Travel Requirements for India: Visas, Safety, and What You Need to Know

When planning a trip to India, the biggest question isn’t just travel requirements, the rules and documents needed to enter and move around the country. Also known as entry rules, these include everything from visas and health checks to local safety norms that can make or break your trip. It’s not just about packing your passport—you need to know what’s legal, what’s safe, and where to avoid surprises.

One of the first things you’ll face is the Indian visa cost, the fee and process for getting official permission to enter India as a tourist. For US citizens, it’s a $160 online application for a 10-year multiple-entry visa. But that’s just the start. Hidden fees, photo rules, and form mistakes can delay your entry. Then there’s tourist safety in India, the real risks and precautions travelers face across different regions. It’s not as scary as some blogs make it out to be, but you do need to know where scams are common, which cities are safest, and which beaches have lifeguards and clean water. Places like Indore rank as the safest city for tourists, while Blue Flag-certified beaches like Palolem in Goa offer peace of mind for families and solo travelers.

You’ll also find that travel requirements change depending on what you’re doing. Want to skydive in Bangalore? You need a licensed operator and a medical check. Planning a temple visit in Tirupati? Modest clothing isn’t optional—it’s enforced. Even something as simple as choosing the right airport matters. Flying into Goa’s airport saves you hours compared to landing in Delhi and taking a long train. And if you’re on a budget, knowing how far $20 goes in a small town helps you stretch your cash without missing out.

These aren’t random tips. They’re the real, tested details that come from hundreds of travelers who got it right—or wrong. Below, you’ll find clear, up-to-date guides on exactly what to do before you land, where to go without worry, and how to avoid the pitfalls most tourists don’t see coming. Whether you’re checking visa fees, looking for safe beaches, or wondering if jeans are okay on a luxury train, everything here is practical, current, and straight from the ground in India.