Travel to India

[doomhammer]

Hello everyone,

I've a cousin's wedding coming up in Sep in India. I've done some research and it seems Canadian citizens need a visa to enter India. Since I've never been to India can someone give me some tips and hints on what to expect? Also what about a tourist visa and processing time etc?

Any details would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[feelthedeal]

Hello everyone,

I've a cousin's wedding coming up in Sep in India. I've done some research and it seems Canadian citizens need a visa to enter India. Since I've never been to India can someone give me some tips and hints on what to expect? Also what about a tourist visa and processing time etc?

Any details would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Been there 3 times (non-Indian Canadian). You will need a visa to enter as a Canadian citizen. However, they've streamlined the process in recent years and most of it is online now. Everything can be done here: http://in.vfsglobal.ca/

In terms of what to expect, expect to have major culture shock as a given. However, just be flexible and take it all in in stride and enjoy yourself as much as possible, and I'm sure you'll have a good trip.

[djemzine]

As an Easy Indian who is a Canadian citizen to apply for the tourist Visa it takes an estimate of 2-3 weeks. Luckily it took me a week and a half. You can track your status online.

Yes it's a big culture shock for me despite I've been visiting India on an on going basis since I was a 3 month old baby.

Just be wary of the food you eat and water you drink. Buy bottled mineral water such as Aquafina. As for food don't eat from road side stalls and as for restaurants go to the AC section. Better hygiene and better service. Take sun screen and mosquito repellent with you. Also bring medicine for stomach upset in case you don't get adjusted to the food or get sick.

Worst case you go to a clinic and see a doctor and you get antibiotics. It helps.

No need for Hep A or Twin Rex vaccinations as long as you're careful. Like I said be wary of your food/water surroundings. I never had ANY issues with those in spite of me not taking those shots. I got myself tested after and all is well.

If you don't want to take the risk you can.

Most importantly have fun.

PS are you Indian as well or?

[doomhammer]

Thanks guys.

I'm thinking about getting myself vaccinated also. Will check this out next week.

I'm applying for a tourist visa also.. online.. have to hand it in person to the Ottawa office.

[feelthedeal]

In terms of vaccines, one I would recommend is Dukoral. It's a vaccine specifically for traveller's diarrhea (E.Coli and Cholera based). It is taken orally (in water), so simple in terms of getting it done (but I think it's around $100).

The first time I went to India I had some traveller's diarrhea issues just from a combination of water, food, and the heat. However, the next year I took Dukoral prior to departure and didn't have any issues (also on all my subsequent trips as well).

As a person who works/travels in non-profit, I've gone to many countries with terrible infrastructure, hygiene, etc., and Dukoral has been a life-saver in terms of helping to not get traveller's diarrhea so I can focus on/enjoy the trip.

[craftsman]

In terms of vaccines, one I would recommend is Dukoral. It's a vaccine specifically for traveller's diarrhea (E.Coli and Cholera based). It is taken orally (in water), so simple in terms of getting it done (but I think it's around $100).

The first time I went to India I had some traveller's diarrhea issues just from a combination of water, food, and the heat. However, the next year I took Dukoral prior to departure and didn't have any issues (also on all my subsequent trips as well).

As a person who works/travels in non-profit, I've gone to many countries with terrible infrastructure, hygiene, etc., and Dukoral has been a life-saver in terms of helping to not get traveller's diarrhea so I can focus on/enjoy the trip.

That's a good piece of advice! Thanks! It'll help a lot people prevent their trip going down the toilet! :lol::-0 Sorry, couldn't help myself!

[doomhammer]

In terms of vaccines, one I would recommend is Dukoral. It's a vaccine specifically for traveller's diarrhea (E.Coli and Cholera based). It is taken orally (in water), so simple in terms of getting it done (but I think it's around $100).

The first time I went to India I had some traveller's diarrhea issues just from a combination of water, food, and the heat. However, the next year I took Dukoral prior to departure and didn't have any issues (also on all my subsequent trips as well).

As a person who works/travels in non-profit, I've gone to many countries with terrible infrastructure, hygiene, etc., and Dukoral has been a life-saver in terms of helping to not get traveller's diarrhea so I can focus on/enjoy the trip.

