Indian Visa from UK

How to Apply for an Indian e-Visa Online from the UK?

Step 1: Visit the Official Indian e-Visa Website

• Go to the official Indian e-Visa website: Indian Visa Online.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application Form

• Select the appropriate e-Visa category (e-Tourist)
• Fill out the application form with accurate details, including personal information, passport details, and travel plans.
• Ensure that all information is correct before proceeding.

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

• Scan and upload a recent passport-sized photograph (front-facing, with a white background).
• Scan and upload a copy of the passport’s bio page (containing personal details and photograph). The passport should have at least six months validity from the date of intended arrival in India.

Step 4: Pay the e-Visa Fee

• 30-day e-Visa: April to June: $10 USD
• 30-day e-Visa: July to March: $25 USD
• 1-year e-Visa: $40 USD
• 5-year e-Visa: $80 USD 

Step 5. Receive the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

• Once the application is processed (typically within 3-5 business days), the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) will be sent via email.
• Print a copy of the ETA and carry it with you when you travel to India.

Step 6: Travel to India

• Upon arrival in India, present the printed ETA along with your passport to the immigration authorities.
• The immigration officer will stamp your passport with the e-Visa, allowing entry into India.

• Validity: The e-Visa is valid for 60 days from the date of arrival in India. Double-entry is permitted for e-Tourist and e-Business visas, while triple-entry is allowed for e-Medical visas.
• Application Window: Apply for the e-Visa at least four days before your travel date but no earlier than 120 days before your intended arrival in India.
• Non-Eligible Categories: Diplomatic/Official/UN passport holders and individuals with a Pakistani origin passport should apply for a regular visa at the Indian Mission.

How to Apply for an Indian Visa from UK?

Step 1: Prepare Your Application

• Complete the Online Form:
  • Visit the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India's visa application portal: indianvisaonline.gov.in.
  • Select the correct Mission (location) and visa category.
  • Enter all required information accurately and completely.
  • Print and sign the hard copy of the completed application form.

Submitting the online form on the Government website does not complete the process. You must submit the physical application form and supporting documents to the VFS Application Centre.

Step 2: Book an Appointment

1. Choose a VFS Application Centre:

   Refer to Attend a Centre for information about jurisdiction and available VFS Application Centres in the UK.

2. Schedule Your Appointment:

   After filling out your visa form, book an appointment to have your fingerprints and photo taken. This is known as providing ‘biometric information’. Book your appointment via VFS Global.

3. Appointment Confirmation:

   You will receive a confirmation email with the details of your appointment. For families or groups, each member must book an individual appointment.

Step 3: Visit a Visa Application Centre

• Attend Your Appointment:

  Visit the Visa Application Centre at your scheduled appointment time. Submit your completed visa application form and supporting documents in person. For details on what to expect, visit What happens at the Visa Application Centre.

• Biometric Information:

  Provide your fingerprints and photo at the Visa Application Centre.

Step 4: Pay Your Fees

Fees for British nationals are as follows (effective 01.04.2024):

• Tourist Visa up to 1 year (Single/Multiple Entry): £127
• Tourist Visa 1 year to 5 years (Multiple Entry): £378

Fees exclude Consular Surcharge and VFS Service charge. Pay the visa fee at the Visa Application Centre during your appointment.

Step 5: Track Your Application

• Receive Updates:

  You will receive an email update when your visa decision has been returned to the Visa Application Centre. You can also opt for SMS updates if available.

• Track Online:

  Track your visa application status online using the Reference Number on the invoice/receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre along with your last name.

Step 6: Delivery of Processed Documents

• Receive Your Visa:

  Processed visa application documents will be delivered by post or courier. A secured courier service is available at the VFS Application Centres.

Processing Time

Processing times vary from application to application at the sole discretion of the High Commission of India and its Consulates in the UK, and some applications may take longer than others to get processed. Hence, confirm your travel plans only after obtaining the visa.

Applications in the following categories may take longer to be processed, when submitted in person at the centre:

• Non-UK passport holders residing in the UK for less than two years. (Minimum 6-8 working days). Where clearance from competent authorities is mandatory.
• Nationals or origin of Pakistan (Minimum 7-8 weeks).
• Nationals of Sri Lanka, China, Bangladesh, Afghanistan & UK Travel documents. (Minimum 15 working days).
• Regular Cases may take a minimum of 3 to 5 working days.

General Information

• If your visit to India is planned for more than 180 days, you must register with the local FRRO/FRO within 14 days of arrival.
• Tourists planning to visit another country after their initial entry into India and then re-enter India before their final departure can be allowed multiple entries. This is subject to the submission of a detailed itinerary and supporting documents, such as confirmed air tickets, at the Consulate-General of India in Birmingham.
• Diplomatic/Official/UN passport holders may submit their applications to the Consulate General in Birmingham directly.
• Applicants are advised to verify the details on their visa when collecting their passports.
• If the High Commission or the Consulate General requires an applicant to attend an interview, the India Visa Application Center will contact the applicant and inform the date and time of the interview accordingly.
• The assessment of visa applications is carried out by the High Commission of India or its Consulates, and the grant or refusal of India visas is at their sole discretion.
• Please note that the validity of visa starts from the date of issue and not from the date of travel.