India travel guide

Travel Advice

Areas where FCDO advises against travel 

India-Pakistan border area

FCDO advises against all travel within 10km of the India-Pakistan border, except for at Wagah where travellers can cross the border.

Jammu and Kashmir

FCDO advises against all travel to the region of Jammu and Kashmir (including Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, the city of Srinagar and the Jammu-Srinagar national highway), except for:

• travel by air to and from the city of Jammu
• travel within the city of Jammu
• travel within the region of Ladakh

Manipur

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Manipur including the capital, Imphal. Curfews and restrictions continue in parts of Manipur following violent ethnic clashes that broke out in 2023. Intermittent incidents have continued and escalated in September 2024.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel to these regions.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. 

About FCDO travel advice

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. 

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of India’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in India set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the High Commission of India in London or another Indian consulate in the UK. 

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering India.

Passport validity requirements

To enter India, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and have at least 2 blank pages.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to visit India unless you are an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder.

India has a number of visa categories. Make sure you get the right visa for your travel.

You could be refused entry or deported for having the wrong visa. You could also be banned from entering India in the future.

For the latest information on Indian visas and immigration requirements, see the Indian Bureau of Immigration.

Applying for a visa or e-visa

Find out how to apply for a visa from the Indian Bureau of Immigration. Depending on your requirements, you may be able to apply for a:

• regular (paper) visa
• e-visa (check the website’s FAQs for restrictions on airports and seaports of entry)

Check your eligibility and any restrictions before you apply. Allow plenty of time for your application to be processed.

Applicants of Pakistani origin

If you are of Pakistani origin, a British-Pakistani dual national or hold a National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), the visa processing time will be substantially longer than other visa applications. More information is available from the High Commission of India. 

If you are a British-Pakistani dual national, you must apply for an Indian visa on your Pakistani passport. If you have renounced your Pakistani nationality, or cancelled your Pakistani passport, you will need to submit documentary proof of this.

Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders

If you hold a valid Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, you can use this, along with your valid British passport, to visit India. You do not need a visa. If you have a Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) card, you will need to convert it to an OCI card. More information is available from the High Commission of India and the Indian Bureau of Immigration.

Extending your visa

It’s illegal to overstay your visa in India. Make sure you leave the country before your visa expires or get an official extension if needed. More information is available from the Indian Bureau of Immigration.  

If you’re hospitalised

If you or someone you’re travelling with has a short-term tourist visa and is hospitalised, you may be able to extend or convert to a medical visa.

Make sure the border control officer puts a stamp in your passport when you arrive in India. You’ll need to show it when you leave, so border control officers know you have not overstayed your visa.  

Registering with the authorities

Hotels, hostels and other accommodation providers must register foreign guests with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office. Make sure your accommodation provider registers you.

If you plan to stay in India for more than 180 days and do not hold an OCI card, you must register within 14 days of arrival with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office. You could be denied permission to leave if you do not do this.

You may need to register your stay depending on the type of visa you hold, check if you need to.   

Exit requirements

When you leave India, officials will check when you entered the country. If you do not have an entry stamp, for example if you have a newly issued passport, you must apply for a special exit visa before you travel. This must be done online and can take between 5 and 15 working days for straightforward applications. Factor this into your timeframe to leave India when you are booking flights.   

Vaccine requirements

To enter India, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a:

• yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk
• polio vaccine if you’re coming from a polio-affected country

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s India guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of India. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Satellite phones and other devices  

It is illegal to possess and operate satellite phones in India without a licence. British nationals have been arrested for bringing them into the country without prior permission. Contact the Indian Department of Telecommunication to request a licence.

You may also need prior permission from the Indian authorities to bring equipment like listening or recording devices, radio transmitters, powerful cameras or binoculars into India. Contact the High Commission of India for advice.

Taking money into India

There are restrictions on bringing Indian rupees into India. Visitors, including residents and tourists, must follow Reserve Bank of India guidelines.

If you’re visiting India, you can bring cash, travellers cheques (in British pounds or another foreign currency) or a bank card with you and exchange or withdraw rupees in India.

You must declare any amount above 5,000 US dollars in notes, or 10,000 US dollars in notes and travellers cheques combined.

Access permits in north-east India

You need a permit to travel to Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and parts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Apply at least 3 months in advance.

