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EE roaming explained for international & EU countries

Following the UK leaving the EU, EE have reintroduced European roaming charges for most customers.

If your EE plan started before 7 July 2021, and you have not upgraded or renewed your contract since, you can continue to roam for free in the EU with EE .

However, if your plan started on or after 7 July 2021 (including renewals and upgrades), you will have to pay £2.29 per day to use your allowance within the EU.

Alternatively, you can purchase a Roam Abroad Pass for £25 per month, which allows you to use your allowance in the EU and 5 international destinations (USA, Canada, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand).

If your plan comes with Inclusive Extras (previously known as Smart Benefits), you can choose the Roam Abroad Pass as one of your free Inclusive Extras, without paying the £25 monthly fee.

For other countries, you can purchase a Travel Data Pass, or be charged at a standard out of plan rate (which is typically expensive).

What's the best EE SIM Only plan for roaming?

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For free EU roaming, make sure you choose an EE SIM Only plan which includes Inclusive Extras. Once you receive your SIM, you must then select the Roaming Abroad Pass as one of your Inclusive Extras, which allows you to use your regular allowance in 47 European destinations and 5 international destinations at no additional cost.

You can find the cheapest EE SIM Only deals by using our comparison tools. EE SIMs will work with all phones, including the latest Samsung Galaxy S24 and Apple iPhone 15 .

Starting from March 2022, you may have to pay to use your regular EE allowance within the EU.

If your EE plan started before 7 July 2021, and you have not upgraded or renewed your contract since, the old rules will apply, and you can continue to roam for free in the EU.

However, if your EE plan started on or after 7 July 2021 (including renewals and upgrades), you will likely have to pay to use your regular allowance within the EU.

To use your allowance within the EU, you can choose to pay £2.29 per day, or alternatively purchase a monthly Roam Abroad Pass for £25 per month. The Roam Abroad Pass also includes 5 international countries (USA, Canada, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand).

If your EE plan comes with Inclusive Extras, you can select the Roam Abroad Pass as one of your Inclusive Extras, effectively allowing you to continue roaming for free within the EU - just like pre-Brexit rules.

If you don't have a Roam Abroad Pass, you will automatically be charged £2.29 per day whenever you use your allowances within the EU, such as using mobile data, making a call or sending a text.

The £2.29 daily charge and Roam Abroad Pass allows you to use your EE allowance within the following 47 European destinations:

• Cyprus (excludes northern Cyprus)
• Czech Republic
• Canary Islands
• French Guiana
• Isle of Man
• Lichtenstein
• Netherlands
• Reunion Islands
• Saint Martin (French)
• Saint Barthelemy
• Switzerland
• Vatican City (Italy)

The Roam Abroad Pass also lets you use your allowance within the following 5 international countries:

• New Zealand

EE Roam Abroad Pass

The Roam Abroad Pass will allow you to use your allowance in 47 European destinations and 5 additional international countries.

A Roam Abroad Pass costs £25 per month, unless you have an Inclusive Extras plan and choose the Roam Abroad Pass as one of your free Inclusive Extras.

If you run out of data, you can purchase a data add-on - it costs and works the same as if you were in the UK.

For plans with a data allowance greater than 50GB, there is a fair usage policy of 50GB per month with the Roam Abroad Pass.

If you’re on an Inclusive Extras plan, you can choose the Roam Abroad Pass as one of your free Inclusive Extras. It will renew for free each month, until you pick a different Inclusive Extra.

You can choose your Inclusive Extra by texting PICK to 150 or choose it via the EE app or website:

• Login to the EE website or open the EE app on your phone
• Select Menu > Plans, Inclusive Extras & add-ons > Inclusive Extras
• Choose the Roam Abroad Pass

For all other plans, you must pay £25 per month for the Roam Abroad Pass.

If you have an Inclusive Extras plan, but you don't want to change or remove your currently selected Inclusive Extras, you must also pay £25 per month for the Roam Abroad Pass.

You can purchase the Roam Abroad Pass by texting ROAMING PASS to 150 .

To cancel the Roam Abroad Pass, text STOP ROAMING PASS to 150 . However, it's important to note you will still be charged £25 for the full month, and not just for the days you had the Roaming Abroad Pass enabled.

If you're paying for the Roam Abroad Pass, but then change one of your Inclusive Extras to the Roam Abroad Pass, the chargeable version will be cancelled automatically, and your Inclusive Extra will take priority.

You can use you allowance in the following 52 destinations with a Roam Abroad Pass, including 47 European destinations and 5 international destinations (highlighted in bold).

EE Travel Pass

For a daily charge, you can get a set amount of data to use in selected countries outside the UK with Travel Pass.

You can get the Travel Pass by texting TRAVEL to 150 .

You will automatically be charged per day if you use your data within one of the qualifying countries.

The amount you pay and the amount of data you receive will depend on the country you are visiting.

If you use your daily limit, you won't automatically be charged again for the remaining day. Instead, EE will send you a text message, and give you the option to pay again for the same day (until midnight UK time).

Your data will reset at midnight UK time, regardless of when you purchase the Travel Pass.

If you no longer want the Travel Pass, you can cancel it and you won't automatically being charged again, by texting STOP TRAVEL to 150 . However, you will be charged at an out of plan international rate if you continue to use your EE phone or SIM, which can work out more expensive. You can always re-enable the Travel Pass by by texting TRAVEL to 150 again.

Get 500MB data for £6.26 per day within the following 2 countries:

Get 500MB data for £7.84 per day within the following 9 countries:

• South Africa

Get 150MB data for £7.84 per day within the following 45 countries:

• Philippines
• Saudi Arabia
• South Korea

If you have an EE plan with an allowance greater than 50GB, you cannot use more than 50GB per month when roaming with EE. This applies to the £2.29 EU roaming charge and the Roam Abroad Pass.

If you’re approaching the fair usage limit, you will receive a text from EE , with details on the amount you will be charged if you go over the limit.

Although 5G connectivity is possible when roaming outside the UK with EE, it's not guaranteed - it's entirely up to the local network in the country or area you are visiting.

Most countries should support 4G speeds at a minimum, however you might see your connectivity drop to 3G in more remote areas.

From March 2022, you will have to pay to roam in the EU with EE.

You will be charged £2.29 per day to use your allowance in the EU, unless you purchase a Roam Abroad Pass for £25 per month.

However, if you have a Inclusive Extras plan, you can pick the Roam Abroad Pass as one of your free Inclusive Extras to continue free EU roaming.

You must enable roaming in your phone's settings in order to use your EE plan internationally.

For Android users:

• Go to Settings
• Go to Connections -> Mobile networks -> Roaming
• Enable Data roaming

For iPhone users:

• Go to Mobile data -> Mobile Data Options
• Enable Data Roaming

Yes, you will be charged an out of tariff rate if you go over your allowance or over the fair usage policy.

You will receive a text when you reach 80% of your limit.

If you're running out of your data allowance when roaming, you can purchase a data add-on, which will work just like in the UK.

See EE roaming costs for more information.

Yes, any data that you are entitled to or data that you purchase when roaming internationally can be used towards tethering.

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How does roaming work on EE?

If you’re planning to take a break overseas but want to use your smartphone while travelling, the worry is that you’ll return home to a nasty bill. This needn’t be the case though, thanks to the way roaming charges have changed in recent years.

We take a look at how this works for customers who have a plan with EE .

What is roaming?

Roaming, in this context anyway, is when you use your phone outside the country in which you live, but still on your normal mobile provider’s network, i.e. O2, Vodafone, Three, EE, or their international partners. Traditionally, this could be very expensive, so frequent travellers might invest in a spare handset specifically for those regions and local providers.

These days, most smartphones are able to work pretty much everywhere, and costs have been curtailed thanks to new legislation, depending on where you’re travelling.

Setting up roaming on EE

Customers on either PAYG or monthly plans can use roaming on their handsets. Simply text ROAMING PASS to 150 and you’ll receive a text confirming that you’re good to go, or instructions on how to set up the free service.

How does roaming work for EE customers?

Whilst the UK isn’t technically in the EU anymore, fees work differently depending on when your plan started.

If your pay-monthly plan started before 7 July 2021 , then you are free to use your normal monthly allocation of minutes, texts, and data anywhere in the EU without incurring any additional costs.

This is bolstered by the fact that a few non-EU countries are also allowed in the free-roaming area; including Switzerland and Norway.

The EE website states the following;

“Customers can take their UK allowances to Austria, Azores, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Canary Islands, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, French Guyana, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guadeloupe, Guernsey, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Jersey, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madeira, Malta, Martinique, Mayotte, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Reunion Islands, Romania, San Marino, Saint Martin (French), Saint Barthelemy, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Vatican City (Italy)”

Turkey and Andorra remain outside of the free-roaming area, so if either of those is your intended destination, then you may want to invest in a Pay-As-You-Go SIM when you get there or use local free WiFi connections to call home and stay in touch.

Read our How to make free phone calls in the UK and abroad guide for more details.

EE provides usage alerts, which should ensure that you don’t go over your allotted provision. The limit for EE data usage in the EU is 15GB, so even if your plan is in excess of that figure, you’ll be capped at 15GB.

It is possible to continue past this amount, but fees can be prohibitive if you do so. Calls within the EU cost 50p per minute, while numbers outside will set you back £1.20 per minute, but it remains free to receive them from anywhere.

Texts to numbers in the EU are charged at 15p each, or 50p each for those outside the Union. Use of data requires the purchasing of an additional Roam Abroad Pass. 

If, however, you started (or upgraded) your phone plan on or after 7 July 2021 , then you will be charged a daily fee of £2 for using your phone in the European roaming zone. These costs were initially scheduled to come into effect in January 2022, but were delayed until 3 March 2022 .

If you want to avoid this charge, you can purchase a Roam Abroad pass before you leave the UK, which can either be added by texting ROAMING PASS to 150 , or by logging into your EE account and adding it as a Smart Benefit, if you have this included in your phone plan. 

The Roam Abroad pass will allow you to use your plan’s minutes, text and data allowances for £10 per month, which will be charged on your monthly bill. This can be cancelled at any time. 

Outside the EU

If you have a 4GEE Max plan that you signed up for after 10 May 2017 then you can also use your monthly allowance of data, texts, and calls in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, and the USA.

If you don’t, then again, you can get a Roam Abroad pass , which also covers the same five countries listed above. 

If you have neither of these, then you’ll have to pay for your data. 500MB a day will cost you £4.80 in Canada and the USA, £6 a day in countries such as Australia, China, India, and Turkey, and £6 a day for 150MB in a range of South America, Asian and African countries.

To help work out any potential costs you’ll mount up while away, EE provides a roaming costs calculator , which we strongly advise you use.

It’s also wise to call EE well before you leave, to discuss any queries you may have and to see if there are deals available for holidaymakers.

The roaming page on EE is a useful resource, as it also features a live chat option, or you can ring 150 from your pay monthly phone for free, although PAYG costs 25p per minute.

Stick to your plan and you should have a fret-free break, be able to stay in touch, and not worry about what next month’s bill has to say.

If you also have a phone on the Three network, here’s our guide to Three’s roaming policy.

Author: Martyn Casserly , Contributor

Martyn has been involved with tech ever since the arrival of his ZX Spectrum back in the early 80s. He covers iOS, Android, Windows and macOS, writing tutorials, buying guides and reviews for Macworld and its sister site Tech Advisor.

Recent stories by Martyn Casserly:

• The OnePlus 13 might actually bring some major changes to the cameras
• Why is my iPhone in SOS mode and how do I fix it?
• The best Pay As You Go phone networks in the UK right now

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EE international roaming FAQ

EE no longer offers inclusive roaming to all of its pay-monthly or pay-as-you-go plans. Newer customers, in particular, will be stung by charges re-introduced since the UK left the EU.

However, if you sign up for either EE’s All-Rounder or Full Works plan, you’ll get the option to add on a Roam Abroad Pass, which gives you access to your calls, texts and data when travelling abroad.

