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Basic Visa
Information: |
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There are a few things you need
to take care of, before traveling to India:
Visa
Nationals of all
countries, except Bhutan and Nepal, are required to obtain
entry visas from the Indian Consulates nearest to them
before arriving at any of the international airports in
India. Participants are advised to apply for the 'Tourist'
visa for which the Indian Consulate would not usually ask
for any invitation or other documentation from the Local
Organizing Committee (LOC). However, in view of the
presently grave security situation practically all over the
world, the Indian Consulate may ask for invitation letters
from the Secretariat. Such letters will be faxed, on
request, to the participants as well as to the concerned
Indian Consulate. For this purpose, the SKA 2005 Secretariat
requires some extra information, particularly about the
passport, in a standard format. The participants are advised
to contact Indian Consulates nearest to them to find the
specific requirements as early as possible in order to avoid
any delays in obtaining visas.
The filled-in and signed form
(one for each visitor)
should be sent to the
SKA 2005 Secretariat,
NCRA-TIFR, Pune University Campus,
Pune 411007, INDIA.
Tel: +91 20 2569 7107
Fax: +91 20 25697257
Email:
ska_pune@ncra.tifr.res.in
There are three kind of visas for tourists. The 15-day
single/double-entry transit visa. This visa is valid for 30
days from the date of its issue. The 3-month multiple-entry
visa. The visa is valid for 90 days from the date of first
entry into India, which must be within 30 days from the date
of its issue. The 6-month multiple-entry visa. This visa is
valid for 180 days from the date of its issue, not from the
entry into India.
Visa Extension
It is
virtually impossible to get the 15-day or 3-month visa
extended. Only the 6-month tourist visa can be extended. It
can be quite a bother to extend it beyond a 15-day period.
Avoid it unless there is an emergency.
A 15-day
extension on the 6-month visa is issued by the Foreigner's
Regional Registration office (FRRO) at any of the four
metros:
Delhi, Calcutta, Mumbai
and
Chennai.
The FRRO office
is open on weekdays, 9.30 am to 1.30 pm and 2 pm to 4 pm. A
15-day extension is given only if confirmed air tickets are
not available. No fee is charged.
New Delhi
:
FRRO, Hans Bhawan, I
Floor
Bahadur
Shah Zafar Marg,
Ph :
23319781
Calcutta :
FRRO
237, AJC
Bose Road,
Ph :
2473300
Chennai :
FRRO,
Shastri Bhawan,
Haddows
Road, Nungambakkam,
Ph :
8275424
Mumbai :
FRRO,
Dr. D. N. Road,
(Near Police
Commissioner's office),
Ph :
2620446
Travel Insurance
Take a travel insurance
policy, covering theft and loss, before coming of India.
Also buy a medical insurance. There are several kinds of
insurance policies. Make the right choice after consulting a
reliable travel agent in your country.
Driving License
A valid International Driving
License (IDL) is necessary if you wish to drive a car or a
motorcycle in India and it is advisable to get one before
coming. If you do not have an IDL and still wish to drive in
India, you can get a Temporary Driving License, provided you
are carrying a valid driving license of your country. You
may still be required to take a test to check your knowledge
of road signs. Hired cars usually come with drivers and
normally short term visitors do not drive.
Tax Clearance
Certificate
If you stay
in India for more than 120 days (4 Months) from the date of
issue of visa, regardless of your date of entry into India,
you would be required to furnish a tax clearance certificate
to leave the country. This is to prove that you did not earn
money while in India and that your trip was financed with
the money brought in. If you are planning to stay in India
for more than four months, be careful with your documents
relating to travel.
If you are not an Indian
passport holder and you are planning to stay in India for
more than four months , apply for the certificate at the
Income Tax Department, Central Revenue Building (ITO), Vikas
Marg, New Delhi (Ph : 23316161, 23317828).
Foreign Travel Tax
A person will
have to pay Rs. 500 at the airport as Foreign Travel Tax
when leaving the country. For travel to Pakistan , Nepal,
Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Myanmar, the Maldives and Afghanistan,
the tax is Rs. 150. Please check with your travel agent.
Customs
There are two channels for
customs clearance at International terminals in Indian
airports: Green Channel and Red channel.
(1) Green Channel:
This is for unhindered
exit from the airport. you can walk through the green
Channel if you are not carrying goods which attract customs
duty.
(2) Red Channel:
For those who
have anything to declare, including money worth more than
US$ 2,500.
Other Information
Electricity: 220V, 50Hz; Round Pin Connectors.
Weights & measures: Metric
Time: GMT plus 5.5 hours
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