If you are a UK citizen planning a trip to India, you may be wondering: do UK citizens need a visa for India? The answer is yes, in most cases. British citizens generally need a valid Indian visa before travelling to India. For eligible travellers, the India e-Visa is a convenient online option for tourism, business, medical visits and other permitted purposes. Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for India in 2026? Yes. UK citizens travelling on a full British citizen passport generally need a visa to enter India unless they have an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card. The UK government confirms that British citizens must have a visa to visit India, while eligible travellers can apply for an Indian e-Visa online. The Indian government also lists the United Kingdom among the countries whose nationals can use the e-Visa system. Your visa must match the purpose of your trip. Travelling with the wrong visa can lead to problems at the Indian border, including refusal of entry. If you are planning a holiday, visiting family or friends, or sightseeing, an e-Tourist Visa may be the appropriate option if you meet the eligibility requirements. Which Indian Visa Can UK Citizens Apply For? The right visa depends on why you are travelling to India. Common options include: Travel purpose Possible visa option Holiday or sightseeing e-Tourist Visa Visiting friends or relatives e-Tourist Visa Business activities e-Business Visa Medical treatment e-Medical Visa Accompanying a medical patient e-Medical Attendant Visa Certain other permitted activities Other applicable visa categories For a standard holiday, the Indian e-Tourist Visa for UK citizens is generally the option travellers should investigate first. You can learn more about the online application process through the India Visa Online service page. India e-Visa for UK Citizens: What Are the Options? The Indian government currently provides different e-Tourist Visa durations for eligible nationalities. Depending on eligibility and the visa selected, e-Tourist Visa options include: 30-day e-Tourist Visa 1-year e-Tourist Visa 5-year e-Tourist Visa The 1-year and 5-year e-Tourist Visas allow multiple entries, subject to the applicable stay conditions. The Indian government states that total stay in India during a calendar year should not exceed 180 days for these longer-term tourist visas. The 30-day tourist visa has different validity and entry conditions, so travellers should check the conditions attached to their specific ETA before travelling. Indian Visa Requirements for UK Citizens Before applying, UK travellers should make sure their documents meet the requirements. 1. Valid British Passport Your passport should meet India’s validity requirements. The UK government currently advises that your passport must have at least six months’ validity from the date you arrive in India and at least two blank pages. It is important to check this before submitting your application. 2. Passport Copy An electronic copy of the passport information page is required for an e-Visa application. Make sure the uploaded document is clear and readable. Poor-quality or incorrect documents can cause problems during processing. 3. Recent Photograph The e-Visa application requires a recent photograph that meets the specified requirements. Follow the current photo specifications carefully when uploading your image. 4. Additional Documents Depending on the visa category, you may need additional supporting documents. For example, business travellers may need business-related information, while medical applicants may need documents connected with their treatment. How to Apply for an India Visa from the UK The e-Visa application process is completed online. A typical application involves these steps: Choose the appropriate visa category. Complete the online application form. Enter your passport and personal details carefully. Upload the required photograph and documents. Pay the applicable visa fee. Submit the application. Wait for the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Check that your ETA shows as granted before travelling. The Indian government advises eligible e-Visa applicants to apply at least four days before their expected arrival, although applying earlier can give you more time to deal with unexpected issues. Do not book a trip on the assumption that a visa will automatically be approved. India Visa Fees for UK Citizens Indian e-Visa fees depend on the nationality, visa category and visa duration. The Indian government’s February 2026 fee schedule lists country-specific charges for UK nationals, and applicable payment/banking charges may also apply. Because visa fees can change, travellers should check the current fee displayed during the application process rather than relying on an old fee shown on another website. Also note that the Indian government states that an e-Visa processing fee is generally non-refundable, even if the Electronic Travel Authorization is not granted. How Long Does an Indian e-Visa Take for UK Citizens? The exact processing time can vary, so it is better not to assume that every application will be completed within the same timeframe. The official Indian e-Visa guidance states that eligible applicants can submit applications at least four days before arrival. However, you should apply as early as reasonably possible, particularly if your travel dates are fixed. Before flying, make sure your ETA status shows “GRANTED” and carry the required travel documents. Do UK Citizens Need a Visa If They Have an OCI Card? An OCI cardholder is treated differently from a UK citizen travelling only on a British passport. The UK government’s current India entry guidance states that British citizens generally need a visa unless they are OCI cardholders. If you have OCI status, check the latest OCI and entry requirements before travelling because the documentation and process are different from applying for an e-Visa. What About the India e-Arrival Card? The e-Arrival Card should not be confused with an Indian visa. Foreign nationals arriving in India must complete the online e-Arrival Card before reaching immigration. It can be completed up to 72 hours before arrival. However, the e-Arrival Card does not replace a visa. A UK citizen who requires a visa must still have a valid Indian visa or qualifying OCI status. Real Example: UK Citizen Travelling to India Imagine Sarah is a British citizen living in Manchester. She plans to spend two weeks in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur for sightseeing. Because her trip is for tourism, she may be eligible to apply for an Indian e-Tourist Visa. She should first check that her British passport meets the validity requirements, prepare the required photograph and passport copy, complete the online application and wait for her ETA. Once her ETA is granted, she should check the details carefully and carry a copy when travelling. The same basic principle applies if you are travelling from another UK city such as London, Birmingham, Glasgow or Edinburgh. The important factor is your passport and eligibility, not the UK city you depart from. Important Things UK Travellers Should Remember Before travelling to India, keep these points in mind: A British citizen generally needs an Indian visa unless eligible under OCI rules. Check that your passport has sufficient validity and blank pages. Select a visa that matches your reason for travelling. Upload clear and accurate documents. Apply before the minimum required period rather than leaving it until the last minute. Confirm that your ETA status is GRANTED before departure. Complete the e-Arrival Card before reaching Indian immigration. Check your visa conditions, including permitted stay and entry requirements. Do not overstay your visa. If you are researching requirements for travellers of another nationality, you can also read the guide on India Visa for China Citizens to understand how eligibility and requirements can differ by passport. FAQ: India Visa for UK Citizens Do UK citizens need a visa for India? Yes. British citizens generally need a valid Indian visa before travelling to India unless they qualify under OCI rules. Can UK citizens apply for an India e-Visa? Yes. The United Kingdom is included among the nationalities eligible for India’s e-Visa system, subject to the relevant requirements and visa category. How early should UK citizens apply for an India e-Visa? The Indian government says eligible e-Visa applicants can apply at least four days before arrival. Applying earlier is sensible when your travel dates are fixed. Does an India e-Arrival Card replace a visa? No. The e-Arrival Card is an arrival-information requirement and is not a visa. Travellers who require a visa must still have a valid visa or qualifying OCI status. Can I enter India without a visa if I have an OCI card? OCI cardholders have different entry arrangements from British citizens travelling solely as foreign nationals. Check the latest OCI requirements before travelling. Apply for Your India Visa Planning your India trip from the UK? Check your eligibility, prepare your documents and submit your application well before your travel date. Apply now and make sure your Indian visa requirements are sorted before your journey.