In India, apply at the liaison office of the state for which you need a permit or the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).

Permit regulations can change at any time. Contact the relevant state liaison office or the Indian Bureau of Immigration for the latest guidance.

If you’re travelling to Mizoram, you need to register online with the Superintendent of Police in Aizawl or state CID on the e-FRRO online portal.

If you are travelling to Mizoram, Meghalaya and Nagaland, check guidelines issued by local authorities. Blockades and protests may disrupt traffic along the national highways connecting them with each other and with Assam, particularly in border areas.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of India.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.   

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in India

There is a heightened risk of terrorism in some Indian regions. Read our advice on regional risks in India for more information.   

Terrorist and insurgent groups operating in India include:

• Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LET) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM) in Kashmir
• Naxalite (radical communist insurgent) groups active in some of the India’s eastern, southern and central states
• Khalistani extremists operating mainly in Punjab
• Daesh, Al Qa’ida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) and other groups may also be planning attacks

Terrorist attacks have mainly targeted Indian government interests. Security has been strengthened, including at major hotels and transport hubs. However, terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals, such as:

• restaurants, hotels, bars and markets
• stations and airports
• places of worship and tourist attractions
• festivals, sports venues and beaches

Take particular care during periods of national or religious significance, such as:

• Republic Day (26 January)
• Independence Day (15 August)
• Diwali (usually in October or November)
• Eid (date changes each year)

Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Political situation

Strikes (sometimes referred to as ‘bandh’ or ‘hartal’), political rallies and demonstrations happen frequently and can become violent. The risks are higher during elections and after the death of party or government leaders. Protests may also happen at short notice, especially around days of national importance. Local authorities may impose curfews and other restrictions. Transport and public services including mobile networks and internet may be disrupted.

You should:

• avoid protests or large gatherings, including at religious sites
• follow the advice of the local authorities and your travel company
• monitor local media and follow any curfew restrictions

Crime

If you’re the victim of crime in India, call:

• police helpline: 100
• national emergency number: 112
• women helpline: 1091

Protecting your belongings

Keep a copy of your passport, visa and flight ticket separately from originals when travelling. Leave copies at home where others can access them, and store copies electronically. If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the police immediately and get a police report. You will need the police report for your exit visa application.  

Take care of your possessions on buses, trains and in crowds. Criminals may ride past on motorbikes and snatch valuables.

Be cautious in tourist areas, where scammers, pickpockets and ticket touts target foreign nationals.

Scams

Cybercrime, internet scamming, card skimming and confidence scams are common. These scams come in many forms and can cause great financial loss.

Criminals often use the details of British high commissions and embassies. Be cautious and check the authenticity of details before responding.

Drink and food spiking

Be wary of accepting drinks or food from strangers or leaving drinks unattended. There have been reports of spiked drinks and food, with British nationals being robbed or assaulted.

Sexual assault

There is a risk of sexual assault, including attacks on female foreign national visitors in tourist areas and cities.

Female travellers often experience verbal and physical harassment by individuals or groups of men. Serious sexual attacks involving both Indian and foreign nationals have been reported. British women have been victims of sexual assault, including rape, in multiple states in India. Avoid isolated areas, including beaches, when alone at any time of day.

See advice for women travelling abroad.

Laws and cultural differences

Dress code

Respect local dress and customs, particularly when visiting religious sites and rural areas. 

Alcohol laws and bans

Laws on alcohol, including buying, drinking and the legal drinking age, vary by state. Get advice from your travel agent, hotel or the authorities about the laws in areas you are visiting.

It is illegal to drink alcohol in public places, such as parks.

In some states, foreign nationals and non-resident Indians can buy 30-day alcohol permits.

There is often a ban on the sale of alcohol during major religious festivals, national holidays and elections.

The consumption, production or transportation of alcohol is illegal in:

• Bihar
• Gujarat
• Mizoram
• Nagaland
• the region of Lakshadweep

If you drink or possess alcohol in these states, you could be arrested and held without bail. You could face a prison sentence of 5 to 10 years.

Smoking and e-cigarette bans

It is illegal to smoke in most public places. Only smoke in designated smoking areas.

