Yes, UK citizens require a visa to enter India, unless they hold an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card. The most common option for tourism or short business trips is the e-Visa, which must be applied for online at least 4 days before travel.
Indian visa costs for UK citizens vary significantly by visa type, with e-Tourist visas ranging from around £20-£70 (USD $25-$88) for short stays to £420+ for 5-year options (plus service fees), while traditional visas for tourism, business, or longer stays (like employment/student) can range from £63 for short-term to hundreds of pounds (e.g., £360-£467 for employment), plus processing fees. Always check the official High Commission of India in London or India Visa Online portal for the most current rates, as fees depend on duration, entry type, and processing method (e-Visa vs. traditional).
Yes, Indians need a visa to visit the UK. The type of visa required depends on the purpose and duration of the visit. For tourism, business trips, or visiting family and friends, Indians usually apply for a UK Visitor Visa. For other purposes like work or study, different visa categories apply.
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.
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.
Apply for Indian e-Visa online, Step by Step successful application
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.
An ETA is a digital permission to travel – it is not a visa or a tax and does not permit entry into the UK – it authorises a person to travel to the UK. British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA.
The story resonated across social media, reigniting debate about opaque adjudication and rising denial rates: State Department data show India's F-1 refusal rate climbed to 41 % in FY 2024, up from 28 % in FY 2021.
All foreign nationals visiting India are now required to fill out the Disembarkation card (or) e-Arrival card digitally before arrival, with effect from 01 October 2025. The digital form should be completed up to 72 hours before arrival in India.
The traveler will submit a photo, copy of their passport and the $60 fee. Once approved, the traveler will receive an “electronic travel authorization” email to be printed out and presented with their passport upon arrival.
EES started on 12 October 2025. It will be introduced in phases, building towards being fully operational by 10 April 2026. You won't need an ETIAS for travel this year. The EU is looking to introduce ETIAS towards the end of 2026.
Yes, UK citizens will need an ETIAS authorization to travel to most European countries for short stays (up to 90 days) once the system launches, currently expected in late 2026, as it's a mandatory pre-entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals, similar to the US ESTA. This applies to the Schengen Area and other countries like Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Romania, but not Ireland due to the Common Travel Area.
For Fall 2025, F1 visa slots for Indian students will start to open around June or July, though there might be a few slots available in May. It is advisable to book your F1 visa slots for fall 2025 up to 120 days before your course starts.
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.
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. All travelers to India should consult with their airlines to confirm entry requirements at the time of ticket purchase.
Is it better to take sterling or dollars to India?
It is advised that travelers bring cash with them, either in sterling or US dollars and in £5 or £10 denominations, as it is easier for Indian bureaux to exchange. It is also recommended that these notes are clean - otherwise they may not be accepted.
