Travel guidance and Tips for Foreign
Tourists in Rajasthan India
Are you planning a visit to India? I am sure when you plan
India Rajasthan state is always in your bucket list and yu plan your itinerary
accordingly. One of the best destinations in the world Rajasthan is visited by millions
of tourists from across the globe. The 'royal state' of Rajasthan boasts of so many historical
cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ajmer, Bikaner, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Sikar and
many more. The entire state of Rajasthan is a beautiful representation of
India's rich architectural heritage, cultural diversity and hospitality.
The feel is entirely different when you are in Rajsthan. We wholeheartedly welcome you to revel in the
sights, sounds and flavors of Rajasthan.
Please find below a few things you will need to know before you visit
Rajathan in India
VISA RULES FOR INDIA
The below instructions and information are general in
nature; however, for specific information, we urge you to visit or contact the
Indian Mission / Embassy website as per your country of residence.
A passport that is valid for a minimum of six months beyond
the date of intended return from India should ideally accompany your visa
applications.
Foreign tourists holding other nationalities (other than the
country where applying for visa), should submit proof of long-term (at least
three years)/ permanent residence in the country (where applying). For citizens
of other countries, a reference has to be made to their country of residence
for which an additional fee is chargeable and will also involve extra
processing time. Please refrain from making inquiries about the status of the
application during this time.
Following visas are available from the Indian missions
abroad:
TOURIST VISA
This is given for 6 months normally; it may vary depending
on the country of residence. The applicant is required to produce/submit
documents in proof of his financial standing. Tourists travelling in groups of
not less than four members under the auspices of a recognized travel agency may
be considered for grant of collective tourist visa.
BUSINESS VISA
This is valid for one year or more with multiple entries. A letter from
the sponsoring organization indicating nature of business, probable duration of
stay, places and organizations to be visited incorporating therein a guarantee
to meet maintenance expenses, etc. should accompany the application.
STUDENT VISA
These is issued for the duration of the academic course of study or for a
period of five years whichever is less, on the basis of firm letters of
admission from universities/recognized colleges or educational institutions in India.
Change of purpose and institutions are not permissible.
TRANSIT VISA
This is issued for a maximum period of 15-days with single/double entry
facilities to bonafide transit passengers only.
VISA TO MISSIONARIES
This is valid for single entry and duration as permitted by Government of
India. A letter in triplicate from sponsoring organization indicating intended
destination in India, probable length of stay, and nature of duties to be
discharged should be submitted along with guarantee for applicant's maintenance
while in India.
JOURNALIST VISA
This is issued to professional journalists and photographers for visiting
India. The applicants are required to contact on arrival in New Delhi, the
External Publicity Division of the Ministry of External Affairs and, in other
places, the Office of the Government of India's Press Information Bureau.
CONFERENCE VISA
This is issued for attending conferences/seminars/meetings in India. A
letter of invitation from the organizer of the conference is to be submitted
along with the visa application. Delegates coming for conferences may combine
tourism with attending conferences.
EMPLOYMENT VISA
This is issued to skilled and qualified professionals or persons who are
engaged or appointed by companies, organizations, economic undertakings as
technicians, technical experts, senior executives etc. Applicants are required
to submit proof of contract/employment/engagement of foreign nationals by the
company or organization.
E-TOURIST VISA (ETV)
This is available to International Travellers whose sole objective of
visiting India is recreation, sight-seeing, a casual visit to meet friends or
relatives, short-term medical treatment or a casual business visit. For more
information, visit
https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html
FEES
The fee structure depends on the nationality of the passport holder and
type/duration of visa applied. The existing fee structure is:
MISSION SITES
Transit VisaUS$ 5.00Visas with validity up to six monthsUS$ 30.00Visas
with validity up to one yearUS$ 50.00Student VisaUS$ 50.00Visas with validity
between one to five yearsUS$100.00Visa fees indicated in US$ are payable in
local currencies as well. Visa fees are not refundable except in cases where a
visa already issued is cancelled thereafter.
PROCESSING DURATION
Depends on the type of visa applied.
MISCELLANEOUS
INFORMATION:
The duration of stay in India for each visit on a tourist visa or business
visa is only for a period of 6 months even though a valid visa may be for more
than 6 months.
The visa is given for a period for which the passport is valid. For
example, if a passport is valid until April 30, 2009 and an applicant is
applying for 5 year visa on December 31, 2008, the applicant will not be issued
a 5 years visa as the passport expires before the 5 year visa.
VALIDITY OF ALL VISAS IS COUNTED FROM THE DATE OF THEIR
ISSUE
Tourist visa up to 5 years may be granted if the foreigner is connected
with the tourism trade.
