India is unlike many other countries in the world. From overwhelming smells on every corner to the amazing food, variety of scenery and the unique culture of the people who call it home, India is a real experience.
As with most countries, travelling to India from Australia requires some careful planning. That’s what we are going to help you with.
In this article, we’ll be discussing everything from visa types to travel vaccinations, cultural awareness and general safety tips so that you can prepare for an eye-opening and immersive experience in India.
Step 1: Organise Your Visa
Regardless of the purpose of your trip, Australian nationals need an Indian visa to travel to the country.
There are several Indian visas you could apply for, but most travellers will apply for a business or tourist e visa.
- Business visa: People coming to India for business purposes can apply for a 5-year business visa, subject to a cumulative stay of 90 days. This is a multiple-entry visa.
- Tourist visa: This is the fastest and easiest way of travelling to India. You can apply for this India visa online, and confirmation of the tourist visa will be received online. You can stay up to 60 days with an Indian tourist visa.
- Medical visa: You can apply for a medical visa to enter India for medical treatment. This electronic visa can only be used for medical treatment, and recognised providers must provide the treatment.
Both of these Indian visas are e-visas, so that you can apply for the Indian visa online.
Australian citizens will need a valid passport with sufficient validity, a copy of their travel itinerary/plans, proof of funds, and any other supporting documents that might be requested.
If you need more information about visa requirements, you can check the Australian government website, or you can visit your nearest Indian embassy. There is an Indian embassy in Sydney.
Step 2: Arrange Travel Vaccinations
Travelling to India from Australia will put you at increased risk of contracting certain diseases and viruses that you might not be vaccinated against.
Before you visit India, you should arrange an appointment with a vaccination clinic so you can talk through your specific personal details, trip plans, and vaccinations.
Travel vaccinations for India
Australian citizens will be protected from certain illnesses thanks to their childhood immunisations. But, there are additional vaccinations for India that might be necessary:
- Hepatitis A vaccination: This is a viral liver infection that can be contracted from contaminated food and water. Always drink bottled water to help protect yourself. Typhoid is also contracted this way; you can be vaccinated against this too.
- Yellow fever vaccination: There is no risk of yellow fever in India, but if you are travelling to India from a high-risk yellow fever country, you will need to prove you are vaccinated. Sub-Saharan Africa and Tropical South America are high-risk yellow fever zones. If you are travelling to India from these areas, you will need a yellow fever vaccination card.
- Japanese encephalitis vaccination: This is a serious viral disease that is spread via infected mosquitos. It is one of the few mosquito-borne diseases that there is a vaccination for; other diseases include malaria and dengue fever.
- Rabies vaccination: India has the highest risk of rabies in the world, so we strongly recommend you protect yourself against this as part of your travel vaccinations. If you are going to be travelling in rural areas or working with animals, this vaccination is especially important.
Some vaccines need to be given 4-6 weeks before you enter India, so don’t leave your appointments until the last minute.
To arrange your India vaccinations, book an appointment at the Travel Vaccination Clinic.
Step 3: Pack Your Bags
Staying safe in India isn’t just about vaccinations and common sense. There are also certain things you can pack when you travel to India.
- Bug spray: Even if you are vaccinated against Japanese Encephalitis and taking Malaria tablets, you should still avoid mosquito bites at all costs. A DEET-based bug spray is one way to protect yourself from insect-borne diseases.
- Long clothing: Long, loose clothing is another way to protect yourself from mosquitos. But it has another purpose too. India is a modest country, and you should respect local customs while there. Certain tourist sites of religious significance will require you to be covered up, so bear this in mind when packing.
- Waterproofs: Monsoon season is from June to September in India. You should be prepared for sudden and heavy downpours. Pack waterproof clothing, a waterproof bag cover, and suitable footwear.
- First aid kit: A first aid kit is essential for treating minor injuries that might not require professional medical attention. A basic first aid kit should have things like bandages, tape, plasters, gloves, medical scissors, and tweezers.
One more thing before you fly…
Before you leave Australia, you should also book adequate travel insurance. Always be honest with the providers about any existing health conditions, and make sure the insurer offers enough cover for things like overseas medical costs and medical evacuation.
Step 4: Understanding the Locals
India is home to more than 1.2 million people, and there are thousands of different ethnic groups with different dialects and traditions. No matter where you go, you should make an effort to respect the locals and their customs when visiting India.
Here are a few tips:
- Learning some basic phrases will help you communicate better with the locals. Just be aware that there are 22 widely spoken separate official languages in India, so make sure you check which languages are spoken in the area you are visiting!
- Public displays of affection are discouraged, so try to avoid offending in this way. You might see couples of the same sex holding hands, but this is simply a sign of friendship.
- Feet and shoes are considered dirty. You should always remove shoes when entering people’s homes or religious sites. You should never step over someone who is sitting or lying on the floor, as this could offend.
- Namaste is the traditional way of greeting and saying bye. Place the palms together and bow slightly, especially when greeting elders. Men and women do not typically touch, so avoid offering handshakes.
- Photographing certain sites may be banned, always get official permission before you photograph airports, temples, or even people.
- Tipping is generally expected in India, and this extends to porters, drivers, and guides, not just restaurant staff. An acceptable tip is around 10-15% in Indian rupees.
If you encounter any trouble whilst you are in India, contact the local authorities or go to the nearest police station as soon as possible. Australians overseas can also visit the Australian consulate general in Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai or Bengaluru for urgent help.
Step 5: Getting Around India
There are several ways to get around India, from hiring a car to domestic flights and trains.
Train
Incredible India has an impressive train network, so making use of this public transport is one of the best ways to get around.
A couple of tips for travelling by train:
- There are many different classes, from air-conditioned carriages with food service to unreserved free-for-all seating, so make sure you know what you are booking. Free-for-all carriages can be very crowded places.
- Many cities have several train stations with similar names; double-check you’re in the right place so you don’t miss your train.
- The easiest way is to book online, but sometimes international cards won’t be accepted; you can also use third-party booking sites.
Plane
Travelling by plane is another great way to get around India. What you miss in scenery along the way, you make up for in time-saving. When travelling by plane, it helps to expect delays. Always get to the airport in plenty of time.
Car
India is known for its hectic traffic, so most travellers decide to hire a driver instead of hiring a car themselves. Driving in major cities and crowded areas can be overwhelming, but for more rural areas, it can make sense to have your wheels.
If you’re set on driving a car in India, here are some things to bear in mind:
- It will be cheaper to book from home, so do this before you leave Australia.
- The car will come with a hefty deposit, so make sure you factor this into your budget.
- Don’t expect other drivers to follow the rules of the road! These are more like guidelines…
- You will need an international driving permit to be able to rent.
You’re Ready to Go
Travelling to India is an incredible experience. But you need to plan to get the most out of your trip and to stay safe.
From ensuring you have a valid visa and booking travel insurance to getting your yellow fever vaccination and carrying your current Australian driver’s licence, preparation is key.
And, whilst you are in India, always make sure you follow local customs, treat people with respect and enjoy the beautiful country and the truly immersive experience it offers.
