Tourist Visa India UK Passport: A Complete Guide for UK Passport Holders

-

India remains one of the top travel destinations for UK citizens, offering a vast array of experiences—from ancient temples to beautiful landscapes and rich cultural heritage. If you are a UK passport holder planning to visit India for tourism, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa. In this article, we’ll take you through the complete process of obtaining a tourist visa for India as a UK passport holder, including details on the visa types, costs, requirements, and other important factors to consider.

Types of Tourist Visas for India for UK Passport Holders

Before applying for a tourist visa to India, it's crucial to know the different types of visas available. The type of visa you choose will depend on the length of your stay, the number of entries, and how long you plan to stay in India. Let’s look at the most common tourist visa options for UK passport holders.

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

The e-Tourist Visa (e-Visa) is one of the most popular options for UK passport holders planning a short trip to India. This visa allows you to apply online and receive an approval electronically.

  • Duration: The e-Tourist visa for UK passport holders allows you to stay in India for up to 60 days.
  • Number of Entries: The e-Visa allows two entries during its validity.
  • Cost: The cost for the India tourist e-Visa varies based on processing times, ranging from £10 to £50 (approximately $13 to $65 USD). It’s the cheapest and most convenient option for those planning short stays.

2. 6-Month Tourist Visa

For UK passport holders who intend to stay in India for a more extended period, the 6-month tourist visa is an ideal choice. This visa allows UK citizens to stay in India for up to 180 days.

  • Duration: The stay is up to 6 months.
  • Number of Entries: The 6-month visa can be issued as single-entry or multiple-entry, depending on your needs.
  • Cost: The fee for the 6-month tourist visa ranges from £80 to £90 (approximately $100 - $115 USD), depending on the type (single or multiple entries) and processing time.

3. 1-Year Tourist Visa

The 1-year tourist visa is perfect for UK passport holders who plan to travel to India more than once over the course of the year. It allows for multiple entries over a period of 12 months.

  • Duration: 1-year validity with stays up to 90 days each.
  • Number of Entries: Multiple entries allowed.
  • Cost: The cost for the 1-year tourist visa ranges from £120 to £150 (approximately $150 - $180 USD). The cost may vary depending on additional fees such as consular fees or expedited processing.

4. 5-Year Tourist Visa

The 5-year tourist visa is ideal for frequent visitors to India who want to have the flexibility to travel multiple times over a five-year period.

  • Duration: The visa is valid for 5 years, but stays are generally limited to 90 days per visit.
  • Number of Entries: Multiple entries allowed.
  • Cost: The cost for the 5-year tourist visa typically ranges from £150 to £180 (approximately $180 - $220 USD), depending on the processing options.

Costs of Indian Tourist Visa for UK Passport Holders

The cost of obtaining an Indian tourist visa as a UK passport holder varies depending on several factors, including the type of visa, the processing time, and the number of entries allowed. Below is a detailed breakdown of the costs:

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

It is important to remember that the visa cost can fluctuate based on the processing time you choose, as expedited services typically cost more.

Requirements for UK Passport Holders Applying for an Indian Tourist Visa

For UK passport holders, there are several key requirements when applying for a tourist visa to India. These include both general documentation and additional specific conditions based on the type of visa being applied for.

General Requirements:

  1. Valid UK Passport: Your UK passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of arrival in India. It should also have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
  2. Completed Visa Application Form: Whether applying for an e-Visa or a regular tourist visa, you’ll need to fill out an application form online or at the Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC).
  3. Passport-size Photographs: Two recent passport-size photographs that meet the required specifications.
  4. Proof of Travel Plans: You may need to provide details of your flight bookings, accommodation arrangements, and travel itinerary.
  5. Payment of Visa Fee: The payment for the visa fee is required at the time of application and can be done via debit/credit card (for e-Visas) or other methods depending on the visa center.
  6. Additional Documents (if applicable): For regular tourist visa applications, you may be asked for extra documents such as proof of financial stability (bank statements, payslips), a covering letter, and more.

Special Requirements for Specific Visas:

  • e-Tourist Visa: For the India e-Visa, you will need to upload a recent photograph and a scanned copy of your passport’s bio-data page during the application process.
  • 6-Month, 1-Year, and 5-Year Tourist Visas: These require submission of physical documents, such as your passport, visa application form, photographs, and payment proof. You may need to visit a visa application center to submit your documents or provide biometric data.

Processing Times for Indian Tourist Visa for UK Passport Holders

The processing time for an Indian tourist visa depends on the type of visa you apply for and the service you select.

  • India Tourist e-Visa: The e-Visa is the quickest option. If you opt for standard processing, it typically takes 3 to 5 business days to receive approval. Expedited processing is available and may take only 1 to 2 business days.
  • 6-Month Tourist Visa: The processing time for a regular 6-month tourist visa typically takes 7 to 10 business days. This may vary depending on the consular workload and your location.
  • 1-Year and 5-Year Tourist Visas: These visas may take between 7 to 15 business days to process. You should apply well in advance to avoid delays, especially if you require expedited processing.

How to Apply for an Indian Tourist Visa as a UK Passport Holder

  1. India Tourist e-Visa:

    • Visit the official Indian e-Visa website.
    • Complete the online application form.
    • Upload your passport photo and bio-data page.
    • Pay the visa fee via credit/debit card.
    • Receive your e-Visa via email once approved.

  2. Regular Tourist Visa (6-Month, 1-Year, or 5-Year):

    • Visit the nearest Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) or use their online platform.
    • Complete the visa application form.
    • Submit required documents (passport, photos, proof of travel, payment).
    • Attend a biometric appointment if required.
    • Wait for processing and receive your visa.

Conclusion

For UK passport holders, obtaining an Indian tourist visa is a straightforward process, whether you're applying for an e-Visa for short stays or a regular tourist visa for longer visits. The cost varies depending on the type of visa you choose, with options ranging from £10 for the e-Visa to £180 for the 5-year tourist visa.

Be sure to plan ahead and apply for your visa in advance to avoid any last-minute issues. With the right visa in hand, you’ll be ready to explore the wonders of India, from its bustling cities to its serene landscapes. Whether it's your first visit or a return trip, the process of obtaining an Indian tourist visa from the UK is manageable and hassle-free if you follow the necessary steps.

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