EU roaming with EE

If you’ve been with EE for a long time – as in your plan started before 7 July 2021 – you’ll still have EU roaming included in your monthly contract. However, if you’re a newer customer and took your contract out after 7 July 2021, you will have to pay a daily charge to use your EE phone or SIM plan when travelling in the EU.

If you have a tablet, laptop or mobile broadband contract with EE, the cut-off date is 18 August 2021. So if you’ve been a customer since before, then you won’t have to pay additional charges.

EE roaming charges in the EU

In order to access your minutes, texts and data allowance while travelling in the EU, EE has a daily charge of £2.29.

You don’t need to do anything to opt in for EU roaming with EE, and you’ll automatically be charged the daily roaming rate.

EE Roam Abroad Pass

If you’re going to be away for more than 11 days and are planning to use your phone every day, it would be cheaper to get EE’s Roam Abroad Pass. You can add this as one of your Inclusive Extras if that’s part of your current plan, or add it as an add-on that you can cancel at any time.

Both options cost £25 a month and mean you won’t have to pay the daily £2.29 charge.

Which roaming destinations are included for EE roaming?

Cyprus (excludes Northern Cyprus)

Czech Republic

Canary Islands

French Guiana

Isle of Man 

Lichtenstein

Netherlands

Reunion Islands

Saint Martin (French)

Saint Barthelemy

Switzerland 

Vatican City

EE pay-as-you-go charges for roaming in the EU

EE pay-as-you-go customers will have to pay additional charges to make calls, send texts or use their data while in the EE Europe zone.

If you have an active EE subscription, upon arrival at your destination, you’ll receive a text message from EE asking you to opt in to either of its roaming add-ons.

Roam like Home for 24 hours = £2.50 a day

Roam like Home for 7 days = £10 for 7 days

If you don’t want to opt in to either of these plans or you don’t have an active subscription, you’ll instead be charged EE’s standard roaming costs:

70p a minute

30p a text 

£3 for 500MB - but you’ll need to buy a data add-on for this

Roaming charges outside the EU

EE no longer offers its Roam Further pass, which used to give customers access to their calls, texts and data allowance in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand.

That means that you’ll be charged per text and per minute for calls, and you’ll need to purchase a data add-on when you arrive.

EE roaming charges in the USA 

Ee roaming charges in the uae, ee roaming charges in turkey, our best mobile broadband deals.

Check out our range of 4G and 5G mobile broadband deals.

Read more...

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EE makes roaming in USA and 10 other countries way easier

EE has overhauled the way it charges customers to use mobile data when they’re abroad, introducing a brand new ‘Travel Data Pass’.

The Travel Data Pass replaces the old Euro Data Pass, and extends EE’s service to a further 11 countries, all of which are outside of Europe – hence the name change. Starting today, EE customers will be able to use the Travel Data Pass in the following additional countries: United States, Canada, Turkey, Australia, New Zealand, UAE, India, Thailand, Mexico, South Africa, and China.

Like the Euro Data Pass, the Travel Data Pass is an opt-in subscription that charges you a fee each day you’re in a country. For £3 per day, you’ll get 500MB to spend daily in Europe, while £4 will net you the same amount of data in the USA and Canada. And the other nine countries are charged at a £5-per-day rate with the same amount of data.

If you’re already subscribed to the Euro Data Pass, you’ll be automatically transferred to the Travel Data Pass, and will start getting the benefits as soon as you travel to a listed country. And if you’ve yet to sign up, you can opt in by texting the word TRAVEL to 150. You don’t need to remove it when you come back to the UK – you won’t be charged if you’re using your phone on British soil.

“Whether you’re planning on celebrating New Year in Times Square, getting away from the cold with some sun Down Under, or sampling the Hamburg Christmas markets, you can relax and post photos on Facebook or Instagram, and send messages via WhatsApp – with no surprise bills when you get back,” explains EE.

Here’s a full list of the European countries covered by the Travel Data Pass: Austria, Azores, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canary Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, French Guiana (France), Germany, Gibraltar, Luxembourg, Madeira, Malta, Martinique, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Reunion Islands, Romania, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Martin, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the Vatican City.

In countries that aren’t part of the Travel Data Pass scheme, you’ll still need to opt into a specific bundle when you’re attempting to roam.

Related: Samsung Galaxy S8

Watch: OnePlus 3T review

What do you think of EE’s new Travel Data Pass? Let us know in the comments.

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BUSINESS ROAMING

• Roaming FAQs
• Calling abroad

Business roaming

Want to use your phone outside the UK? You may be able to roam for no extra charge with your chosen plan. Or you could pick an EE Business roaming plan to save overseas. Follow our simple steps to get the right roaming for you – starting by texting ROAMING to 150:

• Text ROAMING to 150 to check what roaming you have
• Choose where you’ll be roaming
• Text or chat to start a roaming plan
• Text to stop a roaming plan

Text  ROAMING  to  150  for free. We’ll text you back to:

• either confirm you have roaming set up already
• or to let you know how to set up roaming.

So you may not need to do any more than text  ROAMING  to  150  – you may already be set up to roam.

If you’re not already set up to roam, pick a country to find out what you’ll need to do:

Roaming in Ireland

You don’t need to do anything to roam in Ireland.

Calls, texts and data in the Republic of Ireland are included in the allowance of every EE Business plan. In the Republic of Ireland you can call and text UK mobile networks and UK landlines starting 01, 02 and 03 for no extra charge (mobile and landline numbers to Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man not included).

Roaming in Europe

For roaming in Europe, the countries in our Europe Zone are Austria, Azores, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus (excludes northern Cyprus), Czech Republic, Canary Islands, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, French Guiana, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guadeloupe, Guernsey, Hungary, Iceland, Isle of Man, Italy, Jersey, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madeira, Malta, Martinique, Mayotte, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Reunion Islands, Romania, San Marino, Saint Martin (French), Saint Barthelemy, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the Vatican City (Italy).

Check your plan to find out how to roam in Europe

Different plans have different ways to roam in Europe, so you’ll need to know your plan to know what you need to do:

Started your plan before 27 October 2021? You don’t need to do anything to roam in Europe. You can use your minutes, texts, and data allowance in our Europe Zone at no extra cost.

On a Business Connect plan? You don’t need to do anything to roam in Europe. You can use your minutes, texts, and data allowance in our Europe Zone at no extra cost.

On an All Rounder plan or  Full Works plan ? You can choose an Inclusive Extra to roam in Europe, and beyond. Use your plan's minutes, texts and data allowance in EU, USA, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, China and South Africa as you would at home. Text  PICK  to  150  to choose a Roam Abroad Inclusive Extra or £10.79 Roam Abroad Monthly Pass.

On any other EE Business plan? You’ll pay £2.15 for each day you use your phone in our Europe Zone.

• You don't need to do anything  – if you call, text or use data, you'll be charged £2.15 for that day, and if you don't, you won't.
• Your allowances work just like at home  – and you can buy more data if you need to. For mobile data, there’s a  fair use policy  of 50GB in our Europe Zone.
• We’ll add any £2.15 daily charges to your bill automatically.

Roaming anywhere else around the world

All EE Business customers pay standard roaming charges for calls and texts when outside of the UK, Ireland or our Europe Zone. Check the  Roaming Services  section on  Out of bundle charges  to see what you’ll pay.

If you’re happy to pay standard roaming charges for calls and texts, you don’t need to do anything.  However, we offer add-ons so you can roam and save in countries around the world.

No EE Business plan includes mobile data outside our Europe Zone as standard. So if you want to use mobile data outside our Europe Zone, you’ll need to take action before you travel.  You can choose from a range of add-ons to use mobile data outside our Europe Zone.

On an All Rounder plan or  Full Works plan ? You can choose an Inclusive Extra to roam in EU, USA, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, China and South Africa. You’ll use your plan’s minutes, text and data allowances as normal. Text  PICK  to  150  to choose a Roam Abroad Inclusive Extra or £10.79 Roam Abroad Monthly Pass. And roam as you would at home.

On any other EE Business plan? You can choose a Business Daily Passport or a World Daily Passport to pay a fixed price for calls, texts and data each day. Just check where you’re travelling to, and add a passport to roam there – for a set price every day you’re away. See  Step 3  to find out more about what countries are covered and all the benefits you’ll get.

Business Daily Passport

13 countries Unlimited calls Unlimited texts 1GB data each day £8.44 each day Text  PASSPORT  to  150

With a Business Daily Passport you can call and text all you want plus use 1GB of data in USA, Australia, Canada, China, India, Israel, New Zealand, Qatar, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, and Turkey. All for £8.44 a day.

Text  PASSPORT  to  150  to get the Business Daily Passport. You’ll need to text from every phone you want to roam with.

If you need further help use Live chat by clicking 'Chat with us' on this page or you can WhatsApp us on 07483 961600:

It can take up to 24 hours to set up a Business Daily Passport, so it’s important to make sure you’re set up before you set off.

World Daily Passport

59 countries Unlimited calls Unlimited texts 1GB data each day £10.56 each day Text  WORLD PASSPORT  to  150

With a World Daily Passport you can call and text all you want plus use 1GB of data in Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Georgia, Ghana, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United States, Uruguay and Venezuela. All for £10.56 a day.

Text  WORLD PASSPORT  to  150  to get the World Daily Passport. You’ll need to text from every phone you want to roam with.

If you need further help use Live chat by clicking 'Chat with us' on this page or you can WhatsApp us on 07483 961600:

It can take up to 24 hours to set up a World Daily Passport, so it’s important to make sure you’re set up before you set off.

Inclusive Extras on Smart plans and Full Works plans

• Use your plan’s calls, texts and data outside the UK
• Roam Abroad Inclusive Extra
• £10.79 Roam Abroad Monthly Pass
• Text PICK to 150

With a roaming Inclusive Extra you use your plan’s call, text and data allowances in the EU, USA, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, China and South Africa.

Text PICK to 150 to choose your roaming Inclusive Extra (Smart plans and Full Works plans only).

Text  STOP PASSPORT  to  150  to go back to standard roaming rates. You’ll need to text from every phone you want to stop roaming with.

It’s important to note that after you’ve started your Business Daily Passport you’ll need to pay for every day until you stop it – even if you don’t use your phone for roaming.

Text  STOP WORLD PASSPORT  to  150  to go back to standard roaming rates. You’ll need to text from every phone you want to stop roaming with.

It’s important to note that after you’ve started your World Daily Passport you’ll need to pay for every day until you stop it – even if you don’t use your phone for roaming.

Inclusive Extras on Smart plans and  Full Works plans

Text  PICK  to  150  to choose an Inclusive Extra to replace your roaming Inclusive Extra (Smart plans and Full Works plans only).

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EE launches new 'Travel Data Pass' and new Data Roaming add-ons in time for Christmas

EE today announced a new Travel Data Pass and new data roaming add-ons  for EE pay monthly customers. Available immediately, these new options offer smartphone users even greater value access to the internet when abroad – just in time for the festive season.

Travel Data Pass

The new Travel Data Pass replaces EE’s hugely popular Euro Data Pass to offer customers worry-free phone use in an additional 11 countries, including popular destinations such as Australia, UAE, USA, Canada and Thailand.

Perfect for those wanting to share their holiday selfies, map the quickest route to their next destination, or simply check email, customers will receive 500MB of data each and every day for the duration of their trip.

So whether you’re planning on celebrating New Year in Times Square, getting away from the cold with some sun Down Under or sampling the Hamburg Christmas markets, you can relax and post photos on Facebook or Instagram, and send messages via WhatsApp – with no surprise bills when you get back.

With EE, customers will never pay for more data than they choose to buy so there’s no need to worry about nasty bill surprises. Travel Data Pass is available immediately to EE pay monthly mobile customers on 4GEE Standard, 4GEE Extra and 4GEE Essentials plans.

Travel Data Pass Pricing:

Current users of the Euro Data Pass will be automatically transferred over to Travel Data Pass and enjoy these new benefits when they next travel to any of the listed countries.

To opt-in to Travel Data Pass benefits, EE customers should simply text the word TRAVEL to 150 using their phone and they will automatically be enrolled for the duration of their contract. There is no need to remove it upon return to the UK and users will only be charged on the days they use mobile data abroad in an included country.

