Every person planning to travel to India needs a visa except for citizens of Nepal and Bhutan. To travel in India you need to obtain a standard tourist visa. These visas are valid for six months from the date of issue not from the date you enter the country. On the visa form its asks if you require a single or multi entry visa, the fee is the same so you are better off getting the multi entry in case you decide to make aside trip out of the country. The visa fee is US$60. You must obtain your visa before you enter the country as visas are not issued at the entry points to India.  You can get and Indian visa form from the Indian embassy in your country. Forms can also be downloaded from the embassies web site. The application process takes up to seven working days. Obviously you require a valid passport and two copies of passport photos to apply.

CANADA: High Commission -10 spring field road Ottawa, www.hciottawa.ca. Ph 613/7443751
UK: High Commission-India House, Aldwhych London, www.hcilondon.net. Ph020/78368484
U.S.A: Embassy of India-2107 Massachusetts Ave Washington DC 20008, www.indiacgny.org. Ph202/9397000
AUSTRALIA: High Commission-2-5 Moonah Place Yarraluma Canberra. ACT. www.indianconsulatesydney.org . Ph 02/62733999
Extensions have to be made outside of India. You can do this in Bangkok, Colombo or Kathmandu. An extension is not always guaranteed and can take up to 7 working days. If you stay in India more than 160 days you need to get a tax clearance certificate before you leave. The certificate can be obtained from the income tax department in any major city. You need to take receipts to prove that your money has been changed legally.

To travel in Sikkim or Lhadak, you will need to obtain special permits.

Sikkim- to travel here you need to obtain an Inner Line Permit. You can request this permit when you apply for your Indian visa, it’s the easiest way to get it. Also you can obtain the permit at the border of Sikkim, Rangpo . You have to take an application form from the tourist office, fill it in and get it registered at the police station across the road. You will need two passport photos, and two photocopies of your passport and Indian visa. The permit is valid for two weeks and an extension can only be obtained in Gangtok.

The permit does not cover all areas of Sikkim to travel to Tsomgo Lake and beyond Singhik in northern Sikkim and Dzongri in the west, you have to be in group tour with a registered company like ATC.

Lhadak-most of Lhadak is a restricted area to gain the permit you need to be travelling in a group of minimum four people and with a guide through a locally ran tour operator. Though travel agents will happily give permits to solo travelers with a bogus list of companions. Permits are obtained via the travel agent or the District Magistrates Office in Leh. The permit is valid for seven days and you need copies of your passport and visa details to obtain it. Also you should carry with you about 6 copies of your permit to give to the many check points you will cross.