Country Profile for India for Traveling Canadians

You should be aware of the possibility of terrorist attacks against hotels and other locations frequented by foreigners throughout India in the coming days. You are advised to exercise caution and maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times and in all places. You should also remain informed of developments and follow the advice of local authorities.

For information on bombings that occurred on October 29, 2005, in New Delhi, see our Current Issues page.
For information on the earthquake of October 8, 2005, see our Current Issues page.
OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs Canada advises against non-essential travel to the region(s) specified below. (IDW9)
Canadians should avoid all non-essential travel to the areas affected by the earthquake. Aftershocks above 5.5 on the Richter scale are still being felt through the region and communications remain difficult. Mudslides due to poor weather have impeded rescue efforts in accessing the areas. Rain and thundershowers are further hampering relief efforts throughout the affected regions in India, including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttaranchal. Travel to the affected areas is extremely difficult. Road closures are common and additional traffic can impede relief efforts.  Travellers must also be aware that states of emergency have been issued throughout the affected areas. All major airports continue to operate normally. Travellers should consult with their travel agents or tour operators to determine the impact the disaster may have had on their travel plans and make alternative arrangements.
OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs Canada advises against all travel to the region(s) specified below. (IDW5)
You are advised against all travel to the northeastern states of Manipur, Tripura, Assam and Nagaland. You are also advised against travel to Jammu and Kashmir, with the exception of Ladakh via Manali or by air to Leh. Travel to the border areas of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, and areas of Ladakh close to the Line of Control (with the exception of Amritsar and Jaisalmer) should also be avoided. Fields of landmines have been laid along the border with Pakistan. Military presence remains on both sides of the Line of Control. Militants have kidnapped and killed several foreigners in recent years. The Indian government has designated all districts of the Jammu region to be “disturbed areas” under the Disturbed Areas Act. Some travel agents are advising that travel to Jammu and Kashmir is safe. Travellers should not accept this advice. The Indian army continues to cordon off the border and conduct complementary exercises along the Indo-Bhutan border. Therefore, you are advised against all travel to the border areas of Assam and West Bengal.

Flooding in the state of Maharashtra

Due to heavy flooding in the state of Maharashtra, cases of leptospirosis, dengue, malaria and other gastro-intestinal diseases have increased in recent days. Travelers are urged to avoid stagnant water and ensure that drinking water is safe.

3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
Tensions between India and Pakistan have eased, but the security situation remains unpredictable and could deteriorate at short notice. This can be expected to continue for the foreseeable future. Canadians should monitor local developments closely and register with the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi (see below).
On the evening of May 22, 2005, bomb explosions occurred at two movie theatres in western New Delhi. At least one person was killed and 49 injured in the attacks, which appear to have been motivated by the screening of a controversial film.

