It’s great news for UK citizens who wish to travel to India – the eVisa is again available!
After several months of being suspended due to the global pandemic, Indian authorities have decided that they will now be granting electronic visas to all eligible UK citizens. They announced: “UK passport holders can once again apply for the India e-tourist visa.”
Is India issuing eVisa for UK Citizens?
After some time of not being available during the COVID-19 pandemic, the India eVisa has recently been restored for United Kingdom citizens. Now, British travelers with an online visa may enjoy a visit to India for purposes including leisure, business, or medical treatment.
The eVisa application has multiple benefits – it should not take more than 15 minutes of your time and can be done from the comfort of your home, so the process is very comfortable. There is no need to schedule an appointment at the Indian Embassy or Consulate, as the entire procedure is conducted online.
While planning your journey, make sure to check the list of entry ports that are currently accepting Indian electronic visas. If you do not travel to a suitable airport or seaport, you may not be allowed to enter India.
What are the requirements for an Indian eVisa from the United Kingdom?
The citizens of the United Kingdom are eligible to apply for one of the three standard types of Indian electronic entry permits: Tourist eVisa, Business eVisa, or Medical eVisa.
To be given the document, you must meet the necessary visa requirements:
Tourist eVisa Requirements
- copy of the data page from the applicant’s valid passport
- applicant’s biometric photo
Business eVisa Requirements
- copy of the data page from the applicant’s valid passport
- applicant’s biometric photo
- invitation letter from the cooperating company
- business card of the cooperating company
Medical eVisa Requirements
- copy of the data page from the applicant’s valid passport
- applicant’s biometric photo
- official declaration from the cooperating medical institution
While traveling to India, it is necessary to prepare the required documentation beforehand. On arrival in the country, the immigration officers will ask you to present a passport valid for at least 6 months (the same one you used during the registration process) and a printed copy of your electronic visa (the digital form of the permit is not accepted).
It is essential that you make sure your passport remains valid for at least 6 months from the planned date of arrival in India. What is more, you should remember that the visa online is strictly connected to your passport, so if your travel document expires, your eVisa will also be considered invalid.
How to get an Indian visa from the United Kingdom?
The process of the eVisa application is very convenient and intuitive. Since the entire procedure takes place online, make sure you have a working electronic device with a good Internet connection, such as a smartphone or a laptop.
All eligible British citizens need to complete the following steps to acquire India eVisa:
- select the purpose of your travel
- complete the visa application form
- make the fee payment
- wait for the approval
It is highly recommended to double-check the completed application form before submitting it for processing. A single spelling mistake may result in being denied entry to India.
You can cover the fee payment using a credit card, debit card, or PayPal. Once your payment has been finalized, wait for the visa approval.
As soon as your eVisa India is authorized, it will be sent to your e-mail address in PDF form. Remember to print it out before leaving for your journey, as only paper copies are accepted by Indian immigration officers.
What Indian eVisa should I get to visit India as a UK citizen?
Depending on the purpose of your journey, there are three visa types you can choose from. They vary in the permitted activities, guaranteed validity period, and the amount of required fee payment.
Tourist eVisa India
The Tourist eVisa is an electronic entry permit to India issued for those who wish to participate in cultural festivals, enjoy a holiday trip, or meet with family and friends. It remains valid for 1 month from the issuing date and allows for a single visit lasting 30 days.
If you plan to stay in India longer than a month, it is possible to apply for a One-Year or Five-Year Indian visa online.
Business eVisa India
If you are visiting India for purposes including attending business conferences, participating in workshops, or concluding contracts, you should obtain the Business eVisa. The validity of this multiple-entry permit is 12 months from the issuing date, allowing for staying up to 180 days in India.
Medical eVisa India
The Medical eVisa allows you to enter India if you intend to undergo medical treatment in the country. This visa for India is valid for 4 months and allows you to stay in the country for up to 60 days (consecutively or in a total of three visits).
How much does the Indian eVisa cost for UK Citizens?
The cost of your Indian visa online depends on the selected type of permit. The longer the validity period or the bigger number of guaranteed entries, the higher the price of the document.
All UK citizens are required to pay the following price for the selected visa types:
- Tourist eVisa (30 days) – 79 EUR
- Tourist eVisa (1 year) – 129 EUR
- Tourist eVisa (5 years) – 149 EUR
- Business eVisa – 149 EUR
- Medical eVisa – 129 EUR
You should cover the payment during the Indian visa online application. You can pay for the processing fee using a debit card, credit card, or PayPal – select the payment method of your choice.
