Arrival and Custom Information

Please be advised that regulation at most international points of arrival do not permit passengers to be met inside secured passenger areas (such as the immigration and customs areas). The TBi representative will meet you on arrival immediately after you have passed through the passenger areas.

Baggage

Security in Indian airports is very stringent and all hand baggage is x-rayed and sometimes physically searched prior to boarding flights. Domestic airlines do not permit any dry cell batteries, sharp implements and inflammable items to be carried in cabin baggage. Therefore please ensure that camera batteries, scissors, razors etc. are packed in your checked baggage.

There are several different sets of baggage allowance regulations in effect for international and regional flights. Baggage allowance varies depending on type of aircraft and class service. You should check the exact baggage regulations pertaining to your specific itinerary with either your travel agent or TBi.

Any baggage in excess of airline limitations may be subject to excess baggage charges. These charges are the responsibility of the traveler.

Every piece of checked baggage should be locked and contain identification both inside and well as outside. In addition do not pack valuable items, such as camera and jewelry in checked baggage. While every precaution will be taken with your baggage, TBi cannot be held responsible for any damaged, lost or stolen baggage or personal property and we strongly recommend the purchase of adequate baggage insurance by each traveler.

Departure Tax Information

Indian departure taxes are now always included in the purchase price of international airline tickets. In the event the departure tax has not been included in the purchase price of your ticket, it must be paid at the airport prior to departure in local currency.

If you are traveling to Nepal from India then departure tax of Rs 150 has to be paid prior to checking in. Please check the exact amount for the tax, as these are liable to change at short notice.

Health Information

Discuss health requirements for your travel itinerary with a qualified health professional at least six weeks prior to departure. In addition, a good source of health information is the U.S Centers for Disease Control (The CDC) in Atlanta, which operates a 24-hour recorded international travelers’ information Line. Information is also available from your local public health department.

Yellow Fever

If you are arriving from a country where yellow fever is endemic (Africa except South Africa and most parts of South America) you are required to have yellow fever vaccination which must be taken at least ten days before your arrival in the country. If your trip requires you take the vaccination, you must ask your doctor to provide you with an “International Certificate of Vaccination” which should be carried with you at all times. If proof of vaccination is required and you do not have it, entrance into the country will be denied.

Malaria

It is recommended that you take anti malarial medication especially if visiting India during the months of July to September in Northern India, and November and December in Southern India. However, please consult the CDC or your own physician regarding preferred drugs and dosage.

In addition to anti-malarial medication, personal protection measures such as wearing long sleeves and long pants should be taken to avoid mosquito bites, especially between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. These measures include using an insect repellent containing 20% to 35% of the active ingredient “DEET”.

It is also recommended that all international travelers ensure that their tetanus, Hepatitis A and polio vaccines are up-to-date.

Since health requirements can change at very short notice, it is important that you check with a qualified health professional for the most current information concerning your travel itinerary and personal health history. It is also suggested that you carry a traveler’s medical kit appropriate to your destination, length of trip and general health. Your physician can advise you on specific items to include (such as remedies for minor stomach ailments, dehydration and motion sickness). You should include an adequate supply of any prescription medication you may require while traveling.

If you do have any known food restrictions, allergies or medical conditions or physical disabilities, which need special care, you should ensure that your travel agent and TBi are made aware of these. A copy of your health insurance should be available with your travel agent.

Weather

Although India has primarily a tropical climate, the weather varies widely all over the sub continent. There are roughly eight climatic zones, with the monsoons coming to different parts of the country at different times.

North and Central India

Although India has primarily a tropical climate, the weather varies widely all over the sub continent. There are roughly eight climatic zones, with the monsoons coming to different parts of the country at different times.