By the TripRoutesIndia team in Mumbai · Reviewed by Prafull Pitale, founder · Updated Australian citizens need an Indian e-Visa, applied for online at least four days before arrival, and a passport valid for six months with two blank pages. India is only two and a half to five and a half hours behind Australia, so jet lag is mild, and its Himalayan summer falls in your winter. Here is everything else you need: flights, money, Smartraveller advice, insurance, tipping in Aussie dollars and what a private tour costs.
India at a glance: quick facts for Australians
The essentials fit in one table. Each topic has its own section further down this page.
| Topic | What you need to know |
|---|---|
| Visa | e-Tourist Visa via indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa, at least 4 days before arrival |
| Passport | Six months' validity and two blank pages |
| Currency | Indian rupee (INR, ₹); about ₹67 to A$1 in early October 2026 |
| Time difference | India is 4h 30m behind Sydney and Melbourne (5h 30m during daylight saving) and 2h 30m behind Perth |
| Flight time | About 12 to 13 hours nonstop from Sydney or Melbourne to Delhi |
| Plugs | Types C, D and M; 230V, 50Hz. Australian plugs do not fit, but your chargers work with an adapter |
| Best months | October to March for most of India; June to September for Ladakh and Spiti |
| Emergency number | 112 (police, fire, ambulance) |
Do Australians need a visa for India?
Yes. Most Australian visitors use the e-Tourist Visa, applied for online at the official portal, indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa. Apply at least 4 days before arrival and no more than 120 days ahead. Smartraveller suggests carrying a printed copy of the approval.
Fees are charged in US dollars and your card converts them. The official fee schedule dated 8 September 2026 lists these amounts for Australian nationals, plus a 3% bank charge:
| e-Tourist Visa | Fee for Australians | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 30 days | US$25 (US$10 for arrivals April to June) | Double entry |
| 1 year | US$40 | Multiple entry; best value for most trips |
| 5 years | US$200 | Multiple entry |
Use only the government site; lookalike websites charge extra for the same visa.
- Upload a scan of your passport photo page and a recent photo with a white background
- Fingerprints and a photo are taken at immigration on arrival
- Enter through a designated e-Visa airport, which include Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru and Kolkata
- If you hold an OCI card, you do not need a visa at all
What passport validity and forms do you need?
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date and have at least two blank pages. The e-Visa is tied to the passport you apply with, so renew first if it is close.
Since 1 October 2025, foreign visitors complete a digital e-Arrival Card instead of the paper landing form. Fill it in within 72 hours before arrival on the Indian Visa Online website or the Indian Visa Su-Swagatam app.
How do you fly from Australia to India?
Air India flies nonstop from Sydney and Melbourne to Delhi, in about 12 to 13 hours. It cut both routes to four flights a week until the end of August 2026, so check current frequencies. Qantas has flown Melbourne–Delhi as a seasonal service in recent years; check whether it is operating for your dates.
One-stop routes are often cheaper and easier from Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Darwin. The usual hubs are Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Hong Kong, or the Gulf for the west of India. Perth to Singapore to India is a short, easy pair of flights.
Schedules changed often in 2025 and 2026, so confirm the timetable before you fix dates. Many of our guests book their own flights, often with Qantas Points or Velocity; send us the flight times and we build the land arrangements around them.
What is the time difference, and how bad is the jet lag?
India Standard Time is UTC+5:30 all year with no daylight saving. India is always behind Australia, by between 2 hours 30 minutes and 5 hours 30 minutes.
| Australian city | Standard time | During daylight saving (Oct–Apr) |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Hobart | India is 4h 30m behind | India is 5h 30m behind |
| Brisbane | India is 4h 30m behind | No daylight saving; still 4h 30m |
| Adelaide | India is 4h behind | India is 5h behind |
| Darwin | India is 4h behind | No daylight saving; still 4h |
| Perth | India is 2h 30m behind | No daylight saving; still 2h 30m |
That small gap is one of the best things about India from Australia. Most people adjust in a day or two. We still keep the first day light after a long flight.
It also makes planning easy: our Mumbai office hours of 9 am to 7 pm IST fall in your afternoon and evening.
Money: Aussie dollars, cards, cash and UPI
The currency is the Indian rupee, at about ₹67 to the Australian dollar in early October 2026. Withdraw rupees from a bank ATM at the arrival airport rather than changing cash in Australia.
A travel card or credit card with no foreign transaction fees saves a lot over two weeks. When a card machine or ATM offers to charge you in Australian dollars, choose rupees; the conversion offered at the till is almost always worse.
Visa and Mastercard are accepted in hotels, larger restaurants and most city shops. Carry cash for markets, small cafés, temple donations and tips.
