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PERMITTED CATEGORIES FOR TRAVEL TO INDIA

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  • PERMITTED CATEGORIES FOR TRAVEL TO INDIA

A. Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Cardholders

All OCI/PIO card holders are permitted to travel to India irrespective of their nationalities. It may be mentioned that the Government of India has also allowed extension till 31 December, 2021 for re-issuance of OCI card.  Further, there is no need to carry the old passport on which the OCI was issued. Please see related details at  https://www.indianembassyusa.gov.in/pages/NjI

  • The Government of India has restored most visas, which had been suspended earlier, except Tourist Visas (e-Tourist and regular Tourist Visa) issued before 6 October 2021 and e-Visas of all other types issued before 30 March, 2021 .
  • Tourist visas (electronic and regular) are also being issued as per details available at  https://www.indianembassyusa.gov.in/extra?id=87
  • Applicants are also advised that the Embassy does not process e-visas and any enquiries in this regard will need to be made directly on the e-visa portal.
  • Nationals of Nepal and Bhutan are permitted to travel to India from any country (including any third country).
  • Tibetan migrants who have residence in India and holding Certificate of Identity issued by the Ministry of External Affairs and Return Visa to enter India, are permitted to travel to India.  In case the visa has expired, an application for fresh visa may be made with the Embassy/concerned Consulate.

For any queries, the applicants may contact the Embassy or the respective Consulate depending on their location.

The Government of India has decided to permit all OCI/PIO card holders regardless of which country passport they hold.  It may be mentioned that the Government of India has recently decided to grant further extension of time till 31 December, 2021 to get the OCI card re-issued and that there is no need to carry the old passport on which the OCI was issued. Please see related details at  https://www.indianembassyusa.gov.in/pages/NjI

For any queries, the applicants may contact the Embassy or the respective Consulates depending on their location.

The Government of India has decided to permit all OCI/PIO card holders regardless of which country passport they hold.  It may be mentioned that the Government of India has recently decided to grant further extension of time till 31 December, 2021 to get the OCI card re-issued and that there is no need to carry the old passport on which the OCI was issued, the details of which are available at https://www.indianembassyusa.gov.in/pages/NjI

  • Government of India has restored most of the visas, which had been suspended earlier.
  • Entry (X) Visa
  • Business (B) Visa
  • Employment (E) Visa
  • Student (S) Visa
  • In case the validity of such a visa has expired, an application to obtain a fresh visa of appropriate category may be made with the Embassy/concerned Consulate depending on the location of the applicant.
  • In addition, w.e.f. 30 March, 2021 the Government of India has opened e-visas for the following categories, the details of which are available at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html :
  • eMedical Visa;
  • eBusiness Visa;
  • eConference Visa; and
  • eMedical Attendant Visa

However, it may be noted that previous valid e-visas for the above categories, as well as for other categories, including eTourist Visa, will continue to remain suspended.  Applicants with e-visa for the above categories, which have been obtained on or after 30 March, 2021 will be allowed entry into India. The applicants are also advised that the Embassy does not process the e-visas and any enquiries in this regard will need to be made directly on the e-visa portal.

  • In addition, applications for Medical Visas, including for Medical Attendants, by foreign nationals intending to visit India for emergency medical treatment, may also be made with the Embassy/concerned Consulate. 
  • Foreign nationals not covered by the above categories requiring travel to India urgently due to a family emergency may make an application for Entry Visa.  Such visas will be issued on a case-to-case basis depending on the merit of the case.

12 April 2021

The Government of India has decided to permit all OCI/PIO card holders regardless of which country passport they hold.

  • The Government of India has restored most of the visas, which had been suspended earlier. However, these do not include electronic visas (e-Visa) of any type, Tourist Visa and Medical Visa, which continue to remain suspended.
  • Below is the list of some of the categories where in case the applicant has a valid regular paper visa (and not an electronic visa), there is no need for a fresh visa:
  • Entry (X) Visas
  • Business (B) Visas
  • Employment (E) Visas
  • Student (S) Visas
  • In case of Medical Visas, including for Medical Attendants, foreign nationals intending to visit India for emergency medical treatment, may also make an application with the Embassy/concerned Consulate. 

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Consular Wing Address: 2536 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008

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Tel No. for all enquiries:(202) 939-7000 Embassy closed on Saturdays, Sundays & Public holidays. Official working hours: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM EST

Page last updated on: April 10, 2024

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VFS GLOBAL

Home → Apply Visa → Visa Type

Renunciation of Indian Citizenship or Surrender of Indian passport

Renunciation fees & documents required, processing times.

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Surrender and Renunciation of Indian Citizenship applies only to applicants of Indian Origin.

Under The Indian Citizenship Act, 1955, Persons of Indian Origin is not allowed DUAL Citizenship. If a person has ever held an Indian Passport and has obtained the Passport of another country, they will be required to surrender their Indian Passport immediately after gaining another Country’s nationality.

If a person has ever held an Indian passport and has obtained the passport of another country, they will be required to surrender their Indian passport immediately after gaining another country's nationality.

After Renunciation of Indian Citizenship, it is necessary to apply for Surrender or a Renunciation certificate.

A stamp saying "cancelled due to acquiring foreign nationality" is required. It should be noted that Indian passports that carry only a "cancelled stamp" are not considered renounced of their Indian citizenship.

While applying for consular services Visa or OCI, it is mandatory to provide proof of your cancelled Indian passport. If such evidence cannot be provided, applicants will be required to obtain a renunciation certificate.

While applying for Renunciation of Indian Citizenship, there are many procedures that must be followed, including the submission of the duly filled application form as well as current photographs and relevant documents. While enquiring about the fees that are levied for the relevant stamps and certificates, it is also essential to identify your area of jurisdiction and service centers.

It is not necessary for travellers to carry a Certificate of Renunciation of Indian Citizenship during their travel to India.

It should be noted that it is illegal to continue to use an Indian passport after the renunciation of Indian citizenship and defaulters will be faced with penalties.

Guidelines for Shipping Service & its packaging

  • You can select and pay for VFS provided courier service at the time of paying the fee online on VFS website.
  • Please enclose only one application per package. Don’t enclose multiple applications in the same package.
  • If used VFS offered courier service via UPS, Max. weight limit per package should be less than 0.5 Lbs & its a signature not required service.
  • Pick-up from home/ office service is not included in the price. If you use any additional service, please ensure you make a separate payment directly with UPS.
  • Only UPS Pak, UPS envelope or or UPS reusable envelope packaging can be used while shipping your application to the VFS Indian Consular Application Centre. Do not use UPS box or tube. Additional charges will apply if any other type of packaging is used which must be paid before your application is processed.
  • Your return shipping address must match with the proof of address submitted as part of your application.
  • VFS won't be responsible for any delays or damages if packages are in transit for inbound or outbound couriers.
  • FedEx pre-paid labels are not acceptable to return your documents.
  • Return address on the shipping label must match the address on the application form. Do not provide shipping address of Courier stores or Hold at Location stations.
  • We don’t accept USPS pre-paid labels having expiry date limitation.
  • Since our agreement of services is with UPS only, we cannot guarantee collection of your shipment by any other service provider from our office. You are responsible for tracking your package and schedule a pick up from the VFS Consular application Centre once ready.

Policy - Return of incomplete documents after 20 days.

Incomplete application: If the application is not completed within 20 calendar days, then VFS will return your application unprocessed. In this scenario, the Consular and ICWF fee will be refunded post deduction of applicable postal charges (if applicable). Photocopy documents received after 20 days will be shredded and originals if any received will be returned to the Embassy of India or Consulate General of India. Applicants should contact the Embassy of India or Consulate General of India directly to receive their original documents, once VFS returns the original documents to the Embassy of India or Consulate General of India. In this scenario, only the Consular and ICWF fee will be refunded post deduction of applicable postal charges (if applies).

Policy – Additional documents after 07 days.

Additional documents: If the additional documents are not completed within 07 calendar days then Embassy/Consulates may stop processing your application. In this scenario, no fees will be refunded.

Renunciation Fee structure:

If Naturalized before 1st June 2010

Note: Online payment/ Payment by card (s) convenience charges @3.5% will be charged over and over the total payment. We accept Master Card, Visa only

If paying by Money order or Banker or Cashier check, then it should be made in favor of “VFS Services (USA) Inc.

If Naturalized after 1st June 2010

Note: Online payment/ Payment by card (s) convenience charges @3.5% will be charged over and over the total payment.We accept Master Card, Visa only

Documents Required

7- 21 working days once the application reaches the Embassy/Consulate.

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Consulate General of India San Francisco, California, Serving the States of Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Utah and Territory of Guam

About Us

  • Home ›   FAQs on Renunciation of Indian Citizenship

FAQs on RENUNCIATION OF INDIAN CITIZENSHIP

Q: What is a Renunciation/Surrender Certificate?

A: Renunciation/Surrender Certificate is issued to applicants who surrender their Indian passport after acquiring foreign nationality.

Q: How to apply for Renunciation/Surrender of Indian Citizenship Certificate?

A: Please follow below steps for Renunciation application:

1. Visit VFS Global website: https://services.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/apply-for-renunciation and fill online Renunciation application.

To know the document checklist & fee amount to apply for renunciation, refer to https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/india/united-states-of-america/renunciation-of-indian-citizenship/

The documents checklist is as per the guidelines from Govt. of India and this requirement cannot be waived off.

2. Submit physical copy of application along with required documents and fee to VFS center by Walk-in (with appointment only) or Mail/Post:

VFS Global 642 Harrison Street, Suite 200, San Francisco, CA 94107.

Processing Time at the Consulate : If everything is in order (i.e documentation etc.) it will take 15 working days (excluding VFS mailing time).

 Q: What is the difference between Surrender Certificate & Renunciation Certificate?

A:   Both are same.

Once you acquire foreign citizenship you have to surrender your last held Indian passport to Indian Consulate for cancellation. Consulate will cancel and return it to you along with a Renunciation/Surrender Certificate.

Q:When I register with VFS Global for renunciation, it asks for “Government Reference Number “(ARN). How do I get the ARN?

A:  To get the ARN, applicants must first fill the online govt. application form on the Passport Seva website.

Please follow the STEP 2 on the VFS website: https://services.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/apply-for-renunciation .

Once you login to Passport Seva, select "surrender of Indian passport" and fill in the govt. application form. After you fill and submit the application, please note the ARN number (Application Reference Number), print it.

Return to the STEP 3 in the VFS Website (https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/apply-for-renunciation) to proceed with the subsequent steps to complete the application payment and onward submission process.

 Note: Filling or submitting online form on the Govt. website does not complete the process, you will have to submit the physical application to the VFS India Consular Application Centre.

Q: I want to apply for Renunciation of Indian Citizenship but I lost my Indian passport and do not have the Indian Passport details. But when I go to Passport Seva to apply for Surrender of Indian Passport, I am asked for Indian passport number (which I don’t have). How do I proceed?

A: For renunciation services, please refer to step-by-step guide (step 1 to 6) https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/apply-for-renunciation

First you must fill the online govt. application form on Passport Seva (STEP 2 in the above link).

If you do not have your Indian passport details, you can apply for renunciation without passport under lost passport category. You may enter the passport number as LOST or 00000

To know the document checklist to apply for renunciation, refer to https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/india/united-states-of-america/renunciation-of-indian-citizenship/

Q: I applied for renunciation through CKGS. But I lost the renunciation certificate. Can I get a copy of the same?

A: Before November 2020, the Consulate only maintained record of the surrendered Indian passport but we do not keep the copies of granted renunciation certificates.

 If the applicant lost/misplaced the renunciation/surrender certificate, they must reapply for renunciation through VFS. Follow this link and apply for a renunciation/surrender certificate https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/apply-for-renunciation

 Q: What proof of Indian Origin can I provide if I don’t have my Indian Passport?

  A: If you do not possess a copy of the Indian Passport, you can provide any 2 documents from the below list:

? Copy of the Election Card/ Voter ID

? Copy of Board Certificate (SSC) or higher level

? Copy of Birth Certificate

? Copy of parent’s proof of Indian origin (parent’s Indian passport copy /parent’s Birth Certificate copy)

The decision to whether accept this type of document as proof of Indian Citizenship will be made by the Embassy/Consular Officer and will be final in such cases. For more details visit the VFS Global website.

Q: What is the grace period available for obtaining renunciation certificate after acquiring foreign citizenship?

A: A person of Indian origin can obtain Renunciation Certificate within 3 years of acquisition of foreign citizenship.

Q: I recently became a US Citizen through Naturalization. I do not have a US passport.  Can I apply for Renunciation before I get my US passport? I do have the Naturalization Certificate. I want to do this, so I can get started on the OCI as soon as possible

A: A copy of your US passport is one of the mandatory documents while applying for renunciation. Also, while filling the online govt. application form, you are required to provide your US Passport number. Consulate cannot accept your renunciation application without a copy of US passport. Applicants can apply for renunciation as soon as they receive the US Passport.

IMPORTANT NOTICES:

  • ALL  of the information on your application form must match the information on your passport exactly. Verify that there are no typos or missing information.

          Applicants may also refer to FAQs available on VFS website: https://services.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/faq

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Travel Advisory June 23, 2023

India - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with updates to health information.

Exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism.

