Do British citizens need an Indian e-Visa?
Yes. British citizens need a visa to visit India. For holidays, family visits, business trips and medical treatment, the e-Visa is the quickest option: it’s applied for online and approved by email.
Which e-Visa should I choose?
- Holiday or family visit: e-Tourist visa, for 30 days, 1 year or 5 years
- Business meetings or trade fairs: e-Business visa
- Treatment in India: e-Medical visa
See every e-Visa type.
What you need
A passport valid for at least six months with two blank pages, a recent photo with a plain light background, and a scan of your passport photo page. Some e-Visas need one more document, such as a business card or hospital letter.
When to apply
Apply at least 4 days before you arrive, and no more than 120 days before. We suggest 2 to 3 weeks ahead, so there’s time to fix anything.
Mistakes to avoid
- A photo with shadows, glasses or a patterned background
- Details that don’t match your passport exactly
- Applying for an e-Visa when you’re of Pakistani origin or have a military background, when you need a regular visa
- Using unofficial websites that charge “express” fees
How long does the Indian e-Visa for British citizens take?
Most complete applications are decided within a few working days. The approval arrives by email as an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Print it and carry it with your passport. When you land, immigration takes your fingerprints and photo and stamps the visa into your passport.
Who can’t use the Indian e-Visa for British citizens?
British citizens of Pakistani origin, and anyone with a military or police background, need a regular visa instead. Read about regular Indian visas.
Common questions
How long does the Indian e-Visa take for British citizens?
Most complete applications are decided within a few working days.
Can I get a 5-year Indian e-Visa?
Yes, British citizens can apply for the 5-year e-Tourist visa.
Is the Indian e-Visa for British citizens the same as for other countries?
The rules are largely the same. Fees depend on nationality.
This article is general information, correct when published. Rules change often, so please contact us for advice on your situation.