Precaution is Better than Cure! To make your Goa tour convenient and comfortable, there are some travel tips and precautions to be taken by you, which are as follows:

· If traveling by the train, attach your baggage to the berth with a chain to save it from theft. Do not accept any food item from strangers in the train/bus.

· Keep your money, passport-visa and other travel documents (preferably wrapped in plastic to avoid dampness) in a Money Belt tied to your waist to avoid its visibility.

· Prefer traveler's cheques/ATM cards to money in liquid form as money exchange and ATM centers are available at most of the locations in Goa.

· Carry a voltage adapter for your personal electric appliances. Also check the voltage before using any electric appliance, as the voltage/power is quite low in Goa.

· Always keep an identity card handy; mentioning your name, age, blood group, other relevant details and contact phone numbers for use in case of emergency.

· Beware of touts and never keep your articles unattended on the beaches.

· Always go for mineral water, fresh seafood dishes and wash hands with soap before having your breakfast/lunch/dinner.

· Never go for money exchange through private dealers, instead; prefer banks or government/authentic institutions. Similarly hire a metered taxi/motorcycle taxi/auto rickshaw to avoid wastage of money.

· Keep in mind that possession and trade of drugs (hard or soft) is totally illegal in Goa. If caught red-handed, 10 years rigorous imprisonment in jail and Rs 10,000 fine is imposed on you by the Goa Police without any scope for bail.

· Purchasing articles made from animal skin of rare and endangered species is banned in Goa so avoid buying such articles from roadside shops or sellers.

· Always consult a lifeguard while venturing into the sea. Remember that nudity on beaches and public places are prohibited in Goa and punishable under the law. Avoid going for even permissible sex through sex workers due to high risk of AIDS.

· Keep your driving licence, passport, visa and other necessary documents with you while driving and follow the traffic rules to avoid mishaps and inconvenience.


Medical Precautions

Due to the change of water and climate, the tourists may suffer from chronic/acute stomach upset so they are required to take the necessary precautions and ensure that the required vaccinations are done. It is advisable to plan your vaccinations well in advance, consulting a doctor, before starting your tour to Goa. In India you also require essentially, the yellow fever vaccination especially when you are entering India from an infected area. Keep your feet clean and dry and prevent walking barefoot to prevent fungal and parasitic infections.


Passport and Visa

The tourists can go for any of the six visas available with them - Business Visa (issued for a month or six months), Student Visa (valid for one year or the duration of opted course in India), Conference Visa (for attending international conferences in India), Transit Visa (issued for maximum 15 days with single/double entry facilities), Journalist Visa (issued to professional journalists/photojournalists) and Employment Visa (issued to the foreign professionals working in Indian organizations).


Getting the Indian Visa

Requirements

# The visa application with pasted passport size photographs should be submitted along with a passport valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of intended departure from India.

# The foreign nationals should submit a proof of long-term stay (at least three years)/ permanent residence) in the country from where they are applying for Indian Visa. References are also to be produced in addition to the residence proof.

# The visa fee/charges and the processing duration depend totally on the nationality of the passport holder and the type/duration of visa applied for. The charges are refundable only if the visa already issued is cancelled thereafter.


Registration Of Foreigners

Foreigners visiting India with a visa valid for more than 180 days should register themselves at the nearest foreigners' registration office in Goa within the fortnight following their arrival in India. They have to undergo registration only once during the validity of Indian Visa. They can leave and re-enter India as many times as they want, only if their visa is a multi-entry visa. They can also extend their tourist visas for a maximum of three months at the foreigners' registration office at Panaji. They have to surrender their registration certificate, which is mandatory, at the time of their final departure from India.