New Data Roaming Add-Ons

This winter EE is also boosting the allowance in data roaming add-ons for customers visiting International Zones B, C and D – helping to make it more affordable than ever to stay connected abroad.

Data Roaming Add-On Pricing:

For more details on EE’s roaming plans and add-ons, please visit www.ee.co.uk

* European countries covered by Travel Data Pass roaming include: Austria, Azores, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canary Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, French Guiana (France), Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guadeloupe, Guernsey, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Jersey, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madeira, Malta, Martinique, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Reunion Islands, Romania, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Martin, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Vatican City

For more information, please contact the EE press team on:

[email protected]

0845 373 7070

EE, part of BT Group, is the largest and most advanced mobile communications company in the UK, delivering mobile and fixed communications services to consumers.

EE runs the UK's biggest and fastest mobile network, having pioneered the UK's first superfast 4G mobile service in October 2012 and was the first European operator to surpass 14 million 4G customers in December 2015. EE has more than 550 shops across the UK. EE's 4G coverage reaches 70% of the UK’s landmass, equal to more than 98% of the UK population. EE plans to extend 4G geographic coverage to 95% by 2020.

EE has received extensive independent recognition, including being ranked the UK's best overall network by RootMetrics®; Best Network at the 2014 and 2015 Mobile News Awards; Best Consumer Network at the 2015 & 2016 Mobile Industry Awards; as well as Fastest Network at the 2014 and 2016 uSwitch Mobile Awards.

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22 things you need to know before visiting India

Dec 15, 2023 • 14 min read

India is a feast for the senses and we've got everything you need to know before you visit © Andrii Lutsyk / Ascent Xmedia / Getty Images

India is a place that overwhelms your senses in the best possible way – nowhere else delivers quite the same barrage of sights, sounds and sensations as this continent-sized country at the heart of Asia.

It would take a lifetime to see all of India , let alone understand every nuance and facet of this nation of 1.4 billion inhabitants. But with a little preparation, you can learn to navigate the richness of this country, from its snow-capped peaks and velvety beaches to its historic temples and luxuriant palaces.

We've collated the top things you need to know about visiting India, but the journey begins before you leave home. Apply for your Indian visa online for a smooth arrival on the subcontinent. Read on for 22 more insider tips that will help make your vacation unforgettable.

1. Plan your trip around the seasons

India has a reputation for being hot and humid, but with beaches, mountains, hills, coastlines and plains all jammed into a relatively small geographical area, the climate is quite diverse. The southwest monsoon brings rainy weather to most of the country from June to September, but this is the best time of year to visit the high-altitude deserts of Ladakh , although depending on the route you take, you risk encountering landslides and floods.

In the far south, there’s also a milder rainy season from October to December. The ideal weather window for travel is from October to May, though temperatures and humidity climb to agonizing levels from March onwards in the run-up to the monsoon. If you find yourself in India in the spring, head to the Himalayan foothills for milder temperatures and good trekking conditions.

2. Get your jabs before you travel

There is no official requirement for vaccinations to enter India (although yellow fever vaccination is needed if you are traveling from a country where the disease is endemic).

That said, it is important that you contact a health professional at least eight weeks before you travel to ensure your jabs are up to date. Vaccinations for diphtheria and tetanus, hepatitis A and B, polio and typhoid are usually recommended, on top of childhood vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella.

Vaccinations worth considering for longer trips include Japanese B encephalitis, meningitis and rabies. Monkeys, dogs and cats can all carry the rabies parasite, and infection is fatal if untreated.

3. Take malaria precautions

Depending on where in India you are traveling to, you may want to speak to your healthcare provider about taking a course of anti-malarial tablets. For instance, northeastern and eastern parts of India, as well as the city of Mangalore, have a higher malaria risk.

Always take precautions to avoid mosquito bites – this will also help you avoid dengue fever, a viral infection that is transmitted by mosquitoes to humans. Sleeping under a mosquito net, wearing long sleeves and trousers in light colors, and using a repellent and/or a plug-in mosquito killer with a high concentration of DEET (diethyltoluamide) is advisable.

4. Get insured

Travel insurance is essential for India. Depending on where you travel to, you may find public hospitals are poorly equipped. Additionally, most private clinics and hospitals require payment ahead of treatment. Make sure you are covered for emergency evacuation and also for any adventure activities you plan to get involved in.

If you’re unlucky enough to be a victim of crime, contact the local police station or dial 100 or 112, the national emergency number. You’ll need to get the police to file a report (a “FIR" – First Information Report) to make a claim on your travel insurance.

5. Book ahead for busy times and festivals

India can get very busy from November to February, so affordable accommodation is usually swamped in peak season. It’s a good idea to book ahead, either directly with the venues or via booking aggregator sites such as Agoda and MakeMyTrip .

Also, book train tickets in advance where possible , particularly for popular routes. Tickets can be booked (with a fair amount of hassle) via the government booking site IRCTC or more easily through local booking sites such as 12Go or Cleartrip .

6. Plan your comms before you travel

Many things in India (including train bookings or ordering food online) get easier if you have a local SIM card. Bring an unlocked phone from home (or pick one up locally) and get a phone shop to sign you up for a local pay-as-you-go SIM package on arrival. You’ll need to bring passport photos and photocopies of your passport ID pages to complete the application.

7. Check your lunar calendars

While India officially follows the Gregorian calendar, the major festivals for Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Islam and several other religions follow lunar calendars and fall on different dates from year to year. Always check festival dates before you book your trip (bearing in mind these dates are subject to change); the Indian government maintains a useful online list of public holidays .

8. Learn local etiquette

English is the  lingua franca in most metropolitan areas in India, and you’ll get away with polite hellos, goodbyes and thank yous in smaller towns too. However, if you’re traveling in northern India, you can say "namaste" (I bow to you) with your hands together in a prayer-like gesture in front of your chest. Similarly, when meeting Muslims in north India, you can say "salaam alaikum" (peace be with you) – the correct response is "alaikum salaam." Most of the time, it’s the effort that’s welcomed over pronunciation, so don’t be shy!

Shaking hands is a standard business greeting between men, but outside metropolitan regions, men and women rarely shake. Only ever use your right hand. The same rule applies when passing things to people – including money.

If you get invited to someone’s home, bring a small gift (flowers or sweets are always a safe bet) and remove your shoes before entering. It’s polite to eat and drink what you are offered, even if you don’t really fancy it.

9. Dress modestly

Depending on where in India you are, modesty is taken seriously – especially for women. Travelers of any gender will have an easier time if they wear loose-fitting clothing that covers their legs and arms. Swimwear is only appropriate for the beach – although it is not uncommon to see locals swim fully clothed. To fit in, consider investing in a kurta pyjama (a traditional garment resembling a long shirt and loose trousers for men) or a salwar kameez (a long shirt, loose trousers and scarf for women).

10. What to eat and how to eat it

Many religions in India have their own dietary rules. Muslims avoid pork, many Hindus avoid beef, and some Hindus and Buddhists are vegetarian or vegan. Many Jains are vegetarians who avoid some vegetables (most notably onions, garlic and potatoes) and who try to avoid causing harm to all living creatures. These rules mean vegan and vegetarian food is often easy to find in India.

Eating with your hands is the norm in many restaurants, particularly in parts of southern India. Take your cue from other patrons in the restaurant, and remember to eat with your right hand. Mix rice and curry into balls with your fingers and push it into your mouth with your thumb. Some thalis (plate meals consisting of multiple dishes served in tandem) are served not on a plate but on a washed and flash-heated banana leaf.

11. Haggling is not a game of life and death

Haggling for a fair price when buying things – in street stalls and open-air markets – is a way of life in India. Although it can sometimes be a frustrating experience, losing your temper is extremely bad form – if you can’t agree on a price with the vendor that you are both happy with, politely decline and shop somewhere else.

The rules of the game are as follows. The vendor will quote you a price that is more than the item is worth, then you’ll come back with a counter-offer, working up from there until you reach a mutually agreeable figure.

The “walking away” trick may bring a few last-minute adjustments, but before long, you’ll reach a threshold that the vendor won’t go below. Throwing in extra items may bring a discount on the overall cost. Many travelers prefer not to haggle in places where the money goes directly to artisans.

12. Respect etiquette at religious sites

Religion is taken very seriously in India, so it pays to know the rules and expectations for visits to temples, mosques, monasteries, gurdwaras (Sikh shrines), synagogues and churches. Always check if you are allowed to enter – some temples and mosques are closed to people who don’t follow the faith. Mosques may also be closed to visitors during prayers or on Fridays.

If asked to do so, remove your shoes before entering any religious building, and be prepared to cover your head with a scarf or shawl. Generally, always cover your legs and arms (a sarong can be handy as an emergency cover-all). Some temples also ban leather goods, and many religious sites do not allow photography.

Avoid pointing the soles of your feet towards a person or deity – this is considered disrespectful. The same goes for touching any person or effigy on the head. It is conventional to walk around Buddhist and Hindu shrines in a clockwise direction, in a ceremonial circuit known as a parikrama .

Making an offering or leaving a donation is often expected – locals always offer something, but be wary of people waving receipts showing huge donations. Giving something is appropriate, but don’t feel pressured into leaving large sums.

13. Giving alms is common but up to you

The giving of alms has a long history in India, and foreigners can expect to be approached regularly with requests for money. Whether you give or not is a personal choice, but many Indians give on a daily basis, particularly when visiting temples and mosques. Be aware that some requests for money will be scams, and you may be able to do more good by giving your time or cash to charity or aid organizations you’ve taken time to research, rather than handing out cash.

14. Respect local social attitudes

India has complex social rules about respect for elders. Depending on where you are traveling to, older people are often greeted with the honorific “auntie” or “uncle,” and the ending ji may also be added to someone’s name as a sign of respect.

Outside bigger cities, India can be quite conservative when it comes to interactions between unmarried men and women. Also, most parts of India are conservative when it comes to same-sex relationships. Whatever your sexuality, it’s best to avoid public displays of affection.

15. Street harassment is unfortunately common

Although harassment can happen anywhere, parts of India are constantly in the news owing to a lack of women’s safety. Beyond long, unwelcome stares and persistent attempts to start a conversation, more serious assaults are also a risk. Groping is common in crowds (particularly during festivals).

Exercise caution like you would anywhere else, and remain alert. Never get into a taxi or auto rickshaw containing anyone other than the driver, and avoid walking alone in quiet areas, particularly at night. Decline offers of food or drinks from strangers.

If traveling by public transport as a woman, it's best to seek out train carriages and designated seating reserved for women. Wearing a wedding ring (even if not married) and using dark sunglasses and headphones can buy you some privacy on public transport. If you are being hassled, drawing loud attention to the intrusion may encourage others to come to your aid.

16. Keep track of security situations in India

India has seen deadly attacks by separatist and Marxist groups and Kashmiri insurgents. Monitor the local news and be alert for suspicious behavior, particularly around major tourist sites. Always check the security situation before traveling to Srinagar and the Kashmir Valley in case of flare-ups of unrest. Strikes, demonstrations and protests are also best avoided, as violence is a risk. It goes without saying but in the event of trouble, obey local curfews and stay inside – your hotel is probably the safest place to be.

17. Take the altitude seriously when hiking

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a risk when traveling above 2500m (8202ft), which covers most of the Indian Himalayas . AMS can be fatal, so always ascend slowly and take rest days to allow your body to acclimate to significant elevation changes. If you begin to feel ill while hiking in the mountains, stop, and if your symptoms don’t improve, descend immediately.

18. Familiarize yourself with local rules and regulations

India has a few laws and regulations that visitors might be unfamiliar with. For instance, taking photographs of bridges, the periphery of military camps and border crossings – or flying drones over them – is considered a serious security issue.

When traveling by plane internally in India, you may be asked to surrender batteries from devices in your cabin bags. Smoking is banned in most public places, and a few states also have bans on the consumption of beef – killing or injuring a cow in a road accident, even accidentally, can lead to violent reprisals.