On August 25, 2003, two bombs exploded in tourist areas of Mumbai, resulting in several deaths and injuries. Canadians should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times, monitor local news reports, and avoid crowds and demonstrations. Exercise caution, particularly in commercial and public establishments and tourist areas (hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars, schools, places of worship, outdoor recreation events) frequented by foreigners.
On December 26, 2004, a large tsunami hit and destroyed part of the southern and eastern coasts of India. The following areas have been severely affected: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, and Andhra Pradesh.
Communal violence has occurred in several cities in the western state of Gujarat since February 2002, resulting in hundreds of deaths. Curfews are still imposed and enforced by police and paramilitary troops in some areas. Canadians in Gujarat state should limit their travel and be particularly vigilant at all times. Travel after dark should be avoided.
All seven states of northeastern India (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura) are subject to insurgencies to varying degrees. There have been incidents of mob violence in several Assam towns since November 9, 2003. Sporadic clashes occur between armed militants and Indian security forces. Ethnically based insurgent groups have attacked civilians and bombed buildings, buses, and trains in the region. In this climate of unrest, banditry (armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion) has flourished. Although the insurgents have not specifically targeted foreigners, travel in the northeastern region is high risk. The Indian government requires foreigners to obtain permits to visit some areas of the northeast. Any inquiries regarding current regulations should be directed to the Indian High Commission in Ottawa (see below).
Terrorist violence, such as bombings in public areas and on public transportation, occurs. Trains and buses are potential targets. Violent crime against foreigners is uncommon but occurs. Petty crime, including pickpocketing and bag snatching, is common. Passports and valuables have been stolen from luggage on trains and buses. Pay attention to the security of personal belongings and passports. Do not accept food or drink from strangers. There have been cases of drugging.
Exercise caution when travelling throughout India, particularly when visiting tourist sites or attending public events, and avoid crowds and demonstrations. Political rallies and demonstrations are frequent throughout the country and can turn violent, particularly immediately preceding and following elections. Transportation and services can be disrupted. Curfews are occasionally imposed. Carry identification at all times. Do not travel alone, especially after dark. Travelling alone in remote areas presents particular risks for foreigners.
Scams involving the export of jewels and/or carpets have occurred. Canadians have been approached by taxi drivers offering money to export such items. Canadians should not accept any offer, no matter how convincing.
Foreign citizens have been attacked or have disappeared while visiting the Kulu/Manali district in Himachal Pradesh, particularly on some of the more remote trekking routes.
Canadians intending to trek in India are strongly advised to:
a) never trek alone;
b) always hire an experienced guide and ensure the trekking company is reputable;
c) buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation services;
d) be in top physical condition;
e) ensure a family member or friend knows your itinerary;
f) be familiar with the symptoms of acute mountain sickness (which can be fatal);
g) register with the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi (see below); and
h) obtain detailed information on trekking routes before setting out.
Canadians intending to trek in India should read our publication Out on a Limb: Advice for the Adventure Traveller.
There are reports of female Canadian citizens being forced into marriage without their prior knowledge or consent. Some are held against their will and subjected to threats, intimidation, and violence by family members. They have been unable to return to Canada, and their passports and money have been retained by family members. Forced marriages are contrary to Canadian law.
If you are in Canada and you believe that you are being forced to travel overseas or to marry, you should contact provincial social welfare authorities, including your local police. You may also contact the Operations Centre of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (tel.: 1 800 267-6788) or the officer responsible for consular matters in South Asia (tel.: 613-992-7992). In India, you should contact the nearest Canadian government office (see below).
Exercise caution when swimming, as strong currents and undertows have resulted in drownings. Warning signs, lifeguards, and rescue equipment are lacking.
Canadians should be aware that there have been media and other reports of inappropriate sexual behaviour by a prominent local religious leader in the southeastern state of Andhra Pradesh. These reports, which are unconfirmed, indicate that the victims have been young males.

4. LOCAL TRAVEL
Drive defensively, as traffic accidents are a common cause of death and injury. Traffic drives on the left. Travel by road is dangerous. Most roads, including major highways, are poorly maintained and traffic is congested. Drivers have little regard for traffic regulations and do not follow safe driving practices. Do not travel by motorcycle or scooter after dark. Helmets are compulsory. Several Canadians have been killed in road accidents in recent years. Use only officially marked taxis, pre-negotiate the fare and seek information from authorized service counters at airports or railway and bus stations.
There is only one land border crossing between India and Pakistan, located between Atari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan. Canadians require a visitor visa to enter Pakistan. The border crossing is open on a limited basis only, and travellers should inquire in advance.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. The IDP is an internationally recognized document that, when accompanied by a valid Canadian (i.e., provincial) driver’s licence, allows you to drive in over 160 countries without a specific test. Its purpose is to overcome difficulties that you may have while travelling in other countries with widely varying licence requirements. It is printed in the six United Nations official languages (Arabic, English, French, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese), plus German, Italian, the Scandinavian languages, and Portuguese. The IDP can also be a useful form of picture identification in case of a lost or stolen passport. An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) is the sole issuer of the IDP in Canada.
Air and rail traffic is sometimes affected by cancellations and rescheduling in northern India in December and January due to fog.
Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, see the Weekly Piracy Report published by the Commercial Crime Services division of the International Chamber of Commerce.

