United Kingdom citizens need an e-Visa before travelling to India for tourism.
Citizens of the United Kingdom are eligible to apply for an Indian e-Visa for tourism purposes. The e-Visa application process is entirely online, and applicants receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email. This ETA must be printed and presented upon arrival in India. The e-Visa allows for multiple entries and a maximum stay of 90 days per visit.
Visa types & details
Choose a visa category to see its details — all options for United Kingdom → India.
For recreation, sightseeing, casual visit to meet friends or relatives, or short duration yoga programme.
For recreation, sightseeing, casual visit to meet friends or relatives, or short duration yoga programme.
For business purposes, attending meetings, or establishing industrial/business ventures.
For seeking medical treatment in India.
For accompanying a patient who is applying for an e-Medical Visa. Up to two attendants are allowed per patient.
Documents required for British citizens
Tick items as you collect them — 0 of 4 ready.
How to apply for a India visa from United Kingdom
Follow these steps in order.
- 1Visit the official Indian e-Visa website.Apply for e-Visa
- 2Click on 'Apply here for e-visa' and fill out the application form with all required personal and travel details.
- 3Upload a recent digital photograph and a scanned copy of your passport's biographical page according to the specified guidelines.
- 4Pay the e-Visa fee online using a credit/debit card. The fee is non-refundable.
- 5Receive your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email. This usually takes 72 hours or more.
- 6Print the ETA and carry it with you during your travel to India. Present it to the immigration authorities upon arrival.
Common India visa rejection reasons
Why United Kingdom → India applications get refused — and how to avoid it.
- Incomplete or inaccurate application form.
How to avoid: Double-check all fields for accuracy and ensure no mandatory sections are left blank. Provide consistent information across all documents.
- Incorrect photo or passport scan specifications.
How to avoid: Carefully follow the guidelines for digital photograph and scanned passport bio page (e.g., dimensions, file size, white background, clear image). Use the photo tool provided on the e-Visa website if available.
- Previous visa violations or overstay in India.
How to avoid: Ensure you have no history of overstaying or violating visa conditions in India. If you do, it's advisable to seek guidance from the Indian High Commission before applying.
- Discrepancies in personal details or travel history.
How to avoid: Ensure all personal details (name, date of birth, passport number) match exactly with your passport and any previous visa applications. Be truthful about your travel history.
- Criminal record or security concerns.
How to avoid: Applicants with a criminal record or those deemed a security risk are likely to be rejected. Ensure full disclosure and honesty in your application.
Trip essentials
Hand-picked tools for your India trip.
Things to know & places to visit
Practical tips and top destinations.
- Always carry a printout of your e-Visa Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and your passport. Keep digital copies on your phone as well.
- Ensure your passport has at least six months validity from your date of arrival and two blank pages for immigration stamps.
- Be aware of local customs and dress codes, especially when visiting religious sites. Dress modestly.
- Stay hydrated, especially in warmer months, and consider using bottled water. Take precautions against mosquito-borne diseases.
- 📍 Taj Mahal, Agra
- 📍 Jaipur (Pink City), Rajasthan
- 📍 Goa beaches
- 📍 Kerala Backwaters
- 📍 Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- 📍 Delhi (India Gate, Red Fort, Qutub Minar)
Frequently asked questions
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No, the e-Tourist Visa is non-extendable and non-convertible to any other type of visa while in India.
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The e-Visa is valid for entry through 28 designated Airports and 5 designated Seaports. If you plan to enter India via any other port (e.g., land border), you will need to apply for a regular visa through an Indian Embassy or High Commission.
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No, the e-Tourist Visa is strictly for tourism, recreation, sightseeing, and casual visits. It does not permit employment, business activities (other than casual business visits under e-Business visa), or study.
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For UK citizens, the continuous stay during each visit on an e-Tourist Visa should not exceed 90 days. There is no specific gap required between visits, but the total duration of stay within a calendar year may be subject to review by immigration authorities.
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If your e-Visa application is rejected, you may need to apply for a regular visa at the nearest Indian Embassy or High Commission, providing all necessary documentation and addressing the potential reasons for the previous rejection.
This page is AI-assisted and last verified on 12 Jul 2026. Visa rules change — always confirm on the official source before you travel.