Asia and Oceania
India
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Still current at: 08 January 2009
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Updated: 06 January 2009
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This advice has been reviewed with amendments to the Summary and Local Travel (South India) section (major international conference in Chennai 7-9 January). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
(see travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country
- Travel Summary
- Safety and security
- Local laws and customs
- Entry requirements
- Health
- Natural disasters
- General
See entire profile
Travel Summary
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Following the terrorist attacks between 26 and 30 November 2008, Mumbai has returned to a degree of normality. If you are in Mumbai and require assistance, please call 022 6650 2222. If you have luggage remaining in either the Taj or Oberoi/Trident Hotels, please contact them directly on the following numbers: Taj: +91 22 6657 4372 or if calling from the UK 0800 4588 1825 and Oberoi/Trident: +91 22 6632 5757.
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We advise against all travel to, or through rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir other than Ladakh; all travel in the immediate vicinity of the border with Pakistan (Northern and Western India), other than at the international border crossing at Wagah; and all travel in Manipur and Tripura (East and North East India). See the specific Local Travel section of this advice for more details.
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We advise against all but essential travel to Srinagar (Northern India) and Imphal (East and North East India). If you do travel to these areas then you should only do so by air. See the specific Local Travel section of this advice for more details.
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Due to a major international conference taking place in Chennai from 7-9 January 2009, security at Chennai airport will be increased for the next several days. Visitors should therefore check with their airlines whether they will be required to allow extra time for the check-in procedures.
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There is a high threat from terrorism throughout India. Recent attacks in Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad and Bangalore have targeted public places, including luxury hotels, railway stations, markets and places of worship. Future attacks may target public places frequented by Westerners and expatriates, including in large cities such as Delhi and tourist areas such as Goa. See the Terrorism/Security and Local Travel sections of this advice for more details.
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Over 734,000 British tourists visit India every year (source: Bureau of Immigration). Most of these visits are trouble-free. 1,506 British nationals required consular assistance in India in the period 01 April 2006 – 31 March 2007.
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You should keep a photocopy of your passport, Indian visa and flight ticket separate from the originals when travelling. Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
- We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.
Safety and security
Terrorism/Security
There is a high threat from terrorism throughout India. Future attacks may target places frequented by Western visitors and expatriates. Security levels have been increased at major airports. Travellers should therefore expect delays and allow more time when checking in.
There is a high threat from terrorism throughout India. Future attacks may target places frequented by Western visitors and expatriates. Security levels have been increased at major airports. Travellers should therefore expect delays and allow more time when checking in.
British nationals should exercise particular caution when in the vicinity of key government installations and tourist sites, attending public events (including religious and sporting events), and in public places including hotels, airports, shopping malls, markets and on public transport.
You should take care to be extra vigilant in your movements in the lead up to and on days of national significance, such as Republic Day (January 26), Independence Day (August 15), Ramadan (21 Aug to 19 Sept 2009) and Diwali (27-28 October) as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks in the past. Celebration venues, prominent government buildings, public transport, places of worship and public areas are potential targets for such attacks as are high profile events attended by large numbers of foreign nationals. Travellers should expect an increased security presence.
Since July 2006 there have been terrorist attacks in major cities including Mumbai, New Delhi, Jaipur, Faizabad, Varanasi, Lucknow and Hyderabad. Some of the sites targeted are frequented by tourists. These attacks, often in clusters and at peak shopping time in the early evening, have included:
- From 26-29 November 2008 terrorists attacked a number of sites in Mumbai, including luxury hotels, a railway station and a restaurant. Over 190 people were killed and more than 325 were injured. British Nationals were among the casualties.
- On 30 October 2008, 11 bombs exploded in Assam. Areas affected were Guwahati and the Barpeta, Bongaigoan and Kokrajhar districts. 77 people were killed and over 300 were injured.
- On 21 October 2008, a bomb exploded in Imphal, Manipur killing 17 people and injuring many others.
- On 27 September 2008, a bomb exploded in New Delhi. Two people were killed and 24 were injured.
- On 13 September 2008 five bombs exploded in New Delhi, 30 people were killed and 90 were injured.
- On 26 July 2008 a series of bombs exploded in Ahmadabad, Gujarat and the surrounding area resulting in up to 49 fatalities and over a 100 injured.
- On 25 July 2008 there were a series of bomb blasts in Bangalore, South Eastern India resulting in at least two fatalities and many more injuries.
