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India Visa for United Kingdom Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

British citizens can apply for India's e-Visa (Tourist, Business, or Medical) via the official e-Visa portal indianvisaonline.gov.in; processing typically 3–5 working days; fees vary by visa type and duration.

Guide last updated September 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in India and have at least 2 blank pages.
  • Forms and submission: There is no DS-160 or VAF1A for India e-Visa. Apply online through the official e-Visa portal on indianvisaonline.gov.in; no separate paper form is required.
  • Financial proof: There is no fixed bank statement requirement for the e-Visa; you do not need to upload bank statements. You should have access to sufficient funds for your stay.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: The application does not require attachments for hotel bookings or return tickets, but you should have proof of accommodation and a return/onward ticket available if asked by immigration.
  • Photo specification: Recent colour passport-style photo; size 2x2 inches (51x51 mm); white background; digital file format JPG/JPEG; maximum size 1 MB.
  • Biometrics: No separate biometrics submission is required for the e-Visa. You will present your passport and the printed e-Visa grant letter on arrival.
  • Travel health insurance: Not required; recommended to have travel insurance coverage for your trip.

Visa types

  • e-Tourist Visa (ETV): Official name e-Tourist Visa. Validity options: 30 days, 1 year, 5 years. Max stay per visit: 30 days for the 30-day option; multiple entries allowed for the 1-year and 5-year variants. Approx fee: 30 days USD 25; 1 year USD 40; 5 years USD 100.
  • e-Business Visa: Official name e-Business Visa. Validity: 1 year or 5 years. Max stay per visit: up to 180 days (multiple entries). Approx fee: 1 year USD 80; 5 years USD 200.
  • e-Medical Visa: Official name e-Medical Visa. Validity: 60 days per visit (commonly single/double entry). Approx fee: 60 days USD 100.

Application process

  • How to apply online: Visit the official portal at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/ and create an applicant account.
  • Complete the online application form with your personal details and travel information.
  • Upload a recent colour photo and the passport data page (digital copies) that meet the specified requirements.
  • Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card.
  • Submit the application. You will receive an electronic travel authorization (ETA) by email within 3–5 working days.
  • Print the ETA/e-Visa and carry it along with your passport when you travel.
  • On arrival in India, present your passport and the printed e-Visa grant letter at immigration.

Fees & processing time

  • e-Tourist Visa: 30 days USD 25; 1 year USD 40; 5 years USD 100.
  • e-Business Visa: 1 year USD 80; 5 years USD 200.
  • e-Medical Visa: 60 days USD 100.
  • Other charges: There is no VFS/BLS service fee for e-Visa; payments are made online via the official portal.
  • Total cost estimate: Sum of the applicable visa fee; there are no separate stamping or postal fees for the e-Visa.
  • Standard processing time: 3–5 working days. Express/priority options are not officially offered for the e-Visa; processing times may vary and are not guaranteed.
  • Note: Fees are in USD and may be subject to change; always verify on the official portal before applying.

Tips for United Kingdom travelers

  • Apply well in advance: aim to apply at least 7–10 days before travel; allow up to 15 days during busy periods.
  • Common rejection reasons for UK applicants: passport validity below 6 months from arrival; name mismatch between passport and application; photo not meeting specifications; incorrect or inconsistent travel details; using expired or old passport; errors in the online form.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: For e-Visa you apply online through the official portal; there is no need to use VFS/BLS services. Direct embassy submissions are not required for e-Visa; use the online process.
  • Travel advisories: Check GOV.UK travel advice for India and monitor any bilateral updates before you travel.
  • Extension options inside India: e-Visa extensions are generally not granted. If you need a longer stay, you must exit India and re-enter with a new e-Visa or apply for an appropriate visa type before travel.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.