British 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.
Select visa type & details
Pick a visa category to see every detail at a glance — all options for United Kingdom → India.
| Detail | e-Tourist Visa (1 Year) |
|---|---|
| Verdict | e-Visa required |
| Validity | 1 year from the date of grant of ETA |
| Max stay | 90 days per visit |
| Entries | Multiple Entry |
| Processing time | Typically 72 hours or more, but can take up to 5 working days. It is advisable to apply at least 4 days before the date of arrival. |
| Government fee | Fees vary by visa type and nationality, and change often — check the official fee portal. |
| Best for | For recreation, sightseeing, casual visit to meet friends or relatives, or short duration yoga programme. |
| Detail | e-Tourist Visa (5 Years) |
|---|---|
| Verdict | e-Visa required |
| Validity | 5 years from the date of grant of ETA |
| Max stay | 90 days per visit |
| Entries | Multiple Entry |
| Processing time | Typically 72 hours or more, but can take up to 5 working days. It is advisable to apply at least 4 days before the date of arrival. |
| Government fee | Fees vary by visa type and nationality, and change often — check the official fee portal. |
| Best for | For recreation, sightseeing, casual visit to meet friends or relatives, or short duration yoga programme. |
| Detail | e-Business Visa |
|---|---|
| Verdict | e-Visa required |
| Validity | 1 year from the date of grant of ETA |
| Max stay | 180 days per visit |
| Entries | Multiple Entry |
| Processing time | Typically 72 hours or more, but can take up to 5 working days. It is advisable to apply at least 4 days before the date of arrival. |
| Government fee | Fees vary by visa type and nationality, and change often — check the official fee portal. |
| Best for | For business purposes, attending meetings, or establishing industrial/business ventures. |
| Detail | e-Medical Visa |
|---|---|
| Verdict | e-Visa required |
| Validity | 60 days from the date of first arrival in India |
| Max stay | 60 days |
| Entries | Triple Entry |
| Processing time | Typically 72 hours or more, but can take up to 5 working days. It is advisable to apply at least 4 days before the date of arrival. |
| Government fee | Fees vary by visa type and nationality, and change often — check the official fee portal. |
| Best for | For seeking medical treatment in India. |
| Detail | e-Medical Attendant Visa |
|---|---|
| Verdict | e-Visa required |
| Validity | 60 days from the date of first arrival in India |
| Max stay | 60 days |
| Entries | Triple Entry |
| Processing time | Typically 72 hours or more, but can take up to 5 working days. It is advisable to apply at least 4 days before the date of arrival. |
| Government fee | Fees vary by visa type and nationality, and change often — check the official fee portal. |
| Best for | For accompanying a patient who is applying for an e-Medical Visa. Up to two attendants are allowed per patient. |
How much does an India visa cost for British citizens?
You pay online when you apply. The total is usually the government e-Visa fee plus any card or processing charge.
- Government fee Set by the destination and charged when you submit the e-Visa application.
- Processing / card charge Some official portals add a small payment-handling charge on top.
- Third-party sites Unofficial sites charge far more for the same application — always apply on the official portal.
We deliberately do not publish fee amounts: they differ by visa type and nationality and change often, and a stale number is worse than none. Check the current amount on the official source.
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.
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No, your British passport must have at least six months validity remaining from the date of your arrival in India to be eligible for an e-Visa. You will need to renew your passport before applying. Ensure your new passport meets this validity requirement.
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If you have previously been refused an Indian visa, you may not be eligible for an e-Visa. The e-Visa application form asks about previous visa refusals. It is advisable to check the specific guidelines on the official Indian e-Visa website or contact them directly for clarification.
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The Indian e-Visa typically takes 72 hours or more to process, so applying next week for a trip next week might be cutting it very close. It is recommended to apply at least 4 days before your intended date of travel. Processing times can vary, and approval is not guaranteed within a specific timeframe.
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You should accurately state your occupation as "self-employed" on the e-Visa application form. You may be asked for details about your business or profession. Ensure you have supporting documents ready, such as business registration or tax documents, if requested.
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Yes, every British citizen, including infants and children, must have their own valid passport and an approved e-Visa to enter India. You will need to complete a separate e-Visa application for your child. Ensure all details match their passport exactly.
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You pay online when you apply. The total is usually the government e-Visa fee plus any card or processing charge. Government fee: Set by the destination and charged when you submit the e-Visa application. Processing / card charge: Some official portals add a small payment-handling charge on top. Third-party sites: Unofficial sites charge far more for the same application — always apply on the official portal. Fees change regularly, so confirm the current amount on the official source linked on this page before you apply.
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You do not need a separate visa for any individual city. Entry rules are set nationally, not city by city, so a India visa is valid for the whole country — including Taj Mahal, Agra, Jaipur, Goa beaches and Kerala Backwaters. Apply once for India and you can travel anywhere inside it, up to the permitted length of stay.
This page is AI-assisted and last verified on 12 Jul 2026. Visa rules change — always confirm on the official source before you travel.