To avoid sticky situations, take the time to research where you’re going, and talk to staff at your hotel or hostel or your B&B host for advice on things to be aware of.

19. Steer clear of drugs

India may have a reputation amongst travelers as a place to push boundaries, but its drug laws are strict. Possessing even small amounts of drugs for personal use can lead to a prison sentence.

Some religious groups are permitted to consume marijuana for ceremonial purposes, but that often doesn’t extend to tourists. You can, however, find bhaang – a marijuana mixture made with the leaves (rather than the bud) of the cannabis plant – at government-approved bhaang shops.

20. Avoid the tap water

The tap water in India is not potable. Drinking or brushing your teeth with it can be a fast track to stomach troubles – the most common illness tourists experience in India. Stick to purified or bottled water (or even better, purify your own to avoid contributing to India’s plastic waste mountain).

The water rule extends to ice (be wary of ice in drinks and ice cream) and to uncooked foods, particularly salads and dishes such as coriander chutneys, which may have been washed with contaminated water. When eating fruit, stick to things you can peel or wash thoroughly yourself, and be cautious of freshly prepared juices. Hot drinks are generally fine, so drink your fill of chai (milky tea, often spiced and sweet).

21. Watch local news to keep track of natural disasters

Some geographical areas in India are prone to natural disasters, and the risk is higher in certain seasons. Hilly areas of Himachal Pradesh, for instance, often see flash flooding and landslides during the monsoon. Be alert to signs of natural disasters and keep an eye on the local news so you know which areas to avoid. Follow the Indian Meteorological Department’s website as well as their social media handle for timely updates.

If you are caught up in a natural disaster, follow the advice of emergency workers and try to leave the area quickly.

22. Spot the scams

India has a reputation for scams designed to separate tourists from their money, and touts and confidence tricksters can often be found where tourists gather. Get tourist information and make bookings at official offices, rather than “tourist offices” you have been led to by people offering unsolicited help.

If anyone steers you to a hotel, shop or other establishment without you asking, they may be angling for a commission, which will be added to the price you pay. Be dubious of claims that the place you want to go is “closed” – always check yourself to be sure.

Exercise common sense and be wary of deals that sound too good to be true – for example, the gem scam, where travelers are tricked into buying worthless gems to “sell at a profit back home.”

This article was first published Mar 19, 2022 and updated Dec 15, 2023.

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Here's how to fix your EE roaming if it's broken

If you're having issues while you're abroad

EE customers who are travelling around the globe are struggling to get online due to roaming issues preventing them from connecting to those back home.

If you're one of those people, EE has said it's working on a permanent solution, but there's also a potential fix which may work for you.

A spokesperson for EE said, "Customers can try restarting their device or turning flight mode on and off as that has restored service for a number of customers and may help to resolve the problem."

Initial fix

There's no guarantee this fix will work for you, but it's worth trying to help you get your phone back online.

The spokesperson continued, "We're aware that some EE customers travelling abroad are experiencing issues getting connected to roaming services.

"We apologise to any customers affected, and we are continuing to urgently work with our roaming network partners to resolve the problem as soon as possible."

" Any customers who are affected should contact customer service when they can and we'll make sure they're not out of pocket."

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Some customers have also reported issues with connecting to the internet in the UK, but EE has yet to comment on a solution for those issues.

• EE offers free BT Sport – how to get it and what's really on offer

James is the Editor-in-Chief at Android Police. Previously, he was Senior Phones Editor for TechRadar, and he has covered smartphones and the mobile space for the best part of a decade bringing you news on all the big announcements from top manufacturers making mobile phones and other portable gadgets. James is often testing out and reviewing the latest and greatest mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets, virtual reality headsets, fitness trackers and more. He once fell over.

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Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution, update may 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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Travel Advisory June 23, 2023

India - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with updates to health information.

Exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism.

Do not travel to:

• The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir (except the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest .
• Within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border due to the potential for armed conflict .

Country Summary : Indian authorities report rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crime, such as sexual assault, has occurred at tourist sites and in other locations.

Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and government facilities.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in rural areas from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to these areas.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to India.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined India has a moderate level of COVID-19.  Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to India:

• Do not travel alone, particularly if you are a woman. Visit our website for Women Travelers .
• Review your personal security plans and remain alert to your surroundings.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report for India.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Avoid all travel to this state (with the exception of visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh). Sporadic violence occurs particularly along the Line of Control (LOC) separating India and Pakistan, and in tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. The Indian government prohibits foreign tourists from visiting certain areas along the LOC.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .

India-Pakistan Border – Level 4: Do Not Travel

India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official India-Pakistan border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in the state of Punjab between Attari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan. The border crossing is usually open but confirm the current status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel. A Pakistani visa is required to enter Pakistan. Only U.S. citizens residing in India may apply for a Pakistani visa in India. Otherwise apply for a Pakistani visa in your country of residence before traveling to India.

Northeastern States – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Incidents of violence by ethnic insurgent groups, including bombings of buses, trains, rail lines, and markets, occur occasionally in the northeast.

U.S. government employees at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India are prohibited from traveling to the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur without special authorization from the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata.

Central and East India – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Maoist extremist groups, or “Naxalites,” are active in a large swath of India from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal, particularly in rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and on the borders of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. The Naxalites have conducted frequent terrorist attacks on local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials.

Due to the fluid nature of the threat, all U.S. government travelers to states with Naxalite activity must receive special authorization from the U.S. consulate responsible for the area to be visited. U.S. officials traveling only to the capital cities in these states do not need prior authorization.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas . 

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must be valid for six months beyond date of visa application to obtain a visa.

Two pages required.

Yes. Travelers must enter with a visa in their passport. The visa is valid for 10 years for U.S. citizens. Or they can use an e-tourist visa, which varies in validity. Note that the Indian authorities issue visas with dates in the DD/MM/YY format.

Travelers arriving from an infected area must have a yellow fever vaccination. Others are suggested.

You must declare currency over USD $5,000 at entry. Please check with the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C. if you are planning to carry a large amount of currency or gold into India.

Check local law for rules on reporting large amounts of foreign currency and Indian rupees when leaving.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy new delhi.

Shantipath, Chanakyapuri New Delhi - 110021 India Telephone: +(91) (11) 2419-8000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(91) (11) 2419-8000 Fax: +(91) (11) 2419-0017 [email protected]

The U.S. Embassy, New Delhi serves U.S. citizens in the Indian states of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh, the union territories of Chandigarh, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, and the country of Bhutan.

U.S. Consulate General Mumbai C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex Bandra East, Mumbai 400051 India Telephone: +(91) (22) 2672-4000   Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(91) (22) 2672-4000   If you are calling from within India, but outside Mumbai, first dial 022.   Fax: 91-(0)22-2672-4786   [email protected]

The Consulate General in Mumbai provides consular services for the states of Goa, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, and the union territory of Diu and Daman, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

U.S. Consulate General Kolkata 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani Kolkata - 700 071, West Bengal, India Telephone: +(91) (33) 3984-2400 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(91) (33) 3984-2400 then dial "0" Fax: +(91) (33) 2282-2335 [email protected]

The United States Consulate General in Kolkata provides consular services for the states of Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Tripura, and Assam. .

U.S. Consulate General Chennai 220 Anna Salai at Gemini Circle Chennai, India 600006 Telephone: +(91) (44) 2857-4000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: (0) 44-2857-4000. Ask for American Citizen Services. (Within India, but outside Chennai, first dial 044. From the United States, first dial 011-(91) (44)) Fax: +(91) (044) 2811-2020 [email protected]

The Consulate General in Chennai provides consular services for the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and the Union Territories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Pondicherry, and the Lakshwadeep Islands. 

U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad Survey No. 115/1, Financial District, Nanakramguda Hyderabad, Telangana, 500032 Telephone:+(91) (40) 6932 8000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 4033-8300 and ask for American Citizen Services. (If calling from within India, but outside Hyderabad, first dial 040. From the United States, first dial 011-(91) (40))   Fax: 4033-8306  [email protected]

The Consulate General in Hyderabad provides services to U.S. citizens in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha. 

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on India for information on U.S.-India relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

All U.S. citizens need a valid passport as well as a valid Indian visa or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card to enter and exit India for any purpose. India may deny entry to travelers without valid documents or the correct type of visa. Indian visa rules and instructions change often. They often do so with little warning. Travelers should check the  website of the Indian Embassy in Washington D.C. before any travel to India to review the most current information. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in India cannot assist you if you arrive without proper documentation.

U.S. citizens seeking to enter India solely for tourist purposes for stays of less than 60 days may apply for an eVisa at least four days before their arrival. Please visit the  Indian government's website for electronic travel authorization for more information and to submit an application visit the Bureau of Immigration’s website.

U.S. citizens seeking to enter India as a tourist for longer than 60 days or for any other purpose must apply for a visa from an Indian embassy or consulate. The Government of India has appointed VFS Global to assist with visa services for individuals in the United States. Applicants may apply for Indian visas through the application link . Please exercise caution and check the correct website and as there are many fake webpages that will gather your personal information.

You can submit Diplomatic and Official visa applications directly to the Indian Embassy and Consulates. All U.S. government employees traveling on official orders, including military personnel, must get country clearance for travel to India. Once you have received your visa, check it carefully to ensure that the type of visa, validity dates, and number of entries is appropriate for your travel plans.

Keep copies of your U.S. passport data page, as well as the pages containing the Indian visa and Indian immigration stamps, with you at all times. Consider saving these documents to your mobile phone in case of emergency. If your passport is lost or stolen, copies will help you apply for a replacement passport and an exit permit from the Indian government. Replacing a lost visa, which is required to exit the country, may take several business days.  

U.S. citizens of Pakistani origin or descent are subject to administrative processing and should expect additional delays when applying for Indian visas.

Foreign citizens who visit India to  study, do research, work, or act as missionaries, as well as all travelers and residents planning to stay more than 180 days, are required to register their visit or residency within 14 days of arrival with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO)  closest to where they will be staying, in addition  to having the appropriate visa  when they enter India. Similarly, if you are traveling to India to give birth, you must register your newborn’s birth within 14 days with the FRRO office. Failure to do so will result in fines, fees, and penalties. The FRRO has offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru (Bangalore), Lucknow, Calicut, Goa, Cochin, Trivandrum, and Amritsar. District Superintendents of Police serve as Foreigners Registration Officers (FROs) in all other places. We recommend all U.S. citizens review the entry requirements described on the  Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)  section on the Indian Bureau of Immigration website.

If you overstay your Indian visa or break Indian visa rules, you may need clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs to leave. In general, authorities will fine you and, in some cases, may even jail you for months. Visa violators seeking an exit permit must visit  the Foreigners Regional Registration Office portal  to submit the application and pay any levied fines. Processing an exit permit can take up to 90 days in these cases. Decisions will be made case by case.  

Possession of a satellite phone is strictly prohibited in India and may lead to detention or arrest.

For the most current information on entry and exit requirements, please contact the  Embassy of India’s Consular wing  at 2536 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 939-9806 or the Indian Consulates in  Atlanta ,  Chicago ,  Houston ,  New York , or  San Francisco . Outside the United States, you should inquire at the nearest Indian embassy or consulate.

General information regarding Indian visa and immigration rules, including the addresses and telephone numbers for the FRRO offices, can be found at the  Indian Ministry of Home Affairs Bureau of Immigration website.

HIV/AIDS RESTRICTIONS:  There are no disclosure requirements or restrictions for HIV/AIDS patients who enter India on a tourist visa. Disclosure regarding HIV/AIDS is required of anyone seeking a resident permit in India. Foreign residents found to be suffering from HIV/AIDS will be deported. Please verify this information with the  Embassy of India  before you travel.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

U.S. citizens should always practice good personal security and situational awareness. Be aware of your surroundings. This includes local customs and etiquette. Keep a low profile. Monitor local news reports, vary routes and times in carrying out daily activities, and consider the level of security present when visiting public places, including religious sites, and when choosing hotels, restaurants, and entertainment and recreation venues.

