India Packers & Movers - Moving Companies

Despite her long history of colonial rule, India has established her glory in the global map within 60 years of gaining independence. India has rapidly re-gained her ground as a popular destination for foreign travelers.

It has also attracted several international students. The grandeur, glamour and mysticism associated with this country have hypnotized many to immigrate to this country.

Tourism is one of the important wings of Indian economy. Most of the travelers travel to India to catch a glimpse of the historic sites, reminiscent of the old times, historic monuments that tell the tale of the rich cultural heritage of this country. The spiritual fervor of India is another reason that is attracting foreigners.

So, if you are planning to visit India for any of the above reasons or others, then the following information is meant for you:

Immigration Formalities

Given below is a list of Immigration Formalities in India:

• The First and perhaps the most important immigration rule in India is that there is no provision for 'Visa on Arrival' in India.
• No immigration fee is charged for immigration facilities at the airports.
• On serious occasions like death or serious illness in the family, there is a provision for granting TLF or Temporary Landing Facility or TLP or Temporary Landing Permit without an Indian Visa. For this you need to pay some fee.
• This facility can further be extended to transiting foreigners who have confirmed onward journey tickets within 72 hours.
• Facilities like, TLF/TLP are not available to people traveling from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, Algeria, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Nigeria and Somalia.
• Foreign tourists arriving in groups or those who are sponsored by recognized Indian Travel Agencies can be granted landing permit but only for a specified time on a written request of the Travel Agency to the Immigration Officer stating full personal and passport details. But in such cases no individual is allowed to drop out of group at any place.
• The immigration services are available at all the major International Airports in India. But foreigner's registration is available only in five major cities and is managed by Bureau of Immigration (BOI).
• Except for the citizens of Nepal and Bhutan, people traveling from the rest of the countries of the world; require a national passport or a travel document and a visa granted by Indian Missions abroad for entering India.
• People from Nepal and Bhutan do not require passport or visa for entering India, but they should have proper identification while proceeding towards the country.
• If your luggage is mishandled or lost during the transit, obtain a certificate from the airline and get it countersigned by the custom officials.
• On departure, tourists from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, Burma, Pakistan, Maldives and Afghanistan need to pay a foreign tax of Rs 150, while tourists from other countries, should pay a travel tax of Rs 500.

Customs Enquiry or Complaints

For any enquiry or complaint, you can contact Central Board of Excise & Customs

Loss of Passport

With the loss of passport, foreigners should lodge a report at the local police station. Once the foreigner obtains a new travel document, he or she must approach for the grant of either a visa or exit permit with the following details:

• Date and Type of Visa
• Name of the Indian Mission from where Visa was granted
• Places visited in India
• Port of arrival, including flight number or details of the vessels.

At least a week time is required for confirming the details of Visa or Exit permit.

Currency Declaration

The unit of Indian currency is Rupee.

Travelers can bring any amount of foreign exchange. But on the arrival, a declaration needs to be made to the customs authorities in a Currency Declaration Form. It is necessary to fill a declaration form if the foreign exchange is more than US$ 10,000 or is equivalent, or if the equivalent or aggravate value of the foreign currency notes us US$ 5,000 or its equivalent.

Traveler's checks in US$ and pounds can be exchanged upon entering India. ATMs’ are available in major Indian cities for the withdrawal of money. Credit cards are accepted in large hotels and stores.

According to Reserve Bank, February 2011, the exchange rates are:

Customs & Baggage Rule

There are two channels for custom clearance in India:

• Green channels for passengers those who do not have any dutiable goods.
• Red channels for passengers having dutiable goods.

Passengers walking through the green channels with dutiable goods are liable to prosecution, penalty and even confiscation of goods.

On Arrival

Immigration check is compulsory for all passengers, Indians or foreigners. Immigration check is done at the time of arrival and departure.

Before leaving the immigration counter, you must check that your passport has been duly stamped.

All passengers, Foreigners or Indians, are requested to fill up the D (Disembarkation) card and E (Embarkation) card respectively. Passengers are required to provide the following information in the card:

• Name and Sex
• Date of Birth, Place of Birth and Nationality
• Details of the Passport, like passport number, place and date of issue or expiry.
• Address in India
• Flight number and date of arrival or departure.
• Occupation
• Purpose of your visit

Before you embark on your tour to India, make sure that you are carrying all the necessary documents that will ensure you a hassle free Tour. Have a Nice Trip to India.

For further Information on Customs & Excise please check Clearance for Incoming Passengers.