Do not travel to:

  • The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir (except the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest .
  • Within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border due to the potential for armed conflict .

Country Summary : Indian authorities report rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crime, such as sexual assault, has occurred at tourist sites and in other locations.

Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and government facilities.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in rural areas from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to these areas.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to India.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined India has a moderate level of COVID-19.  Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to India:

  • Do not travel alone, particularly if you are a woman. Visit our website for Women Travelers .
  • Review your personal security plans and remain alert to your surroundings.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
  • Review the  Country Security Report for India.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Avoid all travel to this state (with the exception of visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh). Sporadic violence occurs particularly along the Line of Control (LOC) separating India and Pakistan, and in tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. The Indian government prohibits foreign tourists from visiting certain areas along the LOC.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .

India-Pakistan Border – Level 4: Do Not Travel

India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official India-Pakistan border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in the state of Punjab between Attari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan. The border crossing is usually open but confirm the current status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel. A Pakistani visa is required to enter Pakistan. Only U.S. citizens residing in India may apply for a Pakistani visa in India. Otherwise apply for a Pakistani visa in your country of residence before traveling to India.

Northeastern States – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Incidents of violence by ethnic insurgent groups, including bombings of buses, trains, rail lines, and markets, occur occasionally in the northeast.

U.S. government employees at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India are prohibited from traveling to the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur without special authorization from the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata.

Central and East India – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Maoist extremist groups, or “Naxalites,” are active in a large swath of India from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal, particularly in rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and on the borders of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. The Naxalites have conducted frequent terrorist attacks on local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials.

Due to the fluid nature of the threat, all U.S. government travelers to states with Naxalite activity must receive special authorization from the U.S. consulate responsible for the area to be visited. U.S. officials traveling only to the capital cities in these states do not need prior authorization.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas . 

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Quick Facts

Must be valid for six months beyond date of visa application to obtain a visa.

Two pages required.

Yes. Travelers must enter in either on a paper visa, valid for 10 years for U.S. citizens, or an e-tourist visa.

Required for yellow fever if the traveler is arriving from an infected area; others are suggested.

The possession of satellite phones is prohibited in India; Currency in excess of USD $5,000 must be declared. Please check with the Indian Embassy in Washington if you are planning to carry a large amount of currency into India.

Check local law for reporting requirements for exiting with large quantities of foreign currency and Indian rupees.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy new delhi.

Shantipath, Chanakyapuri New Delhi - 110021 India Telephone: +(91) (11) 2419-8000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(91) (11) 2419-8000 Fax: +(91) (11) 2419-0017 [email protected]

The U.S. Embassy, New Delhi   serves American citizens in the Indian states of  Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh, the union territories of Chandigarh, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, and the country of Bhutan.

U.S. Consulate General Mumbai (Bombay) C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex Bandra East, Mumbai 400051 India Telephone: +(91) (22) 2672-4000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(91) (22) 2672-4000 If you are calling from within India, but outside Mumbai, first dial 022. Fax: 91-(0)22-2672-4786 [email protected]

The Consulate General in Mumbai provides consular services for the states of Goa, Gujarat, Chhatisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, and the union territory of Diu and Daman, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

U.S. Consulate General Kolkata (Calcutta) 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani Kolkata - 700 071, West Bengal, India Telephone: +(91) (33) 3984-2400 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(91) 99030 42956 or +(91) (33) 3984-2400 then dial "0" Fax: +(91) (33) 2282-2335

The United States Consulate General in Kolkata provides consular services for the states of Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Tripura and Assam. [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Chennai (Madras) 220 Anna Salai at Gemini Circle Chennai, India 600006 Telephone: +(91) (44) 2857-4000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: (0) 44-2857-4000. Ask for American Citizen Services.(Within India, but outside Chennai, first dial 044. From the United States, first dial 011-(91) (44) ) Fax: +(91) (044) 2811-2020

The Consulate General in Chennai provides consular services for the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and the Union Territories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Pondicherry and Lakshwadeep Islands. [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad Survey No. 115/1, Financial District, Nanakramguda Hyderabad, Telangana, 500032 Phone: 040 6932 8000

The Consulate General in Hyderabad provides services to the U.S. citizens in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha. [email protected]

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Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

All U.S. citizens need a valid passport as well as a valid Indian visa or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, to enter and exit India for any purpose. Travelers without valid documents or the correct type of visa may be denied entry into India. Indian visa regulations and instructions change frequently, often with little advance notice. Travelers are urged to check the  website of the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C.  before any travel to India to review the most current information. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in India cannot assist you if you arrive without proper documentation.

U.S. citizens seeking to enter India solely for tourist purposes for stays of less than 60 days may apply for an eVisa at least four days prior to their arrival. Please visit the  Indian government's website for electronic travel authorization for additional information and to submit an application.  

U.S. citizens seeking to enter India as a tourist for longer than 60 days or for any other purpose must apply for a visa from an Indian embassy or consulate. The Government of India has appointed VFS Global to assist with visa services to individuals in the United States. Applicants may apply for Indian visas through the application link https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/apply-visa .

Diplomatic and Official visa applications are accepted directly at the Indian Embassy and Consulates. All U.S. government employees traveling on official orders, including military personnel, must obtain country clearance for travel to India. Once you have received your visa, check it carefully to ensure that the type of visa and number of entries is appropriate for your travel plans.

Keep copies of your U.S. passport data page, as well as the pages containing the Indian visa and Indian immigration stamps with you at all times. Consider downloading these documents to your mobile phone in case of emergency. If your passport is lost or stolen, copies will help you apply for a replacement passport and an exit visa from the Indian government. Replacing a lost visa, which is required in order to exit the country, may take four or five business days.   

U.S. citizens of Pakistani origin or descent are subject to administrative processing and should expect additional delays when applying for Indian visas.

Foreign citizens who visit India to  study, do research, work, or act as missionaries,  as well as all travelers and residents planning to stay more than 180 days,  are required to register their visit or residency within 14 days of arrival with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO)  closest to where they will be staying in addition  to having the appropriate visa  when they enter India. The FRRO maintains offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru (Bangalore), Lucknow, Calicut, Goa, Cochin, Trivandrum, and Amritsar. District Superintendents of Police serve as Foreigners Registration Officers (FROs) in all other places. We recommend all U.S. citizens review the entry requirements described on the  Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)  section on the Indian Bureau of Immigration website.

If you overstay your Indian visa, or otherwise violate Indian visa regulations, you may require clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs to leave the country. Generally, you will be fined and, in some cases, may be jailed for months. Visa violators seeking an exit permit must visit  the Foreigners Regional Registration Office portal  to submit the application and pay any levied fines. Processing of an exit permit under these circumstances can take up to 90 days and decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.  

For the most current information on entry and exit requirements, please contact the  Embassy of India  at 2536 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 939-9806 or the Indian Consulates in Atlanta ,  Chicago , Houston ,  New York , or  San Francisco . Outside the United States, inquiries should be made at the nearest Indian embassy or consulate.

General information regarding Indian visa and immigration rules, including the addresses and telephone numbers for the FRRO offices, can be found at the  Indian Ministry of Home Affairs Bureau of Immigration website.

HIV/AIDS RESTRICTIONS:  There are no disclosure requirements or restrictions for HIV/AIDS patients who enter India on a tourist visa. Disclosure regarding HIV/AIDS is required of anyone seeking a resident permit in India. Foreign residents found to be suffering from HIV/AIDS will be deported. Please verify this information with the  Embassy of India  before you travel.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

U.S. citizens should always practice good personal security and situational awareness. Be aware of your surroundings (including local customs and etiquette) and keep a low profile. Monitor local news reports, vary your routes and times in carrying out daily activities, and consider the level of security present when you visit public places, including religious sites, and when choosing hotels, restaurants, and entertainment and recreation venues.

India continues to experience terrorist and insurgent activities which may affect U.S. citizens directly or indirectly. Anti-Western terrorist groups, some on the U.S. government's list of foreign terrorist organizations, are active in India, including Islamist extremist groups such as Harkat-ul-Jihad-i-Islami, Harakat ul-Mujahidin, Indian Mujahideen, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Lashkar-e Tayyiba. The U.S. government occasionally receives information regarding possible terrorist attacks that could take place in India, monitors such information to determine credibility, and advises U.S. citizens accordingly.  Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive messages from the Embassy automatically.   

Past attacks have targeted public places, including some frequented by Westerners, such as luxury and other hotels, trains, train stations, markets, cinemas, mosques, and restaurants in large urban areas. Attacks have taken place during the busy evening hours in markets and other crowded places, but could occur at any time.  Alerts are usually more frequent around major holidays. The Maoists (also known as “Naxalites”) are the most active insurgent group in India. The Naxalites typically attack Indian government officials, but have also derailed trains, targeted other government buildings such as police stations, and conducted other criminal activity.  In eastern India’s Bihar state, 10 security personnel were killed and five injured in a Naxalite-triggered Improvised Explosive Device blast on July 18, 2016.  In the eastern state of Jharkhand, seven policemen were killed and eight others injured in a landmine blast by Naxalites on January 27, 2016.   

Beyond the threat from terrorism and insurgencies, demonstrations and general strikes, or “bandh,” often cause major inconvenience and unrest. These strikes can result in the stoppage of all transportation and tourist-related services, at times for 24 hours or more. U.S. citizens caught in such a strike may find they are unable to make flight and rail connections, as local transportation can be severely limited. Local media generally give an idea of the length and geographical location of the strike. Large religious gatherings that attract hundreds of thousands of people can result in dangerous and often life-threatening stampedes. Local demonstrations can begin spontaneously and escalate with little warning, disrupting transportation systems and city services and posing risks to travelers. In response to such events, Indian authorities occasionally impose curfews and/or restrict travel. You are urged to obey such curfews and travel restrictions and to avoid demonstrations and rallies as they have the potential for violence, especially immediately preceding and following political rallies, elections, and religious festivals (particularly when Hindu and Muslim festivals coincide). Tensions between castes and religious groups can also result in disruptions and violence. In some cases, demonstrators specifically block roads near popular tourist sites and disrupt train operations in order to gain the attention of Indian authorities; occasionally vehicles transporting tourists are attacked in these incidents. India generally goes on “High Alert” status prior to major holidays or events. You should monitor local television, print media, Mission India’s American Citizens Services  Facebook  page, and enroll with the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  for further information about the current situation in areas where you will travel.

The U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulates General in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai will post information about routine demonstrations on the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulates General websites, under the heading “Demonstration Notices.” Please monitor our websites regularly for information about protest activities in the country. Please note that the Embassy and Consulates General will issue emergency/security messages for other purposes, as necessary.

Religious violence occasionally occurs in India, especially when tensions between different religious communities are purposefully exacerbated by groups pushing religiously chauvinistic agendas. There are active "anti-conversion" laws in some Indian states, and acts of conversion sometimes elicit violent reactions from Hindu extremists. Foreigners suspected of proselytizing Hindus have been attacked and killed in conservative, rural areas in India in the past. 

Swimming in India:  You should exercise caution if you intend to swim in open waters along the Indian coastline, particularly during the monsoon season. Every year, several people in Goa, Mumbai, Puri (Odisha), off the Eastern Coast in the Bay of Bengal, and other areas drown due to strong undertows. It is important to heed warnings posted at beaches and to avoid swimming in the ocean during the monsoon season. Trained lifeguards are very rare along beaches.

If you visit the Andaman Islands, be aware that there have been reports of crocodile attacks in salt water resulting in fatalities.  Ask local residents about dangerous sea life before swimming and keep a safe distance from animals at all times.

Wildlife safaris:  India offers opportunities for observation of wildlife in its natural habitat and many tour operators and lodges advertise structured, safe excursions into parks and other wildlife viewing areas for close observation of flora and fauna. However, safety standards and training vary, and it is a good idea to ascertain whether operators are trained and licensed. Even animals marketed as “tame” should be respected as wild and extremely dangerous. Keep a safe distance from animals at all times, remaining in vehicles or other protected enclosures when venturing into game parks.

Trekking in India:  Trekking expeditions should be limited to routes identified for this purpose by local authorities. Use only registered trekking agencies, porters, and guides, suspend trekking after dark, camp at designated camping places, and travel in groups rather than individually or with one or two companions. Altitudes in popular trekking spots can be as high as 25,170 feet (7,672 m); please make sure that you have had a recent medical checkup to ensure that you are fit to trek at these altitudes and carry sufficient medical insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage.

Train Travel:  India has the third largest rail network in the world, and train travel in India generally is safe. Nevertheless, accidents and on-board fires are sometimes caused by aging infrastructure, poorly maintained equipment, overcrowding, and operator errors. Train accidents and fires have resulted in the death and serious injury of passengers.

Areas of Instability: Jammu & Kashmir:  The Department of State strongly recommends that you avoid travel to the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir because of the potential for terrorist incidents as well as violent public unrest. A number of terrorist groups operate in the territory targeting security forces, particularly along the Line of Control (LOC) separating Indian and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir, and those stationed in primary tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. Since 1989, as many as 70,000 people (terrorists, security forces, and civilians) have been killed in the Kashmir conflict. Foreigners are particularly visible, vulnerable, and at risk. In the past, serious communal violence left the territory mostly paralyzed due to massive strikes and business shutdowns, and U.S. citizens have had to be evacuated by local police. The Indian government prohibits foreign tourists from visiting certain areas along the LOC (see the section on Restricted Areas, below).

