India Visa RequirementsFor United Kingdom passport holders
UK citizens must obtain an Indian e-Visa before travelling to India; the process is fully online and usually takes around 72 hours to complete. Apply only through the official government portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in to avoid paying inflated fees to third-party websites. Once approved, your e-Visa is linked electronically to your passport and valid at 28 international airports and 5 seaports.
United Kingdom passport holders must apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) online before traveling to India.
Apply only at the official portal: indianvisaonline.gov.in.
There are dozens of third-party websites that impersonate the official portal and charge 5 to 10 times the real fee for the same result. Always check that the URL is indianvisaonline.gov.in before entering any personal or payment details.
Step-by-step application:
1. Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in and click "Apply e-Visa"
2. Select "e-Tourist Visa" and choose your preferred duration (30 days, 1 year, or 5 years)
3. Enter your intended arrival date and port of entry
4. Complete the online application form with personal, passport, and travel details
5. Upload a recent digital passport photo (2x2 inches, white background, no glasses) and a scanned copy of your passport bio page
6. Pay the fee by debit or credit card
7. Receive your Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) by email within 72 hours (usually faster)
8. Print the ETA confirmation or save it clearly on your phone
Important: Apply at least 4 days before travel and no more than 120 days in advance. At the airport, immigration officers scan your passport and verify the e-Visa electronically; you do not need a physical stamp. However, having your ETA email printed or clearly accessible is strongly recommended.
Entry points: The Indian e-Visa is valid at 28 designated international airports (including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad) and 5 seaports. It is not valid at all land border crossings, so check the official list if you plan to enter overland.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Allowed
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
For Your Visa Application
Indian e-Visa application (online)
Complete the application at the official portal indianvisaonline.gov.in. Choose "e-Tourist Visa" and select your preferred duration (30 days, 1 year, or 5 years). Do not use third-party websites -- they charge 5 to 10 times the real fee for the same result.
Valid UK passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended arrival date in India and must have at least 2 blank pages for immigration stamps. Scan the biographical data page for the online application.
Digital passport photo
A recent digital photograph is required for the online application. Specifications: 2x2 inches (51x51 mm), white background, no glasses, face clearly visible, taken within the last 6 months. The photo must be uploaded in JPEG format.
Debit or credit card (for fee payment)
A UK debit or credit card (Visa or Mastercard) is required to pay the e-Visa fee online. Fees are approximately $25 USD for 30-day, $40 USD for 1-year, and $80 USD for 5-year Tourist e-Visa.
Required at Entry
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) confirmation
Your approved e-Visa is linked electronically to your passport. Bring a printed copy or a clearly accessible digital copy of your ETA approval email. Immigration officers will verify it by scanning your passport, but having it accessible avoids delays.
Valid UK passport
The same passport used during the e-Visa application. The e-Visa is electronically linked to this specific passport -- travelling on a different passport will result in denial of entry.
Return or onward ticket
Proof of a confirmed onward or return flight out of India. Immigration officers may ask to see this at arrival.
Proof of accommodation
At minimum, a confirmed booking for your first night in India (hotel confirmation email or equivalent). Officers occasionally ask for this at immigration.
Proof of sufficient funds
Evidence that you have adequate funds to cover your stay. This can be a recent bank statement or the ability to show a UK bank card. There is no fixed minimum, but having approximately GBP 50 per day as a guideline is reasonable.
Current Travel Situation
United Kingdom to India: What You Need to Know
India operates a well-established e-Visa (Electronic Travel Authorisation) system for UK citizens, covering tourism, business, medical visits, and conference attendance. There is no need to visit an embassy or post a physical passport.
For tourism, three durations are available:
- 30-day Tourist e-Visa: double entry, approximately $25 USD
- 1-year Tourist e-Visa: multiple entry, approximately $40 USD
- 5-year Tourist e-Visa: multiple entry, approximately $80 USD
All three allow a maximum continuous stay of 90 days per visit for UK passport holders.
Beyond the visa formalities, India is one of the world's most diverse destinations. From the Himalayan peaks of Ladakh and the Rajasthani desert fortresses of Jaipur and Jodhpur, to the backwaters of Kerala, the ancient temples of Tamil Nadu, and the chaotic energy of Mumbai, no two regions feel alike. Wildlife safaris, Ayurvedic retreats, world-class cuisine, and a history stretching back thousands of years await. India rewards curious, open-minded travellers who embrace its scale and complexity.
How to Get There
Direct flights from the UK to India are plentiful and typically take 9 to 10 hours, making India one of the more accessible long-haul destinations from Britain.
Key airlines operating direct routes:
- British Airways: London Heathrow (LHR) to Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), and Bengaluru (BLR)
- Air India: London Heathrow (LHR) to Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bengaluru (BLR), Chennai (MAA), Hyderabad (HYD), Kochi (COK), and Amritsar (ATQ)
- Virgin Atlantic: London Heathrow (LHR) to Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM)
- Vistara / IndiGo / SpiceJet: seasonal and indirect services
Indirect routes via Middle East hubs (Emirates via Dubai, Etihad via Abu Dhabi, Qatar Airways via Doha) often offer competitive fares and connections to a wider range of Indian cities including Kolkata, Jaipur, Goa (GOI), and Thiruvananthapuram (TRV).
Flights from Manchester and Birmingham typically connect through London or a Middle East hub. Book well in advance for peak season travel (October to February, and the Diwali and Christmas periods).
Money & Banking
India's currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). As of 2025, the exchange rate is approximately 105 to 110 INR per 1 GBP, though this fluctuates.
