In 2012, 6.58 million people from around the globe traveled to India and a large number of those travelers were Americans
More and more Americans are visiting India every year and with good reason. India is an excellent destination to explore a new culture, expand your horizons, and travel on a budget. It’s a huge country with all different types of people and places to visit.
Plus, in India they have a saying, “Atithidevo bhava,” which means “The guest is God.” Indian people love tourists, and their hospitality hasn’t gone unnoticed by international travelers. In 2012, 6.58 million people visited India from around the world, which represented a growth rate of 4.3%, according to India’s tourism department. India ranks 11th in international tourist arrivals and many Americans are taking note.
One of the best reasons to visit India is that you can explore the country on virtually any budget. Whether you’re looking to have a luxurious getaway or to backpack through the countryside on a motorcycle, you can have a great time in India without spending a fortune. There are countless cultural sites to see, temples to visit, cities to explore, and endless cuisine and shopping. In India, you can explore your spirituality and become one with nature, or you can spend days upon days exploring the crafts and artisan furniture, rugs, and jewelry available for purchase. You can even plan a volunteer trip to India and work with one of countless organizations that are doing their best to improve living conditions for India’s poor.
Travel Requirements for Visiting India
Getting to India will likely be the most expensive part of your journey, but it doesn’t have to be a difficult trip. You’ll need a valid US passport to visit the country, but you’ll also need a travel visa. Currently, you can’t get an expedited India visa before you set off on your trip, but it usually takes 5 to 15 business days from the time you apply.
Recently, the Indian consulate outsourced their visa processing services to a company called BLS International. This switch may mean more changes to the Indian visa application process in the future. Should you find that the recent transition is impacting your travel or that you have questions about what documents you need, call Swift at (877) 917-9438. We’ll ensure that your travel to India is memorable for all the right reasons by taking care of your visa application for you.
