Assistance on Arrival in India

A scholar’s maintenance allowance begins upon arrival in India on the requisite visa/project clearance.

Airport Pick-Up

Every grantee will be received at the airport on arrival from the U.S.  USIEF will arrange and pay for airport pick-up for all Fulbright-Nehru and Fulbright-Kalam grantees, unless a grantee informs USIEF that this is not required.

Accommodation

USIEF can arrange upto seven nights (including the night of arrival) for a room only (no meals) upon arrival in India at USIEF approved hotels, guesthouses and hostels.  If a scholar makes his/her own arrangements, USIEF will reimburse up to Rs. 6,500 per night (hotel receipt required) in all cities.  This benefit is provided only for Fulbright-Nehru and Fulbright-Kalam grantees and has to be availed immediately upon arrival for up to seven nights.

The Day of Arrival

When you arrive at the airport in India, you should clear immigration, retrieve your baggage and clear customs, change some dollars into rupees at the airport bank counters, and look for the USIEF representative carrying a sign with your name on it at the exit gate.  The representative will bring you to the guesthouse/hotel where your accommodation has been arranged.  Be sure to have with you the details of USIEF staff telephone numbers and the guesthouse/hotel telephone number/address in case you need them due to any unexpected changes during travel.  In case of any unforeseen eventuality, note that international airports in India have prepaid taxi counters at which you can arrange a taxi at a fair rate.

Custom Clearance at Indian Airports There are two channels for customs clearance at Indian airports: The Green Channel for passengers who do not carry any dutiable goods and the Red Channel for passengers who do.  There are different regulations for clearance of personal baggage for tourists and non-tourists.  Fulbright grantees are considered non-tourists.  Used personal effects, such as clothing, a watch and articles of personal use in reasonable quantities may be brought in duty-free.  Used equipment, at least a year old, such as cameras, tape recorders, and personal computers can be brought.  Documentary evidence (bills of sale/invoice to show that the item has been in your possession for at least twelve months) is necessary, failing which duty may become payable on the article.  Prescribed customs duty will be levied on articles that exceed the duty-free allowance.  Any item, which may attract duty but which you may wish to take back, will be endorsed on your passport.  Visit the Government of India Central Board of Excise and Customs for more details.