Checklist: six weeks before you fly

What to arrange, and when, for a trip to India.

Six weeks ahead. Check that your passport is valid for at least six more months on arrival and has two blank pages. Book an appointment at the municipal health service (GGD) or a travel clinic for vaccinations; some must be given weeks in advance. Read the travel advice of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and take out travel insurance that covers India and your activities.

Two to four weeks ahead. Apply for your e-visa through the official Indian website; there are many expensive fake sites. If you are taking medicines, check whether you need a certificate. Book trains for popular routes and tell your bank about your trip so your card is not blocked.

The final week. Download the Foreign Ministry's travel app and register your trip, make copies of your passport, visa and insurance, and store them on your phone too. Pack a universal adapter, a basic medical kit with oral rehydration salts and insect repellent, and some cash to change on arrival.

Useful links

• India's official e-visa site indianvisaonline.gov.in
  The only place to apply for the e-visa directly.
• Dutch travel advice for India nederlandwereldwijd.nl
  Current safety situation, in Dutch.
• GGD Reisvaccinaties ggdreisvaccinaties.nl
  Vaccination advice and appointments (in Dutch).