India-Pakistan Border:  The Department of State recommends that you avoid travel to areas within ten kilometers of the border between India and Pakistan. Both India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official India-Pakistan border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in the state of Punjab between Atari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan. The border crossing is usually open, but you are advised to confirm the current status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel. A Pakistani visa is required to enter Pakistan. Only U.S. citizens residing in India may apply for a Pakistani visa in India. Otherwise you should apply for a Pakistani visa in your country of residence before traveling to India.

Both India and Pakistan claim an area of the Karakoram mountain range that includes the Siachen glacier. Travel or mountain climbing in this area is highly dangerous. The disputed area includes the following peaks: Rimo Peak; Apsarasas I, II, and III; Tegam Kangri I, II and III; Suingri Kangri; Ghiant I and II; Indira Col; and Sia Kangri. Check with the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi for information on current conditions.

Northeastern states:  Incidents of violence by ethnic insurgent groups, including bombings of buses, trains, rail lines, and markets, occur occasionally in the northeast. While U.S. citizens have not been specifically targeted, it is possible that you could be affected as a bystander. If you travel to the northeast, you should avoid travel by train at night, travel outside major cities at night, and crowds. U.S. government employees at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India are prohibited from traveling to the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur without permission from the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata. Restricted Area Permits are required for foreigners to visit certain Northeastern states (see the section on Restricted Areas, below.) Contact the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata for information on current conditions.

East Central and Southern India:  Maoist extremist groups, or “Naxalites,” are active in East Central India primarily in rural areas. The Naxalites have a long history of conflict with state and national authorities, including frequent terrorist attacks on local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials, and are responsible for more attacks in the country than any other organization through an ongoing campaign of violence and intimidation Naxalites have not specifically targeted U.S. citizens but have attacked symbolic targets that have included Western companies and rail lines. While Naxalite violence does not normally occur in places frequented by foreigners, there is a risk that visitors could become victims of violence.

Naxalites are active in a large swath of India from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal, particularly in rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and on the borders of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. Due to the fluid nature of the threat, all U.S. government travelers to states with Naxalite activity must receive authorization from the U.S. Consulate responsible for the area to be visited. U.S. officials traveling only to the capital cities in these states do not need prior authorization.

Restricted/Protected areas:  While the Indian Government has designated that travelers to “portions” of certain areas need special advance permission, actual practice has been to require a permit to enter any portion of certain states or territories. Areas requiring a permit include:

  • The state of Arunachal Pradesh
  • Portions of the state of Sikkim
  • Portions of the state of Himachal Pradesh near the Chinese border
  • Portions of the state of Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal) near the Chinese border
  • Portions of the state of Rajasthan near the Pakistani border
  • Portions of the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir near the Line of Control with Pakistan and certain portions of the union territory of Ladakh
  • The union territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands
  • The union territory of the Laccadives Islands (Lakshadweep)
  • Portions of the state of Manipur
  • Portions of the state of Mizoram
  • Portions of the state of Nagaland

More information about travel to/in restricted/protected areas can be found from India’s  Bureau of Immigration .

“Restricted Area Permits" are available outside India at Indian embassies and consulates abroad, or in India from the Ministry of Home Affairs (Foreigners Division) at Jaisalmer House, 26 Man Singh Road, New Delhi. The states of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim maintain official guesthouses in New Delhi, which can also issue Restricted Area Permits for their respective states for certain travelers. While visiting Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) in Tamil Nadu, be aware the Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Center, Kalpakkam, is located just south of the site and is not clearly marked as a restricted and dangerous area.

For the latest security information, travelers should enroll in  STEP  to receive updated security information and regularly monitor travel information available from the  U.S. Embassy in New Delhi  as well as the U.S. Consulates General in  Mumbai  (Bombay),  Chennai (Madras),  Hyderabad , and  Kolkata  (Calcutta).

CRIME:  Petty crime, especially theft of personal property (including U.S. passports), is common, particularly on trains or buses, at airports, and in major tourist areas. Pickpockets can be very adept and women have reported having their bags snatched, purse-straps cut, or the bottom of their purses slit without their knowledge. If you are traveling by train, lock your sleeping compartments and take your valuables with you when leaving your berth. If you travel by air, be careful with your bags in the arrival and departure areas outside airports. Violent crime, especially directed against foreigners, has traditionally been uncommon, although in recent years there has been a modest increase. Be cautious about displaying cash or expensive items to reduce the chance of being a target for robbery or other crime, and be aware of your surroundings when you use ATMs. ATM card scams have been used to clone credit card details to withdraw money.

Sexual Assault:  Travelers should be aware that there have been reported cases of sexual assault, including rape, of U.S. citizens traveling throughout India. U.S. citizens, particularly women, are cautioned not to travel alone in India. Women traveling in India are advised to respect local dress and customs. Customary everyday dress for Indian women throughout the country is conservative, and even more so in non-urban areas,  with women wearing clothing that covers their legs and shoulders. Exceptions are vacation resorts catering to foreign clientele and some neighborhoods of the major cities of New Delhi and Mumbai. Western women, especially those of African descent, continue to report incidents of verbal and physical harassment by individuals and groups of men. Known locally as “Eve-teasing,” these incidents of sexual harassment can be quite frightening and can quickly cross the line from verbal to physical. Sexual harassment can occur anytime or anywhere, but most frequently has happened in crowded areas such as in market places, train stations, buses, and public streets. The harassment can range from sexually suggestive or lewd comments to catcalls to outright groping. The Government of India has focused greater attention on addressing issues of gender violence. One outcome has been greater reporting of incidences of sexual assault country-wide, and Indian authorities report rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Among large cities, Delhi experienced the highest number of reported crimes against women. Although most victims have been local residents, recent sexual attacks against female visitors in tourist areas across India underline the fact that foreign women are at risk and should exercise vigilance.

Women should observe stringent security precautions, including avoiding use of public transport after dark without the company of known and trustworthy companions, restricting evening entertainment to well-known venues, and avoiding isolated areas when alone at any time of day. Keep your hotel room number confidential and make sure hotel room doors have chains, deadlocks, and peep holes. Travel with groups of friends rather than alone. In addition, only hire reliable cars and drivers and avoid traveling alone in hired taxis, especially at night. Use taxis from hotels and pre-paid taxis at airports rather than hailing them on the street. If you encounter threatening situations, call “100” for police assistance (“112” from mobile phones).

Scams:  Major airports, train stations, popular restaurants, and tourist sites are often used by scam artists looking to prey on visitors, often by creating a distraction. Beware of taxi drivers and others, including train porters, who solicit travelers with "come-on" offers of cheap transportation and/or hotels. Travelers accepting such offers have frequently found themselves the victims of scams, including offers to assist with "necessary" transfers to the domestic airport, disproportionately expensive hotel rooms, unwanted "tours," unwelcome "purchases," extended cab rides, and even threats when the tourists decline to pay.  There have been reports of tourists being lured, held hostage and extorted for money in the face of threats of violence against the traveler and his/her family members.

You should exercise care when hiring transportation and/or guides and use only well-known travel agents to book trips. Some scam artists have lured travelers by displaying their name on a sign when they leave the airport. Another popular scam is to drop money or to squirt something on the clothing of an unsuspecting traveler and use the distraction to rob them of their valuables. Tourists have also been given drugged drinks or tainted food to make them more vulnerable to theft, particularly at train stations. Even food or drink prepared in front of the traveler from a canteen or vendor could be tainted.

Some vendors sell carpets, jewelry, gemstones, or other expensive items that may not be of the quality promised. Deal only with reputable businesses and do not hand over your credit cards or money unless you are certain that goods being shipped are the goods you purchased. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it is best avoided. Most Indian states have official tourism bureaus set up to handle complaints.

There have been a number of other scams perpetrated against foreign travelers, particularly in Goa, Jaipur, and Agra that target younger travelers and involve suggestions that money can be made by privately transporting gems or gold (both of which can result in arrest) or by taking delivery abroad of expensive carpets, supposedly while avoiding customs duties. The scam artists describe profits that can be made upon delivery of the goods, and require the traveler to pay a "deposit" as part of the transaction.

India-based criminals use the internet to extort money from victims abroad.  In a common scam, the victim develops a close romantic relationship with an alleged U.S. citizen they meet online. When the “friend” travels to India, a series of accidents occur and the victim begins to receive requests for financial assistance, sometimes through an intermediary.  In fact, the U.S. citizen “friend” does not exist; they are only online personas used by criminal networks. Victims have been defrauded of thousands of dollars in these schemes. Do not send money to anyone you have not met in person and carefully read the Department of State’s advice on  international financial scams . 

U.S. citizens have had problems with business partners, usually involving property investments. You may wish to seek professional legal advice in reviewing any contracts for business or services offered in India. The U.S. Embassy and/or consulates are unable to provide legal advice or intervene on behalf of United States citizens with Indian courts on civil or criminal matters.  A list of local attorneys is available on the Embassy and Consulates General  websites .

In another common scam, family members in the United States, particularly older people, are approached for funds to help callers claiming to be grandchildren or relatives who have been arrested or are without money to return home. Do not send money without contacting the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General to confirm the other party’s situation. You can also call our Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 888-407-4747 (from overseas: 202-501-4444). Review our information on  Emergency Assistance to Americans Abroad . 

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for more information on scams.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should first contact the local police, then inform the U.S. Embassy or local Consulate.

Report crimes to the local police by calling “100” or “112” from a mobile phone.                      

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

  • help you find appropriate medical care
  • assist you in reporting a crime to the police
  • contact relatives or friends with your written consent
  • explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
  • provide a list of local attorneys
  • provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
  • provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
  • help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
  • replace a stolen or lost passport

Please note that you should ask for a copy of the police report, known as a “First Information Report” (FIR), from local police when you report an incident. Local authorities generally are unable to take any meaningful action without the filing of a police report. 

If your passport is stolen, you should immediately report the theft or loss to the police in the location where your passport was stolen. A FIR is required by the Indian government in order for you to obtain an exit visa to leave India if the lost passport contained your Indian visa. Although the Embassy or Consulate General is able to replace a stolen or lost passport, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) are responsible for approving an exit permit. This process usually takes three to four working days, but can take longer.

In cases of sexual assault or rape, the Embassy or Consulates General can provide a list of local doctors and hospitals, if needed, to determine if you have been injured and to discuss treatment and prevention options for diseases and pregnancy. You should be aware that in order for evidence of an assault to be submitted in a court case, Indian authorities require that the medical exam be completed at a government hospital. Therefore, if a victim goes to a private hospital for treatment, the hospital will refer them to a government hospital for this aspect of the medical process. 

There are a number of resources in India for victims of rape and sexual assault. The specific toll-free Women’s Helpline Service number in Delhi is 1091; in Mumbai it is 103; in Kolkata, 1090; in Chennai, 1091 or 2345-2365; and in Hyderabad one can dial 1-800-425-2908 or 1098 for crimes in general.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in India is “100.” An additional emergency number, “112,” can be accessed from mobile phones.

Please see our  information for victims of crime , including possible victim compensation programs in the United States. 

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur.  Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field.  In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities.  First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment.  U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.  See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. 

Furthermore, some activities are crimes under U.S. law and can be prosecuted in the U.S. regardless of whether they are allowed under local law.  For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Alcohol: Each of India’s states has independent regulations concerning alcohol purchase and consumption. Legal drinking ages range from 18 to 25 and can vary by beverage type. Some states permit alcohol use for medicinal purposes only, others require you to hold a permit to buy, transport, or consume alcohol. Penalties for violation can be harsh.

Drugs:  Several U.S. citizens have been arrested at Indian airports for attempting to smuggle illegal drugs from India.  All claimed that they did not realize they were carrying narcotics.  Never transport or mail packages that do not belong to you and maintain direct control of your luggage at all times.

Beef and Cow Hide: Several states in India impose various types of prohibition on beef.  In some rural areas, cow protection vigilantes have attacked people they suspected of selling or consuming beef, or possessing items made with cow hide.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:

Dual nationality: India does not permit its citizens to hold dual nationality. In 2006, India launched the "Overseas Citizens of India" (OCI) program, which does not grant Indian citizenship but is similar to a U.S. "green card" in that you can travel to and from India indefinitely, work in India, study in India, and own property in India (except for certain agricultural and plantation properties). If you are a U.S. citizen and obtain an OCI card you will not become a citizen of India; you will remain a citizen of the United States. An OCI card holder does not receive an Indian passport, cannot vote in Indian elections, and is not eligible for Indian government employment. The OCI program is similar to the Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) card except that PIO holders must still register with Indian immigration authorities, and PIO cards are not issued for an indefinite period. U.S. citizens of Indian descent can apply for PIO or OCI cards at the Indian Embassy in Washington, or at the Indian Consulates in Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Atlanta, and Houston. Inside India, U.S. citizens can apply at the nearest FRRO office (please see “Entry/Exit Requirements” section above for more information on the FRRO). U.S. citizens are required to travel on a U.S. passport when traveling in and out of the United States.