- On 13 May 2008, there were a series of bomb blasts in Jaipur, western India, resulting in 60 fatalities and 200 casualties.
In some areas there are terrorist incidents virtually on a daily basis. The areas most affected are Jammu and Kashmir (excluding Ladakh) and the North East. A 30-year insurgency campaign by an ultra nationalist group in Assam continues with frequent bombings and random killings. Violent extremist groups are also active in the rural areas of Bihar, Jharkland, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal and Orissa.
Further details on these attacks are available in the Local Travel section of this advice.
See Terrorism Abroad for more details.
Crime
Beware of the risk of street crime and take personal security measures including:
- Taking particular care to safeguard your passport and credit/ATM cards, particularly when travelling by bus and train. There has been an increase in handbag snatching in Delhi.
- A photocopy of your passport, Indian visa and flight ticket should be kept separately from the originals when travelling.
- Be aware of what you are eating and drinking. There have been reports of travellers being drugged and robbed, particularly on trains.
- Do not leave your luggage unattended on trains if you step off for a few minutes at transit stations.
- Be wary of confidence tricksters, particularly in Agra and Jaipur. They promise a substantial cash reward for delivery of jewellery abroad but only in return for an initial deposit. The jewellery is invariably worthless and the deposit, often amounting to thousands of pounds, is lost.
- Avoid walking alone in isolated spots in the popular tourist areas, particularly after dark. There have been incidents of sexual offences against women in Goa, Delhi and Rajasthan, a number of whom have been British nationals.
- Female travellers are advised to observe and respect local dress and customs and to take particular care. For more guidance about this see Assault, Sexual Assault and Rape Overseas and Travel Advice Relevant To You Be aware that drinks served in bars overseas are often stronger than those in the UK.
- Be aware that drinks served in bars overseas are often stronger than those in the UK.
For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.
Political Situation
India Country Profile
Political rallies and demonstrations are frequent throughout the country and can turn violent, particularly around elections. Transport and Public services can be disrupted at short notice. Check whether elections are taking place in the area you are visiting by logging on to the Election Commission of India’s website – http://www.eci.gov.in.
Local Travel
Jammu & Kashmir
We advise against all travel to or through rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir (other than Ladakh), and all but essential travel to Srinagar. If you intend to travel to Srinagar then you should only travel there by air. Despite the best efforts of travel agents who will try to convince you that it is safe to travel to this region, increased official promotion of Kashmir as a tourist centre and improved relations between India and Pakistan, tensions remain high, particularly in Kashmir.
There was widespread violence across rural and urban areas of Jammu and Kashmir in the months of July and August 2008. Curfew restrictions imposed in the Jammu region at the time have now been lifted and conditions are returning to normal. There remains, however, a heightened risk of further volatile and unpredictable violence in Kashmir, including car bombs, grenade attacks, bombs on roads and shootings.
Recent significant incidents include:
- 13 December 2008: one person was killed and 30 others injured in poll-related violence in Pulwama district.
- 25 November 2008: one person was killed and two others injured in a grenade attack at Sopore on. Three other grenade attacks were reported at Sopore in November.
- 17 September 2008: thirty people, including four policemen, were injured when a grenade exploded in a crowded market area in Srinagar.
- 12 September 2008: two people were killed and 100 injured in clashes between protesters and security forces in Srinagar.
- 11-24 August 2008: Curfews imposed across Jammu and Kashmir districts following violent protests. Up to 20 killed and hundreds injured in clashes between protesters and security forces.
- 3 August 2008: Curfew imposed in Jammu City following violent protests. Around 70 people injured when protesters clashed with police.
- 24 July 2008: Five civilians including four children were killed and 18 injured following a grenade attack on a bus in Srinagar.
- 20 July 2008: Two people, including an Indian tourist, were killed and five others injured when a grenade exploded in a crowded market at Gulmarg in the Kashmir Valley.
- 19 July 2008: Nine Indian soldiers were killed and 20 others were injured in an IED blast that targeted an Army vehicle at Narbal on the Srinagar-Baramulla highway.
There is also a risk of kidnapping. Militants took an Indian journalist hostage in 2007. You should be aware that the long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.
There is the danger of land mines in some border areas.
Other Northern States
We advise against all travel in the immediate vicinity of the border with Pakistan other than travel across the international border at Wagah.
