India
India Culture Overview1
- Capital: New Delhi
- Population: approx. 1.46 billion- India is currently the world’s most populous country
- Official: Language: Hindi
- Currency: Indian Rupee
- National Flower: Lotus
- India is known for its world- renowned monuments and architecture, including the Taj Mahal
- The game of chess originated in India
- India is the world’s largest producer and exporter of spices
- India has the largest percentage of vegetarian citizens.
- Cows are considered sacred animals by many.
Tips On Moving to India
What Do You Need to Enter India?2
- Valid Passport
- Visa
Customs and Declarations3
All passengers entering Japan are required to declare their belongings. Passengers carrying cash or other means of payment exceeding 1 million yen are required to declare to Customs.
Travel Restrictions
India strictly regulates prohibited and restricted goods, including items banned for health, security, or cultural reasons, to protect its heritage and regulations.
Some prohibited items include:
- Wildlife Products: Trading in wildlife products, including ivory, is banned under the Wildlife Protection Act, reflecting India’s commitment to biodiversity conservation.
- Maps and literature depicting Indian external boundaries inaccurately, according to the Government of India’s perspective
- Antiquities
Some restricted items include:
- Plants and Plant Products: To prevent the spread of pests and diseases, the import and export of plants and plant products are subject to quarantine regulations and require a phytosanitary certificate.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Fresh fruits and vegetables are subject to strict regulations due to the risk of pests and diseases. It’s recommended to avoid bringing these items into the country.
- Dairy and Meat Products: Importation of dairy and meat products is highly regulated due to health and safety concerns. It’s advisable to avoid carrying these items unless they meet specific health and import standards set by the Indian government.
- Carrying currency beyond the prescribed limits
o Remember, all food items should be declared upon arrival, and it’s best to check the latest guidelines from the Indian Customs and the Ministry of Agriculture, as rules can change.
Helpful numbers in case of emergencies in India4
There are several important emergency numbers to know in case you ever experience an emergency or need emergency help:
- Police: 100
- Fire: 101
- Ambulance: 102
- National Emergency Number: 112
Passing Away in India5, 6
In the case of a death of a Foreign National in India, it is mandatory to report the death to the jurisdictional Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or Foreigners Registration Office (FRO).
According to the Registration of Births and Deaths Act (1969), a death must be registered with the proper authority within 21 days.
Required documentation to register a death with the local authorities includes:
- Application form from the local registrar
- Application fee
- Medical Cause of Death certificate signed by a doctor
- Post-mortem report (if required in the case of an unexpected or suspicious death)
- The deceased’s passport
Repatriating Mortal Remains4
If the mortal remains of a Foreign National need to be transported to their native country, the deceased’s relative or an authorized representative may submit an application for obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to the jurisdictional FRRO or FRO.
Documents required for a NOC:
- Death Certificate from Municipality/ Corporation/ Panchayat
- Death Report from local police station
- Copy of Passport and Visa of the deceased
- Letter from the family address to FROO seeking permission for transportation of body
- Death summary from hospital
- Copy of Passport and Visa of the carrier
- Copy of flight ticket
- Embalming Certificate from an authorized medical institution
- Letter from the Embassy/Consulate of the foreign citizen
Additional Resources