As per the decision taken by the Government of India, no seal or signature is required on the new visa stickers issued by Embassy of India, Rome. The space earlier used for such purpose will now have letter scanned image (LSI).
NOTICE
All Foreigners travelling to India are hereby informed that it is illegal to use/carry Thuraya or other such satellite phones in India. Custom authorities in India may seize such phones and legal action may be taken against the passenger concerned.
Prohibition on use of "satellite telephone service" in India
Travelers may kindly note that use of any satellite phone is not permitted in India, unless prior approval of Department of Telecommunications, Government of India, is obtained. The use/operation of any telegraphic services/devices, including wireless, in India is regulated by the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885. As per the existing guidelines issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, Inmarsat Satphones, excluding BGAN system, can be used by the Government, Corporate Houses, Members of the Mountaineering Expedititon and other such categories with prior permission from DoT. Thuraya Satphone service is not permitted in India. Anyone using any telegraphic devices including Satphone without authorization violates Section 4 of the Indian Telegraph Act. 1885 and he/she can be penalized under Section 20 and 21 of the said Act. Tata Communications Limited, India, may be approached in case of necessity to use satellite telephone services in India.
In case satellite phones are brought into India through baggage/hand baggage without licence from DoT, the equipments would be detained/confiscated by the Customs authorities as per the existing procedures till the time the owner/holder of the satellite phone is able to produce a licence issued by DoT. In case of import with cargo, a detailed declaration is to be given by the person importing the goods.
Advice on "Surrogacy Arrangement"
Any person seeking a visa to India for purpose of entering into a surrogacy arrangement must ascertain beforehand whether the law of that country (e.g. Italy) permits surrogacy and will provide appropriate travel documents to the child for accompanying the surrogate parents. Entering into surrogacy arrangement under any other visa not sought for surrogacy is punishable under the Indian law.
Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act
The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act bans all forms of wildlife trade. Violations of the provisions of the Act are punishable with heavy fines and imprisonment. Foreigners are therefore, advised not to buy any wildlife or wildlife products or derivatives, specially ivory articles, fur and skin articles derived from wild animals such as Shahtoosh.
Caution on Drugs
Foreigners should not carry, buy, sell or use psychotropic drugs or any other narcotic substances while in India as their purchase, sale or possession is a cognisable offence.
