FAQs

Question

Are Visas required for travel?

Answer

Visas are required for American citizens. Apply for an e-visa at the following site: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html for electronic travel authorization and additional information regarding the eligibilities and requirements for this type of visa. Without the electronic travel authorization, visas are NOT available upon arrival for U.S. citizens. If you do not have a valid passport and visa you may be denied admission. As of 2021, India tourist visas have a new rule. The current visas are 30 day, one year, five year. The 30 day visa is $25, one year visa is $45, five year visa is $80. For the 30 day visa, you must apply within 30 days only of your time of travel, otherwise we recommend paying the extra $15 to get the one year visa to ensure you have the Visa earlier. Reference: You will be asked to put a local reference in for when applying for the visa. “Mr. ​​Jomy Abraham Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty Bolgatty Island, Kochi, Kerala, India, 682504 +91 484 266 1234” Things to note: Your passport must be valid for six months beyond the date of visa application to obtain a visa. Two blank passport pages required. Visas are only valid for 60 days so please keep that in mind. We will send out reminders along the way. Please bring a copy of your visa to the airport also so you can show the airline!

Question

What's the weather going to be like?

Answer

It will be Monsoon season in India, so the climate will be rainy and humid. It’s a nice time to visit -the rain brings out Kerala’s natural beauty! We recommend cotton and linen type clothing. For girls especially- bring pants, light jeans, leggings (mosquitoes love American blood, Natalya can attest to that ;) )

Question

Will my travel appliances work in India?

Answer

Dual voltage appliances will only work there. For example, check voltage for hair straighteners/blow dryers. Voltage in India is 220 V, US is 110 V, so be sure to bring adapters (easily found on Amazon)

Question

Can I use my credit card in India? Should I keep USD in cash?

Answer

Yes! However, please make sure that your credit card company knows that you will be outside the country. You must get overseas usage authorization to avoid fraudulent alerts! We recommend keeping around 200 US dollars in cash to convert to Indian Rupees upon arrival. This will be convenient when traveling around, shopping, or eating!

Question

What vaccines or medications do I need for my trip?

Answer

Here is what is typically recommended for travel to India, but please consult your PCP before traveling: 1. Covid-19 vaccine + booster (reconsider travel to India if you do not have these) 2. Hepatitis A & Hepatitis B 3. Malaria prevention medications (Doxycycline- you take it 2 days before travel, every day in India, and a few weeks after you get back – however there are many other options) 4. Typhoid vaccine (there are pills as well) 5. Tetanus booster vaccination (good for 10 years) As far as travelers' diarrhea, don’t worry about bringing medications like Cipro; you can get them very easily and inexpensively in India.