Travelling to India has been a part of many UK citizens’ dreams for years. But, with the recent updates and changes in visa requirements, it can seem like a daunting task to figure out what you need to do to get your Indian visa. To help remove the stress and confusion, this blog article is here as a definitive guide on how to get an Indian visa for UK citizens!
What is an Indian Visa?
If you’re a UK citizen planning to travel to India, you’ll need to obtain a visa before your trip. Indian visas are available from the Indian High Commission or consulate in the UK, and can be obtained either in person or by post. The type of visa you’ll need will depend on the purpose and duration of your stay in India. Indian Visa for UK Citizens
Tourist visas are valid for stays of up to 6 months, and can be obtained for a single or multiple entry into India. If you’re planning to stay for longer than 6 months, you’ll need to apply for a business visa. Student visas are also available for those planning to study in India.
When applying for an Indian visa, you’ll need to submit a completed application form, along with two passport-sized photographs and your passport. You may also be required to provide additional documents such as proof of onward travel or accommodation in India. Once your application has been processed, your visa will be sent to you by post.
What Types of Visas are Available for UK and British Citizens?
There are many types of visas available for UK and British citizens wishing to travel to India, depending on the purpose and duration of your trip. The most common type of visa for leisure travel is the e-Tourist Visa (eTV), which allows for stays of up to 60 days in India. For business travel, the e-Business Visa (eBV) allows for stays of up to 60 days, while the e-Medical Visa (eMV) allows for stays of up to 90 days for medical treatment. If you are traveling to India for an extended period of time, or wish to live and work in the country, you will need to apply for a different type of visa.
Requirements for Applying for an Indian Visa
In order to apply for an Indian visa, UK citizens must meet the following requirements: Indian Visa for British Citizens
- A valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your arrival in India.
- Two recent passport-sized photographs: These must be taken against a white background and should be free of any blemishes or marks.
- A completed application form: This can be obtained from the Indian embassy or consulate in the UK, or from the website of the High Commission of India in London.
- Supporting documents: Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, you may need to submit additional documents such as evidence of your employment status, travel itinerary, or educational qualifications.
How to Submit the Application Forms
The first step is to fill out the online application form. After you have completed the form, you will need to print it out and sign it. The next step is to gather all of the required documentation. This includes your passport, two passport-sized photographs, and the visa fee. Once you have everything in order, you can mail or courier your application to the Indian consulate.
Processing Time & Validity of the Visa
The processing time for an Indian visa is typically between 4-6 weeks, although this can vary depending on the time of year and the individual circumstances of the applicant. The validity of the visa itself is usually 10 years, although again this can vary depending on the type of visa applied for. For UK citizens, the process of applying for an Indian visa is relatively straightforward, but there are a few things to bear in mind. Firstly, all applications must be made online via the official Indian government website. Secondly, you will need to provide a range of supporting documents including your passport, two recent passport photographs, and proof of your onward travel plans. Finally, you will need to pay the visa fee, which is currently £87 for a standard 10-year visa.
Cost of the Indian Visa
The cost of an Indian visa for UK citizens depends on the type of visa required and the duration of stay. For a regular tourist visa, the cost is £30 for a 6-month single entry visa or £60 for a 1-year multiple entry visa. For business visas, the cost is £75 for a 6-month single entry visa or £150 for a 1-year multiple entry visa. For students, the cost is £20 for a 6-month student visa or £40 for a 1-year student visa.
Alternatives to Obtaining an Indian Visa
There are a few alternatives to obtaining an Indian Visa for UK citizens. The first is to apply for an e-Visa, which can be done online. The second is to apply for a tourist visa, which can be obtained from the Indian embassy or consulate in the UK. Finally, there are a few other options, such as the business visa, student visa, or work visa.
Conclusion
We hope that this guide on how to get an Indian visa for UK citizens has provided you with a useful overview of the process and helped to make it easier. The main takeaway is to always plan ahead, as applying for the visa can be time-consuming and requires careful attention to detail. Following these tips will give you the best chance of having your application approved quickly so that you can enjoy all that India has to offer without any hassle.