Kerala Travel Guide for International Visitors

Most first-time visitors to India have the same few questions before they book: Do I need a visa? Is it safe? What about the food? What do I wear? This guide answers them as directly as we can, and tells you what we handle and what you do yourself.

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We do not process visas, tickets or insurance. We will tell you what to prepare and when.

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Passport holders from around 175 countries and regions can apply online for an e-Tourist Visa on the official Government of India portal. You apply on your passport nationality, not your country of residence. If your nationality isn't on the list, a regular visa through an Indian mission applies.

What it covers

Tourism, sightseeing, recreation, a casual visit to friends or relatives, a short yoga or non-formal course and short unpaid voluntary work. Other purposes, such as business or medical treatment, fall under different e-Visa categories.

The three options

The official page states a limit of 180 days in a calendar year for the 1-year and 5-year visas. Some third-party guides mention a per-visit cap of 90 days for certain nationalities, so check the limit shown for your passport on the portal.

Fees (official schedule dated 8 September 2026, in US dollars)

A bank charge of about 3% is added, and the fee is non-refundable. Most visitors choose the 30-day visa for a single trip; the 1-year or 5-year options suit repeat visits.

The table above lists seven countries. For every other country, see the full official fee schedule, which is the final word.

Timing

• Apply at least 4 days before you arrive. The official FAQ says you can apply up to 120 days ahead. We suggest applying two to four weeks before you travel, to leave room if you're asked to re-upload a document.
• The official page doesn't state a fixed processing time. Third-party guides mention a few working days.

What you'll need

• A passport valid for at least six months when you apply (many guides also advise two blank pages).
• A scan of your passport's photo page (PDF) and a recent passport-style photo (JPEG, front-facing, plain light background, no spectacles).
• A return or onward ticket and enough money for your stay. These are eligibility conditions.
• If you arrive from a country with a yellow fever risk, a vaccination card.

Entering through Kerala

Cochin International Airport (COK) is on the official list of authorised e-Visa entry points. Biometrics are taken on arrival. Carry a copy of your approved authorisation, and check that its status shows "GRANTED" before you fly.

Limits to know

• The e-Tourist Visa isn't valid for protected, restricted or cantonment areas without prior permission.
• Mountaineering needs a separate clearance.
• A few nationalities and categories of applicant aren't eligible.

Beware lookalike websites

Many unofficial sites charge extra service fees. Use only the official portal, indianvisaonline.gov.in.

Official sources (please verify here):

• e-Tourist Visa information: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
• Fee schedule: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/images/Etourist_fee_final.pdf
• Apply: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/Registration

If you're of Indian origin and hold a foreign passport, you may qualify for an OCI card instead. We can't process it, but your curator can point you to the right portal.

Last reviewed 20 October 2026. We review this page every quarter, but rules can change without notice. The official portal is the final word.

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Kerala is widely regarded as one of the easier regions of India for first-time visitors. It is also a place where common sense still applies:

• Traffic is busy and drivers are quick. A private driver you know removes most of this.
• Keep valuables out of sight in crowded markets, and use a hotel safe.
• Drink bottled or filtered water.
• If you're a solo traveller or a woman travelling alone, tell your curator; we plan routes, timings and stays with that in mind.
• Beaches and backwaters have currents and depth that look calmer than they are. Follow local advice on swimming.

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• See your doctor or travel clinic at least 6 to 8 weeks before you travel for vaccination advice.
• Travel insurance with medical cover is strongly recommended, and essential for water-based and outdoor activities.
• Food and water: our meals are prepared with hygiene in mind, and we recommend sticking to bottled or filtered water.
• Medical support: our on-ground team has contacts at reputable local hospitals and clinics.
• Ayurveda: tell us about any medical condition, allergy or pregnancy before any treatment.

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• The currency is the Indian rupee (INR). Prices on our website can be shown in USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, SGD and AED.
• Our journeys are all-inclusive: meals, activities, vehicle and a daily drink are included. You'll need cash and cards only for tips, shopping and personal extras.
• ATMs are widely available in cities. Carry some cash for small purchases in villages.
• Tipping is appreciated, not obligatory. Your curator can suggest what's appropriate.

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• Light, breathable clothing that covers shoulders and knees. It's more comfortable in the heat, and respectful at temples and churches.
• Layers for Munnar, where mornings and nights can be cold from December to February.
• Shoes that slip off easily. You'll remove them at temples and many homes.
• A light rain jacket from June to November.
• Swimwear at resort pools and private spots only. Local beaches and public water have different norms.

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• Remove shoes before entering temples and homes.
• Use your right hand for eating and giving or receiving things.
• Ask before photographing people, and especially at ritual performances.
• Dress modestly at places of worship; you may be asked to cover your head or legs.
• Public displays of affection are not common outside resorts.
• A smile and "namaskaram" go a long way.

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• Mobile signal is generally reliable in towns; it can be patchy in the hills and along the canals.
• Buy a local SIM or an eSIM before you travel. Your curator can reach you on WhatsApp.
• India uses 230V and type C, D and M plugs. Bring an adaptor.

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See the full month-by-month guide. In short: February and March are usually the driest, December to March is the most comfortable; June to September is the monsoon and the traditional Ayurveda season.

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