India intermittently experiences terrorist and insurgent activities which may affect U.S. citizens directly or indirectly. Some U.S.-designated terrorist groups are active in India, including Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e Tayyiba. The U.S. government occasionally receives information regarding possible terrorist attacks that could take place in India, monitors such information to determine credibility, and advises U.S. citizens accordingly. Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive messages from the Embassy automatically.  

Past attacks have targeted public places, including some frequented by Westerners, such as luxury and other hotels, trains, train stations, markets, cinemas, mosques, and restaurants in large urban areas. Attacks have taken place during the busy evening hours in markets and other crowded places but could occur at any time. Alerts are usually more frequent around major holidays. The Maoists (also known as “Naxalites”) are the most active insurgent group in India. The Naxalites typically attack Indian government officials, but have also derailed trains, targeted other government buildings such as police stations, and conducted other criminal activity. 

Demonstrations and general strikes, or “bandh,” often cause major inconvenience and unrest. These strikes can result in the stoppage of all transportation and tourist-related services, at times for 24 hours or more. U.S. citizens caught in such a strike may find they are unable to make flight and rail connections, as local transportation can be severely limited. Local media generally give an idea of the length and geographical location of the strike. You are urged to obey any imposed curfews and travel restrictions and avoid demonstrations and rallies as they have the potential for violence, especially immediately preceding and following political rallies, elections, and religious festivals (particularly when Hindu and Muslim festivals coincide). Tensions between castes and religious groups can also result in disruptions and violence. 

There are active "anti-conversion" laws in some Indian states, and acts of conversion sometimes elicit violent reactions from Hindu extremists. Foreigners suspected of proselytizing Hindus have been attacked and killed in conservative, rural areas in India in years past. In some cases, demonstrators specifically block roads near popular tourist sites and disrupt train operations in order to gain the attention of Indian authorities; occasionally vehicles transporting tourists are attacked in these incidents. You should monitor local television, print and social media, and Mission India’s American Citizens Services  Facebook page

Swimming:  You should exercise caution if you intend to swim in open waters along the Indian coastline, particularly during the monsoon season. Every year, people in Goa, Mumbai, Puri (Odisha), off the Eastern Coast in the Bay of Bengal, and other areas drown due to strong undertows. It is important to heed warnings posted at beaches and to avoid swimming in the ocean during the monsoon season. Several years ago, there were reports of fatal crocodile attacks in the Andaman Islands. Trained lifeguards are very rare along beaches.

Wildlife Safaris:  Many tour operators and lodges advertise structured, safe excursions into parks and other wildlife viewing areas for close observation of flora and fauna. However, safety standards and training vary, and it is advisable to ascertain whether operators are trained and licensed. Even animals marketed as “tame” should be respected as wild and extremely dangerous. Keep a safe distance from animals at all times, remaining in vehicles or other protected enclosures when venturing into game parks or safaris.

Trekking:  Trekking expeditions should be limited to routes identified for this purpose by local authorities. Use only registered trekking agencies, porters, and guides, suspend trekking after dark, camp at designated camping places, and travel in groups rather than individually. Altitudes in popular trekking spots can exceed 25,000 feet (7,620 m); please ensure you are fit to trek at these altitudes and carry sufficient medical insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage.

Train Travel:  India has the third largest rail network in the world, and train travel in India is generally safe. Nevertheless, accidents and on-board fires are sometimes caused by aging infrastructure, poorly maintained equipment, overcrowding, and operator errors. Train accidents and fires have resulted in death and serious injury of passengers.

Areas of Instability: Jammu & Kashmir:  The Department of State recommends that you do not travel to the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir because of the potential for terrorist incidents as well as violent public unrest. A number of terrorist groups operate in the territory targeting security forces, particularly along the Line of Control (LOC) separating Indian and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir, and those stationed in primary tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. Foreigners are particularly visible, vulnerable, and at risk. In the past, serious communal violence left the territory mostly paralyzed due to massive strikes and business shutdowns, and U.S. citizens have had to be evacuated by local police. The Indian government prohibits foreign tourists from visiting certain areas along the LOC (see the section on Restricted Areas, below) and may require a travel permit to enter this area.

India-Pakistan Border:  The Department of State recommends that you do not travel to areas within ten kilometers of the border between India and Pakistan. Both India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official India-Pakistan border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in the state of Punjab between Atari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan. The border crossing is usually open, but you are advised to confirm the current status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel. A Pakistani visa is required to enter Pakistan. Only U.S. citizens residing in India may apply for a Pakistani visa in India. Otherwise, you should apply for a Pakistani visa in your country of residence before traveling to India.

Both India and Pakistan claim an area of the Karakoram Mountain range that includes the Siachen glacier. Travel or mountain climbing in this area is highly dangerous. The disputed area includes the following peaks: Rimo Peak; Apsarasas I, II, and III; Tegam Kangri I, II and III; Suingri Kangri; Ghiant I and II; Indira Col; and Sia Kangri. Check with the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi for information on current conditions.

Northeastern States:  Incidents of violence by ethnic insurgent groups, including bombings of buses, trains, rail lines, and markets, occur sporadically in the northeast. While U.S. citizens have not been specifically targeted, it is possible that you could be affected as a bystander. If you travel to the northeast, you should avoid travel by train at night, travel outside major cities at night, and crowds. U.S. government employees at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India are prohibited from traveling to certain areas in the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur without permission from the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata. Restricted Area Permits are required for foreigners to visit certain Northeastern states (see the section on Restricted Areas, below.) Contact the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata for information on current conditions.

East Central and Southern India:  Maoist extremist groups, or “Naxalites,” are active in East Central India, primarily in rural areas. The Naxalites have a long history of conflict with state and national authorities, including frequent terrorist attacks on local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials, and are responsible for more attacks in the country than any other organization through an ongoing campaign of violence and intimidation. Naxalites have not specifically targeted U.S. citizens but have attacked symbolic targets that have included Western companies and rail lines. While Naxalite violence does not normally occur in places frequented by foreigners, there is a risk that visitors could become victims of violence.

Naxalites are active in a large swath of India from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal, particularly in rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and on the borders of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. Due to the fluid nature of the threat, all U.S. government travelers to states with Naxalite activity must receive authorization from the U.S. Consulate responsible for the area to be visited, unless they are only visiting capital cities.

Restricted/Protected areas:  Certain states or portions of states require Restricted Area Permits. These include:

• The state of Arunachal Pradesh
• Portions of the state of Sikkim
• Portions of the state of Himachal Pradesh near the Chinese border
• Portions of the state of Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal) near the Chinese border
• Portions of the state of Rajasthan near the Pakistani border
• Portions of the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir near the Line of Control with Pakistan and certain portions of the union territory of Ladakh
• The union territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands
• The union territory of the Laccadives Islands (Lakshadweep)
• Portions of the state of Manipur
• Portions of the state of Mizoram
• Portions of the state of Nagaland

More information about travel to/in restricted/protected areas can be found from India’s  Bureau of Immigration .

Restricted Area Permits are available outside India at Indian embassies and consulates abroad, or in India from the Ministry of Home Affairs (Foreigners Division) at Jaisalmer House, 26 Man Singh Road, New Delhi. The states of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim maintain official guesthouses in New Delhi, which can also issue Restricted Area Permits for their respective states for certain travelers. While visiting Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) in Tamil Nadu, you should be aware that the Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Center in Kalpakkam is located just south of the site and is not clearly marked as a restricted and dangerous area.

For the latest security information, travelers should enroll in  STEP  to receive updated security information and regularly monitor travel information available from the  U.S. Embassy in New Delhi  as well as the U.S. Consulates General in  Mumbai  ,  Chennai ,  Hyderabad , and  Kolkata .

Crime:  Violent crime, especially directed against foreigners, has traditionally been uncommon. Petty crime, especially theft of personal property (including U.S. passports), is common, particularly on trains or buses, at airports, and in major tourist areas. Pickpockets can be very skilled and travelers have reported having their bags snatched, purse-straps cut, or the bottom of their purses slit without their knowledge. If traveling by train, lock your sleeping compartments and take your valuables with you when leaving your berth. If you travel by air, be careful with your bags in the arrival and departure areas outside airports. Be cautious about displaying cash or expensive items to reduce the chance of being a target for robbery or other crime, and be aware of your surroundings when you use ATMs. Scammers have used ATM card scams to clone credit card details and withdraw money.

Individuals have reported cases of sexual assault, including rape, against U.S. citizens traveling throughout India.

The U.S. government cautions citizens, especially women, not to travel alone in India. Please observe stringent security precautions. When traveling without known and trustworthy companions, use public transport specifically designated for “women-only” travelers, which is a free service offered by the Indian government in many metropolitan cities including Delhi and Hyderabad. Please restrict evening entertainment to well-known venues and avoid isolated areas when traveling alone at any time of the day. Keep your hotel room number confidential and make sure hotel room doors have chains, deadlocks, and peep holes. Travel with groups of friends rather than alone. In addition, only hire reliable cars and drivers and avoid traveling alone in hired taxis, especially at night. Use taxis from hotels and pre-paid taxis at airports rather than hailing them on the street. If you encounter threatening situations, call “100” for police assistance (“112” from mobile phones). If you use app-based services like “Uber” or “Ola” share your ride information with a friend.

Travelers in India are advised to respect local dress and customs. Indian women typically wear conservative everyday dress. This is the norm throughout the country, and even more so in rural areas. They wear clothing that covers their legs and shoulders. Exceptions are vacation resorts catering to foreign clientele and some neighborhoods of major cities like New Delhi and Mumbai. Western women, especially those of African descent, continue to report incidents of verbal and physical harassment by individuals and groups of men. Known locally as “Eve-teasing,” these incidents of sexual harassment can be quite frightening and quickly cross the line from verbal to physical. Sexual harassment can occur anytime or anywhere, but most frequently has happened in crowded areas such as in marketplaces, train stations, buses, and public streets. The harassment can range from sexually suggestive or lewd comments to catcalls to outright groping.

The Government of India has focused more on addressing gender-based violence. One outcome has been more reports of sexual assault nationwide. Indian authorities report rape is one of India's fastest growing crimes.

If you find yourself in a life-threatening situation, you should call the police immediately and follow up with a call to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. We can sometimes connect you with an Indian non-governmental organization that may be able to provide assistance.  

Please review our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

If you are victimized overseas, you may be entitled to receive compensation for counseling and/or other services such as relocation back to the United States. For further information, visit the U.S. Department of Justice page for violence against women.

Scams are common at major airports, train stations, popular restaurants, and tourist sites. Scam artists prey on visitors by creating distractions. Be careful of taxi drivers and others. This includes train porters. They solicit travelers with "come-on" offers of cheap transportation and/or hotels. Travelers who accept such offers are often the victims of scams. These include offers to help with "necessary" transfers to the domestic airport, overpriced hotel rooms, unwanted "tours," unwelcome "purchases," long cab rides, and even threats when the tourists decline to pay. Tourists have reported being lured and extorted for money in the face of threats of violence against the traveler and his/her family members. Be careful when hiring transportation and guides. Use only well-known travel agents to book trips.

Some vendors sell carpets, jewelry, and gemstones. These items may be expensive and not of the promised quality. Deal only with reputable businesses and do not hand over your credit cards or money unless you are certain that goods being shipped are the goods you purchased. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it is best avoided. Most Indian states have official tourism bureaus set up to handle complaints. Do not agree to transport any goods on behalf of strangers in exchange for money.

India-based criminals use the internet to extort money from victims abroad. In a common scam, the victim develops a close romantic relationship with an alleged U.S. citizen they meet online. When the “friend” travels to India, a series of accidents occur and the victim begins to receive requests for financial assistance, sometimes through an intermediary. In fact, the U.S. citizen “friend” does not exist; they are only online personas used by criminal networks. Victims have been defrauded of thousands of dollars in these schemes. Do not send money to anyone you have not met in person and carefully read the Department of State’s advice on   international financial scams . 

