Indian e-Visa requirements for Norwegian citizens

Yes, it is. All Norwegian nationals need an India visa to visit India. The good news is that this document is available online, so you don't need to visit an embassy to obtain it.

An Indian electronic visa is an official document issued by the Indian government to some eligible nationalities. The length of the eVisa depends on the type of eVisa you apply for, as you can get a Tourist eVisa, a Business eVisa, or a Medical eVisa. 

This electronic format for visas is now accepted at 25 airports and 5 seaports. Aside from these, another port of entry may seek a consular visa, in which case a visit to the Indian embassy is required.

This Indian visa for Norwegian nationals is available to use for only these airports: Visakhapatnam, Nagpur Ahmedabad, Bagdogra, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Calicut, Chandigarh, Cochin, Coimbatore, Delhi, Gaya, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Amritsar Kolkata, Lucknow, Madurai, Mangalore, Mumbai, Port Blair, Pune, Tiruchirapalli, Varanasi, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai. In terms of seaports, the following five accept the usage of the Indian eVisa: New Mangalore, Cochin, Chennai, Goa, and Mumbai.

Depending on your price, time limits, and interests, there are various methods to go to India from Norway. However, air travel is the most common way for travelers from Norway to India.

Traveling to India from Norway by air:

• This is one of the most popular and chosen ways when traveling to India from Norway
• Several airlines offer flights from major Norwegian airports, such as Oslo (OSL), Bergen (BGO), and Stavanger (SVG), to various Indian cities.
• The majority of flights include at least one layover, which is usually in Europe or the Middle East.
• Direct flights are available on occasion, although they are often more costly.
• Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, and Air India are among the most popular carriers.
• Flight times might range from 12 to 20 hours, depending on the route and stopovers.

India  Visa Requirements:

• To enter India for tourism purposes, Norwegian citizens must apply for an Indian e-Visa (electronic travel permission).
• The e-Visa for tourism may be obtained online and is valid for up to 5 years.
• Discuss your intention to make your trip to India with a health expert before leaving Norway to ensure you have the necessary vaccines.

The Pink City, Jaipur, is a must-see when in India. With so much to see and do, we recommend at least three days in Jaipur. It's one of the greatest destinations in India for solitary female travel because it's quite secure and has several hostels.

DAY 1: HAWA MAHAL, CITY PALACE, JANTAR MATAR, + NAGHARA FORT

Breakfast is served at Tattoo Café, which has the greatest view of the Hawa Mahal across the street. Walk to City Palace, which opens at 9:30 a.m. After seeing the palace and its displays, head across the road to Jantar Matar to see the massive sandstone astronomy instruments. Make your way to Nahara Fort in the evening for golden hour.

DAY 2: AMER FORT, PANNA KUND STEPWELLS, JAHAL MAHAL, + GIATORE CENOTAPHS

Arrive at Amber Fort at 8 a.m., then take the rear exit to the Panna Kund Stepwells, passing past the Shri Jagat Shiromini Hindu shrine on the route. Stop by Jahal Mahal on your way back to the city to explore the palace on the river. We recommend going to Giatore Cenotaphs in the evening to observe the impact of the golden lighting on the exquisite marble monuments. 

DAY 3: PATRIKA GATE, ALBERT HALL MUSEUM, MASALA CHOWK, + GALTAJI TEMPLE

Arrive early at Patrika Gate, then stroll around Albert Hall Museum. To sample local street cuisine, go from the museum to the Masala Chowk food court. Later, visit Galtaji Temple (the Monkey Temple). Finish the night with a beverage at Bar Palladio. 

Considering a journey to Jaipur? To make your travel arrangements smoother, consider applying for an eVisa for India via India Immigration Services

India is a country of extremes, and while progress has been made toward increasing women's safety, issues remain. Women who visit India may have a safe and happy experience by being aware, taking measures, and respecting local norms. Safety conditions might vary greatly between regions and towns in India. Some regions are deemed safer for women, while others may provide significant obstacles.

The Indian Government has taken steps to address concerns with women's safety. Engaging with local communities and obtaining advice from reputable sources, such as hotel staff or tourist information centers, may also improve your overall safety and experience as a female traveler in India.