ATMs and cards:
- UK Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in cities and larger towns
- ATM fees in India are generally low, though your UK bank may charge a foreign transaction fee
- Always choose to be charged in INR rather than GBP when given the option; this avoids Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), which typically uses a poor exchange rate
- Withdraw larger amounts less frequently to minimise per-transaction fees
Card payments:
- Hotels, restaurants, and shops in tourist areas and cities accept cards
- UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is the dominant payment method for locals but is not easily accessible to foreign visitors without an Indian bank account
- Cash is essential outside major cities, in rural areas, local markets, auto-rickshaws, and small temples
Practical advice:
- Carry a mix of smaller denomination notes (INR 100, 200, 500) for tipping, rickshaws, and street food
- Currency exchange booths at airports offer reasonable rates; avoid hotel exchange desks
- Notify your UK bank before travelling to prevent cards being blocked
Practical Tips
Health and vaccinations:
The NHS recommends UK travellers to India consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus as a minimum. Depending on your itinerary, your GP or travel clinic may also recommend hepatitis B, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, or malaria prophylaxis (especially for rural areas). Consult your GP or a travel health clinic at least 6 to 8 weeks before departure. Travel insurance with medical cover is essential for India; private hospital treatment in India is excellent but can be expensive.
Food and water safety:
- Drink only bottled or filtered water; avoid ice in drinks outside reputable establishments
- Street food is a highlight of Indian travel and generally safe when freshly cooked and hot; use judgement on stalls with high turnover
- Wash hands frequently, especially before eating
Getting around:
- Uber and Ola (India's equivalent) are safe, reliable, and affordable in most cities; use these instead of unmarked taxis
- Prepaid taxi counters inside airports are safe and priced clearly
- The Indian rail network is extensive; book in advance at irctc.co.in (international card payments accepted)
Culture and etiquette:
- Remove shoes before entering temples, mosques, gurdwaras, and many homes; follow signs and locals
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites (shoulders and knees covered for all genders)
- Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon
- Ask before photographing people, especially in rural areas
Climate and safety:
- India has extreme regional variation in climate; October to February is the most comfortable season for most of the country
- Use a high-SPF sunscreen, stay hydrated, and avoid prolonged sun exposure during peak heat (March to June)
- The UK Foreign Office travel advice for India is updated regularly and worth reading before departure
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK citizens need a visa for India?
Yes. UK citizens cannot enter India without a visa. The simplest option is the Indian e-Visa (Electronic Travel Authorisation), which is applied for entirely online before you travel. There is no need to visit an embassy or post your passport. The e-Visa covers tourism, business, medical visits, and conference attendance, and is approved within 72 hours in most cases.
How do I apply for an Indian e-Visa as a UK citizen?
Apply only at the official government portal: indianvisaonline.gov.in. Dozens of unofficial third-party sites charge 5 to 10 times the real fee for the same result -- always verify the URL before entering payment details.
The process is as follows:
1. Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in and select "Apply e-Visa"
2. Choose "e-Tourist Visa" and select your preferred duration (30 days, 1 year, or 5 years)
3. Enter your intended arrival date and port of entry
4. Complete the application form with your personal and passport details
5. Upload a digital passport photo (2x2 inches, white background) and a scan of your passport bio page
6. Pay the fee by debit or credit card
7. Receive your approved ETA by email, usually within 72 hours
Apply at least 4 days before travel and no more than 120 days in advance. Print or save the approval email clearly on your phone.
How long can UK citizens stay in India on an e-Visa?
UK citizens can stay up to 90 days per visit on an Indian e-Tourist Visa, regardless of which duration type you choose. Three types are available: a 30-day double-entry visa, a 1-year multiple-entry visa, and a 5-year multiple-entry visa. The longer-validity visas are useful for repeat visitors and cost proportionally more, but the 90-day continuous stay limit per visit applies to all three. If you need to stay longer than 90 days, you would need to apply for a different visa category (such as a long-stay tourist visa) from the Indian High Commission in London.
Do UK bank cards work in India?
Yes, UK Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards work at ATMs in Indian cities and tourist areas. However, cash is important outside major cities -- rural areas, local markets, auto-rickshaws, and small temples often do not accept cards. Carry a mix of INR notes (100, 200, 500 denominations) for day-to-day spending.
When withdrawing cash or paying by card, always choose to be charged in INR rather than GBP to avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), which uses a poor exchange rate. Notify your UK bank before travelling to avoid your card being blocked for suspected fraud.
Are there direct flights from the UK to India?
Yes. Several airlines operate direct flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to multiple Indian cities, with flight times of approximately 9 to 10 hours:
- British Airways -- direct to Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru
- Air India -- direct to Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Amritsar
- Virgin Atlantic -- direct to Delhi and Mumbai
Indirect routes via Middle East hubs (Emirates via Dubai, Etihad via Abu Dhabi, Qatar Airways via Doha) connect to a wider range of Indian cities including Goa, Kolkata, Jaipur, and Thiruvananthapuram, often at competitive prices. Flights from Manchester and Birmingham typically connect via London or a Middle East hub.
What vaccinations are recommended for UK travellers to India?
The NHS and FCDO recommend that UK travellers to India ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date (MMR, diphtheria, tetanus, polio) and consider the following travel vaccinations:
- Hepatitis A -- recommended for most travellers
- Typhoid -- recommended, especially if visiting smaller towns or rural areas
- Hepatitis B -- recommended depending on activities and duration
- Rabies -- recommended for longer trips or outdoor activities
- Japanese encephalitis -- considered for rural or longer-stay travel
- Malaria prophylaxis -- recommended for some regions; consult your GP or travel clinic
Consult your GP or a travel health clinic at least 6 to 8 weeks before departure as some vaccinations require multiple doses. Travel insurance with comprehensive medical cover is strongly recommended -- private hospital care in India is high quality but can be costly for uninsured travellers.