Major Hurdles Faced By Foreign Travelers in India
For foreigners traveling to India, food, monuments and diverse culture of India are always the main attraction. According to Indian tourism data for 2023, 9.23 million foreign tourists visited India. Though many travelers are said to have a great time in India, they often face various hurdles. Not only with India but with any foreign country, the chances that travelers face hurdles are always there.
In context to India, if you are planning to visit any soon, we have brought you some hurdles so you can avoid them. However, before we begin, let's see how you can avoid hurdles from the start by applying for an Indian visa online.
What Is an Indian e-Visa?
To travel to India, most countries need a valid visa. The traditional way to get an Indian visa was to visit the Indian embassy and do a lot of paperwork online. In 2014, the government of India, in order to make the process of getting a visa easier for countries, issued e-Visa facilities.
More than 171 countries are eligible to get an Indian e-Visa. Check here if your country is eligible for an Indian e-Visa.
However, a person who is born in or has been a permanent citizen of Pakistan is not eligible for an Indian e-Visa. From the Indian embassy, a sticker visa can be applied offline in such cases.
Also, holders of official, diplomatic and UN passports, as well as INTERPOL officials and other officials possessing an international travel document, are not eligible to apply for an Indian visa online.
Hurdles Faced by Foreign Travelers in India
Culture
Cultural differences are one big hurdle that is faced by foreigners coming for a trip in India. Though many travelers love the cultural diversity of India, many may not be flexible enough to adapt themselves to diverse cultures.
Language Barrier
Though India is a country where English is being spoken by many people, travelers often face challenges in understanding the language due to pronunciation and way of speaking. Also, in the rural parts of India, communication for a traveler, who only speaks the native language of their country, becomes problematic.
Transportation Woes
Getting around in India can be tricky. Trains are often crowded and can be delayed. Tuk-tuks and taxis might try to overcharge tourists who don't know the local rates.
Foods (Spicy Food)
Indian foods are mostly spicy. Where some travelers become fan of the Indian food, many find the spicy food problematic for their stomach.
Scams and Touts
Unfortunately, some people try to take advantage of tourists. Common scams include overcharging for goods or services, fake tour guides, or taxi drivers who take longer routes to increase the fare.
Weather Extremes
India's climate can be harsh, especially for those who are not used to it. For European travelers, summers can be extremely problematic and create hurdles.
However, it doesn't matter what country you visit, as a traveler both, fun and hurdles can be experienced. Keep your calm when you come across any hurdle and find a solution to it smartly. The smartness should begin right from the preparation for your trip. Get your Indian tourist visa online and avoid hurdles from the start.
If your intention for travelling to India relates to a commercial or business purpose, then you are eligible to apply for Indian Business Visa Online. If you are planning to go to India as a medical visitor for medical reason, consulting doctor or for surgery or for your health, then Indian Medical Visa Online is available for your needs.
Citizens of many countries including Belarus, Belgium, Australia, Fiji, Colombia, Morocco are eligible for India e-Visa.