Foreign visitors can use India's UPI payment system through UPI One World, a prepaid wallet set up with your passport and visa. Availability has been patchy, so treat it as a useful extra.
How much should you tip in India?
Tipping is not a big part of life in Australia, but in India it is customary and expected for drivers and guides. Tip in rupees at the end of each person's time with you. These are customary guidelines, not fixed rates.
| Who | Customary range | Approx. in A$ |
|---|---|---|
| Private driver (multi-day) | ₹300–700 per day | A$4.50–10 per day |
| Licensed guide, half day | ₹300–500 | A$4.50–7.50 |
| Licensed guide, full day | ₹500–1,000 | A$7.50–15 |
| Hotel porter | ₹50–100 per bag | about A$1–1.50 per bag |
| Housekeeping | ₹100–300 per day | A$1.50–4.50 per day |
| Restaurants | 5–10% if no service charge is on the bill | — |
Phones, roaming and eSIMs
Australian roaming packs for India are convenient but dear. A travel eSIM bought before you leave is simpler and cheaper, provided your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM. A local Airtel or Vi SIM needs your passport, a photo and a local address. Hotel wifi is standard. Satellite phones and satellite navigation devices are illegal in India and can lead to detention or fines.
What plugs and voltage does India use?
India uses 230V at 50Hz, close to Australia's 230V, with plug types C, D and M. Australian plugs will not fit, so pack a universal adapter. You do not need a voltage converter for Australian appliances.
Health: vaccines, food and water
Smartraveller recommends seeing your GP or a travel doctor at least 8 weeks before you leave. Hepatitis A and typhoid are commonly recommended for India; rabies, Japanese encephalitis and malaria prevention depend on your route and activities.
Smartraveller notes that malaria is a risk in most parts of India, including major cities, and that dengue is widespread after the monsoon, so pack repellent. Tap water is not safe to drink; use sealed or filtered water and eat freshly cooked hot food.
Medicare does not cover you overseas, and Australia has no reciprocal health care agreement with India. Smartraveller is clear that the Australian Government will not pay overseas medical costs, so insurance is essential.
- Smartraveller India page: smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/india
- A yellow fever certificate is required only if you arrive from a yellow fever area
- Carry prescription medicines in original packaging with a letter from your doctor
Is India safe for Australians?
Most visits pass without trouble. Smartraveller rates India overall as 'Exercise a high degree of caution', the second of its four levels, and sets higher levels for some regions:
| Smartraveller level | Areas |
|---|---|
| Do not travel | Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (not including Ladakh); the India–Pakistan border, except the Atari–Wagah crossing |
| Reconsider your need to travel | Atari–Wagah crossing; Assam (except Guwahati city); Nagaland; Manipur; Chhattisgarh; border areas of neighbouring states |
Rajasthan, Kerala, Goa, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, the Golden Triangle and the tiger reserves of Madhya Pradesh are covered by the overall level. Read the current Smartraveller page and subscribe to updates before you go.
Smartraveller warns that road travel can be dangerous, especially at night. On our tours you travel with a professional driver, and we plan routes to avoid long drives after dark.
Other problems are low-level: touts, inflated taxi fares and commission-driven shops. A private driver and pre-booked licensed guides remove most of these.
Kashmir, Kaziranga and your travel insurance
Many Australian policies exclude areas Smartraveller rates 'Do not travel', and some exclude 'Reconsider your need to travel' areas too. In practice that affects two places our guests ask about.
For the Kashmir valley (Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam), we suggest Ladakh instead. It is not part of the 'Do not travel' area, and you fly from Delhi straight to Leh. Kaziranga National Park is in Assam outside Guwahati, so check your policy before you book a rhino safari there. Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh and Kanha are good alternatives for wildlife.
Advice can change at any time. If it changes after you book, call your insurer and us straight away and we will adjust the route.
India in the Australian winter, and the school holidays
India's seasons suit Australian calendars well. When it is winter at home, the Indian Himalaya is at its best; when your summer holidays arrive, so does India's peak season on the plains.
| Your holiday window | Where we suggest |
|---|---|
| June–July school holidays | Ladakh, Spiti and Himachal: clear skies, monasteries, high lakes. Kerala for monsoon Ayurveda retreats |
| September–October school holidays | Ladakh until late September; Rajasthan and the Golden Triangle as the season opens in October |
| December–January summer holidays | Rajasthan, Kerala, Goa, tiger safaris; book six months ahead for Christmas and New Year |
| Easter | The plains are getting hot; Darjeeling, Sikkim and the hill stations work well |
Leh sits at about 3,500 metres, so plan two easy days on arrival to acclimatise. Our guide Ladakh for first-timers covers altitude, permits and a sample week.
