India: Travel Seasons and visa requirements

India: Travel Seasons and visa requirements


There are mainly three seasons for travel to India. They are Peak, Off-Peak and in between.  Fares vary and change significantly with dates . A lot can be saved if the travel dates are flexible. For traveling during Peak season one should make reservations well in advance. Many airlines even have a weekend surcharge like flying on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Traveling from Monday – Thursday can save up on weekend surcharge. It ranges from $20-$50 across the airlines.

Many sale fares are offered by different airlines. Sale fares are mostly offered between early April  to mid May  and mid September to October end. Higher fares are offered between Mid June to mid July and mid December to Christmas.

Off-Peak season

Mid Jan – Mid May

Mid Sep – Late Oct


Low season

Early Aug – Early Sep

Mid Nov – Early Dec

After Christmas to late Jan


Peak season

Early Jun- late Jul

Mid Dec – Christmas

Visa  requirements

Non-Indian Citizens :


Non-Indian nationals need a visa for India. For more details on obtaining an Indian Visa, visit:
http://www.indianembassy.org
http://www.indianembassy.org/embassy/cgi.htm



Trannsit Visa requirements:


Transit Visa for Indian Citizens
Indian passport holders may need a Transit Visa while transiting through Europe.

The Transit Visa requirements are also applicable to Indian citizens traveling without a valid US visa (to India) or on Advance Parole.

We recommend all Indian passport holders check with the airline they are flying on the Transit Visa requirements for the country they are transiting though before the travel date.


Many countries that have strict Transit Visa rules include Germany, United Kingdom, France,  and Canada.


More information can be obtained by visting the following websites:


France: http://www.consulfrance-newyork.org/us/visas/airporttransit.htm
United Kingdom: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk
Germany: http://www.germanyinfo.org/relaunch/index.html
Canada: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.html


A Transit Visa may be required in the cases even if the traveler:

  • - Does not leave the airport.
  • - Does not change aircrafts.
  • - Does not have a halt of more than 24 hours.


It is highly advisible to apply for transit visa at least 15 days in advance