In another common scam, family members in the United States, especially older people, are asked for money. The scammers claim to be grandchildren or relatives who have been arrested or are without money to return home. Do not send money without contacting the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General to confirm the other party’s situation. You can also call our Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 888-407-4747 (from overseas: 202-501-4444). Review our information on  emergency assistance to Americans abroad.

U.S. citizens have had problems with business partners, usually involving property investments. You may wish to seek professional legal advice in reviewing any contracts for business or services offered in India. The U.S. Embassy and consulates cannot give legal advice. They also cannot help U.S. citizens with Indian courts on civil or criminal matters. A list of local attorneys is available on the Embassy and Consulates General  websites .

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for more information on scams.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should first contact the local police, then inform the U.S. Embassy or local Consulate.

Report crimes to the local police by calling “100” or “112” from a mobile phone.  

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide information on victims’ compensation programs in the U.S.
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

You should ask for a copy of the police report, known as a “First Information Report” (FIR), from local police when you report an incident. Local authorities generally can't act without a police report. 

If your passport is stolen, report the theft or loss right away. Report it to the police in the place where your passport was stolen. You need an FIR to get an exit visa to leave India. The Indian government requires it if the lost passport had your Indian visa. Although the Embassy or Consulate General is able to replace a stolen or lost passport, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) are responsible for approving an exit permit. This process usually takes three to four working days but can take longer.

In cases of sexual assault or rape, the Embassy or Consulates General can provide a list of local doctors and hospitals, if needed, to discuss treatment and prevention options for diseases and pregnancy. You should be aware that for evidence of an assault to be submitted in a court case, Indian authorities require that the medical exam be completed at a government hospital. Therefore, if a victim goes to a private hospital for treatment, the hospital will refer them to a government hospital for this aspect of the medical process. 

India has many resources for victims of rape and sexual assault. The specific toll-free Women’s Helpline Service number in Delhi is 1091; in Mumbai it is 103; in Kolkata, 1090; in Chennai, 1091 or 2345-2365; and in Hyderabad 1098.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in India is “100.” An additional emergency number, “112,” can be accessed from mobile phones.

Please see our  information for victims of crime , including possible victim compensation programs in the United States. 

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy or Consulates for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. You may face arrest, imprisonment, and/or deportation if you violate local laws, even unknowingly.  

Furthermore, some activities are crimes under U.S. law and can be prosecuted in the U.S. regardless of whether they are allowed under local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the Department of Justice website.

If police or prison officials arrest or detain you, immediately ask them to notify the U.S. Embassy. See our  webpage  for further information.

Alcohol: Each of India’s states has its own rules for buying and drinking alcohol. Legal drinking ages range from 18 to 25 and can vary by beverage type. Some states permit alcohol use for medicinal purposes only while others require you to hold a permit to buy, transport, or consume alcohol. Penalties for violation can be harsh.

Several U.S. citizens at Indian airports have been arrested for attempting to smuggle illegal drugs from India. Many claim that they did not realize they were carrying narcotics. Never transport or mail packages that do not belong to you and maintain direct control of your luggage at all times.

Beef and Cow Hide:  Several states in India impose various types of prohibition on beef. In some rural areas, cow protection vigilantes have attacked people they suspected of selling or consuming beef, or possessing items made with cow hide.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:

Dual Nationality:  India does not permit its citizens to hold dual nationality. In 2006, India launched the "Overseas Citizens of India" (OCI) program, which does not grant Indian citizenship but is similar to a U.S. "green card" in that you can travel to and from India indefinitely, work in India, study in India, and own property in India (except for certain agricultural and plantation properties). If you are a U.S. citizen and obtain an OCI card you will not become a citizen of India; you will remain a citizen of the United States. An OCI card holder does not receive an Indian passport, cannot vote in Indian elections, and is not eligible for Indian government employment.

U.S. citizens of Indian descent can apply for OCI cards at the Indian Embassy in Washington or at the Indian Consulates in Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Atlanta, and Houston. Inside India, U.S. citizens can apply at the nearest FRRO office (please see “Entry/Exit Requirements” section above for more information on the FRRO). U.S. citizens must use a U.S. passport when traveling in and out of the United States.

Faith-based travelers and those participating in religious activities should refer to the Department of State's Report on International Religious Freedom. Indian law mandates that individuals engaging in religious proselytizing obtain a "missionary" visa. Immigration authorities have determined that engaging in certain activities, such as speaking at religious meetings open to the general public, could violate immigration law if the traveler does not possess a missionary visa. Foreigners with tourist visas who engage in missionary activity are subject to deportation and possible criminal prosecution. The states of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh have legislation that regulates or places restrictions on conversion from one religion to another. If you plan to engage in missionary activity, you may want to seek legal advice to find out if Indian law permits the activities you plan to pursue.

Tourists should also mind restrictions and observances when planning to visit any religious establishment. These include Hindu temples, mosques, churches, and other sacred places to the local population. Many individual temples and mosques do not permit non-members to enter all or parts of the facilities, and may require the removal of shoes, the covering of the head, or have other specific requirements for appropriate attire.  

Customs rules are strict. Before traveling to or from India, inspect all bags and clothes well. Make sure they do not contain banned items. Airport security officials have arrested or detained several U.S. citizens after discovering loose ammunition (including spent individual bullets and casings) or weapons in their luggage. If authorities find loose ammunition or bullets (including empty bullet shells used in souvenirs) on your person or in your bags, they will charge you with violating the Indian Arms Act, and may incarcerate or deport you from India.

Additionally, Indian authorities have arrested and prosecuted U.S. citizens for possessing satellite phones, which is strictly prohibited in India.

Indian customs authorities enforce strict regulations. They cover temporary importation into or export from India of items like antiquities, electronics, currency, ivory, gold objects, and other banned materials. You need permission from the Government of India to bring in restricted items, even if you are only transiting through India. If you do not comply with these regulations, you risk arrest or fine or both and confiscation of these items. If Indian law enforcement charges you with any legal violations, make sure to have an attorney review any document before signing it. The Government of India requires the registration of antique items with the local police along with a photograph of the item. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of India in Washington or one of India's consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements. More information is available from the Indian Central Board of Excise and Customs.  

Indian customs authorities encourage the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) Carnet for the temporary admission of professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes. ATA Carnet Headquarters, located at the  U.S. Council for International Business , 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, issues and guarantees the ATA Carnet in the United States. For additional information call (212) 354-4480, or  email USCIB  for details. Please see our section on  Customs Information  for more information.

Natural Disaster Threats:  Parts of northern India are highly susceptible to earthquakes. Regions of highest risk, ranked 5 on a scale of 1 to 5, include areas around Srinagar, Himachal Pradesh, Rishikesh and Dehradun, the northern parts of Punjab, northwest Gujarat, northern Bihar, and the entire northeast. Ranked 4 (high damage risk) is an area that sweeps along the north through Jammu and Kashmir, Eastern Punjab, Haryana, Northern Uttar Pradesh, central Bihar and the northern parts of West Bengal. New Delhi is located in zone 4. Severe flooding is common in hilly and mountainous areas throughout India. Flooding in 2013 in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and other areas left thousands of people presumed dead and temporarily stranded dozens of U.S. citizens.

Typhoons/cyclones and subsequent flooding are common along the Indian coasts, in particular the Eastern coastal states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal, and have at times resulted in massive loss of life. Tourists and residents in areas prone to these events should remain vigilant during severe weather, monitor local media for latest developments, and heed all municipal warnings. Residents in these areas should have contingency plans for loss of power and unavailability of goods and services, including supplies for multiple days after a severe weather event.

Accessibility:  Individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation in India very different than what you find in the United States. Despite legislation that all public buildings and transport be accessible for disabled people, accessibility remains limited. One notable exception is the Delhi metro system, designed to be accessible to those with physical disabilities.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips.

LGBTQI+ Travelers: The Supreme Court of India decriminalized same-sex relationships in 2018. Since then, state and union governments have been directed to develop reforms that protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) persons, including efforts to provide gender neutral bathrooms at schools and colleges and separate housing for gender-nonconforming and transgender persons in prison.

Although Indian law prohibits discrimination by state and nonstate actors based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics, the government is inconsistent in implementing and enforcing these laws, and reports of widespread discrimination, harassment, threats, and violence against LGBTQI+ persons, particularly in rural areas or by local police, persist. See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our  Human Rights  report for further details.

For emergency services in India, dial 112 from a cell phone; from a land line, dial 100 for police, 102 for ambulance (108 in parts of South India), and 101 for fire.

Ambulances are not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment, and traffic does not yield to emergency vehicles. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance. Most hospitals require advance payment or confirmation of insurance prior to treatment. Payment practices vary, and credit cards are not routinely accepted for medical care.

Zika, dengue, malaria, measles, and other diseases are present in India. See the Center for Disease Control’s website for more information.

The quality of medical care in India varies considerably. Medical care in the major population centers approaches and occasionally meets Western standards, but adequate medical care is usually very limited or unavailable in rural areas.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. 

Make sure your health insurance covers care overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of India to ensure the medication is legal in India. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. 

Pharmaceuticals: Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with limited controls. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. When buying medication, consult with a medical professional and purchase from reputable establishments. Please visit the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention website on counterfeit drugs for more information.

Water Quality: Water is a common vehicle for the transmission of disease. Impure drinking water can transmit serious diseases such as typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery. You can make water safe for drinking by filtering/boiling, distilling, or using chemicals. Bottled water is generally safe for consumption. It is best to stick to the major brands. The water bottle seal or cap should be intact.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If you are arriving in India from Sub-Saharan Africa or other areas with yellow-fever risk, Indian health regulations require that you present evidence of vaccination against yellow fever. If you lack such proof, authorities may immediately deport you or detain you in the yellow-fever quarantine center for six days. If you travel through any part of sub-Saharan Africa, even for one day, health authorities advise you to carry proof of yellow fever immunization.

Dogs and bats create a high risk of rabies transmission in most of India. Health authorities recommend vaccination for all prolonged stays, especially for young children and travelers in rural areas. It is also recommended for shorter stays that involve occupational exposure, locations more than 24 hours from a reliable source of human rabies immune globulin and rabies vaccine for post-exposure treatment, adventure travelers, hikers, cave explorers, and backpackers. Monkeys also can transmit rabies and herpes B, among other diseases, to human victims. Avoid feeding monkeys. If bitten, you should immediately soak and scrub the bite for at least 15 minutes and seek urgent medical attention.

Influenza transmission occurs from November to April in areas north of the Tropic of Cancer (north India) and from June through November (the rainy season) in areas south of the Tropic of Cancer (south India), with a smaller peak from February through April; off-season transmission can also occur. All travelers are at risk. During the flu season, health authorities recommend that all travelers get the influenza vaccine.

Outbreaks of avian influenza (H5N1 virus) occur intermittently in eastern India, including West Bengal, Manipur, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Assam.

Malaria risk depends on time of year and area the traveler is visiting. Please consult the  CDC website for India for more information. Dengue fever presents significant risk in urban and rural areas. Health officials report the highest number of cases from July to December, with cases peaking from September to October. The CDC recommends taking daytime insect precautions, such as wearing long-sleeved shirts and mosquito repellent.

Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in India. Please visit the CDC website or more information.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in India, and you should consult your doctor prior to travel and consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you. The air quality in India varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons. It is typically at its worst in the winter. Anyone who travels where pollution levels are high is at risk. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include: 

• Infants, children, and teens 
• People over 65 years of age 
• People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema 
• People with heart disease or diabetes 
• People who work or are active outdoors 

Current air quality data can be found on the  Department of State’s air quality page . The data on this site are updated hourly. 

Rh-negative blood may be difficult to obtain as it is not common in Asia. 

Medical Tourism:  Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. Companies offering vacation packages bundled with medical consultations and financing options provide direct-to-consumer advertising over the internet. Such medical packages often claim to provide high quality care, but the quality of health care in India is highly variable. People seeking health care in India should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations.  

Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and  refer to the information from the CDC . Persons traveling to India for medical purposes require the proper “medical” visa. Please check with the nearest Indian embassy or consulate for more information. 