E-cigarettes and related products are banned. You cannot buy e-cigarettes in India or bring them into the country.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Do not get involved with any illegal drugs. Drugs are not categorised as they would be in the UK, into Class A, B and C and possession of any illegal drug could lead to sentencing. You could face a minimum sentence of 6 months for possession of small amounts deemed for personal consumption only, up to a 10-year sentence for other amounts. The judicial process is slow, and you could be detained for several years while your case is processed.

Using cameras and binoculars in secure areas

Activities involving cameras and binoculars, like photography, birdwatching or plane spotting, may be misunderstood. Be particularly careful near military sites, government buildings, airports and railway stations.

Swimming safety

There are strong currents off many coasts and people drown every year. Most beaches do not have warning signs, flags or lifesaving equipment. Take local advice and follow warnings and instructions issued by lifeguards. Emergency service standards may differ from those in the UK.  

See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.

Trekking in India

Trekkers should:

• travel in groups
• use reputable local guides and stay on established routes
• check if you need any special permits

Leave details of where you’re going and when you expect to return with your accommodation. You are extremely unlikely to have a phone signal in the mountains, so make sure your accommodation provider registers your whereabouts using the online C-form.

It is illegal to possess or operate satellite phones without prior permission of the Indian authorities. See Entry requirements.

Hazards when trekking exist throughout the year, especially above 3,000 metres, including:

• altitude sickness
• sudden weather changes, including thunderstorms
• avalanches and snow drifts
• landslides, flooding and rock falls

Make sure your insurance policy covers you for altitudes over 2,400m and mountain rescue and helicopter costs.

There are no commercial mountain rescue services operating above 3,000m. In some border areas only the Indian Air Force can carry out air rescues. However, they are under no obligation to perform them and only carry out rescues during working hours.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual relationships are legal in India. However same-sex marriage is illegal. Indian society is conservative. This includes attitudes to LGBT+ people, which can be less accepting than in the UK. There is a risk of harassment and discrimination, especially outside of big cities. Showing affection in public may attract unwanted and negative attention.

See more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Child custody and family law

Indian family law is very different from UK law. Special caution is needed when child custody becomes an issue. In case of dispute, consult a lawyer in India to find out more about the relevant laws.

Commercial surrogacy is illegal for foreign nationals in India. Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) can seek legal guidance on surrogacy if at least one partner is an Indian passport holder.

Wildlife, animal products and souvenirs

It is illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal or trade its parts without a licence. India has a strong legal framework to regulate and restrict wildlife trade and is also a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). If you’re caught purchasing or trafficking these illegally, you will be prosecuted and receive a prison sentence or fine.

Sexual offences against children

There are severe penalties for any form of sexual offence against a child. There is a minimum jail term of 20 years, which may go up to life in prison or a death sentence, for anyone convicted of raping a child aged 12 or under.

Transport risks

Driving in India

If you are planning to drive in India, see information on driving abroad.

You’ll need to have both the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

Rules on how long you can drive on a UK licence vary from state to state.

Road safety

India has a high death rate from road accidents. Comply with the police if they are at the scene. If the police are not present, it could be unsafe to remain at the scene. If safe to do so, go to the nearest police station.

Driving can be dangerous in urban and rural areas due to wandering livestock. Accidents involving cows can draw crowds and potentially lead to violence. Anyone in the vehicle involved may be attacked or targeted for extortion. It is common to use your horn or flash your headlights frequently to announce your presence on the road.

Avoid travelling at night and in fog as accidents are common due to low visibility and there is a higher risk of crime at night. Always travel in a well-maintained vehicle.

If you travel by motorbike, wear a helmet and proper footwear.

Buses are often driven fast and recklessly. Accidents are common.

Be careful when crossing streets, even in marked pedestrian areas and especially at night, as vehicles sometimes drive on the wrong side of the road.

Taxis and rickshaws

Avoid travelling alone and hailing taxis on the street, especially at night. App-based taxis like Uber and Ola are widely available, including in all airport terminal buildings. Pre-paid taxi services are also available and many hotels offer transfers. If a hotel driver is collecting you at the airport by, make sure they properly identify themselves before you set off.

If you book a taxi online, there’s usually a way to share journey details with your contacts who can then follow your location.

Seatbelts are not common in 3-wheel taxis (autos) or in the back seats of taxis. Try to use taxis that have seatbelts.