The border between India and Pakistan in Rajasthan is unmarked in some areas (primarily because of the local geography). Approaching the border away from an official crossing point could be dangerous, and where it is unmarked it could lead to a visitor straying into the other country illegally.
Trekking: In 2000, there were several attacks, including murder, in the mountain areas of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh. We recommend that trekkers travel in groups and engage local guides.
If you are trekking in remote mountain areas you should be aware that there are no mountain rescue services. The Indian Air Force is under no obligation to perform air rescues and has limited resources available for this. Whilst the British High Commission has a close co-operation with the Indian Air Force it cannot guarantee that an evacuation will be possible in the case of an accident.
If you are trekking in remote mountain areas you should be aware that there are no mountain rescue services. The Indian Air Force is under no obligation to perform air rescues and has limited resources available for this. Whilst the British High Commission has a close co-operation with the Indian Air Force it cannot guarantee that an evacuation will be possible in the case of an accident.
East and North East India
We advise against all travel in Manipur and Tripura and all but essential travel to Imphal. If you intend to travel to Imphal then you should only travel there by air. There is a risk from insurgent groups, mainly in rural areas of these and other states in the east and north east. Although foreigners have not been the deliberate targets of violence, attacks can be indiscriminate. Kidnapping, banditry and insurgency are rife throughout the region.
On 30 October 2008, 11 bombs exploded in Assam. Areas affected were Guwahati and the Barpeta, Bongaigoan and Kokrajhar districts. 77 people were killed and over 300 were injured.
A sudden rise in inter-communal violence in Udalgiri and Darrang in Upper Assam has resulted in over 50 deaths since the beginning of October.
On 30 October 2008, 11 bombs exploded in Assam. Areas affected were Guwahati and the Barpeta, Bongaigoan and Kokrajhar districts. 77 people were killed and over 300 were injured.
A sudden rise in inter-communal violence in Udalgiri and Darrang in Upper Assam has resulted in over 50 deaths since the beginning of October.
Since mid February 2008, sudden strikes have been called by the Gorkha Jana Mukti Morcha in Darjeeling and the surrounding hills in North Bengal. This has resulted in severe transport disruption, a shortage of drinking water, the suspension of waste removal and the closure of shops and government services in the region. It is strongly recommended that if you intend to visit the region you should contact your hotel or lodgings beforehand to ensure that there is no localised disruption. The disruption will also affect visitors to Sikkim as roads to the state run through the Hill area.
- On 21 October 2008, a bomb exploded in Imphal, Manipur killing 17 people and injuring many others.
- On 1 October 2008, a bomb exploded in Agartala, capital of Tripura seriously injuring four people.
- On 16 January 2008, four people were seriously injured in an explosion in central Kolkata (Calcutta).
- On 13 December 2007, a train travelling from Dibrugarh to Guwahati was the target of a bomb blast, resulting in five deaths. You should be vigilant when travelling by public transport as it has been the target of previous attacks.
- On 30 September 2007, at least six people were killed and over 30 were injured in bombings in the state of Assam. The blasts occurred in the areas of Tinsukia and Doomdooma.
You should be aware of the risk of violent crime in the rural areas of Bihar and Jharkhand. There have also been occasional skirmishes on the India/Bangladesh border and civilians have been killed in the crossfire. If you intend to travel to the north east you should check for updates to travel advice and keep yourself up to date on developments in the region.
Annual monsoon rains, which caused the flooding of the Kosi River, have severely impacted the state of Bihar. Over a million people have been left homeless and up to 90 deaths have been reported. On August 28, the Government of India declared the North-Eastern state of Bihar a "national calamity". Travellers to the region should be aware that transportation routes, communication services, and access to food and water could be affected.
Annual monsoon rains, which caused the flooding of the Kosi River, have severely impacted the state of Bihar. Over a million people have been left homeless and up to 90 deaths have been reported. On August 28, the Government of India declared the North-Eastern state of Bihar a "national calamity". Travellers to the region should be aware that transportation routes, communication services, and access to food and water could be affected.
Indian Government permits are required for travel to Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Applications for travel should be made well in advance. In India, they should be made at the liaison offices of the state requiring permits or Foreigners Regional Registration Offices. Permits for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands can be issued on arrival in Port Blair but this is not the case for other states.
South India
Due to a major international conference taking place in Chennai from 7-9 January 2009, security at Chennai airport will be increased for the next several days. Visitors should therefore check with their airlines whether they will be required to allow extra time for the check-in procedures.