Despite reports of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in hospitals, in general travelers should not delay or avoid treatment for urgent or emergent medical situations. However, health tourists and other travelers who may be contemplating elective procedures in this country should carefully research individual hospital infection control practices. 

Surrogacy:  Commercial surrogacy is illegal for foreigners in India, subject to complex local regulation. For additional information,  visit the Government of India’s official information on foreigner surrogacy .  

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in India maintain lists of local doctors and hospitals, all of which are published on their respective websites under "U.S. Citizen Services." We cannot endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. 

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Travel by road in India is dangerous. India leads the world in traffic-related deaths and a number of U.S. citizens have suffered fatal traffic accidents in recent years. You should exercise extreme caution when crossing streets, even in marked pedestrian areas, and try to use only cars that have seatbelts. Seatbelts are not common in three-wheel taxis (autos) and in back seats of taxis and rideshare vehicles. Helmets should always be worn on motorcycles and bicycles. Travel at night is particularly hazardous. 

On Indian roads, the safest driving policy is always to assume that other drivers will not respond to a traffic situation in the same way you would in the United States, including the use of driving lanes. Buses and trucks often run red lights and merge directly into traffic at yield points and traffic circles. Cars, autos, bicycles, and pedestrians behave only slightly more cautiously. Use your horn or flash your headlights frequently to announce your presence. It is both customary and wise. 

Inside and outside major cities, roads are often poorly maintained and congested. Even main roads frequently have only two lanes, with poor visibility and inadequate warning markers. On the few divided highways one can expect to meet local transportation traveling in the wrong direction, often without lights. Heavy traffic is the norm and includes (but is not limited to) overloaded trucks and buses, scooters, pedestrians, bullock and camel carts, horse or elephant riders en route to weddings, bicycles, and free-roaming livestock. 

Public Transportation:  Buses, patronized by hundreds of millions of Indians, are convenient in that they serve almost every city of any size. However, in some areas, they are often driven fast, recklessly, and without consideration for the rules of the road. Accidents are common. 

Traffic Laws:  Traffic in India moves on the left. It is important to be alert while crossing streets and intersections, especially after dark as traffic is coming in the "wrong" direction. Travelers should remember to use seatbelts in both rear and front seats where available, and to ask their drivers to maintain a safe speed. 

In order to drive in India, you must have either a valid Indian driver’s license or a valid international driver’s license. Because of difficult road and traffic conditions, you may wish to consider hiring a local driver. Your U.S. driver’s license will not work. 

If a driver hits a pedestrian or a cow, the vehicle and its occupants are at risk of being attacked by passersby. Such attacks pose significant risk of injury or death to the vehicle's occupants or risk of incineration of the vehicle. It could be unsafe to remain at the scene of an accident of this nature, and drivers may instead wish to seek out the nearest police station.      Protestors often use road blockage as a means of publicizing their grievances, causing severe inconvenience to travelers. Visitors should monitor local news reports for any reports of road disturbances. 

Please refer to our  Road Safety  page for more information. 

Emergency Numbers:  The following emergency numbers work in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata: 

• National Emergency 112 
• Police 100 
• Fire Brigade 101 
• Ambulance 102 

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of India’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of India’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s Safety Management page . Travelers are urged to use caution while booking private helicopters for travel, especially in the northeast.

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

India was cited in the State Department’s 2023 Annual Report to Congress on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with respect to international parental child abduction. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  India . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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Best SIM Cards for Using Your Smartphone in India

If you’re travelling to India, having the right SIM card can save you time and money. We review the best value SIM cards for using your mobile phone in India.

Thankfully, it’s now really easy to use your UK phone in India as there’s inclusive roaming available on the plans from Lebara Mobile . This means there’s no need to get a local SIM card on arrival. On Lebara, you can use the KEN3 voucher code at checkout to get 3 months half price, making it possible to get a one-month plan from just £2.50 .

In this article, we’ll look at the multiple ways to use your smartphone in India and the best value SIM cards for use whilst you’re there.

• 1 Using Your Mobile Phone In India
• 2.1 Best India Roaming Deals
• 2.2 Standard Roaming Rates
• 3 Buying A Indian SIM Card On Arrival
• 4 eSIMs For India
• 5 Handset & Network Compatibility
• 6 More Information

Using Your Mobile Phone In India

• You can roam on a UK-based SIM card. This is the easiest and the most straightforward way to use your phone in India. You’ll have a UK-based phone number (+44) and you’ll pay your UK mobile network for usage.
• You can buy a local SIM card upon arrival in India. This will come with an Indian phone number (+91), along with a larger allowance of data. However, it’s more hassle as you’ll need to buy your SIM card on arrival. You’ll also need to register and activate the SIM card, which normally takes about 24 hours.
• You can buy a data eSIM for India. You can get an eSIM for use in India from a specialist provider like Airalo . You’ll be able to use this alongside your current UK SIM card.

The following table shows a side-by-side comparison of the three options:

For most people, we’d recommend roaming on a UK-based SIM card as this will be a lot less hassle than buying a local SIM card in India. However, it might be worth getting a local SIM card in India if you need a local Indian phone number (+91).

Get Lebara Mobile SIM card →

It can take a couple of days for your Lebara Mobile SIM card to arrive in the post. If you need a faster solution, consider getting an eSIM plan instead. This comes with instant online delivery. You’ll also be able to use it alongside your current SIM card.

Through the rest of this article, we’ll look at the three options in more detail.

Roaming On Your UK SIM Card

• You can set it up before you depart. When you roam on a UK-based SIM card, there’s no need to find a phone shop on arrival and to negotiate with the staff there. You’ll also know your phone number in advance, making it easier to stay in touch with others.
• There’s no need to register your SIM card with the authorities in India. When you buy a local SIM card in India, you’ll need to register it with the government authorities. This involves providing a copy of your passport and your visa for India. You’ll also need to provide proof of your UK address, along with proof of your address in India (e.g. a letter from the hotel to confirm your stay there, or a letter of invitation if you’re staying at a private address). This registration process isn’t necessary when you roam on a UK-based SIM card.
• There’s no need to wait around for your SIM card to be activated in India. It normally takes about 24 hours for a new locally-purchased SIM card to be activated in India. In contrast, a UK-based SIM card will work straight away.
• You’ll be able to call both UK and Indian phone numbers using your plan. In contrast, most local SIM cards in India will only give you an inclusive allowance of minutes for calling inside of India.

Best India Roaming Deals

Lebara Mobile

As a special offer for June 2024, you can get 3 months half price on all Lebara Mobile plans. To benefit, you’ll need to enter KEN3 as your voucher code at checkout. With this offer, you’re able to get the following plans from just £2.50 per month:

The international minutes on your Lebara Mobile SIM card can be used for calling India and 41 other countries .

When you’re using your UK allowances in India, there’s a fair use limit of 30GB data per month. This only applies if you’re on Lebara’s unlimited data plan. You can see the full terms and conditions on Lebara’s website for more information.

Other Networks

You can also get special rates for international roaming in India on the following UK mobile networks:

• VOXI: On VOXI, you can buy a Global Roaming Extra which will allow you to use your mobile phone in India at a discounted rate. It costs £15 for an 8-day Global Roaming Extra (with 2GB data, 100 minutes & 100 texts included) and £25 for a 15-day Global Roaming Extra (with 4GB data, 200 minutes & 200 texts included). If you buy the 15-day Global Roaming Extra, this will allow you to use your mobile phone in India from just £1.67 per day. There’s no contract and no credit check required when you join VOXI .
• Vodafone UK Pay As You Go: Like VOXI, Vodafone UK also offers an 8-day and 15-day Around The World Extra if you’re a Pay As You Go customer. It’s exactly the same as what you’ll get on VOXI, but you’ll get less data included on your UK plan. You can order a Vodafone Pay As You Go SIM card online . To buy the Extra, text ROAMEXTRA8 to 2345 (for the 8-day Around The World Extra), or ROAMEXTRA15 to 2345 (for the 15-day Around The World Extra).
• Vodafone UK Pay Monthly: If you’re a Vodafone UK Pay Monthly customer, you’ll pay £6 per day to use your allowances in India.

Standard Roaming Rates

If your current provider doesn’t have any roaming offers for India, the following table shows the standard rates you can expect to pay for using your phone in India:

Comparison of roaming charges when using your UK-based SIM card in India. The costs shown are for calling the UK and sending a text message to the UK. It’s always free to receive a text message wherever you are in the world.

In the UK, the average smartphone user can normally expect to use around 100MB (0.1GB) of data each day. Therefore, the costs of roaming in India can add up very quickly unless you have a suitable deal for roaming.

Buying A Indian SIM Card On Arrival

Here are the key things to know about buying a local SIM card in India:

• You’ll need to buy your SIM card on arrival, with prices varying based on location and negotiation. You’ll need to pay an upfront fee when you buy a local SIM card in India. This will vary based on the location and store. For instance, in the city centre, you might be able to get a SIM card for about 100 Indian rupees (about £1). However, this might be 1000 Indian rupees at the airport (about £10). On the contrary, it’s normally a lot less hassle getting a SIM card at the airport as they’re more used to dealing with foreign visitors.
• You’ll need to register your SIM card with the Indian authorities. When you buy a local SIM card in India, you’ll need to provide a copy of your passport and your travel visa for India. You’ll also need to provide proof of your UK address, along with proof of your address in India (e.g. a letter from the hotel to confirm your stay there or a letter of invitation if you’re staying at a private address). You may also need to provide a passport-sized photo.
• It takes around 24 hours to activate a local SIM card in India. In contrast, a UK-based SIM card will work straight away. If you’re buying a local SIM card, it’s still worth bringing your UK-based SIM card to use on the first day of your trip. Alternatively, you can get an eSIM for use on your first day.
• You won’t get inclusive calls to the UK. When you get a local SIM card in India, this will only give you inclusive minutes for calling other phone numbers in India.

• Vi (Vodafone Idea)

All three providers offer fairly similar plans so it’s mainly a matter of the coverage available in the places where you’re visiting. There’s also the convenience of finding a location where you’re able to actually buy the SIM card.

Once you’ve purchased your SIM card, you can expect to pay between 239 Indian rupees (about £2.40) and 299 Indian rupees (about £2.80) for a 28-day plan. This will come with unlimited minutes, 100 texts and 1.5GB data per day:

Alongside the three main providers, there are also a number of smaller providers such as the state-run BSNL and MTNL networks. However, these networks tend to have much poorer coverage so most people will choose one of the big three networks instead.

For more information about the plans available, see the official websites for Jio , Airtel and Vi .

eSIMs For India

If you’re using an eSIM-compatible phone (including the iPhone 11, Galaxy S20, Pixel 3, and later devices), you can get an eSIM for use in India.

With eSIM, there’s the convenience of instant online delivery to your phone, and there’s no need to register your eSIM with the authorities in India. However, the disadvantage is that you won’t be able to make any phone calls on it (you’ll need to use your regular SIM card for calling, for which additional fees may apply).

As a special offer for June 2024, you can enter the KEN10 voucher code at checkout to get a 10% discount on your Indicomm eSIM (new customers only). Existing Airalo customers can use the KEN5 voucher to get a 5% discount.

See Indicomm eSIM deals →

For more information, see our Indicomm eSIM review .

Handset & Network Compatibility

The following table shows the bands and frequencies that are used by the mobile networks in India:

You can check your handset manufacturer’s spec sheet to see a list of bands supported by your phone.

If you’re using a different SIM card for the duration of your trip abroad, you’ll need to make sure your handset is unlocked .

More Information

At present, our recommended networks for roaming in India is Lebara Mobile UK . For more information about their roaming offer, please refer to their official website.

Related Articles

Your Comments 4 so far

We'd love to hear your thoughts and any questions you may have. So far, we've received 4 comments from readers. You can add your own comment here .

Roshan Vedi said:

I have just spoken to Lebara and they have confirmed that you can use ALL of your data allowance (max of 30GB) whilst roaming in any of locations including in India. The link above confirms this.

https://www.lebara.co.uk/en/help/roaming/roaming-in-india.html

Lebara have also confirmed that it is possible to make unlimited calls and texts to the UK whilst abroad, including in India. It is also possible to use all your international minutes whilst abroad.

