USA to India Travel Requirements: What You Need to Know

The USA to India travel requirements include your travel documents, health checks, and your logistics in order. 

Planning a trip from the USA to India? Whether you’re heading there to explore historic forts, visit family, or conduct business, you’ll need to get your travel documents, health checks, and logistics in order. Indian entry requirements have changed over the years, especially post-COVID, and 2025 brings a few updates you should know.

This guide simplifies everything you need to prepare for your journey from the United States to India, from visas and vaccinations to customs and airport rules. Let’s dive in.

What Documents Are Required to Travel from the USA to India?

Before you book your flight, make sure to get your USA to India travel checklist ready:

Must-Have Travel Documents:

• Valid Passport (must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in India)

• Approved Indian Visa (most travelers from the US need an eVisa)

• Return or Onward Ticket (sometimes checked at immigration)

• Proof of Accommodation (hotels, relatives’ address, etc.)

• Travel Insurance (optional but highly recommended)

Indian Visa Requirements for US Citizens

All US travelers need a valid visa to enter India. The easiest and fastest option is the India eVisa.

India eVisa Overview:

• Eligibility: US passport holders are eligible

• Types:

1. 1. • eTourist Visa (for tourism and visiting family)

      • eBusiness Visa

      • eMedical Visa

• Application: Online via India’s official eVisa portal

• Documents Required:

1. 1. • Passport scan (PDF)

      • Recent passport-style photo (JPEG)

      • Travel details (flight, accommodation)

• Processing Time: 3–5 business days

• Fee: Varies by visa type and duration

• India does not offer a visa on arrival for US citizens. Don’t board your flight without an approved visa.

Health & Vaccination Guidelines (2025)

As of mid-2025, India has lifted most COVID-19 restrictions for travelers. However, health preparedness is still key.

Health Requirements:

• COVID-19 Test/Vaccination: No longer mandatory, but carry vaccination proof if you have it

• Yellow Fever Certificate: Required only if arriving from a yellow fever–endemic country

• Recommended Vaccinations:

1. • Hepatitis A and B

   • Typhoid

   • Tetanus and Diphtheria

   • Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

   • Rabies (for rural travel)

Entry Process at Indian Airports

Upon landing in India, you’ll go through the following:

Arrival & Immigration:

• Present your passport and eVisa printout.

• Provide basic arrival information

• Biometric scanning (fingers and photo)

Customs:

• Declare items exceeding limits (gold, electronics, cash > USD 5,000)

• Avoid carrying banned substances or wildlife products

Major Airports with eVisa Entry:

• Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi – DEL)

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai – BOM)

• Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (Hyderabad – HYD)

• Kempegowda International Airport (Bangalore – BLR)

• Chennai, Kolkata, Kochi, Ahmedabad & more

• If your layover is in the Middle East (e.g., Dubai or Doha), check if you’ll need a transit visa.

Travel Advisories & Regional Restrictions (2025)

Check the U.S. Department of State’s India Travel Advisory before your trip. While most areas are safe for tourists, certain regions (like Kashmir) may have temporary restrictions.

Always register with STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) for real-time travel alerts and emergency updates from the U.S. Embassy in India.

Money, SIM Cards & Local Essentials

Currency Exchange:

• INR (Indian Rupees) is the official currency

• Exchange small amounts at airport kiosks for convenience

• Better rates at banks and local forex shops

Getting Connected:

• Buy a local SIM card (Airtel, Jio, Vi) with a passport & visa copy

• Requires local address (hotel usually works)

Useful Travel Apps:

• Airfarebooking (affordable flight deals)

• MakeMyTrip (travel bookings)

• Zomato or Swiggy (food delivery)

• Ola and Uber India (rides)

• Paytm or Google Pay India (payments)

Final Checklist Before You Fly

Here’s the same checklist framed in a simple, easy-to-read line format:

Travel Checklist for USA to India Trip:

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)

• Indian eVisa approved and printed

• Return or onward flight ticket booked

• Vaccination records (optional, but helpful)

• Currency exchanged (USD to INR)

• Local SIM card ready or plan to buy one

• Travel insurance purchased

To Summarize

In 2025, traveling to India will be easier than it used to be and only in case a person is well-prepared. You will be landing with confidence, well prepared with your passport, visa, and documents in hand, and with the important health tips and awareness about the customs of the country. India is a land of culture, color, and connection, and it all begins here with making your entry right. That is why pack up, make sure your papers are right, and be ready to discover the magic of India. Therefore, you can grab last minute airfare deals by choosing the best flight booking platform. Airfarebooking can help you out in the long flight booking process. 

 

FAQs

1. Do US citizens need a visa to travel to India?

Yes, US travelers must obtain an eVisa or a regular visa before departure.

2. Is COVID testing required to enter India in 2025?

No, COVID testing and vaccination proof are not mandatory as of 2025.

3. Can I get a visa on arrival in India with a US passport?

No. India does not offer a visa on arrival for US passport holders.

4. What vaccinations are recommended for India travel?

Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Tetanus, MMR, and Rabies (if traveling in rural areas) are recommended.

5. Do I need to show a return flight ticket at immigration in India?

Not always, but it’s strongly recommended to avoid delays at entry.