the Superintendent of Police in other areas. Failure to register may result in a goal sentence or fine, or preclude departure from India until permission is granted by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

There are heavy penalties, including jail sentences, for overstaying your visa.

There is no provision for changing visa categories (i.e. tourist to work) once admitted into India.

If you are arriving from a country where yellow fever is endemic, you will be required to present a valid yellow fever certificate to be allowed entry into India.

If your passport is lost or stolen while in India, an exit visa is required to depart from India. Exit visas can be obtained by presenting a police report to the Foreigners Registration Office.

Health Issues

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our Travelling Well brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.

Good medical facilities can be found in India's major cities; however in remote and rural areas facilities can be very limited or unavailable. Most hospitals require up-front payment or confirmation of insurance cover prior to commencing treatment. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation to a destination with appropriate facilities may be necessary. Medical evacuation costs could total in excess of $A100,000 depending on circumstances.

Malaria is a risk in most parts of India including major cities. There is also a risk of other mosquito-borne diseases (including dengue fever, chikungunya fever, Japanese encephalitis and filariasis). We recommend you consult your doctor so you can take prophylaxis against malaria. You should also take measures to avoid insect bites, including using insect repellent at all times.

Japanese encephalitis vaccine is currently unavailable in Australia. The Department of Health and Ageing is working with vaccine suppliers to make a vaccine available as soon as possible. For further details see the Department of Health and Ageing's website or consult your doctor.

There is a high incidence of food-borne, water-borne and other infectious diseases in India (including polio, meningitis, cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, diphtheria and rabies). We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling. We recommend you boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.

For divers who experience compression problems, decompression chambers are located at the Indian naval base in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and at the Goa Medical College, Goa.

Avoid temporary 'black henna' tattoos as they often contain a dye which can cause serious skin reactions. For further information see the Australasian College of Dermatologists' website.

Avian influenza. The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world, including India. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.

The Department of Health and Ageing advises Australians who reside in India for an extended period to consider, as a precautionary measure, having access to influenza antiviral medicine for treatment. Long term residents are at a greater risk of exposure to avian influenza over time. You should seek medical advice before taking antiviral medicines. Australians intending to travel to India for shorter periods are at much lower risk of infection but should discuss the risk of avian influenza with their doctor as part of their routine pre-travel health checks.

If the avian influenza virus mutates to a form where efficient human-to-human transmission occurs, it may spread quickly and local authorities could move quickly to impose restrictions on travel. Australian travellers and long-term residents in India should be prepared to take personal responsibility for their own safety and well-being, including deciding when to leave an affected area and ensuring they have appropriate contingency plans in place. Australians in India should monitor the travel advice and bulletin for updated information and advice, and ensure that their travel documents, including passports and visas for any non-Australian family members, are up to date in case they need to depart at short notice.

Where to Get Help

In India, you can obtain consular assistance from:

Australian High Commission, New Delhi
Australian Compound No. 1/50 G Shantipath
Chanakyapuri
New Delhi INDIA 110021
Telephone: (91 11) 4139 9900
Facsimile: (91 11) 2687 2228
Website: www.india.highcommission.gov.au

Australian Consulate-General, Mumbai
36 Maker Chambers VI
220 Nariman Point
Mumbai (Bombay) 400021
Maharashtra
Telephone: (91 22) 6669 2000
Facsimile: (91 22) 6669 2005

Australian Consulate-General, Chennai
512, Alpha Wing, Raheja Towers
177, Anna Salai
Chennai 600 002
Tamil Nadu
Telephone: (91 44) 2860 1160
Facsimile: (91 44) 2860 4988

If you are travelling to India, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.

In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the High Commission you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 (toll free within Australia).

In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.