Air travel

When travelling through an airport, allow enough time to complete check-in and security procedures, as your baggage may need to go through screening equipment and checks. Allow time for transiting between flights if you need to change from international terminals to domestic terminals, even if using the airport shuttle service.

If you arrive on a charter flight booked through a tour operator, you can only fly into and out of the country with the same charter operator. Chartered flight passengers are not allowed to fly into or out of the country using a scheduled airline. 

Rail travel

Train travel in India is generally safe, however accidents happen and have previously resulted in death and serious injury. There are police or guards on trains and stations if you need help.

When travelling by train:

• do not accept food or drinks from strangers
• take care of your passport and valuables as thefts are common
• avoid people at railway stations offering tickets and tours as you may be scammed

Sea travel

Tourist boats and other small craft rarely carry life-saving equipment.

Although piracy has not so far affected India’s territorial waters, it poses a significant threat in parts of the Indian Ocean. Mariners should follow shipping industry guidelines on precautions to take.

Ships and crew must have the necessary authorisation and paperwork before entering Indian territorial waters and follow Indian laws and regulations. If carrying weapons on board ships in Indian territorial waters, you must follow Indian laws and regulations.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

India can experience extreme weather events that threaten life and disrupt infrastructure, including buildings, roads and communications.

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

You should:

• plan your travel so that you are aware of seasonal weather events, such as monsoon rains
• follow the advice of local authorities and your travel company
• check the Indian Meteorological Department for weather updates

Monsoons

The monsoon season in India usually runs from June to October. Monsoon rains can cause:

• flooding and landslides, sometimes leading to significant loss of life
• towns and villages to be cut off
• serious disruption to road and train travel
• disruption in big cities due to flooding
• disruption to services including telephone lines, internet services and electricity

Cyclones and tropical storms

Tropical cyclones are a risk in India, particularly in:

• the east coast of India, from September to December
• the Bay of Bengal, from April to June and September to December
• south India, from June to November

Tropical cyclones can cause:

• high winds, which can damage or destroy buildings, bring down trees and power and telephone lines
• storm surges, which can cause a temporary rise in sea level of several metres which can flood coastal areas and damage buildings on the shoreline
• heavy rainfall, which can cause flooding and mudslides

Earthquakes

Several parts of India lie on highly active fault zones, including areas of the north and north-east. The most active are along the length of the Himalayas. Tremors are common in these regions and can cause landslides. Limited emergency response vehicles, equipment and medical facilities could increase an earthquake’s impact.

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

This section has safety advice for regions of India. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice for India.

India-Pakistan border area and western India

FCDO advises against all travel within 10km of the India-Pakistan border, except for at Wagah where travellers can cross the border.

The India-Pakistan border in Gujarat and Rajasthan is unmarked in some areas. Approaching it away from an official crossing point could be dangerous. Where it is unmarked, you could enter Pakistan illegally. 

Jammu and Kashmir 

FCDO advises against all travel to the region of Jammu and Kashmir (including Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, the city of Srinagar and the Jammu-Srinagar national highway), except for:

• travel by air to and from the city of Jammu
• travel within the city of Jammu
• travel within the region of Ladakh

There have been frequent terrorist incidents in Jammu and Kashmir. There is a continuing threat, mainly towards Indian government targets. See Terrorism.

There is a heavy security presence in the Kashmir Valley. This, combined with violent protests and operations by security forces, has resulted in a number of deaths and serious casualties.

The authorities can impose and lift curfews and other restrictions frequently and quickly. Stay vigilant, monitor local media, and follow the advice of local authorities and your travel company.

Foreign nationals are vulnerable in rural districts and outside the main population centres and tourist areas. There is a risk of unpredictable violence, including bombings, grenade attacks, shootings and kidnapping. The long-standing policy of the UK government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The level of consular assistance that the British High Commission in India can provide in Jammu and Kashmir is severely limited.

Manipur

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Manipur. Some insurgent groups are active in north-east India in the state of Manipur.

In 2023 violent ethnic clashes broke out across Manipur, including in the state capital, Imphal. Intermittent incidents have continued and escalated in September 2024. There may be curfews and other restrictions including transport disruptions and the suspension of internet services at short notice in some parts of the state.

