India Visa for United Kingdom Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to India as a UK citizen? The e-Tourist Visa is your fastest route, with online applications processed in just 72 hours. Fees start from $10 in peak season, and British travelers enjoy approval rates exceeding 97%. This guide covers everything you need: required documents, fees, entry points, and what to expect.

Visa Application process

The India e-Tourist Visa application is entirely online through the official government portal.1 British citizens can complete the process in about 15-20 minutes without visiting an embassy or visa centre.

Complete Online Application

Visit the official e-visa portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in and select “e-Tourist Visa.”1 Fill out the application form with your personal details, passport information, and travel plans. Ensure all information matches your passport exactly, as even minor discrepancies can cause rejection.1

Upload Required Documents

Upload a clear scan of your passport bio page and a recent passport-style photograph.1 The passport scan must be 10KB-300KB in PDF or JPEG format. The photograph must be square (minimum 350x350 pixels), 10KB-1MB in JPEG format, with a white background.1

Pay the Visa Fee

Pay the applicable fee using a credit or debit card.1 Fees range from $10 to $80 depending on visa duration and travel season. An additional 2.5% bank transaction fee applies to all payments.3

Receive Your ETA

Within 72 hours, you will receive your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email.12 Print the ETA and carry it when travelling to India. Present it at immigration upon arrival along with your passport, where the e-visa will be stamped.1

Visa Application Steps

1. Complete Online Application
2. Upload Required Documents
3. Pay the Visa Fee
4. Receive Your ETA

Visa Fees breakdown

Visa Type: Duration	30-Day e-Tourist Visa: 30 days, double entry	1-Year e-Tourist Visa: 365 days, multiple entry	5-Year e-Tourist Visa: 5 years, multiple entry	All fees are subject to a 2.5% bank transaction charge.3 Fees are non-refundable regardless of application outcome.

What you need to prove

The e-Tourist Visa is intended for:

Recreation and sightseeing
Visiting friends and relatives
Short-term yoga programmes
Short-duration medical treatment (separate e-Medical Visa also available)
Casual business visits

Required documents

Valid Passport
Passport Bio Page Scan
Digital Photograph
Valid Email Address
Payment Method
Travel Information
Reference in India

Valid Passport

Your British passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date in India • At least two blank pages required for visa stamp; • Must be an ordinary passport (diplomatic and official passports not eligible for e-visa); • Passport must not be damaged or altered] (Tip: Check your passport expiry date well before applyingKeep a scanned copy of your passport bio page ready for the online application)

Passport Bio Page Scan

Clear scanned image of your passport's biographical page • Format: PDF or JPEG; • File size: 10KB to 300KB; • All text must be clearly readable; • Photo on passport must be visible] (Tip: Use good lighting when scanning to ensure clarityAvoid shadows or glare on the passport page)

Digital Photograph

Recent passport-style photograph with white background • Format: JPEG only; • Size: 10KB to 1MB; • Dimensions: Minimum 350x350 pixels (square); • White or light-coloured background; • Face must occupy 50-60% of the photo; • Taken within the last 6 months] (Tip: Remove glasses and head coverings unless worn for religious purposesMaintain neutral expression with mouth closedEnsure no shadows on face or background)

Valid Email Address

Active email address to receive your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) • Must be a valid, accessible email address; • ETA will be sent to this email within 72 hours; • Check spam folder if not received] (Tip: Use an email you check regularlyAdd indianvisaonline.gov.in to your safe senders list)

Payment Method

Credit or debit card for online fee payment • Visa, MasterCard, and other major cards accepted; • Payment wallets may also be available; • Additional 2.5% bank transaction fee applies] (Tip: Ensure your card is enabled for international transactionsKeep payment confirmation for your records)

Travel Information

Details about your planned trip to India • Expected date of arrival in India; • Port of entry (must be one of 28 designated airports or 5 seaports); • Address of accommodation in India; • Return flight details (optional but recommended)] (Tip: You can enter through major airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, and HyderabadIf staying with friends or family, use their address)

Reference in India

Contact details of a reference person or hotel in India • Name and address of reference; • Can be a hotel, friend, or family member; • Phone number of reference] (Tip: If booking a hotel, use the hotel's contact detailsFor visiting family, use their home address and phone number)