South India
Due to a major international conference taking place in Chennai from 7-9 January 2009, security at Chennai airport will be increased for the next several days. Visitors should therefore check with their airlines whether they will be required to allow extra time for the check-in procedures.
Western Region
Following the terrorist attacks between 26 and 30 November 2008, Mumbai is returning to a degree of normality. You should however, exercise caution around large public gatherings.
We advise against all travel in the immediate vicinity of the border with Pakistan other than travel across the international border at Wagah.
The border between India and Pakistan in Gujarat is unmarked in some areas (primarily because of the local geography). Approaching the border away from an official crossing point could be dangerous, and where it is unmarked it could lead to a visitor straying into the other country illegally.
We advise against all travel in the immediate vicinity of the border with Pakistan other than travel across the international border at Wagah.
The border between India and Pakistan in Gujarat is unmarked in some areas (primarily because of the local geography). Approaching the border away from an official crossing point could be dangerous, and where it is unmarked it could lead to a visitor straying into the other country illegally.
There continues to be some inter communal tension in Gujarat, which can lead to isolated incidents of violence.
In Mumbai, there is a risk of armed robbers holding up taxis travelling along the main highway from the airport to the city in the early hours of the morning when there is little traffic on the roads. If you are using the route during these times, you should, where possible, arrange to travel by coach or seek advice at the airport on arrival.
In Mumbai, the international and domestic airport terminals are at a considerable distance from each other and it is not possible to walk from one to the other. If you are transiting between international and domestic flights, it is recommended that you use the free shuttle services available at both airports. You can avail of this service as long as you are able to show a valid onward connection on your ticket. Please note that you will NOT be able to use the service once you exit the terminal building.
After you have cleared customs and immigration at Mumbai airport you should be wary of approaches by thieves posing as Government officials.
Goa
You should take the same precautions as you would in any other coastal resort, be it in Europe or elsewhere in Asia.
Drugs are illegal in India. Penalties for possession of narcotic substances can be severe. There is a minimum sentence of six months for possession of small amounts “deemed” for personal consumption only. A 10-year sentence for possession of other amounts applies. Furthermore, the slow judicial process means that lengthy pre-trial detention, usually of several years, is normal.
You should be aware that drinks served in bars overseas are often stronger than those in the UK.
There have been reports of drinks being spiked and travellers, including British nationals, subsequently being robbed, sexually assaulted or dying. In 2007, 40 British nationals died in Goa up to ten of these deaths were attributed to drug or alcohol abuse.
You should avoid beaches after dark where there is a risk of being attacked by packs of stray dogs, being robbed or sexually assaulted. You should also avoid walking alone in isolated spots in the popular tourist areas, particularly after dark.
Female travellers are advised to observe and respect local dress and customs and to take particular care. There have been incidents of sexual offences against women. For more guidance about this see the Rape and Sexual Assault Abroad and Travel Advice Relevant To You.
Make careful enquiries before buying a property in Goa. For further information about the purchase of property in India please see: http://www.rbi.org.in/scripts/FAQView.aspx?Id=33.
You should take the same precautions as you would in any other coastal resort, be it in Europe or elsewhere in Asia.
Drugs are illegal in India. Penalties for possession of narcotic substances can be severe. There is a minimum sentence of six months for possession of small amounts “deemed” for personal consumption only. A 10-year sentence for possession of other amounts applies. Furthermore, the slow judicial process means that lengthy pre-trial detention, usually of several years, is normal.
You should be aware that drinks served in bars overseas are often stronger than those in the UK.
There have been reports of drinks being spiked and travellers, including British nationals, subsequently being robbed, sexually assaulted or dying. In 2007, 40 British nationals died in Goa up to ten of these deaths were attributed to drug or alcohol abuse.
You should avoid beaches after dark where there is a risk of being attacked by packs of stray dogs, being robbed or sexually assaulted. You should also avoid walking alone in isolated spots in the popular tourist areas, particularly after dark.
Female travellers are advised to observe and respect local dress and customs and to take particular care. There have been incidents of sexual offences against women. For more guidance about this see the Rape and Sexual Assault Abroad and Travel Advice Relevant To You.
Make careful enquiries before buying a property in Goa. For further information about the purchase of property in India please see: http://www.rbi.org.in/scripts/FAQView.aspx?Id=33.
