India Adoption Program: Travel

One parent will be required to travel to bring their child home, although both parents are encouraged to travel. Travel requirements will vary depending upon whether the adoption is occurring under Hindu or Guardianship law. Under Hindu law, the prospective adoptive parents must be present in court requiring either one extended trip of 6-8 weeks or two shorter trips of about 1 week. Under Guardianship law, parents may make one trip lasting about 7 business days. Families adopting older children should be prepared to spend at least 5 days with the child prior to traveling for the 2-3 day visa process in New Delhi. Families adopting older children in some regions may be required to spend 8 days in their child's environment prior to traveling to Delhi for the visa.