Religious activities and faith-based travelers:  See the Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report .  If you plan to engage in religious proselytizing you are required by Indian law to have a "missionary" visa. Immigration authorities have determined that certain activities, including speaking at religious meetings to which the general public is invited, may violate immigration law if the traveler does not hold a missionary visa. Foreigners with tourist visas who engage in missionary activity are subject to deportation and possible criminal prosecution. The states of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh have legislation that regulates or places restrictions on conversion from one religious faith to another. If you intend to engage in missionary activity, you may wish to seek legal advice to determine whether the activities you intend to pursue are permitted under Indian law.

Tourists should also be mindful of restrictions and observances when planning to visit any religious establishment, whether Hindu temples, mosques, churches, or other locations considered sacred by the local population. Many individual temples and mosques do not permit non-members to enter all or parts of the facilities, and may require the removal of shoes, the covering of the head, or have other specific requirements for appropriate attire.  

Customs restrictions: Before traveling to or from India, you are urged to inspect all bags and clothing thoroughly to ensure they do not inadvertently contain prohibited items. Several U.S. citizens have been arrested or detained when airport security officials discovered loose ammunition (even spent individual bullets and casings) or weapons in their luggage. If you are found to have loose ammunition or bullets (including empty bullet shells used in souvenirs) on your person or in your bags, you could be charged with violation of the Indian Arms Act, incarcerated, and/or deported from India.

In addition, U.S. citizens have been arrested for possession of satellite phones. Satellite phones, personal locator beacons, and hand-held GPS devices are illegal in India.

Indian customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from India of such items as, antiquities, electronic equipment, currency, ivory, gold objects, and other prohibited materials. Permission from the Government of India is required to bring in restricted items, even if you are only transiting through India. If you do not comply with these regulations, you risk arrest or fine or both and confiscation of these items. If you are charged with any legal violations by Indian law enforcement, have an attorney review any document before you sign it. The Government of India requires the registration of antique items with the local police along with a photograph of the item. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of India in Washington or one of India's consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements. More information is available from the Indian Central Board of Excise and Customs .

Indian customs authorities encourage the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) Carnet for the temporary admission of professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes. ATA Carnet Headquarters, located at the U.S. Council for International Business , 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, issues and guarantees the ATA Carnet in the United States. For additional information call (212) 354-4480, or email USCIB for details. Please see our section on Customs Information for more information.

Natural disaster threats: Parts of northern India are highly susceptible to earthquakes. Regions of highest risk, ranked 5 on a scale of 1 to 5, include areas around Srinagar, Himachal Pradesh, Rishikesh and Dehra Dun, the northern parts of Punjab, northwest Gujarat, northern Bihar, and the entire northeast. Ranked 4 (high damage risk) is an area that sweeps along the north through Jammu and Kashmir, Eastern Punjab, Haryana, Northern Uttar Pradesh, central Bihar and the northern parts of West Bengal. New Delhi is located in zone 4. Severe flooding is common in hilly and mountainous areas throughout India. Flooding in 2013 in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and other areas left thousands of people presumed dead and temporarily stranded dozens of U.S. citizens.

Typhoons/cyclones and subsequent flooding are common along the Indian coasts, in particular the Eastern coastal states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal, and have at times resulted in massive loss of life.  Tourists and residents in areas prone to these events should remain vigilant during severe weather, monitor local media for latest developments, and heed all municipal warnings.  Residents in these areas should have contingency plans for loss of power and inavailability of goods and services, including supplies for multiple days after a severe weather event.

Accessibility: While in India, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different than what you find in the United States. Despite legislation that all public buildings and transport be accessible for disabled people, accessibility remains limited. One notable exception is the Delhi metro system, designed to be accessible to those with physical disabilities.

Women Travelers: Please review our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Students:  See our   Students Abroad  page and FBI travel tips .

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  Section 377 of India’s penal code makes same-sex sexual acts illegal in India. On September 6, 2018, the Supreme Court of India declared unconstitutional the application of Section 377, barring discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, effectively legalizing homosexuality in India. Reports of widespread discrimination and violence against LGBTQI+ persons, particularly in rural areas, persist. See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Zika is present in India. See the Centers for Disease Control’s website for more information.

The quality of medical care in India varies considerably. Medical care in the major population centers approaches and occasionally meets Western standards, but adequate medical care is usually very limited or unavailable in rural areas.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. 

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas.  Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . 

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance (our webpage) to cover medical evacuation.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of India to ensure the medication is legal in India.  Always, carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. 

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If you are arriving in India from Sub-Saharan Africa or other yellow-fever areas, Indian health regulations require that you present evidence of vaccination against yellow fever. If you do not have such proof, you could be subjected to immediate deportation or a six-day detention in the yellow-fever quarantine center. If you transit through any part of sub-Saharan Africa, even for one day, you are advised to carry proof of yellow fever immunization.

Dogs and bats create a high risk of rabies transmission in most of India. Vaccination is recommended for all prolonged stays, especially for young children and travelers in rural areas. It is also recommended for shorter stays that involve occupational exposure, locations more than 24 hours from a reliable source of human rabies immune globulin and rabies vaccine for post-exposure treatment, adventure travelers, hikers, cave explorers, and backpackers. Monkeys also can transmit rabies and herpes B, among other diseases, to human victims. Avoid feeding monkeys. If bitten, you should immediately soak and scrub the bite for at least 15 minutes and seek urgent medical attention.

Influenza is transmitted from November to April in areas north of the Tropic of Cancer (north India), and from June through November (the rainy season) in areas south of the Tropic of Cancer (south India), with a smaller peak from February through April; off-season transmission can also occur. All travelers are at risk. Influenza vaccine is recommended for all travelers during the flu season.

Outbreaks of avian influenza (H5N1 virus) occur intermittently in eastern India, including West Bengal, Manipur, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Assam. For further information on pandemic influenza, please refer to the Department of State's 2009-H1N1, Pandemic Influenza, and H5N1 Fact Sheet .

Malaria prophylaxis depends on time of year and area the traveler is visiting. Please consult the CDC website for more information. Dengue fever presents significant risk in urban and rural areas. The highest number of cases is reported from July to December, with cases peaking from September to October. Daytime insect precautions such as wearing long-sleeved shirts and mosquito repellent are recommended by the CDC.

Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in India. For further information, please consult the CDC’s Travel Notice on TB .

Further health information:

  • World Health Organization
  • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in India, and you should consult your doctor prior to travel and consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you.  The air quality in India varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons.  It is typically at its worst in the winter. Anyone who travels where pollution levels are high is at risk. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include:

  • Infants, children, and teens
  • People over 65 years of age
  • People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema;
  • People with heart disease or diabetes
  • People who work or are active outdoors

Current air quality data can be found on the Embassy’s Air Quality page . The data on this site are updated hourly.

Rh-negative blood may be difficult to obtain as it is not common in Asia.

For emergency services, dial 112 from a cell phone; from a land line, dial 100 for police, 102 for ambulance (108 in parts of South India), and 101 for fire. Ambulances are not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment, and traffic does not yield to emergency vehicles. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance. Most hospitals require advance payment or confirmation of insurance prior to treatment. Payment practices vary and credit cards are not routinely accepted for medical care.

Medical Tourism: Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. Companies offering vacation packages bundled with medical consultations and financing options provide direct-to-consumer advertising over the internet. Such medical packages often claim to provide high quality care, but the quality of health care in India is highly variable. People seeking health care in India should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and refer to the information from the CDC . Persons traveling to India for medical purposes require the proper “medical” visa. Please check with the nearest Indian embassy or consulate for more information.

Despite reports of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in hospitals, in general travelers should not delay or avoid treatment for urgent or emergent medical situations. However, health tourists and other travelers who may be contemplating elective procedures in this country should carefully research individual hospital infection control practices.

Surrogacy: Commercial surrogacy is illegal for foreigners in India, subject to complex local regulation.  For additional information, visit the Government of India’s official information on foreigner surrogacy . 

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in India maintain lists of local doctors and hospitals, all of which are published on their respective websites under "U.S. Citizen Services." We cannot endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Travel by road in India is dangerous. India leads the world in traffic-related deaths and a number of U.S. citizens have suffered fatal traffic accidents in recent years. You should exercise extreme caution when crossing streets, even in marked pedestrian areas, and try to use only cars that have seatbelts. Seatbelts are not common in three-wheel taxis (autos) and in taxis’ back seats. Helmets should always be worn on motorcycles and bicycles.Travel at night is particularly hazardous.

On Indian roads, the safest driving policy is always to assume that other drivers will not respond to a traffic situation in the same way you would in the United States. Buses and trucks often run red lights and merge directly into traffic at yield points and traffic circles. Cars, autos, bicycles, and pedestrians behave only slightly more cautiously. Use your horn or flash your headlights frequently to announce your presence. It is both customary and wise.

Inside and outside major cities, roads are often poorly maintained and congested. Even main roads frequently have only two lanes, with poor visibility and inadequate warning markers. On the few divided highways one can expect to meet local transportation traveling in the wrong direction, often without lights. Heavy traffic is the norm and includes (but is not limited to) overloaded trucks and buses, scooters, pedestrians, bullock and camel carts, horse or elephant riders en route to weddings, bicycles, and free-roaming livestock.

Public Transportation: Buses, patronized by hundreds of millions of Indians, are convenient in that they serve almost every city of any size. However, they are often driven fast, recklessly, and without consideration for the rules of the road. Accidents are quite common.

Traffic Laws: Traffic in India moves on the left. It is important to be alert while crossing streets and intersections, especially after dark as traffic is coming in the "wrong" direction. Travelers should remember to use seatbelts in both rear and front seats where available, and to ask their drivers to maintain a safe speed.

In order to drive in India, you must have either a valid Indian driver’s license or a valid international driver’s license. Because of difficult road and traffic conditions, you may wish to consider hiring a local driver.

If a driver hits a pedestrian or a cow, the vehicle and its occupants are at risk of being attacked by passersby. Such attacks pose significant risk of injury or death to the vehicle's occupants or risk of incineration of the vehicle. It could be unsafe to remain at the scene of an accident of this nature, and drivers may instead wish to seek out the nearest police station. Protestors often use road blockage as a means of publicizing their grievances, causing severe inconvenience to travelers. Visitors should monitor local news reports for any reports of road disturbances.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

Emergency Numbers: The following emergency numbers work in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata:

  • Fire Brigade 101
  • Ambulance 102

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of India’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of India’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page . Travelers are urged to use caution while booking private helicopters for travel, especially in the northeast. 

For additional travel information

  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
  • See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
  • Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
  • See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

India was cited in the State Department’s 2023 Annual Report to Congress on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with respect to international parental child abduction. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  India . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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Authorized Portal for Visa Application to India Indianvisaonline.gov.in

All foreign nationals entering India are required to possess a valid international travel document in the form of a national passport with a valid visa from an Indian Mission/Post or eVisa (Limited Categories) from Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs.

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e-Visa - Only Ordinary Passport holders may apply for eVisa application online. Select Visa Service as G20 eConference Visa and purpose as "To Attend G20 Conference/Meeting" .

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India USA Travel

Travel to india from usa – all questions answered.

Traveling to India from the USA can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right planning and preparation, you can make the most of your trip and have an amazing experience. Here’s everything you need to know about traveling to India from the USA, from visas to vaccinations .

In this article…

Indian visa requirements for US tourists

India is the largest democracy in the world, with a population of more than 1.3 billion people. It’s also one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, with a GDP that reached an estimated $2.4 trillion in 2019. If you’re interested in experiencing a large, diverse country, with bustling cities and rural villages, then India is worth considering as a destination.

The Government of India has announced that, with effect from April 1, 2021, all international travelers, except those coming from Nepal and Bhutan, will need to possess a negative COVID-19 test report before undertaking their journey to India.

The test report must have been obtained within 72 hours prior to the commencement of travel.

All passengers will also be required to mandatorily fill up and submit self-declaration forms on the online portal prior to their departure.

Apart from the above, all travelers from USA will need to obtain a tourist visa before undertaking their journey to India. The process for obtaining a tourist visa is as follows:

1. Applicants will need to fill out an online application form available on the website of the Embassy of India in Washington D.C.

2. Along with the completed application form, applicants will need to submit their passport (valid for at least six months from the date of travel), two recent passport-size photographs, and the applicable visa fee .

3. Applicants will also need to furnish proof of their onward and return journey tickets, as well as hotel reservations for their stay in India.

4. Once the application is complete, it can be submitted online or in person at the Embassy of India in Washington D.C.

5. The processing time for tourist visas is typically about four to five days. However, it is advisable to apply for the visa well in advance of the planned travel date to avoid any last-minute delays.

Indian visa requirements for tourists from USA are not onerous, and the process for obtaining a visa is relatively straightforward.

However, it is important to note that all travelers from USA will need to possess a negative COVID-19 test report before undertaking their journey to India.

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Indian Tourist Visa for Tourists from USA

The Indian Tourist Visa for Tourists from USA is a non-immigrant visa issued by the Government of India to citizens of the United States of America for the purpose of tourism in India.

The tourist visa can be applied for online through the Indian Visa Application website or through the nearest Indian consulate .

The application process is simple and straightforward and requires the submission of a few documents , including a passport-sized photograph and a copy of the applicant’s passport.

