Planning a trip to India from the UAE? Do these 10 things to avoid surprises

Many rule changes kick in this month that can affect your travel, banking, tax activities

Last updated: July 14, 2025 | 17:12

2 MIN READ

Planning a trip to India from the UAE? Do these 10 things to avoid surprises

Dubai: If you're a UAE expat heading to India this summer, several rule changes that kicked in from this month, July 2025, could affect your travel, banking, or tax-related activities.

Here’s a checklist of what you should do before or after your trip to stay prepared:

Checklist: Before you travel

1. Check Aadhaar-PAN link (if you have a PAN)

Make sure your PAN card is linked to your Aadhaar by December 31, 2025, to avoid deactivation.
New PAN applicants must now have Aadhaar, so carry it if applying during your visit.

Also Read: India's PAN cards are being updated. Do I need to change my card?

2. Update Aadhaar for train bookings

If you plan to book Tatkal train tickets, ensure your Aadhaar is verified.
From July 15, 2-step OTP verification will also be required, so make sure your Indian mobile number is active.

3. Book trains warly (New charting time)

Indian Railways now prepares reservation charts 8 hours before departure (instead of 4).
This gives you less time for last-minute confirmations—book early to avoid being waitlisted.

4. Inform your bank about international use

Many Indian banks (HDFC, ICICI, SBI) have revised credit card rules and ATM fees.
Let your bank know you'll be in India to avoid blocked transactions or surprise charges.

5. Avoid extra credit card fees

For HDFC cards, watch out for 1% fees on rent, wallet loads, online games, and high utility payments.
For ICICI cards, ATM withdrawals beyond the free limit can cost ₹23 per transaction.
Consider using local UAE cards with low conversion fees if applicable.

Also Read: Explained: How and where to get Aadhaar card for Non-Resident Indians

Checklist: While in India

6. Check Delhi driving restrictions

Driving in Delhi? Note that fuel stations now ban old petrol/diesel vehicles (End-of-Life).
ANPR cameras will check number plates—rent or borrow only compliant vehicles.

7. Use ICICI, HDFC cards strategically

Avoid frequent ATM use or high-value digital wallet loads on Indian credit cards.
Limit in-person cash deposits at banks to stay within free transaction limits.

Also Read: New Indian income tax rule: PAN card now mandatory for certain cash deposits, withdrawals

Checklist: After your trip

8. File Indian Tax Returns on time

The ITR deadline is extended to September 15, 2025.
If you're a UAE resident with income or assets in India, consult a tax advisor to stay compliant.

9. Note GST filing change (for business owners)

If you run an Indian business from the UAE, remember that GSTR-3B returns are now locked post-filing.
Review carefully before submission—no edits allowed after July 2025.

10. Double-check airline insurance coverage

If you’ve used SBI credit cards like Elite or Miles Prime to book flights, air accident coverage is no longer included.
Consider purchasing separate travel insurance for added peace of mind.

Final tip? Travel rules, banking policies, and compliance processes in India change often. If you're visiting family, on business, or investing in property or assets—staying updated can save you time, money, and trouble.

Justin VargheseYour Money Editor

Justin is a personal finance author and seasoned business journalist with over a decade of experience. He makes it his mission to break down complex financial topics and make them clear, relatable, and relevant—helping everyday readers navigate today’s economy with confidence. Before returning to his Middle Eastern roots, where he was born and raised, Justin worked as a Business Correspondent at Reuters, reporting on equities and economic trends across both the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions.