India is a diverse country with a culture so different from ours in America that it can be like stepping into a whole other world. Many tourists long to go to India to experience a different way of life and it’s no surprise, India is beautiful. Like America, India is also split into states, each one with something slightly different about it. You might want an ocean experience, with crystal clear waters and white sands. You might want a culinary adventure, with exotic spices, and new and exciting flavours. Maybe you’d prefer a yoga retreat, with time for morning meditation and a whole new closeness to nature. India can offer all of these things and more. Before you book your holiday though, there are a few things to bear in mind. We’ve made a list of all of the little things you need to think about before taking the plunge and booking your Indian excursion,
Different Laws
Some of the laws in India are different from those in the US and they can vary on a state-by-state basis. For example, some states in India have different rules on online gaming from other ones, with Telangana and Andhra Pradesh being two of the strictest. If you do enjoy online gaming then it’s a good idea to choose the site that you use through a provider that knows all about the legalities. Asiabet is specifically designed to bring the best online casinos in India to their customers, whilst ensuring not just their safety and security, but also the best selection of games and bonus offers.
Of course, gaming isn’t the only area of law that’s different in India. One of the laws that varies the most from laws in the US concerns drinking alcohol. Many of us enjoy having a cold beer on the beach, but in certain parts of India, this is absolutely prohibited. As with other laws, these vary from state to state, but in Bihar, Mizoram, Gujarat, and Nagaland it is against the law to consume alcohol at all, so be mindful of that if you want to avoid serious trouble. A typical sentence for consumption of alcohol is five to ten years in prison, which really isn’t worth the risk! In some states, foreigners can buy 30-day alcohol permits, which allow them to consume alcohol at a sensible level. Finally, if you fancy a cigarette with that beer then think again, smoking is totally prohibited in all public places except those clearly marked designated smoking areas. Perhaps this vacation could be the prompt you need to give up altogether?
Do You Need a Visa?
If you want to visit India as an American citizen then you’ll need to obtain a visa to do so. Thankfully the visa process is incredibly simple and for the vast majority of people can be completed online at any time of the day or night. In order to qualify for entry, you’ll need a valid passport with at least six months on it from the time you plan to arrive in India. As well as this, you’ll need a debit or credit card and an email address so that your documentation can be sent to you. When your visa is granted, you’ll be allowed sixty days to complete your visit and there is no opportunity to extend. However, if you fall in love with India and want to visit again then you can use another sixty-day visa in the same year. Whilst the application process is very quick and simple, it is advisable to apply at least four days before your arrival date, just in case anything unexpected arises.
Getting the Right Vaccinations
One of the downsides to India is just how many tropical illnesses prevail in this country. The good news is that it’s really easy to protect yourself from them by ensuring that you get your vaccinations before you leave. Contact your doctor at least two months before you set off to schedule a course of vaccinations. As a minimum, you should be vaccinated for diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A & B, as well as polio and typhoid. It’s also worth mentioning that the standard vaccinations that you received as a child should be up to date too. With these vaccinations, most travellers should be absolutely fine, but if you’re planning on an extended stay and staying in one of the more impoverished parts of the country then meningitis and rabies are other vaccines that you might want to consider.
