India entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UK passport holders can travel to India with an e-Visa – no embassy visit needed. The e-Visa covers tourism, business, and medical visits. Apply online at least 4 working days before your flight.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for an Indian eVisa at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 4 days before departure. Fees range from $25 to $80 USD depending on the visa type (tourist, business, medical). Approval usually arrives within 72 hours — print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have at least 6 months validity | Your UK passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of arrival in India. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel — a return flight or a ticket to your next destination. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in India. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough money for your trip. Officers rarely ask, but it's smart to have it ready. | Recommended |
e-Visa not valid for all purposes
The Indian e-Visa is for tourism, business, medical, conference, or yoga – not for paid employment, volunteering, or long-term study. If you intend to work or study, apply for the appropriate visa at an Indian consulate before travel.
Apply early – processing delays happen
Though the e-Visa is usually approved in 2–5 days, technical glitches or incomplete applications can cause delays. Apply at least two weeks before your flight to be safe. Don't book non-refundable flights without approval.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for e-Visa online
Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in and fill out the application. Select the correct visa type (e-Tourist, e-Business, or e-Medical). Upload a recent passport photo and a scan of your passport info page. Pay the fee (around £25–£80 depending on duration). Wait for approval – usually 2–5 business days. You'll receive the e-Visa by email.
2
Check in for your flight
At the airport check‑in counter, show your e-Visa confirmation. The airline will verify that you have a valid visa before issuing the boarding pass. Make sure your name on the e-Visa matches your passport exactly.
3
Arrive at Indian immigration
At Indian airports (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, etc.), join the 'e-Visa' queue. Have your passport and a printed copy of the e-Visa ready. The officer will take your photo and fingerprints (usually index fingers). You'll receive an entry stamp allowing a stay of up to 30 days (for a 30-day visa) or up to 90 days per entry (for a 1-year visa). Keep the stamped arrival card with your passport.
4
Complete customs declaration on arrival
You may be asked to fill out a customs declaration form on arrival. This is for goods you're bringing in. If you have nothing to declare, you can usually walk through the green channel. Electronic kiosks are available at major airports.
Download India Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity1 month from issue
Cost₹3,000 (~$36 USD)
Standard eVisa option for short visits.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per visit, extendable up to 180 days total
Validity1 year from issue
Cost₹4,000 (~$48 USD)
Ideal for frequent travelers; extension possible at FRRO.
Long-Stay Visa (Business/Medical)
Max stayUp to 1 year, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost₹10,000 (~$120 USD)
Requires invitation letter or medical documentation.
employment visa
Employment Visa (E-Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$120 USD (approx. £96) plus processing fees
For foreign nationals with a job offer from an Indian company. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows multiple entries.
Apply student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, up to 5 years
~$80 USD (approx. £64) plus university fees
For enrolled students at recognized Indian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work on campus.
Apply research visa
Research Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. £80)
For scholars and researchers affiliated with Indian institutions. Requires project approval and host institution letter.
Apply business visa
Business Visa (long-term)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (approx. £120)
For frequent business travellers. Requires company letter and proof of business activities. Multiple entry allowed.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (Tourist) – Single EntryStandard fee for UK passport holders, valid for 30 days from arrival. | ₹3,000 (~$36 USD) |
| eVisa (Tourist) – Multiple EntryValid for 1 year with multiple entries, max stay 90 days per visit. | ₹4,000 (~$48 USD) |
| eVisa Extension (per month)Apply online at FRRO; requires valid reason and supporting documents. | ₹1,500 (~$18 USD) per month, max 3 months |
| Overstay Fine (per day)Applies for overstay beyond visa validity; must be paid at FRRO. | ₹500 (~$6 USD) per day, max ₹10,000 (~$120 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete eVisa Application30%
No Return Ticket25%
Insufficient Funds20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through India
No transit visa needed
UK passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Indian airports for up to 72 hours, provided they have a confirmed onward ticket and do not pass through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 72h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a visa is required.
Transit hubsIndira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) · Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) · Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)
Health & vaccines for India
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas during monsoon season.
MalariaHigh risk
Present in many regions, especially rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, cholera, and hepatitis A from contaminated food/water.
Malaria risk: high
Risk is present in most parts of India, especially rural areas and during monsoon. Prophylaxis recommended for travellers to high-risk regions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Delhi
Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) Delhi
Level 2, East Block-8, Sector-1, R.K. Puram, New Delhi, Delhi 110066
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
For eVisa extensions and overstay regularization; bring passport, visa, and photos.
Mumbai
FRRO Mumbai
Annexe II, CGO Complex, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 400614
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits; online appointment recommended.
Practical information for GB travellers
Country basics
CapitalNew Delhi
LanguageHindi, English (22 official)
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyIndian Rupee (INR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 96.38 INR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+5
vs New York+10.5h (EST) / +9.5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+13.5h (PST) / +12.5h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,D,MType C, D, M — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water anywhere in India. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to India
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to India — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
As of 2026, the fee varies by visa type and duration. A 30-day e-Tourist visa costs about £25, while a 1-year e-Tourist visa is around £45. Business and medical e-Visas cost roughly £80. There's also a non-refundable convenience fee of about 2.5%. Pay by credit card or debit card.
Usually 2–5 business days, but apply at least 4 days before your flight. During peak seasons or if your application has errors, it can take longer. Check the status on the official website.
No. Indian e-Visas are not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave India and apply for a new visa from abroad. The maximum continuous stay on an e-Tourist visa is 30 days per entry (for 30-day visa) or 90 days per entry (for 1-year visa).
No. The e-Visa system means you never need to go to an embassy or visa application centre. Everything is done online. Only if you need a paper visa (e.g., for long-term study or work) would you visit the Indian High Commission.
You'll receive an email with a reason. Common reasons: incorrect photo, mismatch with passport data, or having a criminal record. You can reapply after fixing the issue, or apply for a regular visa at an Indian consulate. There's no appeal process.
Yes, e-Visa holders can enter through 28 designated airports (including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Goa, Kochi) and 5 major seaports. Land borders are not available for e-Visa entry. You must arrive by air or sea.
Yes. Every traveller, including infants and children, needs a separate e-Visa application. The process is the same. You'll upload the child's passport photo and details. The fee is the same as for adults.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.