Is India visa free for UK citizens?

No, UK citizens need a visa to travel to India; it is not visa-free, but you can apply for an e-Visa online for tourism, business, or medical visits, which offers options for 30-day, 1-year, or 5-year validity with multiple entries, requiring online application and fees before travel.

Can UK citizens travel to India without a visa?

You must have a visa to visit India unless you are an Overseas Citizen of India ( OCI ) cardholder. India has a number of visa categories. Make sure you get the right visa for your travel.

How much is an Indian visa for UK citizens?

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). 

Do Indian citizens need a visa to visit the UK?

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.

What countries are visa-free for UK citizens?

Visa-Free Countries for UK Passport Holders

• Albania. Andorra. Austria. Belarus. Belgium. ...
• Armenia. Brunei. Georgia. Hong Kong. Japan. ...
• Anguilla. Antigua and Barbuda. Aruba. Bahamas. Barbados. ...
• Argentina. Bolivia. Brazil. Chile. Ecuador. ...
• Cook Islands. Fiji. French Polynesia. Kiribati. Marshall Islands. ...
• Angola. Botswana. Cabo Verde. Eswatini. Gambia.

Sunday Travel Updates || Jan 25, 2026 || Episode - 50 || Air India's Latest Inter'al Travel Routes

How to apply for an Indian visa for British passport holders?

UK citizens need a visa for India, applying either for an e-Visa (quick, online, for tourism/business/medical) via indianvisaonline.gov.in or a Regular Visa through VFS Global (vfsglobal.com/india/uk) for longer stays or specific purposes, requiring online application, document submission, fees, and biometrics at a VFS center. Ensure your passport is valid for 180+ days with two blank pages and choose the correct visa type to avoid entry refusal.
 

Which countries are visa free for UK travel documents?

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Do Indians need to submit a passport for an UK visa?

You must have a passport or travel document that is valid for the whole of your stay in the UK. There must be a blank page in your passport for your Standard Visitor visa.

How many days can British citizens stay in India?

Duration: Five years from the date of grant of ETA. Stay: Maximum stay in India during one Calender Year should not exceed 180 days for 1 year and 5 year Tourist Visa.

Can I get an Indian visa on arrival?

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.

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.

Can I live in India with a British passport?

If you are planning to move to India and work, you may need a visa. Read the Indian government's guidance on employment visas and business visas. To apply for a job you may need to complete a UK criminal records check (known as a DBS check).

How long does an India E visa take?

India's e-Visa processing time has increased, now generally taking 8-10 days or more, a significant jump from the previous 72-hour turnaround, so apply well in advance, at least 4 days before travel, via the official government portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in). Processing times vary by workload and nationality, with some nationalities potentially facing longer waits, so always confirm travel plans after receiving your approved Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

Which countries can UK citizens not visit?

FCDO advises against all travel

• Afghanistan – “The security situation is volatile”
• Belarus – “You face a significant risk of arrest”
• Burkina Faso – “Due to the threat of terrorist attacks and terrorist kidnap”
• Haiti – “Due to the volatile security situation”
• Iran – “British nationals are at significant risk of arrest”

Can I go to India with an UK travel document?

You must have a visa to visit India unless you are an Overseas Citizen of India ( OCI ) cardholder. India has a number of visa categories. Make sure you get the right visa for your travel.

Can I get a visa for India from the UK?

Everything you need to know for British citizens

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. Once the application is approved, travelers receive their eVisa confirmation electronically.

Do Indians get an UK visa easily?

It is relatively easy to obtain a UK tourist visa from India. To get in-depth information about the different UK visas, you can visit the official government website.

Is a UK e-visa the same as a UK visa?

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) are developing a digital immigration system. This means we are replacing physical documents with a digital record of your identity and immigration status. This is known as an eVisa. We are doing this in a phased approach to manage the transition.

Can a British citizen get an Indian passport?

Overview. The Indian Citizenship Act, 1955, does not allow dual citizenship. Holding Indian Passport / acquiring Indian Passport / travelling on Indian passport after acquisition of foreign citizenship constitutes an offence under the Indian Passport Act, 1967, and attracts penalties.

What documents are required for Indian visa?

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR VISA:

Valid current passport (at least 6 months validity with 2 adjacent blank pages for affixing visa) and previous passports. Non- production of previous passports can result in delay/refusal of visa. Photo on the Passport and Form must tally with applicant's present appearance.