5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
India is located in an active seismic zone. A major earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale occurred in the western state of Gujarat in January 2001, resulting in numerous fatalities and considerable property damage. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the nearest Canadian government office (see below) in the event of an emergency.
The monsoon season extends from June to September and causes severe flooding. In summer, northeastern India periodically experiences heat waves. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.
Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

Foreign Affairs Canada publishes a booklet, A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.
Dual nationality is not legally recognized, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times.

Foreign Affairs Canada publishes a booklet, Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.
Growing numbers of Canadian citizens have been caught up in marital fraud and dowry abuse in India. Most cases involve Indo-Canadian males who abandon their wives in India after cheating them out of large sums of money. Other cases involve misuse of India’s Dowry Prohibition Act. This law, which was enacted to protect women and makes demanding a dowry a crime, is sometimes used to blackmail men through false allegations of dowry extortion. Individuals facing charges may be forced to remain in India until their cases have been settled or pay off their spouses in exchange for the dismissal of charges. To avoid such problems, you are advised to register your marriage in India along with a joint declaration of gifts exchanged, as well as consider a prenuptial agreement.

Penalties for possession and trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect a minimum 10-year jail sentence and fines.

Strict regulations may be enforced on the temporary import or export of items such as firearms, antiquities, electronic equipment, currency, ivory, gold objects, and other prohibited materials. The Government of India recently passed a regulation requiring the registration of antique items with the local police, along with a photograph of the item. Canadians should contact the High Commission for the Republic of India (see below) for specific information regarding customs requirements.

7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
You can obtain consular assistance and further information at the following addresses:
India – NEW DELHI, Canadian High Commission
Address: 7/8 Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021, India
Postal Address: P.O. Box 5207, New Delhi 110021, India
Tel.: 91 (11) 5178-2000
Fax: 91 (11) 5178-2020
E-mail: delhi.consular@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.international.gc.ca/New-delhi
India – CHANDIGARH, Consulate General of Canada
Address: S.C.O. 54-56, Sector 17A, Chandigarh 160 017, India
Postal Address: Chandigarh, India
Tel.: 91 (172) 505-0300
Fax: 91 (172) 505-0323
E-mail: CHADG-G@international.gc.ca
India – CHENNAI (formerly Madras), Consulate of Canada
Address: 18 (Old 24), 3rd floor, YAFA Tower, Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 034, India
Postal Address: Chennai, India
Tel.: 91 (44) 2833-0888
Fax: 91 (44) 5215-9393
E-mail: cheni@gocindia.org
India – KOLKATA (formerly Calcutta), Consulate of Canada
Address: c/o RPG Enterprises, Duncan House, 31 Netaji Subhas Road, Kolkata 700 001, India
Postal Address: Kolkata, India
Tel.: 91 (33) 2242-6820
Fax: 91 (33) 2242-6828
E-mail: ccklkta@rpgnet.com
India – MUMBAI (formerly Bombay), Consulate General of Canada
Address: 4th floor, 41/42 Maker Chambers VI, Jamnalal Bajaj Marg, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021, India
Postal Address: Mumbai, India
Tel.: 91 (22) 2287-6027
Fax: 91 (22) 2287-5514
E-mail: mmbai@international.gc.ca
Canadians in India should register with the High Commission of Canada in New Delhi. Registration can be done on-line. Please complete all the required fields. Once you leave the country, please advise the High Commission of Canada in order to ensure that the list of Canadians in India is accurate.
For emergency assistance after hours, call the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885 or use the services offered by Canada Direct.
Canada Direct, offered by Canada’s major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from India is 000167, where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1 800 561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web site.

8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Conditions are subject to change.
 
Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.
Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.
A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit India. The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa. In the case of a lost or stolen passport, Indian authorities must provide clearance for an exit visa, which can take two to three days to obtain.
All travellers with visas valid for more than 180 days must register, within 14 days of arrival, with the local office of the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) in Mumbai, Kolkata, New Delhi, or Chennai, and with the Superintendent of Police in all other districts.
Tourists must obtain a permit from the Indian government (diplomatic representatives abroad or the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs) to visit the following areas: certain areas of Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Laccadive, Minicoy and Amindivi Islands. The minimum period of notice required for processing the applications for permits is four weeks.
Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required
Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.
Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.
Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the High Commission for the Republic of India and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

9. MONEY
The currency is the rupee. Traveller’s cheques are widely accepted and can be exchanged at banks. U.S. dollar traveller’s cheques are recommended. Credit cards are accepted.
Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

10. GENERAL INFORMATION
India (capital: New Delhi) is the largest country in South Asia, bordered by China, Nepal, Bhutan, Burma (Myanmar), Bangladesh, the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, and Pakistan. The official language is Hindi, but English is widely used for official and commercial purposes. Tourist facilities are widely available in major cities and at main tourist destinations. For emergency assistance, call 100 for police, 102 for ambulance, or 101 for fire.
Radio Canada International (RCI) broadcasts on shortwave to this country. For a schedule of times and frequency of broadcasts, check the RCI Web site. You may also e-mail RCI at info@rcinet.ca or call 514-597-7500.

11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is monitoring a large outbreak of Japanese encephalitis in India and Nepal. Further information on Japanese encephalitis in India and Nepal and recommendations for travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Web site as well as on the World Health Organization’s Web site.
The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
Medical facilities are generally good in major centres, but are usually very limited or unavailable in rural areas.

13. RETURNING TO CANADA
Declare everything acquired abroad, whether purchases for yourself or gifts, as well as goods bought at a Canadian or foreign duty-free store. Keep original receipts. Certain items are restricted from entering Canada. If you are considering importing meat or dairy products, plants, vehicles, weapons, cultural property, endangered species or products derived from them, obtain more information from the Canada Border Services Agency, the Canada Firearms Centre, Canadian Heritage, or the office of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). The booklet I Declare describes what you can and cannot bring back to Canada if you have been away for less than a year.

Transportation companies, such as airlines and rail and bus services, are required to ensure that all passengers that they bring to Canada have satisfactory evidence of their identity and status in Canada, if any. For international travel purposes, the Canadian Certificate of Citizenship (citizenship card) accompanied by a non-Canadian passport is not reliable evidence that the holder is a Canadian citizen. A passport is the only reliable and universally accepted identification document. It proves that you have a right to return to Canada.

Due to increased scrutiny of international travellers by airlines and immigration authorities around the world, Canadian citizens are strongly advised to obtain a Canadian passport prior to initiating travel. Canadian citizens who do not hold a valid Canadian passport should contact the nearest Canadian government office abroad to apply for one.

14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

15. TRAVEL TIPS
You should:
a) carry a Canadian passport for all visits outside Canada;
b) keep a photocopy of your passport’s identification page with you;
c) carry passport, tickets, and money separately;
d) keep personal belongings and passports safe and carry only enough money for anticipated expenses;
e) leave a copy of your itinerary and proof of citizenship with family and/or friends;
f) carry legally certified documentation signed by both parents permitting a child under 18 to travel alone or with an adult (i.e., a relative or teacher), or carry legally certified documentation from the absent parent if only one parent escorts the child, in addition to a copy of any separation or divorce decree or death certificate; and
g) not visit unknown or isolated areas without first obtaining information or assistance.

16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

17. FOR MORE INFORMATION
The Consular Affairs Bureau of Foreign Affairs Canada provides: (a) Country Travel Reports detailing safety and security conditions, health advice, and entry requirements; (b) information on Current Issues highlighting current and ongoing situations around the world; (c) daily e-mail Travel Updates notifying you of changes to our Current Issues and Country Travel Reports; (d) a series of free safe-travel publications to help travellers prepare for a safe and problem-free journey; and (e) Country Profiles for over 200 destinations, which include links (when available) to Canadian government offices abroad and information on individual countries and trade and investment.

For additional information, you may contact the Consular Affairs Bureau by telephone: 1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788; e-mail: voyage@international.gc.ca; Web site: www.voyage.gc.ca/consular_home-en.asp; and TTY: 613-944-1310 or 1 800 394-3472 (in Canada and the U.S.). Specific information may also be obtained from a consular representative by contacting Canadian government offices abroad.

November 15, 2005   Posted in: India