Planning a trip to India? If you’re a UK citizen, you’ll need a visa before you go. This guide explains the different types of India Tourist Visas, how to apply, and what you need to prepare for a smooth journey.
Yes, all UK citizens, including children and infants, must get an India eVisa before entering the country.
Types of Indian Tourist eVisa for UK Citizens
India offers three types of Tourist eVisas to citizens from the UK. These are:
| Visa Type | Entry Details | Stay Limit |
| 30-Day Visa | Allows two entries within 30 days. | Each stay must be under 30 days. |
| 1-Year Visa | Allows multiple entries within one year. | Each stay must be under 180 days. |
| 5-Year Visa | Allows multiple entries within five years. | Each stay must be under 180 days. |
UK Citizens can pick the visa that best fits their travel plans.
Special Cases: UK Citizens with Pakistani Heritage and OCI Card Holders
If you have Pakistani ancestry, hold dual UK-Pakistan nationality, or own a National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), your visa may take longer to process. You must apply through the Indian embassy, not online. If you’ve renounced Pakistani citizenship, you’ll need to provide proof.
OCI Cardholders Visa for India
If you have an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, you don’t need a visa to visit India. However, if you still have a Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) card, you must convert it to an OCI card before traveling.
What You Can Do With An India Tourist Evisa?
The India Tourist eVisa is a digital travel permit that lets UK travelers visit India for:
- Tourism (sightseeing, vacation, yoga retreats)
- Family visits
- Short recreational activities
How to Apply for an India Tourist Visa from the UK
Applying for an India eVisa is quick and can be done completely online. Just follow these steps:
- Fill out the application form
Enter your details and choose your visa type.
- Check your details
Make sure all information is correct.
- Pay and upload documents.
Pay online via credit/debit card or PayPal and upload your passport scan and photo.
- Approval
Once approved, your eVisa will be emailed to you within your chosen processing time.
How Long Is the India Tourist Visa Valid?
The validity depends on the type of visa you choose. Here is the validity of each of the Indian Tourist eVisa.
- 30-day visa – Starts from the approval date and allows two entries.
- 1-year visa – Valid for 12 months, but each stay can’t exceed 180 days.
- 5-year visa – Valid for five years, but each stay is limited to 180 days.
“Important Notes: Indian eVisas cannot be extended or converted. Overstaying your visa can result in fines, deportation, or visa restrictions in the future.”
Documents Required for the India eVisa
To apply for your visa, you’ll need the following:
1. Passport
It must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date in India. Also, your passport must have at least two blank pages for entry/exit stamps. You will need to upload it as a PDF file (10KB – 300KB) with a clear scan of the bio page.
2. Passport Photo
Your photo should have a white background and meet passport photo standards. It should be in PDF format (10KB – 1MB) and a minimum of 50×50 pixels.
Arrival and Travel Requirements for UK Citizens
You will also need the following requirements:
- Arrival & departure card
Fill this out when entering or leaving India.
- Travel Insurance
Highly recommended for medical emergencies, lost luggage, or cancellations.
- Vaccination Documents
If you’ve been to a country with Yellow Fever risk in the past 6 days, you must show proof of vaccination.
- Accommodation details
Keep a copy of your hotel confirmation, as immigration officers may ask for it.
Important Things to Keep in Mind When Applying for an India Visa
While traveling to India, you need to keep in mind a few important pieces of information about the visa. These are:
- Your visa may be valid for 1 or 5 years, but each visit can’t be longer than 180 days.
- Extensions are not possible. You must leave and reapply.
- Some applicants must apply through the embassy instead of online.
- Poor-quality uploads can lead to rejection.
- If you get a new passport in India, you may need an exit permit before leaving.
Where Can You Enter India with an eVisa?
With an India Tourist eVisa, you can enter through 31 major airports (including Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai) and six (6) seaports. You must leave through an official immigration checkpoint.
India Travel Restrictions & Considerations
Special permits may be required for certain areas like Arunachal Pradesh or the Andaman Islands. Security warnings exist for Jammu and Kashmir and border areas. Taking Indian Rupees out of India is illegal. So make sure you withdraw money from ATMs when you arrive or use your card.
Leaving India: Important Exit Information
Before leaving India, immigration officers will check your entry stamp. If you don’t have one (e.g., due to a new passport), you must apply for an exit visa online, which takes 5-15 working days. You can do it online by visiting the e-FRRO online portal.
Conclusion
Before traveling, ensure you carry a printed and digital copy of your eVisa. Double-check all details in your application before submission to avoid errors. If you are unsure about the process, consider using a visa assistance service for a hassle-free application experience.
For official information, visit the High Commission of India in London or apply for your Indian eVisa with us. With proper preparation, your trip to India can be smooth and stress-free.
