Where can I travel with a temporary passport?

I am from the U.S., do I need visa or passport to travel to India? Where can I get one?

• I intend to travel to India but I would like to know whether I need a passport or visa to travel. How long does it take to get one and where do I get it from? I am from the U.S. and ...show more

• Answer:

  Agree with Sins.. Good answer too. In addition, just wanted to let you know that you do need a VISA to India. You can get a quick turnaround for your American passport (you'd have to pay extra at the post office). Once you got your passport, just head to your nearest Indian embassy to get a VISA. And do check the website for things you'll need to provide (e.g. passport pictures, etc.). I think you should be able to get it within the same day. I did..(well it was about 8 years ago).. went in the morning, filled and paid for the application. Got my passport stamped after lunch that same day. You may have to pay extra too. It's exciting to go to India. There's a lot to explore. One month will give you a preview. I have a greedy list of places to still visit, and I was there for 2 1/2 years! Check out www.indiamike.com to get sample itiniraries. These are from people who have been there done that - real people - backpackers! Please make sure to update your shots before you go. Get a travellers insurance. World Nomads worked for me: www.worldnomads.com. There are many YMCA's around too. Tried and evaluated. again, please check out the indiamike site for this. India is quite cheap to stay and eat compared to the United States. $1000..well, I think you'll be okay. Just be aware that because you're a "foreigner," you may have to pay a double fare for air, hotels etc. There are some airlines and hotels that don't care, but just so you know. Hotels are differentiated by stars. 5-star being the most expensive - looking at at least $200/night. 3-star being about $25-30/night. These are approximations. Then there are youth hostels/YMCA's at a fraction of this! Not sure about the prices.. Food is very cheap. You can get a huge meal for under a dollar in a decent place. Please be aware of street foods & water. It's advised to drink bottled or preferrably boiled & cooled water. Travelling by train is a great (cheap) option for transportation from place to place. The only drawback is that you'll lose some time. However, if you travel by night to places, you can save money by not staying in a hotel.. The best part is that you'll be on your way to your new destination! English is ok almost every place (especially touristy). If you're going to any remote places, please learn a few words in the local dialect..or best yet..go with a person there who can translate for you. You should be ok though. They don't frown on backpackers..at least in my experience. Just be aware and use common sense. India is an incredible country, and you'll get to experience something beautiful and different in every visit!