India has specific restrictions on drones, satellite phones, and photography at sensitive sites. Religious sentiment offenses are taken seriously.
All drones require registration with DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) and a UAS Remote Pilot Certificate. No-fly zones include all of Delhi, within 5km of airports, military areas, and borders. Tourist drones are frequently confiscated. Apply at digitalsky.dgca.gov.in. Process takes 2-4 weeks.
Satellite phones are illegal in India for tourists without a licence from Department of Telecommunications. Carrying a sat phone can result in arrest under Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act. If you need emergency communication in remote areas, register a local SIM with roaming instead.
Photography prohibited at: all railway stations (some), military installations, border areas, government offices, and some temples. Signs are not always present. When in doubt, ask. Photography of tribal communities requires permission.
Cow slaughter and beef are banned in most Indian states including Delhi, UP, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Penalties range from 7-14 years imprisonment. Beef is legal in Kerala, West Bengal, and some NE states. Do not bring beef products into these states.
| Drone operation without permit | Up to INR 1,00,000 (~$1,200) + confiscation |
| Religious sentiment offense | Up to 3 years imprisonment |
| Public intoxication | Up to INR 2,000 (~$24) or 3 months |
| Smoking in public | INR 200 (~$2.40) |
| Overstaying visa | USD 30/day overstay fee + deportation |
India's "dry states" are a common trap: Bihar, Gujarat, Mizoram, and Nagaland ban alcohol entirely. Carrying alcohol into these states from elsewhere in India can result in arrest. Check your transit route if flying domestically.
This is general travel information, not legal advice. Laws change -- verify with your government's official travel advisory and local legal counsel before travel. US: travel.state.gov · UK: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
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