Always dreamed of a trip to India from the United Kingdom? Or planning to visit India for business or medical treatment as a UK national? Whatever the reason is, it will certainly be a special experience. There’s nowhere else in the world that can match this continent-sized country in the heart of Asia for sights, sensations, smells, and sounds.
Did you know India is over 1,000% larger than the United Kingdom? Grasping the true nature of this nation would take a lifetime. But a little preparation goes a long way to make your visit to this nation of mountains and metropolises, tigers, and temples, as smooth as possible.
Find all you need to know about the 5 YEAR INDIAN VISA FOR UK CITIZENS application process for UK nationals and India COVID-19 regulations on iVisa.com. We’ve put together the below guide for visiting India, to help you prepare before you arrive.Apply now
How to get an Indian visa as a UK citizen
India is a journey that begins before you even leave home. For a smooth arrival on the subcontinent, begin your trip by applying for an Indian visa online. Getting an India tourist visa is a very simple process that can be done 100% online through iVisa.com’s convenient visa form. The Indian government will issue UK nationals a tourist e-visa via email that allows them to travel to and around the country.
WHAT VISA MUST I GET TO VISIT INDIA AS A UK CITIZEN?
If you want to enter India for any reason, you will need to obtain a visa. India offers various types of visas:
- India Tourist Visa
- India Business Visa
- India Medical Visa or Medical Attendant Visa
Please note: The information on this blog is about the India Tourist Visa. Information can change depending on the visa type you need. You can review the information and requirements for the Business and Medical Visa here or at your local Indian embassy.
WHAT IS THE VISA APPLICATION PROCESS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM?
Get your India tourist visa in three easy steps:
- First, read all the information and fill out your details. Then, choose your preferred processing time.
- Second, double-check and verify your information and pay the iVisa.com service fee (see below for fee information).
- Third, attach any documents required and click on the submit button to submit the application form.
Once you receive your Indian visa approval by email, we recommend printing this to show to immigration authorities upon arrival in India.Apply now
COVID-19 regulations and restrictions in India
Travelers must follow all airport instructions and screening requirements. You might need to provide contact details and download the Aarogya Setu app (India’s COVID-19 “contact tracing and self-assessment” digital service).
THE INDIA SELF-DECLARATION FORM
Before traveling, all travelers should complete the online “Air Suvidha” health declaration form. This form is mandatory to show on arrival and is necessary for the government of India to make sure that all travelers can be contacted in case of an emergency and to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
FULLY VACCINATED UK NATIONALS VISITING INDIA
Since 14th February 2022, fully vaccinated international travelers no longer have to test on arrival or quarantine. You will be considered fully vaccinated only if you have a recognized vaccination certificate from one of the following countries: Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Bhutan, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Botswana, Bulgaria, Canada, Cambodia, Cayman Islands, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Dominica, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Eswatini, Finland, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, New Zealand, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Paraguay, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Philippines, Qatar, Fiji, Republic of Korea, Romania, Rwanda, St. Kitts and Nevis, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Palestine, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Thailand, The United Kingdom, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, Turks & Caicos Islands, UAE, Uganda, Ukraine, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zimbabwe
You may be asked to present your vaccination status or self-declaration form to the Indian immigration authority or airport staff.
UNVACCINATED UK NATIONALS VISITING INDIA
If you’re not vaccinated, you’ll need to show a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours before your trip. If found to be falsified, you’re liable for a criminal prosecution, so please make sure to upload an authentic report from a private health institution. Please also note that 2% of arrivals will be tested on arrival at the airport.
Children under 5 years of age who are foreign nationals and travelers with recognized proof of vaccination are exempted.Apply now
What else to prepare before you visit India
Let’s take a look at some tips and tricks you need to know before you go to India.
GET INSURANCE TO COVER YOUR TRIP TO INDIA
Besides getting an Indian e-visa or regular tourist visa, you need travel insurance. Private clinics and hospitals require payment before treatment, so ensure you have emergency evacuation coverage, and for any adventurous activities you plan to do, like rafting or hiking. Also, keep an eye out for coverage of treatment or cancellation regarding the Coronavirus.