What should you wear, and how do you behave at temples?
Pack light, loose clothing that covers shoulders and knees. It is comfortable in the heat and respectful almost everywhere. Northern India from December to February needs a warm layer, and Ladakh needs proper warm clothing even in summer evenings.
At temples, mosques and gurdwaras, remove your shoes and cover shoulders and knees. Gurdwaras and some mosques ask you to cover your head. A few temples admit Hindus only; your guide will tell you in advance.
- Use your right hand to give, receive and eat
- Ask before photographing people, especially at religious ceremonies
- At the Taj Mahal, photos are banned inside the main mausoleum, and tripods and drones are not allowed
Do you need travel insurance for India?
Yes. Buy it when you pay your deposit so cancellation cover starts straight away. Make sure it covers medical treatment, medical evacuation and cancellation, and check altitude limits if you are going to Ladakh or Spiti; some policies cap cover above a set height.
How much does a private tour of India cost in Australian dollars?
A 10-day private tour starts from about US$1,850 per person, around A$2,650 at early October 2026 exchange rates. That includes a private car and driver, licensed local guides and your choice of Essential, Comfort or Premium hotels. International flights are extra. Your quote confirms exactly what is included.
| Example tour | Days | From (per person) | Approx. in A$ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leh-Ladakh: Quaint Monasteries | 7 | US$1,650 | A$2,350 |
| Golden Triangle & Tigers | 8 | US$1,600 | A$2,300 |
| God's Own Country Kerala | 10 | US$1,850 | A$2,650 |
| Spiti Valley Adventure | 14 | US$1,950 | A$2,800 |
| A Bit of North & A Bit of South | 17 | US$3,450 | A$4,950 |
Australian dollar figures are approximate and move with the exchange rate. We quote in US dollars and can show an A$ estimate on your quote.
How do you book a private tour with TripRoutesIndia?
Send us your dates, number of travellers, preferred hotel tier and interests, and a specialist replies within 24 hours. If you would rather talk, we set up a video call in your afternoon or evening, when our Mumbai office is open.
TripRoutes is a Mumbai company founded in 2016 and a member of IATO and MTOA. Reach us through the enquiry form, by email at info@triproutesindia.com or on WhatsApp at +91 74800 66666.
Questions travellers ask
How much is the India e-Visa for Australians?
The official fee schedule dated 8 September 2026 lists US$25 for the 30-day e-Tourist Visa (US$10 for arrivals April to June), US$40 for 1 year and US$200 for 5 years for Australian nationals, plus a 3% bank charge. Check indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa before you pay.
Are there direct flights from Australia to India?
Yes. Air India flies nonstop from Sydney and Melbourne to Delhi, and Qantas has run Melbourne–Delhi seasonally. Frequencies changed in 2026, so check current schedules.
What is the time difference between Australia and India?
India is 4 hours 30 minutes behind Sydney and Melbourne in standard time, 5 hours 30 minutes behind during daylight saving, and 2 hours 30 minutes behind Perth.
Where should Australians go in India in June or July?
Ladakh, Spiti and Himachal Pradesh are at their best from June to September, when the plains are hot and wet. Kerala is a classic choice for monsoon Ayurveda.
Does Medicare cover me in India?
No. Medicare does not cover overseas medical costs and Australia has no reciprocal health care agreement with India, so comprehensive travel insurance is essential.
Is Kashmir safe for Australians to visit?
Smartraveller currently says do not travel to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, which does not include Ladakh. Many policies will not cover you there, so we suggest Ladakh instead.
How much should I tip my driver in Australian dollars?
A customary range is ₹300–700 per day, about A$4.50–10, given in rupees at the end of the trip. It is voluntary and reflects the service you received.
What is the emergency number in India?
Dial 112 for police, fire and ambulance anywhere in India.
Keep reading
Sources we checked (10)
- indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/images/Etourist_fee_final.pdf
- cgisydney.gov.in/pages/Mjk3
- smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/india
- livefromalounge.com/air-india-makes-deep-cuts-to-international-flight-network-ju
- executivetraveller.com/news/qantas-melbourne-delhi-flights
- poundsterlinglive.com/history/AUD-INR-2026
- servicesaustralia.gov.au/reciprocal-health-care-agreements
- timeanddate.com/time/zones/ist
- dailypioneer.com/news/slug-lite/ladakh-administration-mulls-single-permit-for-fo
- 112.gov.in/
Rules, fees, flight schedules and travel advice change. Always confirm visa and entry requirements on official government sites before you travel. Currency conversions use early October 2026 rates and are approximate.
