India travel guide for Americans

US citizens need a visa to enter India. The simplest route is the e-visa, which you apply for online before you fly. It covers tourism, business and medical visits, and is valid for entry at most international airports and seaports. Apply on the official government portal only, not through third-party sites that charge extra.

The e-visa is usually processed within a few days, but apply at least a week before departure to be safe. You will need a passport valid for at least six months from your arrival date and a return or onward ticket. Print the approval and keep it with your passport.

India offers an e-visa to US citizens. The main types are the 30-day e-tourist visa, the 1-year e-tourist visa and the 5-year e-tourist visa. The 30-day version costs about $25 USD; longer ones cost more. You can apply up to 120 days before travel and no later than 4 days before.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date and have at least two blank pages. You also need a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds. The e-visa is tied to the passport number in your application, so double-check it before submitting.

If you plan to stay longer than the e-visa allows, or if your travel is for work, you may need a regular visa from the Indian embassy or consulate. The e-visa cannot be extended or converted to another visa type in India.

The US Embassy is in New Delhi, with consulates in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. They handle passport renewals, notarials and emergency assistance for US citizens. If you lose your passport or face a serious emergency, contact the nearest one.

Register your trip with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before you go. It makes it easier for the embassy to contact you in an emergency and for family back home to reach you.

India is one of the cheaper long-haul destinations for US travellers. A mid-range trip — private rooms, restaurant meals, occasional taxis — runs about $50–80 per person per day. Budget travellers can manage on $25–40 a day with hostels, street food and trains. At the top end, luxury hotels and guided tours push daily costs above $200.

The big costs are international flights and internal transport. A round-trip from the US to Delhi or Mumbai typically runs $700–1,200 in low season and more in December or during summer holidays. Trains and domestic flights are inexpensive; a sleeper-class train between Delhi and Varanasi costs a few dollars, and a domestic flight is often under $100.

Direct flights from the US to India take about 14–17 hours, depending on the route. From New York (JFK) to Delhi is roughly 14 hours; from San Francisco to Delhi is about 16–17 hours. Most flights land in Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru.

Connections via the Middle East (Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi) or Europe (London, Frankfurt, Paris) are common and can be cheaper than non-stop options. Book early for the best fares, especially for travel between November and March, when the weather is best and demand is highest.

India uses 230 V, 50 Hz electricity with plug types C, D and M. US devices run on 110 V, so you will need a voltage converter for appliances that are not dual-voltage, and a plug adapter. Most phone chargers and laptops are dual-voltage — check the label — but hair dryers and other high-power devices usually are not.

Power cuts are rare in big cities but possible in rural areas. Carry a power bank for your phone and a torch.

Tipping is expected for drivers, guides and hotel staff. In restaurants, 5–10% is standard if a service charge has not already been added — check the bill. For a full-day driver, ₹300–500 (about $4–6) is reasonable. Guides typically expect ₹200–500 per half-day, more for a full day.

Carry small notes (₹10, ₹20, ₹50) for tips and small purchases. Many places do not have change for large bills.

The national emergency number in India is 112, which connects to police, fire and ambulance. For police specifically, you can also dial 100. If you need help from the US embassy, call the embassy or consulate directly.

Save these numbers in your phone before you travel. For medical emergencies, major cities have private hospitals with English-speaking staff; carry your travel insurance details.

Common questions US travellers ask about visiting India.

Official government sources for visa and entry requirements.