India Tourist Visa for UK Passport Holders: A Comprehensive Guide

-

India, with its rich culture, diverse landscapes, and vibrant cities, attracts millions of tourists from around the world each year. If you're a UK passport holder planning to visit India, one of the first things you'll need to sort out is your India tourist visa. Thankfully, the visa application process has become more streamlined, especially with the introduction of the India Tourist e-Visa (eTV), but traditional visa options are also available depending on the duration and nature of your visit. In this article, we’ll explore the details of the India Tourist Visa for UK passport holders, including types, costs, processing times, and other essential information to make your trip planning hassle-free.

Types of India Tourist Visas for UK Passport Holders

Before you apply, it’s important to understand the different types of India tourist visas available for UK passport holders. The choice between these options will affect both the cost and duration of your visa.

1. India Tourist e-Visa (eTV)

  • Eligibility: This visa is available for UK citizens who plan to visit India for tourism, business, or medical purposes.
  • Application Process: The India Tourist e-Visa allows UK passport holders to apply online, eliminating the need for an in-person visit to the embassy or consulate.
  • Duration: The e-Visa can be issued for stays of 30 days, 60 days, or 90 days.
  • Multiple-Entry: This visa is typically valid for single-entry only, though multiple-entry options are available for a long-term e-Visa (valid for up to 5 years).

2. Traditional India Tourist Visa

  • Eligibility: If you're planning to stay longer than 90 days, or if you're not eligible for an e-Visa, you can apply for a traditional India tourist visa.
  • Application Process: The traditional visa requires you to visit an Indian embassy or consulate in the UK for submission.
  • Duration: Traditional visas are typically issued for 6 months or 1 year, and can also be extended in certain circumstances.
  • Multiple-Entry: Most traditional tourist visas are multiple-entry, meaning you can leave and re-enter India within the validity period.

Cost of India Tourist Visa for UK Passport Holders

The cost of an India tourist visa varies depending on the type of visa you apply for, its duration, and whether you are applying for an e-Visa or a traditional visa.

India Tourist e-Visa Costs

  1. 30-Day Tourist e-Visa (eTV)

    • Cost: Around £10 - £20.
    • Duration: Valid for 30 days from the date of arrival in India.
    • Type: Single-entry.

  2. 60-Day Tourist e-Visa (eTV)

    • Cost: Typically £15 - £25.
    • Duration: Valid for 60 days from the date of arrival.
    • Type: Single-entry.

  3. 90-Day Tourist e-Visa (eTV)

    • Cost: Between £25 - £40.
    • Duration: Valid for 90 days from the date of arrival.
    • Type: Single-entry.

  4. Multiple-Entry Tourist e-Visa (Long-Term e-Visa)

    • Cost: Typically £60 - £80.
    • Duration: Valid for 5 years with multiple entries allowed during the validity period.

India Traditional Tourist Visa Costs

For those who need a traditional tourist visa, the costs are generally higher compared to the e-Visa, and the process requires a bit more effort.

  1. 6-Month Tourist Visa (Single-entry)

    • Cost: Between £70 - £90.
    • Duration: Valid for 6 months.
    • Type: Single-entry.

  2. 1-Year Tourist Visa (Multiple-entry)

    • Cost: Between £90 - £120.
    • Duration: Valid for 1 year.
    • Type: Multiple-entry.

  3. 5-Year Tourist Visa (Multiple-entry)

    • Cost: Between £130 - £150.
    • Duration: Valid for 5 years.
    • Type: Multiple-entry.

Processing Time for India Tourist Visa for UK Passport Holders

The processing time for your India tourist visa can vary depending on the type of visa you choose.

India Tourist e-Visa Processing Time

One of the main advantages of the India Tourist e-Visa is its faster processing time compared to traditional visas. Here's what you can expect:

  • Processing Time: Typically 3-5 business days.
  • Urgent e-Visa: In some cases, you can opt for an urgent processing option, which can reduce the processing time to 24-48 hours.
  • Approval Notification: Once approved, you’ll receive an electronic visa approval via email. Print this approval and carry it with you during travel.

India Traditional Tourist Visa Processing Time

The processing time for the traditional tourist visa is a bit longer and requires a more involved application process:

  • Processing Time: Generally, it takes around 7-10 business days for the Indian embassy or consulate to process your traditional tourist visa.
  • Visa Appointment: You may need to schedule an appointment with the Indian embassy or consulate to submit your application, biometric data, and documents.
  • Urgent Visa: Some embassies offer an expedited visa service that may speed up processing for an additional fee.

