India Tourist Visa for UK Residents: A Complete Guide

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India remains one of the most popular travel destinations for UK residents, known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and historical landmarks. If you are a UK resident planning to visit India for tourism, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from the types of visas available to the costs, requirements, and application procedures for UK residents.

Types of Tourist Visas for UK Residents

As a UK resident, you have several visa options depending on your travel plans and the length of your stay in India. Here are the most common types of tourist visas available to UK residents:

1. India Tourist e-Visa (e-Tourist Visa)

The e-Tourist Visa (e-Visa) is one of the most popular and convenient options for UK residents visiting India. This visa can be applied for online and is processed electronically, which means no need to visit a consulate or embassy.

  • Duration: The e-Tourist Visa allows you to stay in India for 60 days.
  • Number of Entries: This visa allows two entries within the 60-day validity.
  • Eligibility: Available for tourism purposes only and can be used for activities such as sightseeing, visiting friends or family, or attending short-term courses.
  • Cost: The cost of the e-Visa varies based on the processing speed and range from £10 to £50 (approximately $13 to $65 USD). It’s the most cost-effective and time-saving option for short visits.

2. 6-Month Tourist Visa

The 6-month tourist visa is an ideal option for UK residents planning to stay in India for an extended period. This visa is suitable for longer vacations or those who plan to visit India for more than two months.

  • Duration: The visa is valid for 6 months and allows you to stay for up to 180 days.
  • Number of Entries: This visa can be issued as either single-entry or multiple-entry.
  • Cost: The fee for a 6-month tourist visa typically ranges from £80 to £90 (approximately $100 - $115 USD), depending on the type and processing speed.

3. 1-Year Tourist Visa

If you plan to visit India multiple times in the next year, the 1-year tourist visa is a great option. It offers flexibility for frequent travelers.

  • Duration: The visa is valid for 12 months with stays of up to 90 days per visit.
  • Number of Entries: This visa allows multiple entries during its validity.
  • Cost: The cost for the 1-year tourist visa is generally between £120 and £150 (approximately $150 - $180 USD).

4. 5-Year Tourist Visa

The 5-year tourist visa is perfect for UK residents who plan to visit India regularly over the next few years.

  • Duration: Valid for 5 years, with a maximum stay of 90 days per visit.
  • Number of Entries: The visa allows for multiple entries within the 5-year validity period.
  • Cost: The fee for the 5-year tourist visa ranges from £150 to £180 (approximately $180 - $220 USD).

Cost of India Tourist Visa for UK Residents

The cost of an India tourist visa for UK residents depends on several factors, such as the type of visa you choose and the processing time. Below is an outline of the approximate costs:

  • e-Visa (60 days): £10 - £50 (approx. $13 - $65 USD)
  • 6-Month Tourist Visa: £80 - £90 (approx. $100 - $115 USD)
  • 1-Year Tourist Visa: £120 - £150 (approx. $150 - $180 USD)
  • 5-Year Tourist Visa: £150 - £180 (approx. $180 - $220 USD)

Please note that these costs may vary depending on the processing speed you choose. Expedited visa processing typically costs more than standard processing.

Requirements for UK Residents Applying for an Indian Tourist Visa

As a UK resident, the application process for an Indian tourist visa requires you to meet certain documentation and eligibility criteria. The specific requirements will depend on the type of visa you are applying for, but here are the general requirements:

General Requirements for All Tourist Visas:

  1. Valid UK Passport: Your UK passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended arrival date in India. It should also have at least two blank pages for visa stamping.
  2. Completed Visa Application Form: Whether applying for an e-Visa or a regular tourist visa, you will need to fill out the visa application form, either online or at an Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC).
  3. Photographs: A recent passport-sized photograph that meets the visa specifications.
  4. Travel Proof: You may be required to show proof of your travel plans, such as flight tickets, hotel bookings, and a detailed travel itinerary.
  5. Payment of Visa Fee: The payment for the visa fee is made online for the e-Visa or at the IVAC for regular tourist visas.
  6. Additional Documents (if applicable): Depending on the type of visa and your individual case, you may need to provide additional documents, such as bank statements, payslips, or a covering letter.

Additional Requirements for Specific Visas:

  • e-Tourist Visa: For the e-Visa, you will need to upload a recent photograph and a scanned copy of the bio-data page of your passport during the online application process.
  • Regular Tourist Visa (6-Month, 1-Year, 5-Year): These applications require the submission of physical documents, including your passport, photographs, visa application form, travel itinerary, and payment receipt.

Processing Times for India Tourist Visas for UK Residents

The processing time for an Indian tourist visa can vary based on the type of visa and the service chosen:

  • India Tourist e-Visa: Processing time for the e-Visa is relatively quick. It typically takes 3 to 5 business days to receive approval. Expedited processing can reduce the time to as little as 1 to 2 business days.
  • Regular Tourist Visas (6-Month, 1-Year, 5-Year): The processing time for regular tourist visas typically takes between 7 to 10 business days. However, this may vary depending on factors such as the consular workload and where you apply.

How to Apply for an Indian Tourist Visa as a UK Resident

Applying for the e-Tourist Visa:

  1. Visit the Official Indian e-Visa Website: Start the process by visiting the official Indian government e-Visa website.
  2. Fill Out the Application Form: Complete the online application form with your personal details, travel plans, and passport information.
  3. Upload Documents: Upload a recent passport-sized photograph and a scanned copy of your passport’s bio-data page.
  4. Pay the Visa Fee: Use a debit or credit card to pay for your visa application.
  5. Wait for Approval: Once your application is approved, you will receive an e-Visa via email. You can print this out and present it upon arrival in India.

Applying for a Regular Tourist Visa:

  1. Visit the Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC): For regular tourist visas (6-month, 1-year, or 5-year), visit your nearest IVAC or use their online portal.
  2. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the necessary application form for a tourist visa.
  3. Submit Documents: Submit the required documents (passport, photographs, payment proof, travel itinerary, etc.).
  4. Attend Biometrics (if applicable): Some applications may require biometric data. Make sure to attend any required appointments.
  5. Wait for Processing: Regular tourist visas can take 7 to 15 business days to process. You will be notified when your visa is ready for collection or delivery.

Conclusion

As a UK resident, obtaining an Indian tourist visa is a straightforward process, whether you are applying for the e-Tourist Visa for short stays or a regular tourist visa for extended travel. The cost of the visa varies depending on the type and length of your stay, but options are available for all types of travelers.

By understanding the application process and the necessary requirements, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience when applying for your Indian tourist visa. With the right visa in hand, you'll be ready to explore India’s beauty, culture, and heritage with ease.

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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.

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