You should:

• avoid protests or large gatherings
• follow the advice of the local authorities and your travel company
• monitor local media and follow any curfew restrictions

Other north-eastern states

Sudden flareups and skirmishes may happen along inter-state borders in north-east India and there could be incidents of violence in some of the north-eastern states. Please check with local authorities before traveling in the region.

There have been:

• violent clashes along the disputed border between Assam and Mizoram and Assam-Meghalaya that led to deaths
• reports of violent communal and political clashes in Tripura
• security forces killing a number of civilians in Nagaland near the Myanmar border

There have been skirmishes on the India-Bangladesh border. Travellers are advised to check with local authorities that it is safe to travel before visiting these areas.

Protests and large gatherings are common in India’s north-eastern states. They can happen without warning and occasionally result in disorder. Avoid protests and leave as soon as possible if a crowd develops. Review your security arrangements carefully and follow the advice of local authorities.

Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra

Naxalite (radical Maoist communist) insurgents target police officers, paramilitary forces and government officials leading to injuries and deaths (150 in 2023 and around 100 until May 2024). Seek advice from your travel provider and local authorities if you plan to travel to rural areas of the following 12 districts, which the Indian government has identified as the worst affected.

In Chhattisgarh:

• Bastar
• Bijapur
• Dantewada
• Kanker
• Narayanpur
• Mohalla-Manpur-Ambaragh Chowki
• Sukma

In Jharkhand:

• West Singhbhum – there is risk of violent crime in rural areas

In Odisha:

• Kandhamal
• Kalahandi

In Madhya Pradesh:

• Gadchiroli

In Maharashtra:

• Balaghat

Foreign tourists and researchers must keep to security guidelines during visits to tribal areas in Odisha.

Goa

Many opportunistic criminals operate in Goa because of the high number of tourists.

There have been some serious incidents involving British nationals in recent years, including sexual assaults and the murder of a young female traveller.

It is illegal to drink alcohol in public places in Goa. If you drink alcohol outside the limits of a licensed premises, you could be fined or given a prison sentence. You can drink within the limits of a registered beach shack or bar, for example, but not on an open beach or road.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip: 

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for India
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in India, including:

• dengue and malaria
• Zika
• chikungunya
• poor air quality

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts India. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro. 

Air pollution

Severe air pollution is a major health hazard, especially during the winter months from October to February. North Indian cities are most affected by extremely high levels of pollution. Children, the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions may be especially affected. If you’re pregnant or have a respiratory or heart condition you may wish to consult a medical practitioner before you travel.  

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. 

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro. 

Healthcare in India

Medical facilities differ from those in the UK, especially in more remote areas. Specialised treatment may not be available outside major cities. In major cities, government and more expensive private medical care is available 

FCDO has a list of medical providers in India where some staff will speak English.

Transplant surgery

If you’re travelling to India for organ transplant surgery, check in advance with the hospital what proof they need about your circumstances in the UK. You may need to submit evidence of your marriage and birth of your children before the operation can take place. You can get copies of marriage and birth certificates from the General Register Office in the UK. You may want to get your documents legalised before travelling. The British High Commission cannot provide guarantees and certificates on your behalf.

If you are considering travelling to India for medical treatment:

• read more advice on going abroad for medical treatment and elective surgery
• discuss plans with your UK doctor before going ahead with any medical procedures abroad
• do your own research – private companies have a financial interest in arranging your medical treatment abroad and the information they provide should not be your only source of information

Find further advice on medical tourism from TravelHealthPro and NHS guidance on going abroad for medical treatment and cosmetic surgery abroad.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in India

Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)

These services provide support in English, Hindi and additional languages.

You can also download the 112 India mobile app which can track your location to support response in an emergency.

Indian Ministry of Tourism helpline

Telephone: 1800 11 1363

The tourism helpline provides:

• advice on reputable sites and services
• the option to make a complaint about a company

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO provides guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in India
• dealing with a death in India
• being arrested in India
• getting help if you’re a victim of rape or sexual assault abroad or victim of rape or sexual assault in India
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• if you are in hospital
• if you are affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

You can also contact FCDO online.

Help abroad in an emergency

If you’re in India and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British High Commission in New Delhi or your nearest consulate.

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in India on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.