How to Apply for an India Tourist Visa for UK Passport Holders

Applying for an India Tourist e-Visa (eTV)

The application process for the India Tourist e-Visa is simple and can be done entirely online. Here’s how you can apply:

  1. Visit the Official India Visa Website: Go to the official website for the India e-Visa application.
  2. Fill in the Application Form: Complete the online application form with your personal details, travel dates, and passport information.
  3. Upload Documents: Upload a passport-sized photo and a copy of your UK passport (valid for at least 6 months).
  4. Pay the Visa Fee: Use your credit/debit card or PayPal to pay the application fee.
  5. Submit the Application: Once submitted, wait for your visa to be processed. After approval, you’ll receive an email with your e-Visa approval.

Applying for a Traditional India Tourist Visa

For a traditional visa, the process is a bit more involved:

  1. Visit the Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC): Go to the nearest IVAC to submit your application form.
  2. Fill in the Application Form: Complete the necessary visa application form with your personal details.
  3. Submit Documents: You will need to provide your passport, a passport-sized photograph, proof of travel, and possibly financial documents.
  4. Attend an Appointment: Some applications may require biometric data, which you will need to submit in person.
  5. Visa Fees and Payment: Pay the visa fee at the application center or online (depending on the process).
  6. Wait for Processing: Once submitted, the Indian authorities will process your visa, and you will be notified when it is ready.

Conclusion

For UK passport holders, obtaining an India tourist visa is a straightforward process, but it's important to understand the options available to you, including the India Tourist e-Visa (eTV) and the traditional tourist visa. The e-Visa is generally quicker, cheaper, and more convenient, making it the preferred choice for those visiting India for short stays. However, if you're planning a longer trip or require a multiple-entry visa, a traditional tourist visa might be the better choice.

Ensure that you apply for your visa well in advance of your trip to avoid any last-minute issues. Whether you choose the India Tourist e-Visa or a traditional visa, both options make it easier for UK passport holders to explore India and enjoy all that this incredible country has to offer.

India Tourist Visa UK
Indonesia eVisa from UK
ESTA for the USA from the UK
Vietnam eVisa US Citizen
US Citizen eVisa India
eTourist Visa India from Canada

Start your journey today by applying for your visa online — quick, easy, and hassle-free! Get approved in no time and focus on what matters most: your travel adventure.

Previous | Next

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

UK Visa Application from India: A Detailed Guide

-
Traveling to the UK from India for tourism, business, education, or family visits requires a UK visa . The process of applying for a UK visa can seem daunting, but with the right information and guidance, it can be a smooth and straightforward experience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps and requirements for the UK visa application from India , including the different types of visas, eligibility criteria, and how to apply. Types of UK Visas for Indian Citizens When applying for a UK visa from India , it’s important to choose the right visa type based on your travel purpose. The UK offers several visa categories, with the most common ones outlined below: 1. UK Tourist Visa (Standard Visitor Visa) The UK Standard Visitor Visa allows you to visit the UK for tourism, leisure, or to visit family or friends. Eligibility : Indian citizens who wish to visit the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family or friends, or attending meetings or conferenc...
Read more

India Tourist Visa Cost for UK Citizens: A Comprehensive Guide

-
India, with its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and historical significance, remains one of the most popular destinations for travelers worldwide. If you're a UK citizen planning to visit India, one of the essential requirements is applying for a tourist visa . The cost of an India tourist visa can vary based on several factors, such as the type of visa, duration, and your specific travel needs. This article will provide an in-depth guide to the India tourist visa cost for UK citizens , as well as other relevant details to help you navigate the visa process smoothly. Types of India Tourist Visas for UK Citizens India offers several types of tourist visas for UK citizens, each with varying costs based on the duration of stay and the number of entries allowed. Below, we break down the different visa options available to UK passport holders: 1. 6-Month Tourist Visa The most common visa for UK citizens is the 6-month tourist visa . This visa allows visitors to stay in Indi...
Read more

How Much is a Tourist Visa to India from the UK? A Complete Guide

-
India, with its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and historical landmarks, continues to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. For UK residents planning a trip to India, obtaining a tourist visa is a necessary step before embarking on their journey. Understanding the cost of a tourist visa to India from the UK is essential for budgeting and ensuring the application process goes smoothly. This guide will provide you with all the details you need to know about the cost, types, and how to apply for a tourist visa to India from the UK. Types of Tourist Visas for India from the UK Before we dive into the cost of a tourist visa to India from the UK , it is important to understand the different types of visas available. Depending on the purpose and duration of your trip, you may choose from the following options: Standard Tourist Visa (STV) : This is the most common visa type for UK citizens traveling to India for tourism. It is typically valid for 6 mont...
Read more