Tips for Women Traveling Alone in India:

• Dress modestly. Bollywood films may be highly racy, and in many modern and Westernized sections of the nation, young Indian women wear short skirts, jeans, and sleeveless shirts. However, as a foreigner who sticks out and is unlikely to know exactly what is and isn't appropriate, it's best to err on modesty.

• Get a local SIM card. The first thing you should do when you arrive in India is obtain a SIM card at the airport or our website. Major telecom providers in India, including Jio, Airtel, and Vi, provide eSIM services. Please remember that, while you may convert a physical SIM card into an eSIM from the comfort of your own home, you must visit a specialist store to convert an Indian eSIM to a physical SIM card. In India, everything is done via WhatsApp or text messages; everyone owns a cell phone and uses it for everything.

• Use taxi apps. Download cab applications such as Uber and Ola for use in major cities. Traveling via GPS cab in India is both safe and economical. You may use your local SIM card and taxi app to organize pickup at airports and rail stations, which are known for fraudsters, touts, and drivers who overcharge foreigners.

• Get an additional debit card. You should have two debit cards with distinct bank accounts. If you only have one, we recommend getting a Transferwise debit card. Keep a few hundred dollars in your account, tuck the card deep inside your baggage, and use it if your main debit card is taken.

• Pack lightly. India poses several travel obstacles, including transit delays and infrastructural failures. Packing light makes it much simpler to deal with the unexpected. Simply take up your luggage and "adjust a little," as they say in India.

Yes, you can get a business visa for India from Norway. You can apply for an Indian business e-visa if you don't mind visiting the Indian embassy or consulate. The regular visa in India permits the bearer to stay in the country for up to 180 days for business activities, such as attending seminars and conferences. 

Norwegian citizens receive their e-visa by email after completing their visa application. They'll print it at home or the workplace and hand it to local authorities when arriving in India.

Remember that the India Business Visa is not a work visa and cannot be used to seek a job or employment in the country. It entitles the bearer to engage in commercial operations while in the nation. If you want an employment visa, please contact the nearest Indian consulate or embassy.

Business travelers from more than 160 countries can apply for an India Business Visa for:

• Attending business meetings and events.
• Meetings with (possible) suppliers, clients, and other commercial partners.
• Providing, installing, or maintaining goods.
• Advice, implementation, or delivery of other business services.
• Personnel are being recruited.

Foreign currency is allowed into India, and there is no restriction on how much a traveler can bring. Visitors can carry up to US$5,000 in coins and notes or US$10,000 in coins, notes, and traveler's checks into India without disclosing it. If the sum is more, a declaration is necessary.

Before you go, prepare money in various forms: cash, credit cards, and traveler's checks, just in case you need them. It's also a good idea to keep them in several locations (money belts, secret pockets, a Ziploc bag, or even a wash bag).

In India, currency exchange is available via banks (RBI-issued AD-I licenses) and money changers (Both AD-II and FFMC license holders).

Banks

Banks are usually the first option that comes to people's minds when they need foreign currency bills, but only if they have an account with an Indian bank. It's also worth noting that many banks typically don't keep their foreign currency in the form of bills, so bank visits may be completely useless. Instead, banks typically keep their foreign exchange cards, as this allows them to maintain higher profits.

RBI-approved money changers

Using money changers instead of banks will get you a better price. Money changers provide higher exchange rates than banks to entice clients because their primary business is currency conversion.

Money changers may be found in all major cities and communities in India. Keep in mind, however, that not all money changers are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India. Make sure you're dealing with a legitimate forex broker. As a result, your transactions will be controlled and safe.

Airports

You can convert currencies at airports as well, although we do not recommend it. Because airport currency exchange sellers are well aware that travelers rush to them in a hurry to get foreign currency, you wind up spending roughly 10-15% more than you would if you did it through online forex platforms. As a result, exchanging cash at airports might end up being a very expensive bargain for you.

Online foreign exchange platforms

Currency exchange in India is made simple by using online currency exchange services. Some of these services compare currency rates from numerous money changers in your region to get you the best prices for the currency you want to purchase or sell.

Order placing is simple with a 24-hour online booking option, with no long lines, hidden fees, and no lengthy procedure. You may upload the documents directly to the web, and the money will be delivered to your door the same day. You can accomplish all of this while sitting on your couch. 

People are increasingly turning to online forex platforms. Who wouldn't want to get the greatest possible deal?