Pre-Departure Checklist for Indian Interns
The week before you leave India is chaotic. This checklist has been built from hundreds of Indian students who have done this before. Print it. Tick every box.
3-6 Months Before Departure
- Confirm your internship offer letter is on company letterhead with dates, supervisor, stipend, and stamp
- Check your passport expiry, must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date
- Begin visa application research for your specific destination
- Get your university NOC from your Head of Department
- Open a zero-forex international debit card account (Niyo, Wise, or HDFC Forex Card)
- Notify your parents/family of your plans and share itinerary
- Research accommodation in your destination city
1-3 Months Before Departure
- Submit your visa application with all required documents
- Purchase travel insurance covering your full internship duration
- Book your flights (cheaper when booked early)
- Confirm accommodation, signed agreement or confirmed booking
- Notify your Indian bank of your travel dates (so they dont block international transactions)
- Gather health documents: vaccination records, any prescription medicines
- Check vaccination requirements for your destination (see our vaccine guide)
1-2 Weeks Before Departure
- Make photocopies of all documents (passport, visa, offer letter, insurance), store separately
- Save digital copies to Google Drive or iCloud
- Share emergency contacts with family: host company, accommodation, local emergency numbers
- Set up international roaming or research local SIM options for your destination
- Load your international card with sufficient funds for first 2 weeks
- Download offline maps for your city (Google Maps offline or Maps.me)
- Download translation apps if destination is non-English speaking
- Note local emergency numbers (police, ambulance, hospital) for your destination
- Notify your insurance company of your departure date
Documents to Carry (Both Physical and Digital)
- Indian passport (original)
- Visa (stamped or approved) + approval letter if applicable
- Internship offer letter
- University NOC / enrollment certificate
- Travel insurance certificate with 24/7 helpline
- Flight booking confirmation
- Accommodation confirmation/booking
- International bank card + cash in local currency for first 2 days
- Emergency contact sheet (laminated if possible)
- Any required vaccination certificates (e.g., yellow fever for some African destinations)
Packing Essentials
Beyond documents, see our detailed packing list guide. Key items:
- Universal travel adapter (Indian plugs dont work in most countries)
- Medications and prescriptions (with translated labels if possible)
- Professional clothes for work (check what your companys dress code is)
- Comfortable walking shoes, you will walk much more than in India
Digital Setup Before You Go
- Enable 2-factor authentication on all important accounts (Gmail, bank, etc.)
- Download a VPN app, useful in some countries and for accessing Indian streaming
- Set up WhatsApp notifications so family can reach you
- Download Google Translate app with offline language packs for your destination
- Check if your Aadhaar / PAN is linked with your bank for international transfers
- Back up your phone photos to cloud before leaving India
Day of Departure
- Arrive at airport 3 hours before international departure
- Check-in online the night before if possible
- Carry all documents in your carry-on, not checked baggage
- Text your accommodation contact with your ETA
- Have local currency for airport transport on arrival