India Visa Requirements for United Kingdom passport

UK passport holders need a visa to enter India, as there is no Visa-on-Arrival facility or exemption for British citizens.

India offers several types of visas depending on the purpose of travel, such as tourism, business, study, or medical treatment.

UK passport holders can get an Indian visa through a streamlined online application process for short-term stays.

It is advised to apply for the visa to India from the UK well in advance of your travel dates, as processing times can vary.

Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into India and has at least 2 blank pages for visa and entry stamps.

Types of Visa to India from the UK

India offers several categories of visas depending on the purpose of your visit.

For the vast majority of UK travelers for short visits, the process has moved online through the e-Visa system, which is faster and more convenient than traditional methods.

The Indian e-Visa

Reinstated for UK citizens in late 2022, the India e-Visa is the most popular choice for short-term visits.

It is electronically linked to your passport and eliminates the need to send physical documents to an embassy.

• e-Tourist Visa: This is strictly for recreation, sightseeing, and visiting friends or family. It is typically available in durations of 30 days (double entry), 1 year (multiple entry), or 5 years (multiple entry).
• e-Business Visa: Designed for those attending business meetings, setting up industrial or business ventures, or recruiting manpower. It is usually valid for one year with multiple entries.
• e-Medical Visa: For those seeking short-term medical treatment in India, allowing up to three entries.
• e-Conference Visa: Specifically for attending workshops or conferences organized by government ministries or departments.
• Ayush Visa: For individuals traveling for traditional wellness and healthcare treatments under the Ayush systems, which include Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.

Regular (Paper) Visa

While the e-Visa covers most needs, a Regular Visa is necessary if your trip doesn't fit the standard categories.

You might need this if you plan to be employed in India long-term, are studying at an Indian university, or are working in journalism or diplomacy.

Applying for a Regular Visa is a more involved process requiring a visit to a visa application center to submit biometrics and physical passports.

Required Documents for an Indian Visa

Having the correct documentation ready will make the application process much smoother.

For India visa types, United Kingdom citizens need to prepare:

• Passport: A UK passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining from your intended date of arrival in India. It must also have at least 2 blank pages.
• Digital photograph: A recent front-facing color photograph against a plain white background meeting the size specifications.

Depending on the type of Indian visa you are applying for, additional supporting documents may be required.

For example, below is a detailed list of documents for each India e-Visa category:

• Business e-Visa:
• An invitation letter from the company you are working with.
• A business card from the cooperating company (if applicable).
• Medical e-Visa (including Ayurveda):
• A document from the hospital or institution confirming the partnership, including details on the duration of stay and treatment to be received.
• Conference e-Visa:
• An invitation letter from the event organizer.
• A political clearance document from the Ministry of External Affairs, India.

Ensure that all documents meet the required format and specifications.

The India Visa Application Process for United Kingdom Nationals

Applying for an Electronic Visa to India from the UK is a straightforward online process. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Fill out the application form: The form requires personal details, passport information, travel plans, and information about your parents and spouse.
2. Upload required documents: You will be prompted to upload digital copies of your documents.
3. Pay the visa fee: Payment is made online using a credit or debit card. The fee varies depending on the type and duration of the e-Visa you select.
4. Await the result: Once approved, your Electronic Visa will be sent to your email address.
5. Print a copy of your e-Visa. You will need to present this document to immigration officials upon your arrival in India.

For a Regular Visa, you'll need to fill out the application form on the official Indian Embassy or Consulate website.

You will then submit the required documents during an in-person appointment, and some applications might require an interview or to provide biometric data. If approved, the visa will be stamped in your passport.

Processing Times for Indian Visas

The processing time for a visa to India from the UK can vary depending on the visa type and the current workload of the issuing authority.

Generally, it takes about 3 to 5 working days for e-Visas to India. However, certain visa types, such as Employment or Student Visas, may take longer due to the need for additional document verification.

United Kingdom visitors are advised to apply well in advance of their intended travel date to allow sufficient time for processing.

For urgent cases, expedited services may be available for an additional fee, though this is subject to approval.

Where Can I Use the India e-Visa?

Due to ongoing modernization efforts, not all Indian airports and seaports are equipped to process electronic visas.

Below is a comprehensive list of airports and seaports currently accepting e-Visas for entry into India:

Airports:

• Ahmedabad
• Amritsar
• Bagdogra
• Bengaluru
• Bhubaneshwar
• Calicut
• Chandigarh
• Chennai
• Cochin
• Coimbatore
• Delhi
• Gaya
• Goa
• Guwahati
• Hyderabad
• Indore
• Jaipur
• Kannur
• Kolkata
• Lucknow
• Madurai
• Mangalore
• Mumbai
• Nagpur
• Port Blair
• Pune
• Tiruchirappalli
• Trivandrum
• Varanasi
• Vishakhapatnam

Seaports:

• Chennai
• Cochin
• Goa
• Mangalore
• Mumbai
• Port Blair

If you plan to enter India through a port not listed above, you will need to visit an Indian Embassy or Consulate to obtain a Regular Visa.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Indian Visas for UK Citizens

• Do UK passport holders require a visa to enter India?
  Yes, UK passport holders are required to obtain a visa to enter India. There is no Visa-on-Arrival facility or exemption available for British citizens.
• What types of visas are available for UK citizens traveling to India?
  India offers a variety of visas, including e-Tourist Visa, e-Business Visa, e-Medical Visa, e-Conference Visa, Ayush Visa, and Regular (Paper) Visa. The type of visa needed depends on the purpose of travel.
• What is the validity of an e-Tourist Visa?
  The e-Tourist Visa for India is typically available for durations of 30 days (double entry), 1 year (multiple entry), or 5 years (multiple entry).
• How can UK nationals apply for an Indian e-Visa?
  The application process for an e-Visa is conducted online. Applicants must fill out a form, upload required documents, pay the visa fee, and await confirmation via email.
• What should I do if my point of entry into India is not listed for e-Visa eligibility?
  If your entry point is not listed as one of the airports or seaports accepting e-Visas, you must apply for a Regular Visa through an Indian Embassy or Consulate.

Conclusion

Obtaining a visa for India from the UK is an uncomplicated process, especially with the convenient e-Visa system.

By understanding the different visa types, preparing your documents carefully, and following the application steps, United Kingdom citizens can have a hassle-free application procedure.

Always double-check the information on your e-Visa before traveling and make sure that your passport has at least 6 months of validity remaining from your intended date of arrival in India.