Asia and Oceania

India
Still current at: 27 November 2009 Updated: 23 November 2009

This advice has been reviewed with amendments to Local Travel (East and North East India) section. The overall level of the advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel advice for this country

Local laws and customs

You should not become involved with drugs of any kind. Penalties for possession of narcotic substances can be severe. There is a minimum sentence of six months for possession of small amounts for personal consumption only. A 10-year sentence for possession of other amounts applies. The slow judicial process means that lengthy pre-trial detention, usually of several years, is normal.

The penalties for paedophile offences are also severe. Indian family law is very different from UK law and particular caution is needed when, for example, child custody becomes an issue. Please see child abduction.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Your trip.

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India Travel Advisory 2009 [requires flash, opens in a new window]

Contacts

India, New Delhi, British High Commission

Address:

British High Commission
Chanakyapuri
New Delhi 110021

Telephone:

(91) (11) 2687 2161
Emergency out of hours number: +91 (0)11 2419 2100

Fax:

(91) (11) 2687 2882 Management
(91) (11) 2687 0062 Economic & Commercial
(91) (11) 2687 0065 Press & Public Affairs
(91) (11) 2611 4603 Defence
(91) (11) 2687 0068 Political

Email: web.newdelhi@fco.gov.uk

Office hours:

GMT:
Mon-Fri: 0330-0730 / 0830-1130

Local Time:
Mon-Fri: 0900-1300 / 1400-1700

Mon-Fri: 0900-1400 (Consular)

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Website: http://ukinindia.fco.gov.uk