Once the application is submitted, the applicant will receive a confirmation email with an application number. This number can be used to track the status of the application online. Once the application is approved, the applicant will receive an electronic visa, which must be printed out and presented at the time of entry into India.

The Indian Tourist Visa for Tourists from USA is a great way to experience the sights and sounds of India. With its rich culture and history, India is a country that should not be missed.

How to obtain a visa for travel to India from the USA

When traveling to India from the United States, citizens of the United States must obtain a visa in order to enter the country. There are several types of visas that can be obtained, and the type of visa required depends on the purpose of travel.

For example, those traveling for business purposes will need to obtain a business visa, while those traveling for tourism will need to obtain a tourist visa. The process for obtaining a visa can vary depending on the country of origin, but generally, travelers will need to submit an application and supporting documents to the Indian consulate or embassy in their home country.

The processing time for a visa can also vary, but it is typically between two and four weeks.

India entry details and exceptions for visitors

All foreign nationals except citizens of Nepal and Bhutan require a valid passport and visa to enter India. Nationals of Maldives can enter India without a visa for a period of up to 90 days.

Indian visas are granted by Indian diplomatic missions (embassies and consulates) abroad. In countries where India does not have a diplomatic mission , visas can be obtained from the nearest British diplomatic mission.

Visas are also available on arrival at certain airports in India for nationals of Bangladesh, Fiji, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Maldives, Myanmar, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Serbia, Solomon Islands, Tajikistan, Tonga, Turkmenistan and Tuvalu.

These visas are valid for 60 days from the date of arrival.

There are a number of different types of visas available for India, including tourist visas, business visas, student visas and employment visas. The type of visa required will depend on the purpose of the visit.

Nationals of Afghanistan, Iran , Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia and Sudan are not eligible for visas on arrival and must apply for their visas in advance.

Tourist visas are valid for a maximum of 180 days from the date of arrival. Business visas are valid for a maximum of 180 days from the date of arrival, but can be extended for up to one year.

Student visas are valid for the duration of the course of study, up to a maximum of five years. Employment visas are valid for the duration of the employment contract, up to a maximum of five years.

All foreign nationals must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) or the Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) within 14 days of arrival in India. Those staying in hotels should register with the hotel authorities.

Tips for traveling to India from the USA

Assuming you are traveling from the USA to India , there are a few things you should keep in mind to make your trip as smooth as possible.

1. Get your visa well in advance.

You can apply for an e-visa up to 60 days before your travel date, and it is recommended that you do so to avoid any last-minute hiccups.

2. Keep your passport and other important documents handy.

You will need these when going through immigration , so make sure you have them easily accessible.

3. Make sure you have all the necessary vaccinations.

India is a country with a variety of diseases, so it is important to be up-to-date on your vaccinations.

4. Pack light.

You will be doing a lot of walking, and the heat can be unbearable at times, so pack accordingly.

5. Have a loose plan.

India is a vast country with a lot to see and do. It is impossible to see everything in one trip, so it is best to have a general idea of what you want to do and see, and then go with the flow.

6. Be prepared for culture shock.

India is a very different place from the USA, and you will likely experience culture shock at some point. Be patient and open-minded, and you will have a great time.

7. Bargaining is a way of life.

In India, bargaining is expected when buying anything from souvenirs to taxi rides. Don’t be afraid to haggle a bit to get the best price.

8. Be aware of scams.

Unfortunately, there are many scams in India, so it is important to be aware of them. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

9. Drink plenty of water.

India is a hot country, and you will need to stay hydrated. Drink bottled water whenever possible, and carry a water bottle with you to stay hydrated throughout the day.

10. Have fun!

India is an amazing country with so much to see and do. Relax, go with the flow, and enjoy your trip.

What to Expect When Arriving in India

Assuming that the tourist is arriving in India for the first time, there are a few things that they should expect. India is a vast and varied country, so it is difficult to make sweeping statements about the entire nation. However, there are some generalizations that can be made.

First and foremost, India is a very populous country. With over 1.3 billion people, it is the second most populous country in the world after China. This means that there will be a lot of people everywhere the tourist goes.

Another thing to expect is the heat. India is a tropical country, so the temperatures can be quite high, especially during the summer months. The humidity can also be quite intense, so the tourist should make sure to stay hydrated.

The food in India is also quite different from what the tourist is probably used to. Indian cuisine is very spicy, so the tourist should be prepared for that. There are also a lot of vegetarian and vegan options available, as many Indians do not eat meat.

Finally, the tourist should be prepared for the poverty that they will see in India. While there are some very wealthy people in the country, there is also a large population that lives in poverty.

The tourist should not take photos of people living in poverty without their permission, as this can be seen as disrespectful.

Can I travel to India now?

Yes, you can travel to India now. The country has reopened its borders to international travelers and is welcoming visitors with open arms.

There are a few things to keep in mind before you travel, however. First, make sure you have a valid passport and visa.

Second, check with your airline to see if there are any restrictions on travel to India.

Third, be sure to get travel insurance to protect yourself in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

Lastly, research your destination and plan your trip accordingly. With a little preparation, you can have an amazing and safe trip to India.

Can US citizens travel to India?

Yes, US citizens can travel to India. There are a few things to keep in mind, however.

First, a visa is required. The process for obtaining a visa can be found on the website of the Indian Embassy or Consulate.

Second, although there are no specific restrictions on travel to India, visitors should be aware of the current security situation and exercise caution.

There have been terrorist attacks in India in the past, and the risk of terrorism remains high. Visitors should also be aware of the potential for political unrest and demonstrations.

Do I need a visa to travel to India?

Indian visas are required for all foreign nationals travelling to India, with the exception of nationals of Nepal and Bhutan. The type of visa required will depend on the purpose and duration of your stay in India.

If you are planning to travel to India for business purposes, you will need to apply for a business visa. This type of visa allows you to stay in India for up to six months and can be extended for up to one year. If you are planning to travel to India for tourism purposes, you will need to apply for a tourist visa. This type of visa allows you to stay in India for up to six months.

If you are planning to stay in India for more than six months, you will need to apply for a long-term visa. Long-term visas are typically valid for up to five years and can be renewed.

If you are a student planning to study in India, you will need to apply for a student visa . Student visas are typically valid for the duration of your studies, up to five years.

Once you have obtained your visa, you will need to ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your planned arrival in India. You will also need to provide proof of onward travel, such as a return ticket or an onward ticket to another destination.

Can I travel to India with OCI on my old passport?

Yes, you can travel to India with OCI on your old passport. However, you will need to carry your new passport with you, as well as your old passport containing the OCI sticker. At the airport, you will need to present both passports to the immigration officer.

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Ex “NRI” and Founder of the “Back to India” movement. I share my experience about immigrating to USA here.

USA Travel Checklist – Items to Carry & Things To Do

Forms to fill when traveling from india to usa, vaccinations for us citizens traveling to india.

I actually have a question about travel times and dates. If I need to arrive in Chennai, India, for an event beginning on August 4 (including one day of rest before the event), on what day should I schedule my departure? I’m a bit confused about change of time zones and duration of flights. Thank you so much.

Hi Patty, I’d say you need to travel in the last week of July. Not sure how long your flight is but assuming it’s the longest one with ab out 24+ hours, you’d need to be in Chennai atleast on the 2nd of August (which is the 1st of August in US). To be safe, I’d recommend booking the flight on 30th or 31st of July.

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Can I Travel Abroad After applying for U.S. citizenship?

You can travel abroad after applying for U.S. citizenship without any restrictions. However, you can travel only as a permanent resident by using your Green Card as you will become a U.S. citizen only after taking your oath of allegiance.

So you need to follow the rules applicable to permanent residents which require applying for a re-entry permit if the trip is for one year or more.

Can you travel abroad after the naturalization interview?

Even if you are done with your naturalization interview, you will only be a permanent resident until you attend the oath ceremony and receive your naturalization certificate. Hence, you can travel abroad as a Green Card holder, while your U.S. citizenship application is pending.

How travel can affect the naturalization application process?

Even though you can travel abroad there are ways that your travel can affect your citizenship application . All the laws that are applicable for permanent residents in order to travel will still be applicable.

Understanding the laws regarding travel and planning accordingly will help you to travel and at the same time not let it affect your naturalization application process .

While  Form N-400 , Naturalization Application is pending, you must fulfill the continuous residence and the physical presence requirement for the citizenship application. So your trip must not be lengthy.

At the same time, if you have not registered for updates by emails or text messages, you will have to ask your friend or your relative in the United States, to check your mails and inform you about your biometrics appointment and about your citizenship test and interview . You will have to see that you do not miss these appointments and missing your interview or your biometrics appointment will delay your citizenship application process.

Generally, it takes around 12 months or more to process a U.S. citizenship application but you are likely to receive your biometrics appointment notice within one month from the date of your application.

Hence it is better to travel abroad after you submit your biometric information. Some service centers accept walk-ins and if your USCIS service center accepts walk-ins, you can visit the application support center at any time and submit fingerprints and then travel abroad.

As mentioned before, until you take the oath of allegiance, you can travel abroad as a Green Card holder and return to the United States with your valid Green Card. Remember that, you will have to surrender your Green Card only at the time of taking the oath so do not lose your Green Card until then. If you lose it, you should replace the Green Card .

It is recommended to remain in the United States during the naturalization process. But if you are required to travel abroad due to a genuine reason, you may do so, but remember to get back to the United States for your biometrics appointment and your naturalization interview.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for U.S. Citizenship?

U.s. naturalization process explained, step by step instructions on filling out form n-400, u.s. citizenship is denied: what next, ways to become a u.s. citizen, u.s. citizenship test & interview: everything you need to know, what is a citizenship certificate (updated-2024), replace lost naturalization/citizenship certificate(2024).

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  • Travel Tips

How To Cancel Indian Passport After US Citizenship

Published: December 8, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Philippe Pharr

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Introduction

Canceling an Indian passport after acquiring US citizenship is an important step in the process of relinquishing your Indian citizenship. It not only serves as an official declaration of your new citizenship but also ensures that your Indian passport remains invalid and cannot be misused. Although the process of canceling your Indian passport may seem daunting at first, it is a manageable procedure that can be completed by following a few simple steps.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of canceling your Indian passport after obtaining US citizenship. From gathering the necessary documents to notifying the Indian embassy or consulate, we will provide you with a comprehensive step-by-step guide to make the cancellation process as smooth and efficient as possible.

Please note that the specific requirements and procedures may vary depending on your location and the Indian diplomatic mission you are dealing with. It is advisable to contact your nearest Indian embassy or consulate for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the cancellation process.

It is important to mention that canceling your Indian passport does not automatically renounce your Indian citizenship. If you intend to renounce Indian citizenship, you will need to follow a separate process, which may require additional steps and documentation.

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of how to cancel your Indian passport after acquiring US citizenship.

Step 1: Gather necessary documents

Before initiating the process of canceling your Indian passport, it is essential to gather all the required documents. Having the necessary paperwork ready beforehand will save you time and ensure a smooth application process. Here are the documents you will typically need:

  • Your original Indian passport: Make sure to keep your passport in a safe place throughout the cancellation process. You will need to submit it along with your application.
  • Proof of US citizenship: This can be in the form of your US passport, certificate of naturalization, or any other official documentation that verifies your US citizenship.
  • Proof of residence: Provide proof of your current US address. This can include a utility bill, lease agreement, or any other document displaying your name and address.
  • Proof of name change (if applicable): If you have legally changed your name after obtaining US citizenship, you will need to provide documentation such as a marriage certificate, court order, or name change certificate.
  • Two recent passport-sized photographs: Ensure that the photographs meet the Indian embassy’s specifications for size, background color, and other requirements.
  • Proof of cancellation fee payment: Some Indian diplomatic missions require you to submit proof of payment for the cancellation fee. Check with your nearest embassy or consulate for the accepted payment methods.

It is important to note that the specific document requirements may vary slightly depending on the Indian embassy or consulate you are dealing with. Always refer to their official website or contact them directly for the exact documents needed for canceling your Indian passport after acquiring US citizenship.

Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you are ready to proceed to the next step: informing the Indian embassy or consulate about your intent to cancel your Indian passport.

Step 2: Inform the Indian embassy or consulate

After gathering the required documents, the next step in canceling your Indian passport is to inform the Indian embassy or consulate about your intent. This can usually be done through an email or by scheduling an appointment.

Contact your nearest Indian embassy or consulate and explain that you have acquired US citizenship and would like to cancel your Indian passport. They will provide you with specific instructions on how to proceed. In some cases, they may request you to fill out a specific form or provide additional information.

When contacting the embassy or consulate, be sure to include your full name, contact information, and passport details. This will help them to locate your records and provide appropriate guidance for the cancellation process.

In some cases, the embassy or consulate may require you to submit a formal written request stating your intent to cancel the Indian passport. If this is the case, be sure to follow their instructions and include all relevant details in your request.

It is essential to inform the Indian embassy or consulate as soon as possible to avoid any complications or delays in the cancellation process. Be prepared to provide any additional information or documentation they may require to proceed with the cancellation.

Once you have informed the embassy or consulate about your intention to cancel your Indian passport, you can proceed to the next step: completing the cancellation application form.

