overview
Republic of India
country information
Flag
Neighbours
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
China
Myanmar
Nepal
Pakistan
capital
New Delhi
DRIVING SIDE: Left
INTERNET CODE: .in
TOME ZONE: UTC + 05:30
COUNTRY TEL CODE: +91
COASTLINE:
Borders on Indian Ocean
7516.6 km
population
1,372 billion
religion
Hinduism 79.5%
Islam 14.4%
Christianity 2.5%
Other <6.3%
president & parliament
Head of State: Pres. Narendra Modi
Ruling Party: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
minority & majority groups
5 major groups: Hindi-speaking Indians, Bengalis, Telugu-speaking Indians, Marathi-speaking Indians and Tamilians
Minority: Dalits, Jews of India, Kashmiris, Muslims, Nagas, Sikhs, Adivasis
For more info: https://minorityrights.org/country/india/
| The Risk Assessment Levels and Factor Matrix provides an overview of the main factors influencing the safety of expats in a host country.The Levels are based on internationally recognised colour codes and includes a description of each level, as well as preparatory interventions advised for each level.The factor matrix (further below), contains factors that influences the safety of expats as well as the stability of the host country. A total Risk level for the country is provided, based on the added average of the various categories (and rounded to the nearest whole number).The matrix and final score are provided to assist with gathering of information in order for individuals and organisations to make informed decisions and secure a level of preparedness related to the destination. By providing this matrix and score, the CRN in no manner either prohibits or encourages travel to a location. Every individual and organisation makes their own decisions whether to travel or not, and does so completely at their own risk. | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Risk Assessment Levels: | |||||||
| Level | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
| Level Type | Very Low | Low | Medium | High | Very High | ||
| Level Description | Little to no impact on expats [i] | Some variables exist, but situation is predictable | Several variables exist and the situation is unpredictable | Conditions exist that are unsafe and situation is unpredictable | Constant and serious threats exist and situation is hostile | ||
| Preparatory Interventions [ii] | – Research country – Travel insurance | – Research and insurance – Personal safety training | – Research and insurance – Personal safety training -Hostage training – Contingency plans – Support actors have a CMT | – Research and Insurance – Personal safety training – Hostage training – Advanced Security training – Contingency and evac plan – Support actors have a CMT | – Research and insurance – Personal safety training – Hostage training – Advanced security training – Contingencies and evac plan – Support actors have a CMT | ___________________________________________________________________
i Expat is a person living in a country other than their native country ii. Preparatory Interventions can include Personal or Advanced Safety Training, Hostage Event training, Contingencies and Evacuation plans and Crisis Management Team (CMT) training. The reason for travelling will determine the type of training – e.g. Global Journalist Security Training focuses on needs of human rights defenders, etc. Individuals or organisations must pursue preparatory measures and content of training suited to their mandate and needs. iii. Note to the reader: When the score for WAR is a 5, it will affect several of the other categories and it becomes the main factor to consider when preparing and travelling to the area. | |
LANGUAGE
Hindi/English
Hello: Namaste
Yes: Haan हाँ
No: Naa/Nahi ना / नहीं
Thank you: Dhanyavaad धन्यवाद्
Skukriya शुक्रिया (less formal)
For more on contexts of using, visit: https://www.wikihow.com/Say-Thank-You-in-Hindi
C U R R E N C Y &
E X C H A N G E R AT E
Indian Rupee INR (₹)
1 USD = 75,48 INR
1 ZAR = 4,30 INR
Subject to change
VACCINATIONS
No compulsory vaccinations, but Malaria medication required and medication for Traveller’s diarrhea
Recommended: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Cholera, Yellow Fever, Rabies, Meningitis, Polio, Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR), Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis), Chickenpox, Shingles, Pneumonia & Influenza
ELECTRICITY
Voltage Requirements:
230 V
Standard Frequency:
50 Hz
Power plugs & sockets are of type C, type D & type M
Big cities have electricity most of the time
Load shedding does occur
TEMPERATURE
Winter: min. -2 °C – max. 9 °C
Summer: min. 18 °C – max. 30°C
DIPLOMATIC TIES / AIRPORTS / CARRIERS / NGO’S
EMBASSY / CONSULAR PRESENCE
South African High Commission in New Delhi
B18 Vasant Marg
Vasant Vihar
New Delhi 110 057
India
Office hours: 08:30-12:30 and 13:15-17:00
Head of Mission: Dr H. N. Manzini, High Commissioner
Refer to:
https://southafricainindia.wordpress.com/
(+91) 11 2614 9411 to 20
DOMESTIC FLIGHTS & CARRIERS
AirAsia India
Air India
Go Air
IndiGo Airlines
Jet Airways.
Jet Lite
SpiceJet
Vistara
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Valid Passport with min. 60 days remaining until expiry date with sufficient pages (minimum 2 blank pages) for entry and exit stamps
The best option for Visa applications seem to be E-Visa. Electronic Travel Authorization is a simple and quick process and travel authorization is normally issued within 2-3 days. Through the E-Visa option one can also apply for shorter business Visas and medical Visas
Normal Visa application can still be done through Visa agencies (https://www.vfsglobal.com/india/southafrica/) or directly via the different consulates in Cape Town, Pretoria and Durban
Previous visits to Pakistan or if any of your ancestors or family have Pakistani ties can count against you when applying for an Indian Visa
MAIN AIRPORT(S)
India has more than 20 international airports
Indira Gandhi International Airport (one of the main Airports)
All major cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru etc. have international airports
NGO’S OPERATING IN COUNTRY & CONTACT DETAILS
There are thousands of NGO’s operating inside of India
To see a list of NGO’s and fundraise updates and announcements, visit: https://guidestarindia.org/default.aspx
Climates to Travel. India. Available from: https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/india
Pew Research Center. India. Available from: http://www.globalreligiousfutures.org/countries/india#/?affiliations_religion_id=0&affiliations_year=2010®ion_name=All%20Countries&restrictions_year=2016
Last Updated 18 May 2020