India cricket tour FAQ: visas, insurance, health and kit

Published July 2026 · Maidan Cricket Tours

The practical questions every touring cricketer (and every committee) asks before an India tour, answered plainly. Where the answer is genuinely medical or legal — vaccinations, visa rules — confirm with the professionals; everything here is general guidance current as at July 2026.

Do Australians need a visa for a cricket tour of India?

Yes. Australian passport holders need an Indian e-Tourist Visa, applied for online before travel. The 30-day double-entry e-visa has a government fee of US$25 in peak season (July to March), reduced to US$10 between April and June, plus a small card surcharge - budget about A$40 all up. Apply through the official portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in) two to four weeks before departure. A tour played as an amateur touring side on a recreational basis is normally treated as tourism, but visa rules change - confirm current requirements when you apply.

Is travel insurance required for a cricket tour of India?

It isn't legally required, but no responsible club tours without it, and most clubs make it a condition of joining the tour. A policy covering medical treatment, hospital care, evacuation, cancellation and amateur sporting activity typically costs A$110-150 for a 10-12 night tour. Check specifically that playing cricket is covered - most policies class it as a standard amateur sport, but confirm rather than assume.

What vaccinations do I need for India?

See a travel doctor or GP 6-8 weeks before departure. For a standard cricket itinerary, commonly recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine boosters (tetanus and others). Depending on itinerary, season and your history, a doctor may discuss others. Malaria risk on major-city cricket itineraries is generally low, but this is a medical decision - get individual advice rather than relying on a website, including this one.

Can I drink the water in India?

Stick to sealed bottled or filtered water, including for brushing teeth, and skip ice outside quality hotels. On a managed tour, bottled water is provided on the coach and at grounds. Most stomach upsets happen in the first few days - go gently on street food early in the trip and carry basic medication.

What kit should I bring for cricket in India?

Bring your normal playing kit plus: lightweight whites (it will be warmer than an Australian spring fixture), a wide-brim hat, high-SPF sunscreen, electrolyte sachets, and a spare pair of boots - grounds range from lush turf to firm, abrasive outfields. Good quality balls are provided on Maidan tours; bats and pads are available in India cheaply if anything breaks, and cricket shopping in India is half the fun anyway.

How much spending money do I need?

India is inexpensive on the ground. A$200-300 covers drinks, snacks, markets and souvenirs on a 10-night tour for most people, on top of a package that includes most meals. Cards are widely accepted in cities and hotels; carry some rupees in cash for markets and tips. ATMs are everywhere in the cities you'll tour.

What standard of opposition will we play?

Whatever standard suits your side - that's the point of fixtures arranged through a real club network rather than a booking site. Australian club sides are typically matched against Indian club, school or academy sides of comparable ability, and the fixture list is agreed with your club before anything is locked in. Expect competitive cricket: Indian club sides at every level are well-drilled, especially against spin.

Can partners and supporters come on the tour?

Yes, and they should - most club tours travel with a mix of players, partners and supporters. Supporters share the same hotels, transport and sightseeing, with their own programme on match days. Supporter pricing differs from player pricing because the cricket costs drop out but single or twin rooming often changes - ask for both rates in your proposal.

How far in advance should a club book?

Twelve to eighteen months from first AGM conversation to departure is the comfortable standard: it locks better airfares and hotel rates, gives players time to pay in instalments, and gets first choice of fixture windows. A committed club can do it in six months if the group is decisive, but flights cost more and fixture choices narrow.

What does a cricket tour of India cost?

As a guide for 2026: a 10-night value tour costs approximately A$3,400-3,800 per person land-only (twin share), and a 12-night premium tour approximately A$5,500-6,100 land-only. Return airfares from Australia add A$1,100-1,600. See our full cost guide for the complete breakdown of what's included and what participants pay separately.

Something we haven't covered? Ask us directly — unanswered committee questions are how tours stall.