Step 3: Complete the cancellation application form

After informing the Indian embassy or consulate about your intent to cancel your Indian passport, you will need to complete the cancellation application form. This form is typically available on the embassy’s or consulate’s website or can be obtained in person at their office.

When completing the cancellation application form, take note of the following guidelines:

  • Fill out the form accurately and legibly: Ensure that all the required fields are properly filled in, and the information provided is correct. Any inconsistencies or errors may cause delays in the cancellation process.
  • Provide your current contact information: Include your current address, phone number, and email address. This will enable the embassy or consulate to communicate with you regarding the cancellation process.
  • Indicate your US citizenship: Clearly state that you have acquired US citizenship and provide the necessary proof, such as your US passport or certificate of naturalization.
  • Include your Indian passport details: Fill in the details of your Indian passport, including the passport number, date of issue, and expiration date.
  • Sign the application form: Make sure to sign the form as per the provided instructions. Some embassies or consulates may require a witnessed signature or a notarized signature.

Once you have completed the cancellation application form, carefully review it to ensure that all the information is accurate and complete. Any errors or omissions may cause delays or complications in the cancellation process.

After completing the application form, you can proceed to the next step: submitting the application and required documents to the Indian embassy or consulate.

Step 4: Submit the application and required documents

Once you have completed the cancellation application form and gathered all the necessary documents, the next step is to submit them to the Indian embassy or consulate. The submission process can usually be done in person or by mail, depending on the specific requirements of your nearest diplomatic mission.

Here are some important points to keep in mind when submitting your application and documents:

  • Check the embassy or consulate’s submission guidelines: Visit their website or contact them directly to understand the preferred method of submission. Some diplomatic missions may require you to schedule an appointment or send the application and documents by mail.
  • Prepare a complete set of copies: Make copies of all the submitted documents for your records. This will help you have a reference if needed and ensure that you have a backup of your important paperwork.
  • Include a self-addressed prepaid envelope (if applicable): Some Indian embassies or consulates may request you to include a self-addressed prepaid envelope for the return of your documents, such as your canceled Indian passport.
  • Double-check document requirements: Make sure you have included all the necessary documents as per the embassy or consulate’s requirements. This may include your original Indian passport, proof of US citizenship, proof of residence, proof of name change (if applicable), passport-sized photographs, and proof of cancellation fee payment.
  • Keep a record of your submission: If submitting in person, obtain a receipt or acknowledgement of your submission. If submitting by mail, consider using a tracked or registered mail service to ensure the safe and timely delivery of your application and documents.

It is important to follow the instructions provided by the Indian embassy or consulate regarding the submission process. Submitting the application and required documents accurately and within the specified timeframe will help facilitate a smooth and efficient cancellation process.

Once you have submitted the application and documents, you can proceed to the next step: paying the cancellation fee, if applicable.

Step 5: Pay the cancellation fee

When canceling your Indian passport after acquiring US citizenship, you may be required to pay a cancellation fee. The fee amount and payment process may vary depending on the Indian embassy or consulate you are dealing with.

Here are some important considerations when it comes to paying the cancellation fee:

  • Check the fee amount and payment methods: Visit the embassy’s or consulate’s website or contact them directly to determine the specific fee amount and accepted payment methods. The fee may vary based on factors such as your location and the type of passport being canceled.
  • Prepare the necessary payment: Ensure that you have the required funds available to cover the cancellation fee. Some embassies or consulates may accept cash, debit/credit cards, or money orders, while others may have specific payment requirements.
  • Obtain proof of payment: After making the payment, be sure to keep a copy of the receipt or any other proof of payment provided by the embassy or consulate. This will serve as evidence of payment and may be required during the cancellation process.

It is important to note that the cancellation fee needs to be paid in order to proceed with the cancellation process. Failure to pay the fee may result in delays or complications in canceling your Indian passport.

Once the cancellation fee has been paid, you can move on to the next step: attending the cancellation interview (if applicable).

Step 6: Attend the cancellation interview (if applicable)

In some cases, the Indian embassy or consulate may require you to attend a cancellation interview as part of the passport cancellation process. The purpose of this interview is to verify your identity and gather any additional information or clarifications regarding your intent to cancel your Indian passport.

Here are some important points to keep in mind regarding the cancellation interview:

  • Receive notification for the interview: If a cancellation interview is required, the embassy or consulate will inform you about the date, time, and location of the interview. They may reach out to you via email, phone call, or mail.
  • Bring all necessary documents: Prior to the interview, double-check the notification or contact the embassy or consulate to confirm the documents you need to bring. This may include your original Indian passport, proof of US citizenship, proof of residence, and any other documents requested.
  • Be prepared for questioning: During the interview, you may be asked questions regarding your acquisition of US citizenship, reasons for canceling your Indian passport, and other relevant information. Be truthful and provide clear and concise answers.
  • Present yourself professionally: Dress in appropriate attire and arrive at the interview location on time. Treat the interview with the necessary respect and professionalism.
  • Keep a record of the interview: Take notes during the interview or request a copy of the interview summary for your records. This will help you keep track of any specific instructions or information provided during the interview.

Attending the cancellation interview, if required, is a crucial step in the process of canceling your Indian passport. By cooperating and providing the requested information, you can ensure a smoother and more efficient cancellation process.

Once the cancellation interview, if applicable, has been successfully completed, you can move on to the next step: awaiting cancellation confirmation.

Step 7: Await cancellation confirmation

After completing the necessary steps for canceling your Indian passport, including submitting the application, required documents, and attending any required interviews, the next step is to await the cancellation confirmation from the Indian embassy or consulate.

Here are some key points to consider during this waiting period:

  • Be patient: The cancellation process can take varying amounts of time, depending on the embassy’s or consulate’s workload and procedures. It is important to remain patient during this period and avoid unnecessary inquiries or follow-ups unless explicitly instructed by the embassy or consulate.
  • Track the progress: Some embassies or consulates provide tracking systems or online portals to check the status of your cancellation application. Take advantage of these resources if available to monitor the progress of your application.
  • Follow up if necessary: If a significant amount of time has passed since your application submission and you have not received any communication or confirmation, you can contact the embassy or consulate to politely inquire about the status of your application.
  • Ensure availability for communication: Make sure to keep your contact information up to date and be accessible if the embassy or consulate needs to reach out to you for any additional information or clarification during the processing of your cancellation application.

It is important to note that the timeframe for receiving the cancellation confirmation can vary greatly and is dependent on various factors. Some embassies or consulates may provide an estimated processing time, but it is advisable to be prepared for possible delays.

Once you have received the cancellation confirmation, you can proceed to the final step: returning the Indian passport, if requested.

Step 8: Return the Indian passport (if requested)

In certain cases, the Indian embassy or consulate may request the return of your Indian passport as part of the cancellation process. Returning the passport ensures that it is properly invalidated and helps prevent any misuse or confusion.

If you are asked to return your Indian passport, follow these guidelines:

  • Check the embassy’s or consulate’s instructions: Review the communication from the embassy or consulate regarding the return of your passport. Pay attention to any specific instructions or requirements they provide.
  • Prepare the Indian passport for return: Before returning the passport, make sure to remove any additional documents or materials that may be inside, such as visas or entry/exit stamps from other countries. Keep a copy of these documents for your records.
  • Package the passport securely: Place the Indian passport in a sturdy envelope or packaging to protect it during transit. Consider using a traceable mail service or courier to ensure its safe delivery.
  • Include any requested documentation: If the embassy or consulate has specified any additional documentation to be included with the returned passport, ensure that you include them in the package.
  • Keep a record of the return: Make note of the date and method of return, keeping any tracking or delivery receipts as evidence of the return in case it is required in the future.

It is crucial to comply with the embassy’s or consulate’s instructions regarding the return of your Indian passport. Failure to return the passport as instructed may lead to further complications or delays in the cancellation process.

Once you have returned the Indian passport, you have successfully completed the process of canceling your Indian passport after acquiring US citizenship. It is advised to keep copies of all the relevant documents and correspondence related to the cancellation for your personal records.

Congratulations on completing the process of canceling your Indian passport and embracing your new US citizenship!

Canceling an Indian passport after acquiring US citizenship is an essential step to formalize your new citizenship status and ensure the invalidity of your Indian passport. Although the process may seem daunting at first, following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article can help make the cancellation process smoother and more straightforward.

It is crucial to gather all the necessary documents, including your Indian passport, proof of US citizenship, and proof of residence, before proceeding with the cancellation process. Informing the Indian embassy or consulate about your intent and completing the cancellation application form are important initial steps.

Submitting the application and required documents, paying the cancellation fee (if applicable), attending a cancellation interview (if required), and patiently waiting for the cancellation confirmation are integral parts of the process. It is essential to follow all the instructions provided by the embassy or consulate, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in each step.

If requested, returning the Indian passport in a secure manner completes the cancellation process. Remember to keep copies of all relevant documents and correspondence for your personal records.

By canceling your Indian passport after acquiring US citizenship, you are officially acknowledging your new citizenship status and completing the necessary formalities. It is a significant milestone that solidifies your commitment to your new country of citizenship.

Remember, the specific requirements and procedures for canceling an Indian passport may vary depending on your location and the Indian diplomatic mission you are dealing with. Always refer to the official website of the embassy or consulate or contact them directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the cancellation process.

Congratulations on taking this important step in your journey as a US citizen!

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travel to india after us citizenship

  • Search forums
  • After The Green Card And US Citizenship
  • Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Issues

Travel with Indian Passport after US Citizenship

  • Thread starter solicit
  • Start date Mar 20, 2011

Registered Users (C)

  • Mar 20, 2011
'After acquisition of foreign citizenship, an Indian passport cannot be used for travel after three months of the naturalization date' Click to expand...
  • Is it ok to travel with Indian passport for entry to India and use the US passport for return travel back to US? ( within 3 months timeframe )
  • How do you deal with this scenario at Indian Immigration - One would be showing Indian passport on arrival and US passport for departure?
  • Anyone here who has been through this, please share your experiences.

cafeconleche

It seems like they tolerate use for 3 months after naturalisation, but I would NOT do it because, as you know, the application of Indian law by officials is inconsistent.  

You are no more Indian Citizen so you can not use Indian paasport and you must get visa/OCI/PIO to travel to India.  

sanjoseaug20

  • Mar 21, 2011

See a similar thread here ... http://forums.immigration.com/showt...passport-within-3-months-of-citizenship-legal  

You will be in serious trouble when you try to leave India with your Indian passport. Immigration officials with want to see a US visa or green card which you won't have. If you try to leave with your US passport, it will not have a record of entry into India or an Indian visa. After this happens you will immediately be thrown into a jail.  

... we assume. We don't really know how this works, as I don't think anyone has deliberately tried it, and those who have done it without knowing might be languishing in an Indian jail, hehe, though I think a fine will probably more likely. It's just a risk, unless you intend to go through a third country like Indonesia or Thailand that requires no prior visa for Indian citizens.  

  • Mar 23, 2011
solicit said: Is it ok to travel with Indian passport for entry to India and use the US passport for return travel back to US? ( within 3 months timeframe ) Click to expand...

Indian officers are much more particular about stamps. Even though CBP has many horror stories here, there are many a times when they waive a citizen / GC holder in with minimal scrutiny. From what I have seen, Indian officers never ever waive people in. While you can still get by, it is very likely they will check for the entry stamp when you try to exit.  

You absolutely should not think of trying this. The moment you became a US citizen is the moment you no longer were an Indian one and therefore your old Indian passport is no longer valid. What you're thinking of doing is illegal. It is people who have been doing this sort of thing that have wreaked havoc on everyone else because that is why the Indian govt came up with the wonderful surrender certificate, passport cancellation and fees process.  

JPBoston said: You absolutely should not think of trying this. The moment you became a US citizen is the moment you no longer were an Indian one and therefore your old Indian passport is no longer valid. What you're thinking of doing is illegal. It is people who have been doing this sort of thing that have wreaked havoc on everyone else because that is why the Indian govt came up with the wonderful surrender certificate, passport cancellation and fees process. And now they are going to ask if anybody still has voter ID Card of India and then they are going to ask surrender the Voter Card and pay $500 as surrender fees . Click to expand...
  • Mar 24, 2011
ginnu said: if you have money and are ready to pay Bribe you will not go to Jail. If you are Honest and not ready to pay bribe then not to use Indian Passport after getting US citizenship. Click to expand...
sanjoseaug20 said: If the bangladeshi came via the airport route, I am sure they will end up paying 10 times the amount. The reason they get by is because "it is so much work" to find their origins and "it is so easy to take 1000". I did not want to say it, but yes be prepared to pay bribe (or fine) if you want to use your Indian passport after naturalization. Click to expand...

MadeinIndya

  • Aug 9, 2014

That could work, but again, you're not playing by the rules. So, don't expect too much information from the forum, I'd say.  

  • Aug 10, 2014

Well, I am just trying to see where the holes are. Not necessarily do it myself. Anyway, the above would work only if they also just have their US passport with them and did not have the time to apply for Indian Visa's or OCI/PIO. So they can use their Indian Passport to come to India and when they are leaving, just Delhi to Kathmandu and in Kathmandu, they would have to present their PAN card while boarding the flight in India and in Kathmandu present their US passport to get in so they would not have problems leaving Nepal.  

