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Jan 28, 2025

India, one of the world’s oldest civilizations, is a melting pot of multicultural experiences. The country is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, thanks to its rich heritage and numerous attractions. It spans 32,87,263 square kilometers, extending from the snow-capped Himalayan peaks to the tropical rain forests of the south. India has the finest architectural heritage, tranquil ghats, spectacular landscapes, and the world’s largest tiger reserve. India, the world’s 7th largest country, stands apart from the rest of Asia, separated by mountains and the sea, which give the country a distinct geographical entity.

It’s no surprise that tourism is a significant foreign exchange source for India. The apex body for the largest development and promotion of Indian tourism is the Department of Tourism, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India.

Travel and tourism is India’s largest service industry. It offers history tourism, cultural tourism, medical tourism, business tourism, and sports tourism. The primary goal of this sector is to develop and promote tourism, maintain India’s competitiveness as a tourist destination, and improve and extend existing tourism goods to generate employment and economic growth.

In India, ‘Athithi Devo Bhava’ signifies that the guest is to be treated as if he or she were God.

Because of the diverse nature of tourism, there is no single entity that can be classified as tourism regulation. Nonetheless, regulations exist in the tourism industry to control, permit, promote, empower, or prohibit commercial/leisure activities of both service providers and tourists. There are additional regulations that respect tourists’ rights, as well as contract rules that govern relationships across industry divisions. Travel and lodging were two sectors with long-standing regulations, but new areas that need to be incorporated into tourist legislation have evolved, and there is a requirement for comprehensive tourism legislation.

Coupled with blissful-relaxing travel comes a lack of knowledge of a location’s regulations. The Indian legal system, on the other hand, is lengthy and cumbersome. Fortunately, Indian law stands clear regarding a majority of tourist laws, irrespective of whether you are an international tourist or are just visiting the country. The same are stated below:

The provisions regarding public expression of affection in the Indian Criminal Code (IPC) renamed as Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 leave plenty of space for ambiguity. While it is permissible to embrace or kiss in some locations, it is deemed offensive to even hold hands in public in others. It is best to assess the environment before engaging in any such action.

Notwithstanding the fact that tourism is not explicitly stated anywhere in India, the Union list, Concurrent list, and State list all include aspects related to tourism. The union list includes emigration laws, aviation, ancient sites and monuments, shipping, highways, and so on; the concurrent list contains wild animal and bird protection, forests, and so on; and the state list includes domestic pilgrimage, theatres, and so on. Several laws have evolved at various times in response to these concerns.

The Indian Penal defines ‘Public Nuisance’ as any illegal act that causes any common injury, danger, or irritation to the public or people in general. Loud sounds and music, public drinking, vandalism, and nudity are all examples of ‘public nuisances’ under this definition. Although it is tempting to snap photos and movies of many tourist destinations, certain temples, government zones, and the like have a ban against it. Take care to store your binoculars in crowded airports, train stations, and other public places.

Many states in India have varied rules regulating alcohol consumption. Alcohol may also be prohibited while an election is approaching or on religious or political holidays. Certain states, such as Gujarat and Bihar, have a year-round no-alcohol policy. A permit may be required for the same. Furthermore, due to the disparities in state alcohol regulations, transporting alcohol between states is frequently unlawful. Narcotics are categorically prohibited across the country, and violators may face fines or imprisonment ranging from 6 months to 10 years.

Unless otherwise specified in his visa, every foreigner must register themselves with the Foreigner Regional Registration Office within 14 days (or 24 hours in the case of a tourist from Pakistan). This is possible at the airport. Foreigners visiting India for 180 days or less are not required to register.

Section 14 of the Registration of Foreigners Act requires a foreign person to declare his/her identity, nationality, and papers such as a passport, ID proof, and so on, as well as sign at the hotel or guest house where he is staying. The hotel/guest house manager must notify the police of the said arrival within 24 hours.

To stay in a hotel, foreign nationalists also need to keep copies of Form C & Form F of the Registration of Foreigners Act. These can be obtained from the Foreigners Registration Office or downloaded online.

Foreign nationalists aren’t allowed to visit places marked as protected areas or restricted areas unless they own a permit from the concerned authority. The request for such permission must be made at least eight weeks in advance & must be substantiated by an extraordinary reason to visit the said places.

International tourists must keep their passports on them at all times. If they choose to drive during their journey, they must have an international driving permit as well as a helmet in case of riding a two-wheeler. Foreigners are not permitted to exit the country with any local money. Banks at international airports are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to convert unused rupees. However, an encashment certificate must be presented while returning Indian rupees.

If a person who is not a resident of India wishes to stay in the nation for more than 120 days, an “Income Tax Clearance” certificate is necessary before leaving. This document will demonstrate that the person’s stay in India was paid for with his own money rather than by working or selling his things. The finance minister aimed to make the tax system more impersonal and to end harassment in the 2003 budget. Expatriates who come to India for tourism or professional employment must now provide a guarantee from their employer, etc., in respect of tax payable before leaving India.

There are two check-in counters at the airport for tourists. Passengers having no dutiable articles or unaccompanied baggage may walk through the Green Channel, while the others must take the Red Channel. Travelers visiting from Yellow Fever Endemic Countries must possess a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate conforming to International Health Regulations before they are allowed into the country.

India boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna, with over 500 species of animals, 2000 species of birds, 30,000 types of insects, and hundreds of species of aquatic and reptile life. The Indian Wild Life Protection Act of 1972 protects much of the country’s biodiversity. As a result, the country has created 80 national parks, 441 wildlife refuges, and 43 botanical gardens. The terms of the Act make it illegal to kill or poach any of the protected animals. Violations of the Act’s provisions result in harsh penalties ranging from monetary fines to incarceration and long-term imprisonment.’

As much as these rules are in place to promote a seamless visitor experience, I believe that the government and responsible authorities should do a little more. There should be a tourist helpline number because not every tourist understands his or her rights and responsibilities. To prevent naive guests from being duped, the government must likewise penalize tourism agencies that are not authorized by the government.

These, and other steps, will not only make travel easier but will also actively promote tourism in the country. You must have realized by now how critical it is to dispel myths about the lack of, or even the absence of, tourist restrictions in India. I have provided you with the essential information regarding such regulations, and you should pass it on to the itinerant tourist to tell him that he will be landing in an orderly place that meets the greatest standards of civilization.