Travel Preparation

TRAVEL Documents

It is advised to make copies of your passport, visa, plane tickets, health cards or any important documentation that you carry. This makes replacing any such lost or stolen items much more efficient. Keep all copies in a safe and separate place from your originals.

A. Passport

You need a current passport to apply for a visa.

B. Visa

A visa is a stamp in your passport indicating the length of stay you are authorized to be in India. There are various options which are described on the passport application and at the website for the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, indianconsulate-sf.org.

When filling out the Visa application, keep in mind that you are traveling to India as a tourist. Do not mention the Ashram on visa applications or to custom officials as it may appear that you are entering as an International worker rather than as a tourist.

Your ‘address in India‘ is your Delhi hotel or you can write “traveling” and list places you hope to visit.

Your contact info for India can be left blank or write traveling. Some people list a tour company if they are working with one.

C. Airline Tickets

1. Reconfirmation. Most airlines require you to reconfirm your ticket at least 72 hours before leaving India, either by phone or In person. It is your responsibility to know the rules of you’re airline and follow their requirements.

If you are being met by Exotic Tours in Delhi, they offer this service to you if you will be in Delhi for several days. Or you leave them with a copy of your plane ticket, as long as you do not plan to change your dates of travel.

2. Purchasing Tickets.

Flights to and from India are very popular and discounted fares can usually be arranged with Indian consolidators. Get any India Bay area magazine and they are filled with ads. Some people prefer to stop over in an Asian or European city to break up the time in the plane and to have the fun of visiting another country. Some airlines charge a bit more for a stopover, so be sure to inquire if this is your preference.

2. Group Travel from Mid January through March.

A group of visitors usually accompany Baba Hari Dass during his annual visit from late January to late March. For more information on the current group trip, please refer to the website or contact Nirmala, unikta@yahoo.com.

The group typically flies to a European or Asian city, spends one night at a hotel and continues on to New Delhi the next day. People can save money on airlines and hotels if they fly directly to India without stopping. In Delhi we spend 2-3 nights before leaving by train for the ashram. The group hotel is usually expensive and you can do your own research to make reservations at more discount hotels if preferable.

C. Immunizations

The Center for Disease Control issues periodic bulletins with recommended immunizations for travel in India. Check with your personal physician or CDC website for travel immunizations. There are basic immunizations and the need for immunizations can change by the season. Some series require 4-6 weeks for shots to take effect. No shots are mandatory, but many people choose to get some or all of the following: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid Tetanus-Diphtheria booster, Measles booster, Polio, one time dose, Meningococcal Meningitis, Malaria Prophylaxis. Remember to bring your immunization booklet for documentation/reminders in case of illness.

D. Luggage

Whenever possible, Sri Ram Foundation requests that each passenger pack personal things in just 1 of two allotted bags. The SRA packing crew can pack your second bag with things for the children at the ashram. If needed, you can give the packers your sleeping bag or some other items for the second bag, but this needs to be arranged ahead of time. You will be given a list of the contents and each of us takes personal responsibility for the bag we carry. When traveling, be careful to say that no one unknown to you, etc. packed the extra bag.

a. Carry-on Luggage

Carry-on requirements vary with the airlines. Check your carrier for requirements. To avoid difficulty at the gate, pack according to regulations. Otherwise you might be required to leave things behind at the gate or pay an additional charge to check your carry-on as an extra bag. Rules change and it is always advisable to confirm current luggage rules with your airline before departing.

b. Checked Luggage

Most international flights allow each person two bags weighing 50 pounds each. Some Asian Airlines permit 70pounds each. Be sure you know you know requirements. The length + width + depth cannot exceed 62 inches. Be sure everything is packed well. For liquids and breakables, pack in several plastic bags sealed with tape inside a hard case or cardboard box.

E. Immigration

India is 13.5 hours ahead of California from Jan – March. (India does not have daylight savings time so this time varies depending on the month of the year that you travel)

1. Arrival/Departure/Customs–Delhi Airport

Arrival in India: The best explanation for your visit is “tourist.” Never mention the ashram. “Volunteer work” is not an acceptable answer as it could appear that we are depriving Indians of jobs. It is illegal to sell personal electronics such as cameras, computers, tape recorders, etc. If customs suspect this intention, they may insist you register with Indian Immigration to be sure you take them home with you. When you’ve retrieved your bags, proceed out through the main exit. Don’t let strangers escort you. There are government desks for taxis etc. at the exit to the airport. Use these services if you are traveling alone without prior arrangements.

Departure From India: Sri Ram Ashram and Mount Madonna related projects often carry many items between India and the US. If you have extra room in bags returning home, let us know so we can help fill your bags with needed things.

a. There are often long lines and several immigration forms to fill out. Be sure to get a baggage ticket for each of your carry-on bags. These need to be stamped by security officials before proceeding to the gates. We get to the airport about 3 hours before departure time.

b. If you are stopping for extended time in another country, you may have reduced baggage allowance (often 44 lbs). Get it straight with your airline.

c. Usually, the First $800 of declarable items is duty-free. Then there is a 10% tax up to $1000. Know the value of your purchases. Usually handicrafts, musical instruments and books are duty free. Things change. US immigration maintains a website with current rules and regulations.