ALWAYS BOOK AHEAD
The peak season in India can be really busy, and it runs from November to February. Affordable accommodation can be hard to find around this time. Booking ahead is smart, whether you do it directly with hotels or tour operators, or through an agency. The same goes for train tickets if possible, especially on popular routes.
A SHORT GUIDE ON FOOD IN INDIA
In India, many religions have their own dietary guidelines. Muslims do not eat pork, a majority of Hindus do not eat beef, and some Hindus and Buddhists are vegetarians or vegans. Jains also do not eat some vegetables such as onions, garlic and potatoes. The good news is that vegan and vegetarian food in India is very easy to find.
In many restaurants, particularly in the south, you eat with your left hand. Some thalis, meals consisting of different curries, are served on banana leaves instead of plates. You generally can’t drink water from the tap in India, but filtered water can be found everywhere for this reason.Apply now
Frequently Asked Questions
DO UK PASSPORT HOLDERS NEED AN INDIAN VISA?
Yes, UK passport holders must obtain an India Visa UK before traveling to India. To check the requirements, click here.
DO I NEED TO CONTACT THE EMBASSY TO GET AN INDIA VISA?
No, to travel to India for any period under 60 days, you can do the 5 YEAR INDIAN VISA FOR US CITIZENS. Your valid visa will be sent to the email address that you registered during the visa application process.
WHICH VISA FOR UK CITIZENS WISHING TO GO TO INDIA IS NEEDED?
The following categories are available for British nationals and international travelers:
- E-tourist visa
- E-business visa
- E-medical visa or e-medical attendant visa
This page only reflects the information on the India visa for tourism purposes. With this tourist visa, you can go on a holiday to India from the United Kingdom. You cannot travel on an India tourist visa to undergo medical treatment or accompany a patient, attend business meetings over long periods of time, or live and work in India.
If you need more information about the right visa category to apply for, such as a business visa, medical visa, employment visa, transit visa, or other travel documents, contact your local embassy or read more here.
WHAT IS AN INDIA TOURIST VISA?
The India E-tourist Visa is an official document allowing travelers with a foreign nationality to enter India. It is electronically linked to the applicant’s passport number when their visa application is approved.
HOW LONG IS THE INDIA E-VISA VALID FOR?
This visa for India remains valid for 1 year after issued and grants Multiple Entry for a maximum of 180 days in Total per entry.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS AND DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO APPLY
We require the following documents to submit your application for the India e-visa:
- Applicant photo
- Scan of the applicant’s passport details (with at least two blank pages)
- Copy of the last page of passport (if applicable)
WHAT ARE THE PHOTO REQUIREMENTS FOR THE INDIA E-VISA APPLICATION?
You have to upload a digital photograph as part of the application process for the India tourist visa. If you don’t have one, make use of iVisa.com’s convenient photo service.
The photo should meet the following requirements:
- The height and width of the photo must be equal.
- It must present an image of your full face, front view, with both eyes open.
- The applicant’s face must be centered.
- The background should be plain, light-colored, or white.
- No shadows on the face or in the background.
- Please upload your photo without any borders.
DO I REQUIRE ANY VACCINES WHEN TRAVELING TO INDIA?
It depends. Some governments require proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from a country with the risk of yellow fever. Contact your local GP or health care provider for more information and check all requirements carefully before travel.
Please read more about the COVID-19 requirements above.
WHAT ARE THE PROCESSING TIMES AND FEES FOR THE INDIA VISA?
There are three options for the processing time with different prices. These are as follows:
- Standard processing – 5 days: This is the most affordable option, which only costs USD 91.99 (service fees included).
- Rush processing – 3 days: If you need your India tourist visa a little sooner, you can choose this option for USD 112.99 (service fees included).
- Super Rush processing – 36 hours: This option will cost you USD 184.99 (service fees included) but is the fastest choice for travelers in a rush to get their India tourist visa.
HOW DOES THE INDIA TOURIST VISA WORK?
Currently, travelers from more than 160 countries can apply for a tourist visa, business visa, or medical visa, depending on the purpose of their visit to India. You can use iVisa.com’s simple visa application process to apply, pay the fee safely online, and receive your electronic visa before traveling to India. Yes, it’s that simple!