FAQs / PRACTICAL NOTES

REQUIREMENTS TO PARTICIPATE ON THIS TRIP

To participate on this trip, you will need to:

• Be vaccinated against Covid-19 *

• Have travel insurance that at least covers emergency medical evacuation *

• Carry a passport valid for at least 6 months after the trip ends

• Complete the following two requirements online for entry to India, per the straightforward instructions we'll send you in advance:

  • For U.S. citizens: Obtain an e-visa online within 30 to 4 days of arrival.

  • If this requirement is still in place: Fill in a Self-Declaration Form within 15 days of arrival (where you attest to your health status & can upload a vaccine certificate).

*Note: The elements above with an asterisk (vaccination & travel insurance) are no longer technically required of everyone entering India, but we are keeping them as requirements for now for a few reasons. Regarding vaccination: having a certificate of vaccination will make your travel smoother and will avoid needing to submit a negative PCR test in order to enter the country (and we also feel that it will be reassuring to the group as a whole to know that everyone in our group will be fully vaccinated). Regarding travel insurance: the last two+ years have further emphasized the practical value of traveling with at least basic insurance. If we have your insurance details (which we will automatically receive if you book through our insurance partner), we can also more readily assist should a situation arise. These first two requirements may get re-evaluated as we approach the trip date, as they are based on current circumstances.

COVID-RELATED ASSURANCES / FAQ

Things are looking great in India.

India has done particularly well in 2022 with Covid, especially compared to most of the industrialized world.

Vaccination rates have also improved dramatically. As of December 2022, case rates are down to only a tiny fraction of what the U.S. is still reporting.

We realized that despite such favorable current circumstances, that some may be concerned about that changing, and that in general the unpredictability of the last three years may bring an increased concern for changes or cancellations with any trip booking. To answer a few related questions:

What if an unexpected change in circumstances causes the trip to be cancelled before departure?

You will have the option to either reschedule for a future date (keeping your 2024 price even if it increases) OR to receive a full refund.

For the following questions related to travel insurance, we can at least answer regarding the policies from our partner Travel Insured International mentioned here.

What will happen to the insurance policy I purchased if the trip is cancelled or postponed?

Travel Insured International will simply adjust the policy to new trip dates, or simply offer you a credit for future use.

Will my insurance policy cover me if I fall ill or test positive for Covid?

Certainly. As per TII: "COVID-19 is treated that same as any other sickness for purposes of all coverages that are triggered by a sickness or that can reimburse losses resulting from a sickness." So, if getting Covid prevents you from traveling, your policy will cover you. If you get Covid while you are traveling, benefits will apply. Etc.

For additional questions regarding Covid & travel insurance, the following FAQs & resources from Travel Insured International may be reassuring:

Covid-19 FAQs & Coverage | Additional FAQs | Coronavirus Resources