Road Travel
Take great care when travelling by road in India. Car and bike accidents are on of the biggest causes of injury and death overseas. Several British nationals die each year on Indian roads. Special care should be taken at night. Always look to travel in a well-maintained vehicle with seatbelts. If you travel by bike be sure to wear a helmet and proper footwear.
For further information see Driving Abroad.
Sea Travel
Tourist boats and other small crafts very rarely carry life saving equipment. The poor infrastructure can make the provision of consular assistance difficult, particularly in remote areas.
Piracy/armed robbery against ships has occurred in and around India’s waters. Mariners are advised to be vigilant.
For more general information see River and Sea Safety.
Swimming
There are strong currents off many areas of the Indian coast. Regular drownings of both locals and foreigners have highlighted the lack of warning signs or flags and life-saving equipment on most of India's beaches.
Rail Travel
Do not accept food or drinks from strangers. There have been reports of travellers being drugged and robbed on trains, more often than not on the overnight trains. Take particular care of your passport and valuables when boarding and whilst on the train.
Avoid individuals at railway stations offering tickets and tours, mainly to Kashmir and Rajasthan.
Air Travel
Between the months of December and April, flights leaving India become very full. Passengers may find themselves 'bumped off' flights even if they have confirmed seats. All international departures must therefore be re-confirmed at least 72 hours before departure.
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 Travel Advice Relevant to You.
Entry requirements
Visas
You must obtain a visa before travelling to India. If you arrive without a visa, you will be refused entry. Contact the Indian High Commission in London.
Foreign nationals arriving in India on long term multiple entry visas are required to register with the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Officer within 14 days of arrival. Over stayers will be fined and may be prosecuted or detained and later deported. They may also need to appear in person at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Delhi. The High Commission/Deputy High Commission may not be able to intervene in these cases.
Passport validity
Passports are required to be valid for a minimum of six months.
Health
Local medical facilities are not comparable to those in the UK, especially in more remote areas. However, in the major cities private medical care is available, but is expensive. In the case of psychiatric illness, specialised treatment may not be available outside major cities. The treatment of such illnesses may require long-term hospitalisation, which may incur large expenditure and in many of these cases, insurance companies are reluctant to cover the cost.
There are many diseases common to India. You should take care with your water and food hygiene. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to India you should seek immediate medical attention. Mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria, dengue and chikungunya affect most of India.
In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 2,300,000 adults aged 15 or over in India were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.3% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to India and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
There are many diseases common to India. You should take care with your water and food hygiene. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to India you should seek immediate medical attention. Mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria, dengue and chikungunya affect most of India.
In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 2,300,000 adults aged 15 or over in India were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.3% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to India and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general health information see Travel Health.
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
There has been an outbreak of avian influenza in a district 40km west of Guwahati in Assam. The Government of India Animal Disease Laboratory in Bhopal has confirmed the strain as H5N1. Containment measures are underway including a culling of all poultry within a 3km radius of the outbreaks. No human infections have been confirmed.
Previous outbreaks have been in West Bengal and Manipur.
The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low. As a precaution you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.
You should read this advice in conjunction with Avian and Pandemic Influenza, which gives more detailed advice and information.
Natural disasters
Monsoons
Travel inthe rural areas during the Monsoon season can be hazardous and care should be taken. Monsoon rains cause flooding and landslides that can cut off some towns and villages for days at a time. It is best to check access routes before setting off on a journey.
General
Insurance
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See Travel Insurance for more details.
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See Travel Insurance for more details.
If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is how we can help.
Replacing a lost or stolen passport
If your travel document is lost or stolen you should notify the police immediately and obtain a police report. A replacement passport can be applied for at New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. Straightforward applications are normally issued within 10 working days.
Cults
There have been media reports about the activities of some cults and religious movements in India. For further information please contact the charity Information Network Focus on Religious Movements (INFORM), which aims to help people by providing them with accurate, balanced, up-to-date information about new and/or alternative religious or spiritual movements. The website offers guidance and information about seminars and events: http://www.inform.ac.
Consular Registration
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
Purchasing Property
You are advised to seek legal advice before investing in immovable property or businesses in India. There have been several cases where verbal agreements were reneged on and loopholes in agreements exploited to their disadvantage.
There are often strict rules preventing the purchase of property by non-Indian nationals (for example in Goa). If the purchase is judged to violate local laws (including if you purchase whilst on a tourist visa), you are likely to lose all the money you have put in to the purchase, and may even face prosecution.
