Visa & Passport Requirements

•  Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.

•  Visa: A tourist visa is required for entry into India.

How to Apply for a Visa:

•  Apply online: India Visa Application

•  Visa Fee: $76 (valid for 6 months from issue date)

•  Processing Time: At least 2 weeks

Documents Required for Visa Application:

•  Printed visa application form

•  Two passport-style photos

•  Copy of driver’s license or utility bill (proof of address)

•  Copy of birth certificate

•  Prepaid self-addressed USPS envelope (with tracking number) for visa return

Mail Application To:

 Travisa India Outsourcing – Visa Section
316 East 53rd St, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10022

 Register Your Trip with the U.S. Embassy:
 U.S. Embassy Registration
This allows the embassy to contact you in case of emergencies.

 Medical Preparations

•  Vaccinations & Health Precautions – Recommended by the CDC:

•  CDC Travel Health Info

• Routine Vaccines: Ensure you are up to date on MMR, DPT, polio, etc.

• Hepatitis A & B: Recommended for travelers due to possible exposure.

• Typhoid: Necessary, especially if traveling outside major cities.

• Polio Booster: Required for adults who had prior vaccinations.

• Japanese Encephalitis: Recommended for rural visits.

• Rabies: Consider if spending time in rural areas or around animals.

 Food & Water Safety:

•  Drink only bottled, boiled, or carbonated water.

•  Avoid tap water, ice, and fountain drinks.

•  Eat fully cooked food and avoid street vendors.

•  Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer (60% alcohol).

•  Bring diarrhea medication for mild cases (Imodium A-D, Lomotil).

•  Malaria Risk: Not a concern in the areas we are visiting.

 Culture & Religion in India

•  India is a land of religions, with Hinduism being the most prominent (80%).

•  Religious Demographics:

•  Hinduism – 80%

•  Islam – 12%

•  Christianity – 2%

•  Buddhism & Jainism – Less than 1%

•  Christian Influence: While a minority, Christianity has a presence, and mission work is ongoing.

•  The Indian Caste System

India has a historical caste system with five main levels:

•  Brahmins – Priests, scholars

•  Kshatriyas – Rulers, warriors, landowners

•  Vaishyas – Merchants, traders

•  Shudras – Artisans, agricultural workers

•  Harijans – "Outcasts" (formerly known as untouchables)

This system has been legally abolished, but social influences remain in some areas.

 Travel Reminders & Packing Tips

•  Before You Leave:

•  Double-check your passport & visa!

•  Pack 1 set of clothes & toiletries in your carry-on.

•  Write down your passport number & details (keep separately).

•  Make passport copies (leave one at home and with the team leader).

•  Packing Essentials:

•  Toiletries (store liquids in ziplock bags).

•  Medications (allergies, first aid, diarrhea medicine).

•  Sunscreen & bug spray.

•  Reusable water bottle (for bottled water refills).

•  Sunglasses, hat, lightweight clothing.

•  Light rain jacket or poncho.

•  Flashlight with extra batteries.

•  Battery-powered alarm clock.

•  Bible & devotional book.

•  Airport & Customs Tips:

•  Do NOT joke about bombs, weapons, or security threats.

•  Stay together—always travel in pairs or groups.

•  Check your luggage carefully—don’t leave anything behind.

•  Follow team leader’s instructions when passing through customs.