India Visa for UK Citizens: eVisa, Requirements and How to Apply in 2026

Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for India?

Yes. British citizens must hold a valid visa to enter India, regardless of the purpose of their visit. The only exception is for holders of a valid Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, who can use this alongside a valid British passport to enter without a separate visa.

India offers several visa categories and it is important to apply for the correct type. Entering India on the wrong visa category can result in refusal of entry, deportation, or a future ban from the country. Bhatti Travel can advise on the right visa type for your trip and handle the full application on your behalf.

If you hold a Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) card, you will need to convert it to an OCI card before travelling. Further information on the conversion process is available from the High Commission of India in London.

India eVisa Options for British Passport Holders

The Indian government offers an electronic visa (eVisa) system that allows UK citizens to apply online without visiting an embassy. There are several eVisa types available depending on the purpose and length of your trip.

The eTourist Visa is the most common option for UK holidaymakers. It is available in three durations - a 30-day single or double entry visa, a one-year multiple entry visa, and a five-year multiple entry visa. For the one-year and five-year options, your maximum continuous stay during any single calendar year must not exceed 180 days.

Other eVisa categories include the eBusiness Visa for attending meetings or trade events, the eMedical Visa for those seeking treatment at Indian hospitals, and the eConference Visa for delegates attending government-sponsored conferences.

Important note for British citizens of Pakistani origin: The eVisa facility is not available to British-Pakistani dual nationals, who must apply for an Indian visa on their Pakistani passport. If this applies to you, you will need to apply for a traditional paper visa through the Indian Visa Application Centre. Processing times for these applications are substantially longer, so it is essential to apply well in advance. Bhatti Travel has extensive experience handling these applications and can guide you through the process.

Passport and Document Requirements

To enter India, your British passport must be valid for at least six months after the date you arrive. You will also need at least two blank pages in your passport for entry and exit stamps.

For an eVisa application, you will typically need a digital copy of your passport bio page, a recent passport-sized photograph meeting Indian specifications, and a valid email address to receive your approved eVisa. Depending on the visa category, additional documents may be required - for example, a letter of invitation from an Indian business for eBusiness applications, or a letter from an Indian hospital for eMedical applications.

All foreign nationals arriving in India must also complete an e-arrival card online before reaching immigration. This digital form replaces the old paper-based arrival card and can be completed up to 72 hours before you arrive. The e-arrival card is not a visa and you will still need a separate valid visa or OCI card to enter India.

Processing Times and How to Apply

Standard eVisa processing typically takes between four and six working days, though urgent processing may be available in some cases. Traditional paper visa applications through the Indian Visa Application Centre can take considerably longer - particularly for applicants of Pakistani origin, where processing times of several weeks or even months are not uncommon.

Applications submitted with errors, incomplete documents, or photographs that do not meet Indian specifications are commonly rejected or delayed. Having your application professionally prepared can save significant time and avoid the frustration of resubmission.

If you are planning a trip that combines India with other destinations in the region, such as Pakistan or Sri Lanka, Bhatti Travel can coordinate visa applications for multiple countries and ensure your travel documents are in order before you depart.

Registration Requirements for Longer Stays

If you plan to stay in India for more than 180 days and do not hold an OCI card, you must register within 14 days of arrival with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). Failing to register can result in being denied permission to leave India.

When departing India, immigration officials will check your entry stamp. If you do not have one - for example because you obtained a new passport during your stay - you must apply for a special exit permit before attempting to leave the country.

It is also illegal to overstay your visa in India. It is also illegal to overstay your visa in India, so make sure you leave the country before your visa expires or get an extension if permitted. Always check your visa validity dates carefully and plan your departure accordingly.

Let Bhatti Travel Handle Your India Visa

With over 40 years of experience arranging travel to the Indian subcontinent, Bhatti Travel understands the complexities of Indian visa applications - including the additional requirements for British-Pakistani dual nationals. Whether you need a straightforward tourist eVisa or a more complex paper visa application, our team in Oldham can handle the entire process from start to finish.

Get in touch on WhatsApp at 0161 620 9352 or visit us at our Waterloo Street office for a complete quote on your India visa and travel arrangements.