Travel Vaccines and Advice for India

Delhi Belly (or traveller’s diarrhea) is very common among travellers. Up to 70 percent of international travellers will come down with traveller’s diarrhea during their trips. This is especially true for visitors to India.

Causes can range from viral or bacteria infections to just a difference in cuisine. But, no matter how it happens, traveller’s diarrhea can ruin a trip.

There are a few precautions you can take to avoid traveller’s diarrhea:

• Avoid risky eating– Be smart about where and what you eat. Street carts may not be the best place to grab a snack, but you also don’t need to only eat pre-packaged foods. Use good judgment to decide where would be best to chow down.
• Watch what you drink– Indian water can be contaminated with bacteria and other biologics that could cause traveller’s diarrhea. Be sure anything you drink is clean. If at a restaurant, do not drink anything with ice as it is likely made from unclean water.
  

• Consider preventative care– Some products, like Travelan, will provide you with some protection against traveller’s diarrhea.

Be sure to bring a traveller’s diarrhea kit that includes antibiotics or similar products that can help stop diarrhea if it occurs.

To learn more about what you can do to avoid Delhi Belly, see our traveller’s diarrhea page. Or, book an appointment with your local Passport Health by calling or scheduling online now.

Nationals of all countries, including Canadian citizens with a valid passport, require a visa. E-visas take 3-10 days to process and are valid for 2 trips up to 60 days’ total. The Indian government now allows Canadian citizens to apply for simple tourist and business visas without having to send in a passport.

India Entry Requirements
Do I Need A…	For My Trip to India?
Passport
Tourist Visa
Business Visa
Vaccinations

Sources: Embassy of India and Canadian Travel and Tourism

India is generally classified as a hot tropical country, except for the Himalayan north. The country has three distinct seasons:

• Summer (March to June) – Indian summers are very hot. Temperatures often climb to over 43 degrees.
• Monsoon (July to August) – The rainy season brings thunderstorms and heavy rains. These sometimes cause flooding or other damage. Bring an umbrella and be sure to take other precautions.
• Winter (October to February) – Winter temperatures are generally mild. Except in the northern regions where they will dip to near or below freezing. Remember, the higher into the mountains you go, the chillier it will get.

India is generally safe, but is still a developing country in many ways. Try to avoid the Indian-Pakistani border, as growing tensions have led to a less safe situation.

Petty crime, especially theft is common. This happens mostly in trains and buses. Pickpocketing is known to occur in some tourist areas. Violent crime is traditionally uncommon, though there has been a slight increase in recent years.

Scamming has become more common in many popular areas. Be especially careful in airports and train stations. If an offer for cheap transportation or hotel rooms seems too good, it probably is. Only use well-known travel agencies when booking your trip and planning activities in-country.

LGBT individuals will want to be especially careful as laws on homosexuality are unclear. While prosecution is rare, LGBT visitors may wish to avoid drawing attention.

Packing for India can be a bit tricky, as the country is different from many popular travel destinations:

• Pack light– Moving from place to place in India can be a bit tricky. Many forms of transportation have a tight fit and having something you can easily haul around is key. Brining an extra backpack isn’t a bad idea either as a purse or small bag may not be enough to carry water, an umbrella and similar items.
• Prepare for weather– Be sure to pack according to what season you’ll be in the country. Where you are headed is also a key factor as the Himalayas are a much cooler region.
• Wear the right footwear– You’ll likely be doing a lot of walking (or even standing) in India. Make sure your shoes are up for the trip, your feet will thank you.
• Bring a complete first-aid kit– the PHAC has a complete list of recommended health items which can be found here. Some notable items include: sunscreen, insect repellent, hand sanitizer and diarrhea medicine like DiaResQ or other remedies.

The Canadian Embassy in India is located at:

High Commission of Canada in New Delhi
7/8 Shantipath, Chanakyapuri,
New Delhi 110 021, India
Telephone: 91 (11) 4178-2000

Whether you are travelling for business or pleasure, India is an absolutely amazing destination. From the Himalyas to the coast of the Indian Ocean, the country’s unique culture and feel has something for every type of traveller.

To learn more about what you can do to prepare for an Indian trip, visit your local Passport Health clinic. Book your appointment today by calling or scheduling online now.