Thank you much! I wonder if our local clinics carry that med?
I live around Kanata, ON.

Thanks.

[craftsman]

Thank you much! I wonder if our local clinics carry that med?
I live around Kanata, ON.

Thanks.

Check the travel clinics or phone the local pharmacies - according to their website - http://dukoralcanada.com/ - you should be able to find it there.

[djemzine]

I can't believe I forgot about Dukarol. I thought it was also an injection based vaccine? Anyhow it helps and I think it's only available at travel clinics no?

[feelthedeal]

I can't believe I forgot about Dukarol. I thought it was also an injection based vaccine? Anyhow it helps and I think it's only available at travel clinics no?

I got the prescription from a travel clinic, and just bought it from a local pharmacy.

Wondering if a family doctor or walk-in can prescribe it. Might be worth checking into if you don't have a travel clinic nearby or want to try and avoid paying the (usually high) consultation fees at travel clinics.

[coolspot]

I've a cousin's wedding coming up in Sep in India. I've done some research and it seems Canadian citizens need a visa to enter India. Since I've never been to India can someone give me some tips and hints on what to expect? Also what about a tourist visa and processing time etc?


Pack lots of immodium and get a dukoral vaccine. Dukoral is an oral vaccine, you need to take it a couple weeks before you go. Good chance you're going to get a tummy ache as a foreigner - Dukoral is <20% effective? Be paranoid about anything ou eat - avoid non canned drinks, fresh fruits, etc.

Visa took us a while to obtain, consulate lost our documentation for a while, but that might be because it was for business travel not personal.

[djemzine]

Forgot to mention, be wary or beware of bribes/touts by the locals. Don't get sucked into that. Carry your own luggage if possible.

[kostek]

India is a whole different world. Nowhere like it anywhere else.
I never did get any gastro problems there, but I met lots that did. I ate and drank on the street every day. Chai is something you must do.
People often get sick at the hotel buffets in my opinion. I go for a crowd, and always eat vegetarian as I think it is pretty hard to get terribly sick from carrots and onions.
Keep your fingernails really short and wash your hands/sanitize as often as you can. Sanitize the edge of all glass wear that will enter your mouth and eat with your hands as often as possible.
Never touch your eyes or your nose with your bare hands.

[mgn2000]

What part of India are traveling to ??

[amz155]

You need a perscription for Dukoral and you can get it from your famly doctor, a travel clinic or even just a walk in clinic. You need to take two doses, one week apart and should finish the last dose at least a week before you travel.

Don't be fooled into thinking that Dukoral will offer to a LOT of protection against food borne illness. It ONLY protects you against ETEC and Cholera. That still leaves lots of other things that could make you ill ie campylobacter, salmonella, all the other types of E.Coli aside from ETEC, C.perfringens, crpyto, Hep A, etc. etc.

[hdave]

Forgot to mention, be wary or beware of bribes/touts by the locals. Don't get sucked into that. Carry your own luggage if possible.

+1
I was pushing a cart with my bags, some idiot comes and starts pushing the cart that I was already pushing.
I didn't know what was going on so I just let him help me push it.
Then he demands money for pushing the cart.
I refused to pay him for pushing a cart.
I got into a huge fight with a guy at the airport. (He was yelling at me in Hindi, I was yelling and swearing in English)
The airport security and cops showed up too.
My uncle came and just paid the guy. But that is because I was young. Now there is no way in hell I'd let the guy get a penny.

[Mulder and Scully]

In terms of vaccines, one I would recommend is Dukoral. It's a vaccine specifically for traveller's diarrhea (E.Coli and Cholera based).

Be aware that Dukoral only prevents E. Coli. It won't prevent food poisoning from unhygienic or undercooked meats.

[feelthedeal]

Be aware that Dukoral only prevents E. Coli. It won't prevent food poisoning from unhygienic or undercooked meats.

Correct. It helps prevent traveller's diarrhea...not food poisoning.

[manilavisa]

Hi.Will i can help you about visa because our company the manila visa Immigration services will accomplish to your papers to visit to your cousin's.

[Dwight10]

You can contact with Indian embassy to know details about it. I think its a good option for you.