India Visitor Visa for UK Citizens: A Complete Guide

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India is an incredible destination known for its rich culture, diverse landscapes, historic landmarks, and vibrant cities. For UK citizens planning to visit India for tourism or leisure, the India Visitor Visa is the appropriate visa type. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about applying for an India Visitor Visa if you hold a UK passport, including the types of visas, requirements, application process, and costs.

Types of India Visitor Visas for UK Citizens

For UK citizens visiting India, there are several types of visas available based on the purpose of your visit. Each visa category has different requirements and processing times. The two primary options for a visitor to India are the India Tourist Visa and the India e-Visa. Here's a breakdown of both:

1. India Tourist Visa

The India Tourist Visa is the most common type of visa for UK citizens visiting India for tourism or short-term travel. This visa is issued for leisure purposes and allows visitors to explore India’s diverse heritage, architecture, cuisine, and natural beauty.

  • Duration: The India Tourist Visa is typically issued for 6 months or 1 year.
  • Number of Entries: Depending on the type, the visa can be a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry visa.
  • Cost: The cost of a tourist visa for UK citizens generally ranges from £80 to £150, depending on the visa type and processing speed.
  • Processing Time: The processing time for a tourist visa typically takes around 7 to 10 business days.

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

The India e-Visa, also referred to as the e-Tourist Visa, is a convenient and popular option for UK citizens visiting India. This electronic visa allows travelers to apply online and avoid the need for a physical visa stamp in the passport.

  • Duration: The e-Visa is valid for 60 days from the date of arrival.
  • Number of Entries: The e-Visa allows for two entries during its validity period.
  • Cost: The cost of an India e-Visa for UK citizens ranges between £10 to £50, depending on the processing speed selected.
  • Processing Time: The e-Visa is typically processed within 3 to 5 business days.

3. India Business Visitor Visa

The India Business Visitor Visa is meant for UK citizens traveling to India for business purposes, such as attending meetings, conferences, or trade exhibitions.

  • Duration: Business visitor visas are generally valid for 6 months to 1 year.
  • Number of Entries: Most business visitor visas are issued as multiple-entry visas.
  • Cost: The cost for a business visitor visa ranges from £100 to £150.
  • Processing Time: Processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days.

4. India Transit Visa

If you're traveling through India on your way to another destination, you may need a Transit Visa. This visa is valid for short durations (typically up to 72 hours) to allow for your transit through the country.

  • Duration: A Transit Visa is generally valid for up to 72 hours.
  • Cost: The Transit Visa costs between £30 and £50.
  • Processing Time: Processing for the Transit Visa typically takes 3 to 5 business days.

Requirements for UK Citizens Applying for an India Visitor Visa

The specific requirements for an India Visitor Visa depend on the type of visa you are applying for, but some common documents are required for all visa applications. Below are the general requirements for UK citizens:

General Documents for an India Visitor Visa Application

  1. Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in India, with at least two blank pages for visa stamping.
  2. Visa Application Form: You must fill out the visa application form accurately. The form is available online and can be completed on the official Indian visa website or through a visa application center.
  3. Photographs: You will need to provide recent passport-sized photographs. The specific size and format may vary, so it's important to check the requirements on the visa application website.
  4. Visa Fee: Payment for the visa fee is required when submitting the application. For e-Visas, payment is typically made online via a credit or debit card. For regular visas, payment can be made through the visa application center or consulate.
  5. Travel Itinerary: For tourism purposes, a flight itinerary showing your entry and exit from India is required.
  6. Accommodation Details: You may need to provide a hotel booking or proof of where you will be staying during your visit to India. If staying with family or friends, a letter of invitation may be required.
  7. Additional Documents (if applicable): Depending on your visa type, you may need to provide additional documents. For example, if you are applying for a Business Visitor Visa, you may need an invitation letter from the Indian company or organization.

How to Apply for an India Visitor Visa for UK Citizens

The process of applying for an India Visitor Visa can be done either through the e-Visa portal (for an e-Tourist Visa) or through the Indian visa application center (for regular visas). Here’s how to apply for both:

1. Applying for an India e-Visa (e-Tourist Visa)

The India e-Visa is the most convenient option for UK citizens visiting India for tourism purposes. The process is entirely online and can be completed in a few simple steps:

  • Step 1: Visit the official Indian e-Visa portal.
  • Step 2: Fill in the e-Visa application form with your personal and travel details.
  • Step 3: Upload a scanned copy of your passport’s bio-data page and a recent passport-sized photograph.
  • Step 4: Pay the visa fee online using a credit card or PayPal.
  • Step 5: After submitting your application, wait for the visa to be processed, which typically takes 3 to 5 business days.
  • Step 6: Once approved, you will receive the e-Visa by email. Print a copy of the e-Visa and carry it with you to present at the Indian airport upon arrival.

2. Applying for a Regular India Visitor Visa

For those who wish to apply for a regular India Visitor Visa (such as the Tourist Visa or Business Visitor Visa), follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Complete the visa application form online through the official Indian visa website or at a visa application center.
  • Step 2: Gather all necessary documents, including your passport, photographs, visa fee, and any supporting documents (e.g., flight itinerary, hotel booking).
  • Step 3: Submit your application and documents at an Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) or the nearest Indian Consulate.
  • Step 4: Attend an appointment for biometric data collection if required (for certain visa types).
  • Step 5: Wait for processing, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days.
  • Step 6: Once your visa is approved, you can collect your passport with the visa stamped, or you will receive it by post if you opted for this service.

Processing Time for an India Visitor Visa

The processing time for an India Visitor Visa for UK citizens depends on the type of visa and the processing speed selected:

  • e-Visa: The processing time for an e-Visa is typically 3 to 5 business days.
  • Tourist Visa: A regular Tourist Visa can take 7 to 10 business days for processing.
  • Business Visa: Business visitor visas generally take about 7 to 10 business days.
  • Transit Visa: A Transit Visa usually takes about 3 to 5 business days.

If you need your visa urgently, there are expedited services available, but they come with an additional cost.

Cost of an India Visitor Visa for UK Citizens

The cost of an India Visitor Visa varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for and its duration. Below is a general breakdown of the costs:

  • e-Visa (e-Tourist Visa): £10 to £50, depending on the type and processing speed.
  • Tourist Visa (6-month validity): £80 to £100.
  • Business Visitor Visa: £100 to £150.
  • Transit Visa: £30 to £50.

Fees may change, so it’s always best to check the latest costs on the official visa website or through the visa application center.

Conclusion

The India Visitor Visa for UK citizens provides an excellent opportunity to explore India’s diverse culture, history, and landscapes. Whether you opt for an e-Visa for a short visit or a regular tourist visa for a longer stay, the application process is straightforward and can be completed online or at a visa center. Make sure to gather all required documents and plan ahead to ensure that your visa is approved and processed on time, allowing you to enjoy your visit to India without any hassle.

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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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