Well, hypothetically, yes. One would use a US passport to get in and out of Nepal to and from the US, and a PAN card to get from Nepal to India and back.  

  • Jul 31, 2015

This thread is old but I'm sure people still look it up so let me share my experience on this as travelled to India after getting my US passport. As I got my citizenship through my parents, I still had my green card so I just managed to come back to US without any trouble at all. The only thing that I faced was a $250 fine later when I renunciatied my Indian passport. I think it was worth it cause my mom is not educated enough and she had to go to India, she had no choice besides taking me along as everyone else in my family was either attending school or working.  

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USCIS Increases Automatic Extension of Certain Employment Authorization Documents to Improve Access to Work Permits

WASHINGTON — Building on extensive modernization efforts that have streamlined and improved access to work permits for eligible noncitizens, USCIS today announced a  temporary final rule (TFR) to increase the automatic extension period for certain employment authorization documents (EADs) from up to 180 days to up to 540 days. This announcement follows improvements that have reduced processing times for EADs significantly over the past year.

The temporary measure announced today will prevent already work-authorized noncitizens from having their employment authorization and documentation lapse while waiting for USCIS to adjudicate their pending EAD renewal applications and better ensure continuity of operations for U.S. employers. This is the latest step by the Biden-Harris Administration to get work-authorized individuals into the workforce, supporting the economies where they live.

“Over the last year, the USCIS workforce reduced processing times for most EAD categories, supporting an overall goal to improve work access to eligible individuals.  However, we also received a record number of employment authorization applications, impacting our renewal mechanisms,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. “Temporarily lengthening the existing automatic extension up to 540 days will avoid lapses in employment authorizations. At the same time, this rule provides DHS with an additional window to consider long-term solutions by soliciting public comments, and identifying new strategies to ensure those noncitizens eligible for employment authorization can maintain that benefit.”

This TFR aligns with an ongoing effort at USCIS to support employment authorized individuals’ access to work. USCIS has reduced EAD processing times overall and streamlined adjudication processing, including:

  • Reducing by half EAD processing times of individuals with pending green card applications from FY2021 to date,
  • Processing a record number of EAD applications in the past year, outpacing prior years,
  • Engaging with communities to educate work-eligible individuals who were not accessing the process and provide on-the-ground intake support of applications,
  • Reducing processing time for EADs for asylum applicants and certain parolees to less than or equal to 30-day median,
  • Extending EAD validity period for certain categories from 2 years to 5 years,
  • Streamlining the process for refugee EADs, and
  • Expanding online filing for EADs to asylum applications and parolees.

This temporary measure will apply to eligible applicants who timely and properly filed an EAD renewal application on or after Oct. 27, 2023, if the application is still pending on the date of publication in the Federal Register. The temporary final rule will also apply to eligible EAD renewal applicants who timely and properly file their Form I-765 application during a 540-day period that begins with the rule’s publication in the Federal Register.

Absent this measure, nearly 800,000 EAD renewal applicants – including those eligible for employment authorization as asylees or asylum applicants, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applicants or recipients, and green card applicants – would be in danger of experiencing a lapse in their employment authorization, and approximately 60,000 to 80,000 employers would be negatively impacted as a result of such a lapse. EADs are generally valid for the length of the authorized parole period. This TFR does not extend the length of parole.

Since May 12, 2023 to March 13, 2024, DHS has removed or returned over 617,000 individuals, the vast majority of whom crossed the Southwest Border, including more than 97,000 individual family members. The majority of all individuals encountered at the southwest border over the past three years have been removed, returned, or expelled. Total removals and returns since mid-May exceed removals and returns in every full fiscal year since 2011.

As part of this temporary final rule, USCIS is soliciting feedback from the public that would inform potential future regulatory action. For more information, visit our  Automatic Employment Authorization Document Extension page .

For more information about USCIS, please visit  uscis.gov  or follow us on  Twitter ,  Instagram ,  YouTube ,  Facebook , and  LinkedIn .

Vice President Kamala Harris returning to Arizona for abortion-related campaign event

travel to india after us citizenship

On the heels of the Arizona Supreme Court’s upholding a Civil War-era abortion ban, Vice President Kamala Harris will visit Tucson on Friday for an event focused on “reproductive freedom,” the Biden-Harris re-election campaign announced Tuesday.

Harris has traveled across the country to rail against Republican-led attempts to restrict abortion. She appeared in Phoenix in early March to argue that Arizona’s laws “criminalize doctors" and "punish" women, calling the state’s anti-abortion advocates “extremists.”

Her visit will come days after the Arizona Supreme Court’s highly anticipated ruling on the topic. On Tuesday morning, the court announced it will uphold an 1864 law that bans nearly all abortions and mandates prison time for abortion providers.

Arizona Supreme Court: Abortion set to be illegal in nearly all circumstances

Republican politicians had asked the courts to allow police and prosecutors to enforce the territorial-era law, after the U.S. Supreme Court rolled back protections afforded by the landmark abortion case Roe vs. Wade.

The campaign did not immediately release further details about Harris' upcoming visit.

Former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for president, released his platform on abortion on Monday. Trump endorsed the Supreme Court’s rollback of Roe vs. Wade and said he believes the matter should be left to the states. He did not endorse a national ban on abortion, which has been floated by some in his party.

“My view is now that we have abortion where everyone wanted it from a legal standpoint, the states will determine by vote or legislation, or perhaps both. And whatever they decide must be the law of the land. In this case, the law of the state,” the former president said in a video posted to social media.

He said he is “strongly in favor of exceptions for rape, incest, and life of the mother,” though many states have implemented abortion bans that do not have those exceptions.

Arizona is considered a swing state in the upcoming presidential election. In 2020, Harris and President Joe Biden beat Trump in the state by less than half a percentage point.

The White House has ramped up its presence in Arizona accordingly. The president, vice president, both of their spouses and several other campaign surrogates have visited Arizona since the beginning of March.

Laura Gersony covers national politics for the Arizona Republic. Contact her at [email protected] or 480-372-0389.

When is the next total solar eclipse in the US after 2024 and what is its path? What to know

The highly anticipated 2024 total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday , giving millions of sky-gazers the chance to see a rare cosmic event that won't be viewable again for 20 years.

The eclipse's  path of totality  will travel over a portion of northern Mexico before entering the U.S. It then it will cross 13 states  from Texas to Maine, where the spectacle is expected to attract huge crowds.

If you aren't lucky enough to be in the path of totality this time around, you will have another chance - you'll just have to wait until the 2040s.

Here's what we know about the next total solar eclipse to cross over the U.S.

Eclipse playlist: Fans return to Bonnie Tyler's 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' ahead of total solar eclipse

When is the next total solar eclipse visible from the U.S.?

It will be 20 years before there's a chance to  witness a total solar eclipse  in the United States again.

According to NASA, after Monday's total solar  eclipse , the next one viewable from the contiguous U.S. will be on Aug. 23, 2044.

2044 total solar eclipse path of totality

Unfortunately, the 2044 total  solar eclipse  won't have the broad reach across the U.S. as the 2024 eclipse.

The path of totality during the 2044 eclipse will only touch three states, according to the Planetary Society, a nonprofit involved in research, public outreach, and political space advocacy.

The eclipse will begin in Greenland, sweep through Canada and end around sunset in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Pets and the eclipse: Will my pets be safe during the April 2024 solar eclipse? What experts say.

2045 solar eclipse

While the 2044 total eclipse will only touch three states, a 2045 eclipse will have a more robust path across the U.S.

Expected to occur on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2045, this solar eclipse will trace a path of totality over California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.

A partial solar eclipse will also be viewable in 35 other states, according to National Eclipse.com

What is a total solar eclipse?

Any celestial object like a moon or a planet that passes between two other bodies can create  an eclipse  by obscuring the view of objects like the sun.

In the event of a solar eclipse, the moon comes in between the Earth and the sun, blocking its light from reaching a small part of our planet. Partial eclipses, when some part of the sun remains visible, are the most common, making total eclipses a rare sight to behold.

Total eclipses can lead to a period of darkness lasting for several minutes, during which time nocturnal animals stir while confused birds and insects may fall silent, NASA says.

When a solar eclipse reaches totality, people are able to see the sun’s outer atmosphere called the corona, which is usually obscured by the sun's bright surface. This offers scientists an uncommon opportunity  to study the corona .

Totality also offers spectators a chance to gaze upon the spectacular sight with the naked eye, though  proper  safety  glasses  are still required for the rest of the time.

What states are on the 2024 eclipse path of totality?

Mexico's Pacific coast will be the first location in continental North America to experience totality, which is expected to occur at about 11:07 a.m. PDT,  according to NASA .

As the moon's shadow will northeast, totality in the U.S. will begin in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CDT. The path will then cut diagonally across the country, traveling through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont and New Hampshire.

The eclipse's path is expected to end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT before visiting the maritime provinces of Canada, according to estimates.

See  interactive maps of the 2024 path .

Contributing: Doyle Rice, Ramon Padilla & Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY

  • International

live news

Israel-Hamas war

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2024 campaign

April 11, 2024 - Israel-Hamas war

By Heather Chen , Antoinette Radford, Tori B. Powell , Aditi Sangal and Elise Hammond , CNN

Our live coverage of Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza has moved  here .

UN committee fails to reach consensus on full Palestinian membership, Security Council president says

From CNN’s Richard Roth and Michael Rios

A specialized UN committee failed to reach a consensus Thursday on Palestinian membership in the United Nations, according to the president of the UN Security Council.

Two-thirds of the committee members were in favor of moving on with membership, with many countries arguing that “Palestine fulfills all the criteria that are required” to be granted full state member status, Malta's Ambassador and Security Council President Vanessa Frazier said. 

She added that no one explicitly objected to the membership qualifications.

Frazier also said she would circulate a draft report on the deliberations as soon as Friday. If the committee doesn’t agree on the report, it could hold another meeting to iron out any differences.

Asked whether the process of deliberating Palestinian membership in the committee is now over, Frazier said, “Unless the next step of agreeing (to) the report of the committee warrants another meeting to iron out the differences, it’s not foreseen that there would be any further committee action.”

But she noted that any UN Security Council member can still table a resolution to vote on Palestinian membership at any time, regardless of the committee's report.

The US and Middle East brace for a possible Iran attack that could escalate the conflict. Here's the latest

From CNN staff

People attend the funeral procession for seven Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps members killed in a strike in Syria, which Iran blamed on Israel, in Tehran on April 5.

Concerns about a possible Iranian attack against Israel has prompted many diplomatic conversations around the globe.

Here are some developments on diplomacy around the threat of an attack:

  • Iran's statement: The imperative for Tehran to "punish" Israel for the deadly strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus last week might have been avoided if the attack had been condemned at the United Nations, Iran’s Mission to the UN said Thursday.
  • US and UK diplomacy: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with the foreign ministers of Turkey, China and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday night and Thursday morning to tell them that countries should be urging Iran not to escalate the conflict in the Middle East after  threats made by Tehran against Israel,  according to a State Department spokesperson. The top US general for the Middle East is also in Israel . Additionally, Britain's foreign secretary warned his Iranian counterpart on Thursday that Tehran “must not draw” the Middle East into a wider conflict .
  • Israel receives US support: Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant spoke with Blinken and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The US officials expressed the country's support for Israel against Iranian threats. Gallant warned that such an attack could lead to a regional escalation.
  • Travel restrictions: The US State Department restricted the travel of US government personnel in Israel in the wake of public threats against Israel by Iran. “The security environment remains complex and can change quickly depending on the political situation and recent events,” the alert noted. US officials  are on high alert  for a potential retaliatory strike by Iran or its proxies against Israel.

Meanwhile, here's some other updates:

  • Hamas on hostages: A member of Hamas' political bureau said   a prisoner-hostage exchange is being discussed as part of larger ceasefire negotiations. "Part of negotiations is to reach a ceasefire agreement to have enough time and safety to collect final and more precise data" on the hostages held in Gaza, Basem Naim said in a statement on Thursday. "Because they (hostages) are in different palaces, (being held) by different groups, some of them are under the rubble killed with our own people, and we negotiate to get heavy equipment for this purpose."
  • Updates on aid to Gaza: It is clear that Israel is working to ramp up humanitarian aid to Gaza, but it has not yet implemented all of the measures it has announced, a top United Nations humanitarian official said. Aid coming in trucks from Israel has to be "segregated from water, from food, from medical items" before it goes into Gaza, said Jamie McGoldrick, the UN’s humanitarian coordinator in Jerusalem. “Getting 400 trucks from Kerem Shalom doesn't mean 400 trucks go into Gaza,” he said, adding that the logistical complications are numerous, and take time to resolve. He also said Israel’s restrictions on movement inside the strip complicate matters.

Anera charity resumes work in Gaza after pausing when Israeli strike killed 7 World Central Kitchen staff

From CNN's Tala Alrajjal and Mohammed Tawfeeq

American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera) has resumed Gaza operations "after a temporary pause" following an airstrike that killed seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid workers on April 1.

"As you know, the decision to temporarily pause our operations was not an easy one. We followed the direction of our staff in Gaza, who've faced death, loss, and destruction since the start of the war," Sean Carroll, the president and CEO of Anera, said in a statement on Thursday. "After the killing of Anera staff member Mousa Shawwa , followed by the attack that killed seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen, we made the difficult but necessary decision to pause aid operations on April 2," Carroll added in the statement.

Carroll said Israeli authorities informed him during a meeting Thursday that "certain measures would be taken to protect humanitarian aid workers in Gaza – including Anera's staff."

"With the full support of our Gaza team, we have determined that the circumstances have changed sufficiently to resume our vital humanitarian work in Gaza," Carroll said. 

Anera on Thursday resumed "full operations in Gaza to deliver meals, food parcels, hygiene kits, tents, medical treatments, and more to families in dire need," according to the statement.

Iran says its imperative to punish Israel could have been avoided had UN Security Council condemned attack

From CNN’s Natalie Barr and Adam Pourahmadi

Emergency services work at a building hit by an air strike in Damascus, Syria, on April 1.

The imperative for Tehran to "punish" Israel for the deadly strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus last week might have been avoided if the attack had been condemned at the United Nations, Iran’s Mission to the UN said Thursday.

“Had the UN Security Council condemned the Zionist regime’s reprehensible act of aggression on our diplomatic premises in Damascus and subsequently brought to justice its perpetrators, the imperative for Iran to punish this rogue regime might have been obviated," the  mission said on X.

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack on April 1, according to a statement from the UN spokesperson Stephan Dujarric. A Security Council discussion was held on April 2 to discuss the attack, but differences among members prevented any formal action or condemnation from taking place.

The United States is on high alert and actively preparing for a “significant” attack by Iran targeting Israeli or American assets in the region  in response to the strike in Damascus  that killed top Iranian commanders.

UK foreign secretary warns Iran not to draw Middle East into wider conflict

From CNN's Natalie Barr

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron speaks during a joint press conference with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington, DC, on April 9.

Britain's foreign secretary warned his Iranian counterpart on Thursday that Tehran “must not draw” the Middle East into a wider conflict following a series of escalating threats made by Iran toward Israel.

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron told Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian that the United Kingdom was "deeply concerned about the potential for miscalculation leading to further violence. Iran should instead work to de-escalate and prevent further attacks," according to a post on X .

Iran's state-aligned Tasnim news agency on Thursday reported that Amir-Abdollahian had told Cameron that the silence from the UK and the United States following Israel’s attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus last week only served to encourage Israel to continue waging war in Gaza and expand its conflict in the region.

US and Israeli defense leaders discuss fears of Iranian attack

From CNN’s Michael Conte in Washington, DC, Tamar Michaelis in Jerusalem and Larry Register in Atlanta

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant today to “reaffirm the US ironclad commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its proxies,” according to a Pentagon spokesperson.

The call comes a day after Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Israel " must be punished and it will be" following a strike on an Iranian embassy compound in Syria that killed seven Iranian officials.

Israel “will not tolerate an Iranian attack on its territory,” the statement read, adding that the two defense leaders also discussed detailed preparations “for an Iranian attack against the State of Israel.”

Gallant said an Iranian attack on Israel could lead to a regional escalation.

It is the second discussion held between Gallant and Austin over the past week, according to the statement. Gallant expressed his appreciation for Austin’s personal commitment to the security of the State of Israel and for the deepening cooperation between the defense establishments of both countries, as well as between the Israel Defense Forces and US CENTCOM.

State Department restricts personnel travel in Israel amid concerns over Iranian threats

From CNN's Jennifer Hansler

The US State Department has restricted the travel of US government personnel in Israel in the wake of public threats against Israel by Iran.

“Out of an abundance of caution, U.S. government employees and their family members are restricted from personal travel outside the greater Tel Aviv (including Herzliya, Netanya, and Even Yehuda), Jerusalem, and Be’er Sheva areas until further notice,” a  security alert  posted by the US Embassy Thursday said. “U.S. government personnel are authorized to transit between these three areas for personal travel.” “The security environment remains complex and can change quickly depending on the political situation and recent events,” the alert noted.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said he would not “speak to the specific assessments that led to us to restrict our employees and family members’ personal travel, but clearly we are monitoring the threat environment in the Middle East and specifically in Israel.”

“We have seen Iran making public threats against Israel in the past few days,” Miller said. “Israel is in a very tough neighborhood and we have been monitoring the security situation. You saw us slightly adjust for travel warnings at the beginning of this conflict and we conduct ongoing assessments all the time about the situation on the ground.”

US officials are on high alert for a potential retaliatory strike by Iran or its proxies against Israel.

Hamas says ceasefire with Israel is essential to collect data on hostages held in Gaza by different groups

From CNN's Abeer Salman and Mohammed Tawfeeq

A member of Hamas' political bureau said   a prisoner-hostage exchange is being discussed as part of larger ceasefire negotiations.

"Part of negotiations is to reach a ceasefire agreement to have enough time and safety to collect final and more precise data" on the hostages held in Gaza Basem Naim said in a statement on Thursday. "Because they (hostages) are in different palaces, (being held) by different groups, some of them are under the rubble killed with our own people, and we negotiate to get heavy equipment for this purpose," he added.

Naim's statement was in response to questions from media outlets about whether Hamas has been rejecting the latest proposal, which was made in Cairo over the weekend, because it can not release 40 hostages in the first phase of a three-stage ceasefire deal.

According to an Israeli official and a source familiar with the discussions, Hamas indicated it is currently unable to identify and track down those 40 Israeli hostages, raising fears that more hostages may be dead than are publicly known. 

CNN's record of the conditions of the hostages also suggests there are fewer than 40 living hostages who meet the proposed criteria.

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3. Processing time : Minimum 7-8 weeks

4.How to apply : Apply online on the VFS website https://services.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/

Note : While applying online make sure that Entry & Exit point should be same in application.

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COMMENTS

  1. Welcome to Consulate General of India, New York (USA)

    Indian Consular Application Centre. 145 W 45th Street 3rd Floor. New York, New York 10036. Processing Time: If everything is in order (i.e documentation etc.) it will take 1-2 working days (excluding VFS mailing time).

  2. Welcome to Embassy of India, Washington D C, USA

    A. Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Cardholders. All OCI/PIO card holders are permitted to travel to India irrespective of their nationalities. It may be mentioned that the Government of India has also allowed extension till 31 December, 2021 for re-issuance of OCI card. Further, there is no need to carry the old passport on which the OCI was ...

  3. Renunciation information

    Under The Indian Citizenship Act, 1955, Persons of Indian Origin is not allowed DUAL Citizenship. If a person has ever held an Indian Passport and has obtained the Passport of another country, they will be required to surrender their Indian Passport immediately after gaining another Country's nationality.

  4. FAQs on Renunciation of Indian Citizenship

    First you must fill the online govt. application form on Passport Seva (STEP 2 in the above link). If you do not have your Indian passport details, you can apply for renunciation without passport under lost passport category. You may enter the passport number as LOST or 00000. To know the document checklist to apply for renunciation, refer to ...

  5. Renunciation of Indian Citizenship: Surrendering Indian Passport

    The maximum penalty on travel is $1,250. $500 penalty for renewing Indian passport after acquiring foreign citizenship. $250 penalty if Indian passport is used for any consular defined miscellaneous services. After obtaining a renunciation certificate, renounced Indian citizens may surrender their passport at the nearest Indian Embassy.

  6. India International Travel Information

    Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories.

  7. Welcome to Consulate General of India, New York (USA)

    Scope. This document provides protocols to be complied by international travellers as well as points of entry (airports, seaports and land border) and shall be valid for all flights landing in India w.e.f. 1st January, 2023 (10.00 Hrs IST) till further orders. A.1. Planning for Travel. i.

  8. Welcome to Consulate General of India, New York (USA)

    A. Foreign nationals intending to visit a place falling in the Protected/ Restricted Area in India, may submit an application for the grant of Protected/Restricted Area Permit to Concerned offices in particular Indian states OR nearest Indian Mission/Post. This requirement is in addition to getting an Indian visa.

  9. India Visa Online

    Authorized Portal for Visa Application to India. All foreign nationals entering India are required to possess a valid international travel document in the form of a national passport with a valid visa from an Indian Mission/Post or eVisa (Limited Categories) from Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs. Avail Indian Visa plus services ...

  10. india

    I've obtained U.S. citizenship after previously being an Indian citizen since birth. Now, say that I want to apply for a brief 6-month tourist visa for India after my naturalization. (Yes, I know about the PIO and OCI schemes, but this question is specifically for applying for a visa.)

  11. Travel To India From USA

    Indian visa requirements for US tourists. India is the largest democracy in the world, with a population of more than 1.3 billion people. It's also one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, with a GDP that reached an estimated $2.4 trillion in 2019. If you're interested in experiencing a large, diverse country, with bustling cities and rural villages, then India is worth ...

  12. Travel to India after US Citizenship : r/immigration

    Yea start the OCI application and then do the e-visa. The former takes 6 months roughly. You can apply for the e-visa while your OCI application is pending. OCI takes a few months. To make it simpler just get e-visa for now if you need it sooner. My wife, Canadian Citizen got her evisa for India in 3 days.

  13. YES, you can apply for an Indian E-Visa without renunciation

    I was successfull in getting an E-visa (i specifically requested for 1 yr only) after confirming with CKGS, Indian Consulate & MEA, so hope the below helps all others in a similar position - Evisa is also meant for those who need to travel to India and have not yet had the chance to renounce their Indian Passport and apply for OCI. - It is illegal to travel on an indian passport after you have ...

  14. Can I Travel Abroad After Applying For U.S. Citizenship?

    You can travel abroad after applying for U.S. citizenship without any restrictions. However, you can travel only as a permanent resident by using your Green Card as you will become a U.S. citizen only after taking your oath of allegiance. So you need to follow the rules applicable to permanent residents which require applying for a re-entry ...

  15. How To Cancel Indian Passport After US Citizenship

    Step 2: Inform the Indian embassy or consulate. After gathering the required documents, the next step in canceling your Indian passport is to inform the Indian embassy or consulate about your intent. This can usually be done through an email or by scheduling an appointment. Contact your nearest Indian embassy or consulate and explain that you ...

  16. Welcome to Consulate General of India, New York (USA)

    Q: Explain citizenship of India by birth, descent, registration, naturalization. A: a. Citizen of India by birth: You are Citizen of India by birth if you are born in India. b. Citizen of India by descent: You are Citizen of India by descent if you are born outside India and either of your parents is a citizen of India at the time of your birth.

  17. Travelling with Indian passport after oath ceremony

    My Oath ceremony is scheduled on July 30th, I may need to travel to India (for good) right after in August 1st week. ... There is no problem in traveling on Indian passport for three months after acquiring US or any other citizenship. After that penalty would apply and may cause issues with OCI. However I wonder how you can get Indian visa ...

  18. U.S. Citizenship for Indians 2024: A step-by-step guide

    Step 3: Citizenship interview and exam - A citizenship interview is usually scheduled after about 10 months of filing the application. The exact time depends on the local USCIS office handling your case. All your details are verified in the interview, which is conducted at your nearest USCIS office.

  19. Travel with Indian Passport after US Citizenship

    You are no more Indian Citizen so you can not use Indian paasport and you must get visa/OCI/PIO to travel to India. S. sanjoseaug20 Registered Users (C) Mar 21, 2011 ... If you are Honest and not ready to pay bribe then not to use Indian Passport after getting US citizenship. S. sanjoseaug20 Registered Users (C) Mar 24, 2011 #11

  20. USCIS Increases Automatic Extension of Certain Employment Authorization

    WASHINGTON— Building on extensive modernization efforts that have streamlined and improved access to work permits for eligible noncitizens, USCIS today announced a temporary final rule (TFR) to increase the automatic extension period for certain employment authorization documents (EADs) from up to 180 days to up to 540 days. This announcement follows improvements that have reduced processing ...

  21. Welcome to Consulate General of India, New York (USA)

    A: OCI Card renewal is only required once after acquiring a new passport after turning 20 years of age. Q: I am a person of Indian origin as my parents were born in undivided India before partition. After partition, they briefly held Pakistani citizenship before moving to the United States. Am I eligible for an OCI card? A: No. If the applicant ...

  22. Total solar eclipse: Where and when it was most visible

    A total solar eclipse created a celestial spectacle Monday in the skies over parts of Mexico, the United States and Canada after a nearly seven-year wait. CNN values your feedback 1.

  23. Kamala Harris to visit Arizona for abortion campaign event

    Republican politicians had asked the courts to allow police and prosecutors to enforce the territorial-era law, after the U.S. Supreme Court rolled back protections afforded by the landmark ...

  24. When is the next total solar eclipse in the US after 2024 and what is

    It will be 20 years before there's a chance to witness a total solar eclipse in the United States again. According to NASA, after Monday's total solar eclipse, the next one viewable from the ...

  25. April 11, 2024

    Travel restrictions: The US State Department restricted the travel of US government personnel in Israel in the wake of public threats against Israel by Iran. "The security environment remains ...

  26. Welcome to Consulate General of India, New York (USA)

    2. US passport holders of Pakistani origin must submit their visa application form along with: a. Certificate of Renunciation of Pakistani Citizenship. b. Their foreign passport with valid Pakistani visa OR Copy of the Pakistan Origin Card. 3. Processing time : Minimum 7-8 weeks