If visa is for more than 180 days, registration is compulsory within 14
days of first arrival in India.
Extension of visa in Delhi - Ministry of Home Affair (MHA) - Director (F),
Lok Nayak Bhawan, Ist floor, Khan market, New Delhi-110003.
In an effort to ensure your stay is a comfortable and safe
one, we have listed out a code of conduct for both the tourists and hosts: -
DO's FOR FOREIGNERS IN RAJASTHAN INDIA
DO'S FOR ACCOMMODATION:
Always check into approved/classified
hotels, paying guest houses, bed-and-breakfasts or RTDC run hotels.
Whenever possible, make enquiries at
the Rajasthan Tourism Tourist Information Bureaus located in major railway
stations, bus stands and airports.
Before staying in a paying guest
accommodation, always check about its authorisation by the Department of Tourism
Always book through a government registered travel company. You can ask for their CIN No. that is company registration no.
For example Organic Holidays LLP is a government of India registered company.
Their CIN no. is AAH-9226. After getting the CIN no. just google this no. and if you get the name of the company in Company information it means the company is registered
DO'S FOR TRANSPORT:
Take autorickshaws or taxis from
pre-paid kiosks at Railway Stations, Bus Stands or wherever available.
If a prepaid autorickshaw is not
available, settle the fare/charges before embarking on the journey.
Hire
taxis from approved Travel Agency or RTDC.
Book taxis through taxi aggregator
apps.
Make enquires (as to where, and how far each monument or
tourist site is located) before setting out on sightseeing.
DO'S FOR SHOPPING:
Purchase from reputed/recognised shops or Government emporiums.
Always insist on a bill for purchases made.
Ensure there is a Value Added Tax registration number (VAT) on your bill
sheet.
Payments made by credit cards must have the amount mentioned in both,
words and numbers.
Always double-check the goods in the parcel before leaving the shop or
allowing it to be packed for dispatch.
Ensure payment by credit cards is made only once for each bill.
Ensure that wrongly made out bills are destroyed immediately to avoid
double payment.
Avoid showrooms near tourist sites or else ensure the price
and authenticity of the purchase being made.
Avoid shops that have names very similar to Government run emporia or
concerns like RTDC (Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation) or Rajasthali,
which are public sector undertakings.
Avoid associating or developing relations for furthering business with
unknown persons who are glib talkers and at times impeccably turned out.
Avoid help of guide /driver while shopping. Try to avoid shops recommended
by them.
DO'S FOR MONEY EXCHANGE:
Take from authorised money exchangers and always get a receipt.
DO'S FOR TAXI:
Utilise services of pre-paid taxis, wherever available.
IN CASE CHEATED:
If you are cheated, inform the nearest Police Station/Police Control Room
immediately or TAF (Tourist Assistance Force) personnel posted near monuments.
Miscellaneous:
You are advised not to dress in clothes
that are too revealing and too scanty.
Eat food that you buy yourself.
Always ensure your passport and other
precious belongings are safe. Never give them to strangers, shopkeepers or
hotel staff.
DON'Ts FOR
ACCOMMODATION:
Stay with or be coaxed into staying
with people you meet at railway platforms, bus stands or shopping areas.
Think you are getting a bargain if a
free ride is given by any transporter to a hotel. Check with Rajasthan Tourism
tourist information office first.
Allow any one into your room (for a
drink, snacks or just a chat) unless the person is well known to you.
DON'Ts FOR TRANSPORT:
Free rides can culminate into trouble
at a hotel suggested by the driver.
Leave your important documents,
valuables, luggage, etc. with the driver.
DON'Ts FOR SHOPPING:
Let the driver coax you into doing more shopping than sightseeing.
Sign on blank letter heads or bills.
Let shopkeepers pack your purchases behind a counter or in another room.
It must be done in front of you and signed across the joints or ensure some
method whereby no changes can be made.
DON'Ts FOR MONEY EXCHANGE:
Exchange from unauthorised money exchangers who do not provide a receipt.
DON'Ts FOR TAXI:
Leave your valuables and goods/ luggage in taxi/auto rickshaw etc.
Miscellaneous DON'TS
Hang on to the arms of young men or give them the impression that you find
them attractive.
Go in for free lunch and dinner or drinks.
Roam around alone in the late hours of the night.
Call/Whatsapp now if your are planning your holidays in Rajasthan India and looking for Adventure trip, home stays, organic farm stays,Paragliding, Camping, Desert Safaris etc.
+91 7018319485
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Source - Rajasthan Toursm
