Do I need a visa to travel to India?

Yes, almost all foreign nationals require a visa to travel to India, with the exception of OCI cardholders. Most travelers, including citizens from the UK and many other countries, can apply for an e-Visa online (tourist, business, or medical) at least 4 days before arrival. A passport with at least 6 months validity and two blank pages is required.

Do I need a visa for India from the UK?

Yes, UK citizens need a visa for India, with the easiest option usually being an e-Visa (e-Tourist Visa), which can be applied for online for tourism, business, or medical visits, but you must apply before traveling. For longer stays or other visa types, you might need a traditional "paper visa," requiring an in-person appointment at an Indian Mission/Office in the UK. 

Can we go to India without a visa?

Visitors to India must obtain a visa unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries.

How can I get Indian e arrival card online?

To fill out India's e-Arrival Card online, foreign nationals must use the official Indian Visa Online portal, the Bureau of Immigration (BOI) website, or the "Su-Swagatam" mobile app up to 72 hours before arrival, providing passport, travel, and accommodation details as a digital replacement for the paper form, though paper forms are temporarily accepted until around March 2026.
 

Who needs to fill an e-Arrival Card for India?

All foreign nationals, including OCI cardholders (Overseas Citizens of India), must complete India's digital e-Arrival Card before entering the country, replacing the old paper form for a faster process, though paper cards were temporarily accepted during the transition starting October 1, 2025. You can fill out the form online up to 72 hours before your flight on the {Link: Bureau of Immigration (BOI) website (boi.gov.in) , the {Link: Indian Visa website (indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival) , or the "Indian Visa Su-Swagatam" mobile app. 

2025 India eVisa Explained - Requirements, documents and more

Do I need an eVisa if I'm a British citizen?

No, if you are a British citizen (or Irish citizen) with a British passport, you do not need an eVisa or ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to enter the UK; you simply use your valid British passport to prove your right to live and work in the UK without immigration restrictions. eVisas are for non-British/Irish nationals or those proving other immigration statuses, replacing older paper documents, but British citizens use their passport as their primary proof of right of abode.

How far in advance should I apply for an India visa?

You can apply for an Indian e-Visa up to 120 days (about 4 months) before your arrival date for longer-stay options (like 1-year or 5-year tourist visas), but must apply between 4 and 30 days before arrival for the 30-day single-entry e-Tourist visa, as it becomes valid from issuance, not arrival date. For regular visas (not e-Visa), you can apply much further in advance, but processing usually starts closer to the date, often around 30 days before travel. 

What is the new rule for entering India?

U.S. citizen travelers are now able to travel to India with a valid e-visa (or physical visa from an Indian embassy/consulate) AND a valid e-arrival form.

Which countries are visa free for India?

Completely Visa-Free Destinations For Indian Passport Holders In 2026

• Angola.
• Barbados.
• Bhutan.
• British Virgin Islands.
• Cook Islands.
• Dominica.
• Fiji.
• Grenada.

How do I apply for an Indian e-Visa from the UK?

E-VISA APPLICATION PROCESS

1. Apply online. Upload Photo and Passport Page.
2. Pay eVisa fee online. Using Credit / Debit card / Payment Wallet.
3. Receive ETA Online. Electronic Travel Authorization/ETA Will be sent to your e-mail.
4. Fly To India. Print ETA and present at Immigration Check Post where eVisa will be stamped on passport.

Can I take rupees into India from the UK?

Indian rupee (INR) regulations: Indian law strictly prohibits the import or export of Indian Rupee banknotes. You can't legally take INR into or out of the country. This means you need to convert your money after arriving or rely on your bank card.

What jabs do you need for India?

All tourists visiting India need to get vaccinated for hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid. In addition, you will need to take malaria tablets to prevent getting infected on your holiday. Depending on what you are planning to do during your holiday, you may need to consider additional vaccinations.

What kind of clothes to wear in India?

* Loose, flowing cotton clothes are ideal. * Kurtahs (tunics), salwar kameez, and long dresses are perfect. * Avoid skimpy or tight western clothes outside touristy areas.

What form do I fill out before going to India?

The e-arrival form can be filled out and submitted online through the Indian visa website (https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/(opens in a new tab)) up to 72 hours prior to travel. The paper form is usually handed to travelers by airline staff on flights, or upon arrival at the Indian airport.

What are common reasons for India visa rejections?

7 Reasons For Indian E Visa Rejection

• Deteriorated Passport.
• Mismatch of The Information.
• Unreasonable Letter Of Reference.
• Any Current or Past Criminal Act.
• Improper or Insufficient Explanation of The Purpose Of The Stay.
• Inaccurate Travel Insurance.
• Final Takeaway!

What is the difference between eVisa and visa in India?

E-visas have fixed validity periods, typically ranging from 30 days to 05 years, depending on the type. Visa Stamping Travelers with Regular Visa must have a visa label or stamp affixed to their passport before traveling. This requires a visit to the Indian Embassy for visa stamping.

Do I need a visa for India with a British passport?

Yes, UK citizens need a visa for India, with the easiest option usually being an e-Visa (e-Tourist Visa), which can be applied for online for tourism, business, or medical visits, but you must apply before traveling. For longer stays or other visa types, you might need a traditional "paper visa," requiring an in-person appointment at an Indian Mission/Office in the UK. 

Do I need a visa to travel to India for 2 weeks?

Travelers need a visa to visit India for Tourism for a maximum stay of 180 days in 1 calendar year. An India eVisa is the fastest and easiest way of obtaining a visa for India because travelers can submit their applications and supporting documents online.

How much does an Indian e-visa cost?

India e-Visa fees vary significantly by country and visa type (Tourist, Business, Medical, etc.), generally ranging from around $10-$25 for short-term tourist visas (30 days) up to $40-$80 for 1-year tourist visas, and potentially much higher for 5-year visas or specific nationalities, with additional service charges often applied by third-party agents. Always check the official Indian government portal for the most accurate, country-specific fees, as these are subject to change and currency fluctuations.
 

When in 2025 will ETIAS start?

When will ETIAS go into effect? ETIAS is scheduled to be introduced in the last quarter of 2026. The exact date will be announced at least six (6) months before the system enters into operation. The Entry/Exit System (explained further) will begin on October 12, 2025.

What is the strongest passport in the world?

World's most powerful passports of 2026

Singaporeans enjoy visa-free access to 192 of the 227 countries and territories tracked by the index, which was created by the London-based global citizenship and residence advisory firm Henley & Partners, and uses exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association.