Rajasthan is one of the most visited states in India by international tourists. It has forts, palaces, deserts, and festivals all in one place. Most foreigners who visit India include Rajasthan in their trip.
This guide covers everything a foreign tourist needs to know before arriving.
Visa Requirements for Foreign Tourists Visiting Rajasthan
Most foreign nationals need a tourist visa to enter India. The easiest option is the e-Visa, which you can apply for online at indianvisaonline.gov.in. It gets approved within 3 to 5 business days.
The e-Visa allows a 30-day or 90-day stay depending on your country.
Citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and a few other countries are not eligible for the e-Visa. Check the official site for your country’s status before applying.
How to Reach Rajasthan from Outside India
Rajasthan does not have a major international airport with direct long-haul flights. The two most practical entry points are the following:
- Delhi is the most common gateway. From Delhi, Jaipur is 5 hours by road or under 2 hours by train.
- Mumbai works if your flight lands there. From Mumbai, you can fly or take an overnight train to Jaipur or Udaipur.
- Jaipur airport also receives direct flights from Dubai, Sharjah, and Singapore if you are coming from those cities.
Best Time to Visit Rajasthan for Foreign Tourists
- Winter (Nov–Feb): Pleasant and perfect for sightseeing
- Summer (April–June): Very hot, avoid if possible
- Monsoon (July–Sept): Less crowded but humid
Check out our complete guide on the best time to visit Rajasthan for a perfectly timed trip.
How to Travel Between Cities in Rajasthan
The train is the most affordable and reliable option. Book on irctc.co.in. Most long-distance trains have a foreign tourist quota, which means seats reserved specifically for international visitors even when the train looks full online.
A private car with a driver gives you full flexibility. You can stop at smaller towns and forts along the way that trains do not cover. Check our Rajasthan car rental rates for a clear cost breakdown before booking.
Flights connect Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur if you are short on time.
Within cities, Ola and Uber work well. For short distances, auto-rickshaws are fine but always fix the price before you get in.
Top Cities to Visit in Rajasthan and How Many Days You Need
Plan your route smarter by starting with our curated list of top cities to visit in Rajasthan, covering Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and beyond.
Jaipur – 2 days: The capital city. Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, and Jantar Mantar are the main sites. Good food, shopping, and rooftop cafes make it easy to fill two full days.
Udaipur – 2 days: The most scenic city. A Lake Pichola boat ride, the City Palace, and the evening cultural show at Bagore Ki Haveli are highlights. Very popular with couples and slow travellers.
Jodhpur – 1 to 2 days: Mehrangarh Fort sits high above the city and gives a full view of the blue-painted lanes below. The clock tower market is good for shopping.
Jaisalmer – 2 days: The main reason to come here is the desert. Camel safari and overnight camping at Sam Sand Dunes are experiences most foreign tourists remember the most. Jaisalmer Fort is also worth a morning visit.
Pushkar – 1 day: a small and calm holy town. It has the only Brahma temple in India. Very popular with backpackers and solo travellers. If you visit in November, the Pushkar Camel Fair is one of the largest camel fairs in the world.
It will take approximately 10-12 days to comfortably visit all 5 cities. If you’d like to have your transportation arranged, hotels booked and a planned itinerary, please visit our Rajasthan Tour Packages to find something that suits your needs.
Currency, ATMs and Payments in Rajasthan
The currency is the Indian Rupee. As of 2026, one US dollar is approximately 83 to 85 rupees.
ATMs from major banks like SBI, HDFC, and ICICI accept Visa and Mastercard. Withdraw larger amounts at once, as some ATMs charge a flat fee per transaction.
UPI apps like Google Pay and PhonePe do not work with foreign cards in most cases. Carry cash for local markets, auto-rickshaws, and smaller restaurants.
Large hotels and mid-range restaurants accept cards. Tipping is not required, but 50 to 100 rupees for restaurant staff or hotel helpers is common practice.
How to Get a SIM Card in Rajasthan as a Foreign Tourist
Buy a local SIM from any Airtel or Jio store in the city or from airport counters on arrival. Carry your passport and one passport-size photo.
Activation takes up to 24 hours. A prepaid plan with 1.5 GB data per day costs around 300 to 500 rupees for 28 days. This is far cheaper than paying international roaming charges.
Rajasthani Food Foreign Tourists Must Try
Rajasthani food tends to be rich and spicy. If you prefer mild food, tell the restaurant “less spicy” when ordering. Most tourist restaurants understand this without any issue.
Dishes worth trying:
- Dal Baati Churma
- Laal Maas (slow-cooked spicy mutton)
- Ker Sangri (desert bean vegetable)
- Gatte ki Sabzi
- Pyaaz Kachori
Italian, Chinese, Israeli, and continental options are available in all major tourist cities. For a complete guide on what to eat and where, read our guide on local dishes of Rajasthan.
Important Travel Tips for Foreigners Visiting Rajasthan
Temples: Cover your shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering. Carry a scarf as a backup.
Photography: It’s polite to ask if it’s okay to take someone’s picture, especially a woman. Many temples do not allow photography inside.
Bargaining: Prices at markets are flexible. Negotiate and offer a starting point of approximately 50% of what they want for an item at local markets.
Water: Only drink bottled or filtered water. Avoid ice at street stalls.
Safety: Tourists are safe in Rajasthan even if they are traveling on their own. If you are traveling alone, avoid empty streets at night and particularly in unfamiliar areas.
Cash: Always keep some cash on hand. Many smaller towns and local shops do not accept cards.
Rajasthan Travel Budget for Foreign Tourists
| Travel Style | Approx. Daily Cost |
|---|---|
| Budget backpacker | 1,500 to 2,500 INR |
| Mid-range traveller | 4,000 to 8,000 INR |
| Luxury traveller | 15,000 INR and above |
These figures cover accommodation, food, local transport, and entry fees to monuments.
For practical ways to reduce costs without missing the main experiences, read our budget travel tips for Rajasthan.
Plan Your Rajasthan Trip
Rajasthan is easy to travel if you plan the basics in advance. Book train tickets early, carry cash, get a local SIM on arrival, and respect temple customs. Everything else is straightforward once you are here.
For a complete checklist of things you should know before your first visit, read our Rajasthan travel tips for first-time visitors.
FAQs
Yes, Rajasthan is totally safe for the locals and foreigners. You don’t need to worry while traveling here.
If you want to see all the major cities in Rajasthan, then you must keep at least 7–10 days aside. You can see places like Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer comfortably. If you want a relaxed trip, plan 12–14 days.
English is mostly spoken in many tourist areas in Rajasthan. You will not face any language-related issues while staying at local hotels or seeing the markets. Communication is very easy here.
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