Vince said:

I have been reading about Lebara and their customer service. Looks like they are a real headache to deal with when something goes wrong. And they have issues with coverage throughout India. You would be very lucky if it actually works.

I would like to hear from some of your readers about their experience on using Lebara roaming in India.

Krish replied:

Hi Vince, I bought a Lebara SIM 15GB citing £10 at our local corner shop as I was travelling the following day in January 2023. I slotted the the SIM in my iPhone 12. The SIM was activated and it worked in UK. However, when I tried to use it in India, I could neither make or receive calls – the reason I bought the SIM! Tried the Lebara online helpline which promised to respond in 24-48 hours but they never did. I called at a Vi centre for help but they couldn’t resolve it , instead suggested I contact Lebara UK customer services in spite of my informing them I had failed to get any help. Eventually a friend loaned me an lical Airtel SIM for the duration of my stay.I don’t know if others had similar problems but based on my experience I will not be buying a Lebara SIM again. Cheers Krish

Dilip Patel said:

Very informative and in simple language. 1. Can you add something about how long are pre-paid SIMM’s valid for? For example is there a Pre-paid SIMM for 2 months (60 days) rather than the standard 28 days? 2. When you mention STD calls, does this mean land lines numbers only or it covers calling mobile numbers as well

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Most scenic roads to go on a long drive in India: Get entwined with nature

Posted: 23 July 2023 | Last updated: 19 May 2024

Picture yourself travelling along a wide road on a pleasant sunny day, with lush green surroundings and trees rising on each side of the road casting their shadows as your drive by. Although this might seem like an ad by a motorcycle or car manufacturer, but believe us, India really offers some lovely woodland adventures where it'll get difficult to describe your experience. Mentioned here are some of the most scenic roads in India to go on a drive along with your family and friends. (Representational image: Reuters)

Araku Valley to Visakhapatnam: Araku is a divine location around 100 miles from Vizag that is perfect for a weekend excursion. Although there are multiple train options available for travellers to travel on this route. It would be an amazing experience, if you could drive through. (Image: Shutterstock)

Bengaluru to Bandipur forest: The gorgeous route to Bandipur Forest begins as you exit Bengaluru enroute to Mysuru. The scenery changes as you leave the city towards lush vegetation, rolling hills, and fascinating fauna. (Image: PTI)

Shimla to Parvati Valley: Although there are numerous beautiful woodland trails in Himachal Pradesh, the trip from Shimla to Parvati Valley is truly breathtaking. The fascinating drive entails going uphill and downhill around the mountains and through many woodlands, with the Beas River and bubbling streams running alongside the roadways. The roads are in decent shape. (Image: Reuters)

Jim Corbet to Dehradun: The drive to Jim Corbett National Park from the capital city of Dehradun is lush and verdant, and you could even see some of the local animals. The holy town of Haridwar and the Rajaji National Park, which is home to Asian elephants and tigers, are also on the route. (Image: Shutterstock)

Cherrapunji to Shillong: Shillong, often referred to as the "Scotland of Modern India," is beloved for its idyllic weather, mouthwatering cuisine, including momos and tungrymbai (a fermented dish made by frying soybeans in mustard oil with aromatics and pork), and, of course, its roads. While all is going on, Cherrapunjee, one of the wettest locations on Earth, is a paradise for various adventure sports, including ziplining, boating, kayaking, and canoeing. (Image: Shutterstock)

Gulmarg to Srinagar: The trip to Gulmarg begins in Srinagar, a city renowned for its tranquil Dal Lake and Mughal gardens, and provides breathtaking views of verdant woods, snow-capped hills, and immaculate meadows. The route meanders through the picturesque landscape, which is peppered with quaint towns and picturesque vistas. (Image: Reuters)

Chandigarh to Kasol: You'll experience a road journey straight out of a movie as you pass through the expansive plains of Chandigarh and arrive at Kasol, which is famed for its breathtaking climbs and mouth-watering Israeli cuisine. (Image: Shutterstock)

Pune to Mumbai: The Western Ghats divide Maharashtra's two major cities, Mumbai on the Konkan coast and Pune on the Deccan Plateau. This mountain range is traversed by the six-lane Mumbai-Pune Motorway, which is encircled by a network of sweeping hills.

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The Indian government aims to develop airports as transit hubs for South Asia, incorporating a strategy called the confluence of flights. This allows travelers on connecting flights under the same ticket number, or PNR, to complete customs and immigration checks at their initial departure point and final destination, bypassing intermediary checks during layovers.

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• International

Claudia Sheinbaum projected to be Mexico's first woman president

By Kathleen Magramo, Maureen Chowdhury, Matt Meyer, Antoinette Radford and Melissa Macaya, CNN

The count: Mexico Elections 2024

Mexico's outgoing president says he will not try to influence sheinbaum in naming future officials.

From CNN's Abel Alvarado in Atlanta

Mexico’s President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said he will not influence newly elected president Claudia Sheinbaum in naming future officials for the country after Sunday’s landslide victory.

 “She (Sheinbaum) is the one empowered to make all the decisions. I am not going to influence anything,” López Obrador said during his morning presser on Monday.

“She is going to choose her team,” he added.

However, he suggested that changes would come with the new president because it was part of the “transformation” he started for the country when he took office nearly six years ago.

López Obrador also said he may discuss constitutional reforms with Sheinbaum during the transition period but made it clear that he didn’t “want to impose anything.”

Sheinbaum will take office on October 1. Her term will last six years.

López Obrador, who is Sheinbaum’s political mentor, congratulated her on the win.

“We already spoke yesterday (Sunday); I congratulated her. I am very happy because imagine what it means to hand over the presidency to a woman after 200 years of only men ruling Mexico,” the president said.

The president said that once he hands over the presidential band, he plans to retire from political life entirely and will do so with “a lot of satisfaction.”

“Let it be heard loud and clear: after I finish my term in office, I will retire, and I will never again participate in any public or political act,” he said. 

Biden congratulates Sheinbaum for her historic win

US President Joe Biden congratulated Claudia Sheinbaum on her historic presidential win as Mexico's first woman to lead the country's government.

"I look forward to working closely with President-elect Sheinbaum in the spirit of partnership and friendship that reflects the enduring bonds between our two countries," he said in a statement Monday. "I expressed our commitment to advancing the values and interests of both our nations to the benefit of our peoples."

Read Biden's full statement:

"I congratulate Claudia Sheinbaum on her historic election as the first woman President of Mexico. I look forward to working closely with President-elect Sheinbaum in the spirit of partnership and friendship that reflects the enduring bonds between our two countries. I expressed our commitment to advancing the values and interests of both our nations to the benefit of our peoples. I also congratulate the Mexican people for conducting a nationwide successful democratic electoral process involving races for more than 20,000 positions at the local, state, and federal levels."

Mexican peso falls against the US dollar

From CNN's Krystal Hur

The Mexican peso slipped roughly 3% against the US dollar Monday morning.

It comes after Claudia Sheinbaum's projected landslide victory, which has raised concerns that the ruling Morena party will be able to pass more ambitious constitutional reforms, many of which had been sought by outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

"Sheinbaum is perceived as more of a technocrat than AMLO, and she also has a background in climate science. Both offer potential shifts in Mexican policy," wrote Bespoke Investment Group researchers in a Monday note.

Latin American leaders celebrate Claudia Sheinbaum's projected win

From CNN's Abel Alvarado

Latin American leaders are celebrating Claudia Sheinbaum's projected win as Mexico's president with leaders referencing a common theme — that her appointment would hopefully see strengthened relationships between countries on the continent.

Sheinbaum will face several challenges, including security, organized crime, energy and immigration, and would also set the tone for  the pivotal US-Mexico bilateral relationship . 

• Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel  said in a post on X: "We wish her success in her management, the first for a woman in that position."
• Honduran President Xiomara Castro extended her "sincere congratulations" to Sheinbaum, "as the first female president of Honduras" on X . Castro said she spoke to Sheinbaum following her victory and agreed "to work together for the unity of Latin America and the Caribbean."
• Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro called her win a "great victory for the Great Homeland. I hug you! Long live Mexico!"
• Bolivian President Luis Arce congratulated her on X and added that they "salute salute all the Mexican people for their democratic vocation and broad participation in the electoral process."
• Colombian President Gustavo Petro described Sheinbaum's appointment as "a triumph for the Mexican people and for their democracy."
• Costa Rica 's presidency referred to the two countries as "brother countries" and congratulated Sheinbaum on her appointment.

Millions turn out for largest election in Mexico's history

From CNN's Tara John and CNN en Español

Sunday’s poll was the largest election in the country’s history. More than 98 million voters were registered to cast a ballot, and 1.4 million Mexicans were eligible to vote abroad.

In addition to the presidency, more than 20,000 positions were being contested by an estimated 70,000 candidates vying to become senators, mayors and governors.

But the elections were plagued by  immense violence . There have been more than 20 political killings since September, according to the Mexican government. By some estimates though, that number is even higher. According to Mexican consultancy firm Integralia, at least 34 candidates were murdered in the run-up to the vote.

Voting was suspended for several hours on Sunday in the southeastern Mexican town of Coyomeapan due to violence at the polling centers, according to state electoral authorities.

And while the murder rate fell in Mexico  between 2019 and 2022 , in absolute numbers the country is still reeling from historically high levels of around 30,000 homicides each year. The true number is likely higher, experts say.

The violence appeared to have been a top concern for voters as cartels extend their grip through Mexico.

Claudia Sheinbaum has been coy about her security proposals but has pointed to her record as Mexico City mayor, when, according to her team, she improved the police force’s working conditions and intelligence-gathering abilities.

Outgoing Mexican president congratulates Sheinbaum

From CNN's Mia Alberti

Mexico's President Andres Manuel López Obrador has congratulated Claudia Sheinbaum on her expected win in Sunday's presidential election. 

"With all my affection and respect I congratulate Claudia Sheinbaum who came out victorious with an ample margin. She will be the first (female) President of Mexico... but also the President, possibly, with most votes obtained in all of the history of our country," he said in a video posted on X. 

López Obrador also congratulated the other presidential candidates and the Mexican people, saying he was proud of the large turnout.

Mexico's expected president Sheinbaum pledges to govern all Mexicans "without distinction"

From CNN's Michael Rios

Claudia Sheinbaum has responded to the announcement of her projected victory in Mexico's presidential election early Monday morning, saying her administration would govern all Mexicans “without distinction,” even though not everyone supports her policies.

“Our duty is and will always be to look after every single Mexican without distinction. So even though many Mexicans do not fully agree with our project, we will have to walk in peace and harmony to continue building a fair and more prosperous Mexico,” she told supporters in a speech.

She also spoke about the historical significance of becoming the first female president of the country.

Sheinbaum said her two rivals in the race, Xóchitl Gálvez and Jorge Álvarez Máynez, had called to congratulate her on her projected victory.

Sheinbaum, the candidate from the ruling party, received the most votes in Sunday's elections, according to preliminary results from the National Electoral Institute.

The Electoral Court must validate the presidential election, and if confirmed, Sheinbaum will start her presidency on October 1.

Sheinbaum's large margin shows power of Mexico's ruling party, CNN journalist says

From CNN's Kathleen Magramo

Even though Claudia Sheinbaum was expected to win during campaign polls, her large margin in the votes came as a shock, CNN’s Gustavo Valdes reports from Mexico City.

Sheinbaum might get up to 60% of the vote, which is even higher than outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador when he was elected six years ago, Valdes said.

Sheinbaum is the candidate for the ruling Morena party.

"That gives you an idea of the political power that López Obrador has amassed over the past six years," Valdes told CNN's Rosemary Church.

Valdes said voters told CNN that a woman president would help change Mexico's image of being a "macho" country, where patriarchal culture impedes women's advancements.

"Mexico has actually changed its laws to encourage and actually force the parties to have more female candidates. So so there's a very equal division of power between many woman in congress and the governorships," Valdes said.

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