Frequently Asked Questions
- Passport Validity:
Q: How many months of validity does my passport need to have when traveling?
A: Your passport needs to have at least 6 months of validity from the time of application. - Visa Requirements:
Q: Do I need a visa?
A: Travelers with Japanese citizenship will require the appropriate visa for their purpose of traveling to India. - Travel Insurance:
Q: Is travel insurance necessary?
A: We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. You can check the travel advisories and health information of your destination on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website. - Vaccination:
Q: Are vaccinations required?
A: Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required if arriving from a yellow fever risk country within 6 days. Malaria prophylaxis is advisable for areas up to 2000 meters’ altitude. Cholera vaccination is not required. - Indian Railway Tickets:
Q: Can I purchase Indian railway tickets by myself?
A: Indian Railways tickets generally require advance booking. The options include purchasing tickets at the railway station counter or online. Both methods have their complexities, including long queues and language issues. To ensure a smooth and reliable experience, many travelers opt for booking through a local travel agency. - Railway Fare Variations:
Q: Do Indian railway fares vary by day?
A: There are no weekend or holiday fares. Instead, the railway offers a few fare categories from the cheapest to the most expensive. What you are shown on the IRCTC website when booking is the fare you will pay. - Late-Night Airport Arrival:
Q: My flight arrives at Delhi Airport late at night. Can I use the metro for transportation?
A: The Airport Express Line operates from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. While it’s a convenient option for those whose hotels are directly connected, most accommodations require additional transportation from the metro station to the hotel. Travelers often find that arranging airport transfer services with a trusted travel agency helps them avoid late-night transit complications and potential issues with taxis. - Airport Drop-off Locations:
Q: Can I arrange an airport drop-off to a location other than a hotel in Delhi?
A: Yes, you can arrange drop-offs at locations outside of Delhi. The cost will depend on the distance, the number of travelers, and the vehicle type. Please feel free to inquire about this. - Early-Morning Flights:
Q: My flight from Delhi Airport is early in the morning. Is there a place to rest within the airport?
A: The Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 3 offers nap and massage services. However, there are a limited number of beds (14), and booking in advance is essential. Additionally, the domestic terminal doesn’t allow passengers to enter until 2 hours before departure. We recommend considering hotel accommodations for a more comfortable rest, especially for early-morning flights. - Smoking:
Q: I’m a smoker. Are there any specific things to be aware of when smoking in India?
A: Smoking is not allowed in public areas such as restaurants and hotel lobbies. Smoking is only permitted in designated smoking areas. There are strict penalties for smoking in non-designated areas, so please be cautious. - PayPal Payments:
Q: What is PayPal, and can I use it for payments?
A: PayPal is a payment gateway service from the United States that is widely used in India. It accepts various payment methods, including VISA and MasterCard. - Please note that India’s technological advancements are such that even credit card payments to the homeless as a form of alms are common, reflecting the country’s extensive IT infrastructure.