Border entry information

The e-Tourist Visa is valid for entry through specific ports only.15
Designated Airports (28):
Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Cochin, Goa (Dabolim and Mopa), Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Gaya, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mangalore, Tiruchirapalli, Varanasi, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Calicut, Chandigarh, Coimbatore, Guwahati, Kannur, Madurai, Nagpur, Port Blair, Pune, and Visakhapatnam.1
Designated Seaports (5):
Mumbai, Cochin, Mormugao (Goa), Chennai, and New Mangalore.1
You can exit India from any authorised Immigration Check Post.1

Alternative visa options

If you prefer or need a regular visa, you can apply through VFS Global in the UK.4 This may be necessary if you hold a diplomatic or official passport, or need longer stays.

Comparison

Visa Type	Duration	Fee (July-March)	Fee (April-June)
30-Day e-Tourist Visa	30 days, double entry	$25	$10
1-Year e-Tourist Visa	365 days, multiple entry	$40	$40
5-Year e-Tourist Visa	5 years, multiple entry	$80	$80

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
35%	Incorrect or Incomplete Information
25%	Poor Quality Document Uploads
20%	Passport Validity Issues
12%	Photo Specification Issues
8%	Previous Immigration Violations

35% - Incorrect or Incomplete Information

How to avoid: Double-check all information matches your passport exactly. Ensure names, dates, and passport numbers are entered correctly without typos.

25% - Poor Quality Document Uploads

How to avoid: Use good lighting when scanning documents. Ensure files meet size requirements (10KB-300KB for passport scan, 10KB-1MB for photo). Test readability before uploading.

20% - Passport Validity Issues

How to avoid: Verify your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned arrival date and has at least 2 blank pages.

12% - Photo Specification Issues

How to avoid: Use a white background, ensure face covers 50-60% of the image, remove glasses, and submit a clear, recent photo in JPEG format.

8% - Previous Immigration Violations

How to avoid: If you have previous violations, consider applying for a regular visa through VFS Global where you can provide additional documentation and explanation.

Frequently asked questions

How long does India e-visa processing take for UK citizens?

The India e-visa is typically processed within 72 hours. Applications should be submitted at least 4 days before your intended arrival date. During peak periods, processing may extend to 5 working days.

What is the India e-visa fee for UK citizens in 2026?

Fees vary by visa duration and season: $10 for 30-day visa (April-June), $25 for 30-day visa (July-March), $40 for 1-year visa, and $80 for 5-year visa. An additional 2.5% bank transaction fee applies to all payments.

Can UK citizens get visa on arrival in India?

No, there is no visa on arrival for British citizens travelling to India. You must apply for an e-visa online before travel through the official portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in.

How long can UK citizens stay in India with a tourist e-visa?

The 30-day e-visa allows continuous stays up to 30 days with double entry. The 1-year and 5-year e-visas allow multiple entries with a maximum continuous stay of 90 days per visit, and up to 180 days total in a calendar year.

Which airports in India accept e-visa entry for UK citizens?

UK citizens can enter through 28 designated airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Goa, Cochin, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Jaipur, and Varanasi. Five seaports also accept e-visa entry including Mumbai, Cochin, and Goa.

Do I need to print my India e-visa?

Yes, you must print the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and carry it when travelling to India. Present it at immigration along with your passport upon arrival.

Can I extend my India e-visa?

No, the e-Tourist Visa is non-extendable and non-convertible. If you need to stay longer, you must exit India and apply for a new visa. For extended stays, consider applying for a regular tourist visa through VFS Global.

What if my India e-visa application is rejected?

If rejected, you can reapply immediately after addressing the issues. Common rejection reasons include incorrect information, poor quality document uploads, or passport validity issues. Alternatively, apply for a regular visa through VFS Global in the UK.

Apply for India tourist visa online

Sources

Indian e-Visa Portal

https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html

High Commission of India, London

https://www.hcilondon.gov.in/page/tourist-visa/

Indian e-Visa Fee Schedule

https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/images/Etourist_fee_final.pdf

VFS Global India Visa Services UK

https://services.vfsglobal.com/gbr/en/ind/

Bureau of Immigration, India

https://boi.gov.in/

At a glance