SIF is delighted you will be joining the 2015 Delegation to India. Below you will find important information that will be useful for registering for the delegation and planning your trip to India.
REGISTRATION FORM & PAYMENT:
The registration and payment deadline is *July 10th, 2015. SIF will accept registrations after July 10th if space permits. Please complete the following Delegate Registration Form at your earliest convenience (Click here). This allows us to easily record your vital travel information.
Payment is due in full to the Seattle International Foundation by July 10th, 2015. Please send your payment in the mail addressed to:
Attention: Michele Frix
Director of Programs, Seattle International Foundation
500 Union Street, Suite 801
Seattle, WA 98101
Checks can be made out to the Seattle International Foundation. If you are interested in paying via credit card, please contact Michele for more information (mfrix@seaif.org).
FLIGHTS FROM THE US:
International flights are booked by travelers independently. If you would like the contact information for a trusted independent travel agent Elevate Destinations is happy to provide you with this information. Kindly forward your international flight information to Naomi (naomi@elevatedestinations.com
Main Program:
Arrive Dehli Airport (DEL) anytime on October 8th, 2015
Leave Kolkata Airport (CCU) anytime on October 18th, 2015
As Global Washington members, SIF has a discount for business and first class tickets booked through Emirates airline. Please contact Michele if you would like more information about this discount.
EXTENSIONS:
The Seattle International Foundation portion of the trip ends on October 18th. If you would like to extend your trip, Elevate is pleased to offer the following options before or after the main program. Elevate supports Seattle International Foundation’s great work by donating 5% of the cost of extension bookings back to them:
- Taj Mahal (Agra) extension trip
- Customized extension trip – Please inquire with Elevate Destinations for more information.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Elevate Destinations strongly recommends that all travelers have travel insurance for any trip they wish to take with us. Please note that some insurance options require purchase within 24 hours of making payment for your trip. We encourage you to review your travel insurance options before making payment to Elevate Destinations.
Elevate Destinations is partnered with CSA Travel Protection, www.csatravelpro.com/W8000402, 1-800-348-9505, Agent Code: W8000402. Guests may acquire travel insurance through CSA, or any other travel insurance company of their choosing. Elevate Destinations recommends that travelers evaluate the insurance options available for their needs, and inquire with providers about insurance that will provide coverage if the trip needs to be cancelled.
PASSPORT:
Travelers to India should ensure that the validity of their passports extends at least six months beyond the end of their intended stay, and should have at least two blank (unstamped) visa pages in their passport to enter the country. The last two amendment pages are unacceptable for visas and immigration stamps.
VISA/TOURIST CARD:
All US Citizens will be required to obtain a visa in order to gain entry to India. The tourist visa is a 10-year, multiple entry visa. SIF will cover the cost for your visa and related shipping. Participants are responsible for contacting a visa processing company directly to obtain their visa. Please contact Michele Frix for more information on our preferred visa processing service. We recommend applying for your visa by August 28th to allow time for processing and shipping.
HEALTH CONCERNS
Please be sure check the CDC Website for India for updated information about vaccinations and health concerns, and check with your medical provider or travel clinic about your individual requirements.
In addition to being up-to-date on routine vaccinations 4-6 weeks before travel, the CDC recommends that most travelers be vaccinated for Hepatitis A and Typhoid. The CDC also recommends some travelers to be vaccinated for Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, *Yellow Fever, and to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent Malaria.
*There is no risk of yellow fever in India. The government of India requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever.
LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS
In addition to luggage restrictions for your international flights to/from the US, please keep in mind the restrictions for luggage on the domestic flight for this trip:
- Checked luggage – Each bag must not exceed 15 kg (33 lbs) in weight.
- Carry-on luggage – Each guest is allowed 1 piece of cabin baggage AND 1 laptop bag OR 1 handbag on-board. The sum of the carry-on luggage dimensions (L + W + D) must not exceed 45 inches and does not weigh more than 7 kg (15 lbs).
*Please note that there is a fee of 250 INR ($4) per kg for any amount above the weight limit.
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If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team at Elevate Destinations or SIF:
Michele Frix
mfrix@seaif.org
Katherine Redington
katherine@elevatedestinations.com
Naomi Garner
naomi@elevatedestinations.com