1. Documents
- Indian passport holders: valid passport; no visa or e-Arrival Card needed.
- Foreign passport + OCI: carry your OCI card and the passport it’s linked to. Renewed your passport? Update it on the OCI portal (within 3 months). OCI holders are exempt from the e-Arrival Card.
- Foreign passport without OCI: get an e-Visa and fill in the e-Arrival Card.
- Children with foreign passports need their own OCI or visa.
2. Money
- Use your NRE/NRO account with UPI on your international mobile number: supported in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Singapore, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Hong Kong, France and Malaysia (check your bank).
- Keep a card for backup and some cash for small purchases.
- See money in India.
3. Phone
Keep your Indian number alive for OTPs, or get a new SIM on arrival (how).
4. Customs
Under the Baggage Rules 2026: ₹75,000 duty-free for tourists of Indian origin; jewellery up to 40 g (women) / 20 g (men) if you’ve lived abroad more than a year.
5. Health and comfort
- Bring regular medicines with prescriptions.
- Give yourself a day to adjust to heat, food and jet lag, especially with kids.
- In winter, North India’s air quality can be poor; check AQI for elderly parents and children.
6. Get things done while you’re there
Update KYC at your bank, renew your Aadhaar/PAN details, visit the property, and see the family doctor: book appointments before you arrive.
This is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source or a qualified professional.