British Overseas Missions in India
NORTHERN INDIA: The British High Commission in NEW DELHI covers Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and the new State of Uttaranchal. Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110 021 (tel: +91 11 2687 2161; Consular fax: +91 11 2611 6094); e-mail: conqry.newdelhi@fco.gov.uk
NORTHERN INDIA: The British High Commission in NEW DELHI covers Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and the new State of Uttaranchal. Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110 021 (tel: +91 11 2687 2161; Consular fax: +91 11 2611 6094); e-mail: conqry.newdelhi@fco.gov.uk
Office Hours: (GMT) Mon-Fri: 03:00-07:30 and 08:30-11:30; {Local time): Mon-Fri: 09:00-13:00 and 14:00-16:00
Consular Hours: (GMT) Mon-Fri: 04:30 to 10:00; (local time): Mon-Fri: 10:00 to 15:00.
Consular Hours: (GMT) Mon-Fri: 04:30 to 10:00; (local time): Mon-Fri: 10:00 to 15:00.
EAST AND NORTH-EAST: The British Deputy High Commission in KOLKATA (Calcutta) covers Bihar, Orissa, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. 1A Ho Chi Minh Sarani, Kolkata 700 071 (tel: +91 33 2288 5172/73/74/75/76; fax: +91 33 2288 3435) E-mail: Kolkata@fco.gov.uk
Office Hours: (GMT): 03:00-07:30 and 08:30-10:30; (Local time): 08:30-13:00 and 14:00-16:00.
Consular Hours: (GMT) Mon-Fri: 03:30 – 07:30 and 08:00 –10:30; (local time): Mon-Fri: 09:00 -13:00 and 13:30 – 16:00.
Emergency Duty Officer: +91 9831 075663.
SOUTH INDIA: The British Deputy High Commission in CHENNAI (Madras) covers Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, the Union Territory of Pondicherry and the Lakshadweep Islands. 20 Anderson Road, Chennai 600 006 (tel: +91 44 4219 2151; fax: +91 44 4219 2322) E-Mail: bdhcchen@airtelmail.in.
Office Hours: (GMT): 03:00-07:30 and 08:30-10:30; (Local time): 08:30-13:00 and 14:00-16:00.
Consular Hours: Mon-Thur (GMT) 03:30 - 07:30 and 08:00- 09:30 (Local time) 09:00 - 13:00 and 13:30 -15:00; Friday: (GMT) 04:00 - 07:00 (Local time) 09:30 - 12:30.
WESTERN REGION: The British Deputy High Commission in MUMBAI covers Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Naman Chambers, C/32 G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, (Opposite Dena Bank), Bandra East, Mumbai 400051 (tel: +91 22 6650 2222) (fax: +91 22 6650 2324) E-Mail: Consular.bombay@fco.gov.uk
Office Hours: Mon-Thur: (GMT) 02:30-07:30 and 08:30-10:30; (Local time): 08:00-13:00 and 14:00-16:00
Consular opening hours: (GMT) 03:00 - 08:00 (Local time): 08:30 - 13:30 (Mon – Fri).
Emergency Duty Officer: +91 98200 00343; (Fax: +91 022 22833928).
The British Tourist Assistance Office in GOA provides consular assistance to British nationals. This office does not issue visas. S-13/14 Dempo Towers, Patto Plaza, Panaji, Goa- 403001. (Tel: +91 832 243 8897 / 8734); (Fax +91 832 6641297) Email: assistance@goaukconsular.org
Consular opening hours: (GMT) 03:00 - 08:00 (Local time): 08:30 - 13:30 (Mon – Fri).
Emergency Duty Officer: +91 98200 00343; (Fax: +91 022 22833928).
The British Tourist Assistance Office in GOA provides consular assistance to British nationals. This office does not issue visas. S-13/14 Dempo Towers, Patto Plaza, Panaji, Goa- 403001. (Tel: +91 832 243 8897 / 8734); (Fax +91 832 6641297) Email: assistance@goaukconsular.org
Office Hours: Mon-Fri: (GMT) 02:30 - 10:30; (Local time): 08:00 - 16:00. Consular opening hours: Mon to Thu (GMT) 04:00 - 09:30 (Local time): 09:30 - 15:00; Fridays (GMT) 04:00 - 07:00 (Local time): 09:30 - 12:30. Emergency Duty Officer: +91 98200 00343. (Fax: +91 022 2283 3928).
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