India eVisa for UK Citizens: Categories, Timing & How to Apply
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Stand: 30 July 2026. This page is the India eVisa pillar for UK travellers: which category fits, what documents you need, timing rules, and how to apply safely. For a decision overview and article index, use the India hub.
Short answer
- UK passport holders are among nationalities eligible for India’s eVisa.
- GOV.UK: British citizens must have a visa unless they hold a valid OCI card.
- Most leisure trips use an e-Tourist eVisa (30-day, 1-year, or 5-year options — see the duration guide).
- For e-Tourist and e-Business, apply online at least 4 days before arrival.
- Before you fly, carry your ETA and confirm status shows GRANTED on the official site.
Which eVisa category fits
India’s eVisa is a set of categories tied to purpose of travel. Common options for UK travellers include:
| Category | Typical use |
|---|---|
| e-Tourist | Sightseeing, visiting family/friends, leisure |
| e-Business | Meetings, negotiations, trade (not paid local employment) |
| e-Medical | Treatment in India |
| e-Medical Attendant | Accompanying a patient (limits apply) |
| Other listed categories | e-Student, e-Family, e-Transit, e-Miscellaneous (see portal) |
Pick the category that matches your real purpose. Stretching a tourist application to cover business or medical travel can create problems at the border. For tourist length (30-day vs 1-year vs 5-year), use the duration guide.
Documents & passport basics
Across categories, expect at least:
- Passport with at least six months validity at the time of the e-Visa application (portal). GOV.UK also expects expiry at least six months after the date you arrive, plus blank pages.
- Clear scan of the passport bio page and a compliant digital photo.
- Category-specific supporting documents in English when required (for example invitation or hospital letter — confirm on the portal for your type).
Details you enter must match your passport. Format problems on photos/scans are a common reason applications stall.
Timing & fees
Timing: For e-Tourist and e-Business, the Government of India states you may apply online a minimum of 4 days before arrival. Leave extra buffer for weekends, payment, and document checks.
Fees (rules): e-Visa fees are country/territory specific. A 3% bank transaction charge applies in addition. The fee must be paid at least 4 days before the expected travel date or the application may not be processed. Check the live fee tool on the official portal for current United Kingdom amounts — this page does not invent a static fee table.
If you use assisted filing on 1avisas.co.uk, service pricing is shown on the product flow before you pay.
Apply on the official channel
The Government of India eVisa application runs through indianvisaonline.gov.in. GOV.UK points travellers to Indian immigration / e-visa options for the latest process.
For a UK-focused comparison of official portal vs platforms vs specialist help, see Best Website for an India eVisa. Prefer the real .gov.in channel for DIY; be wary of lookalike domains and sites that claim to be the government portal.
e-Arrival reminder
An e-Arrival card (arrival information within 72 hours before arrival) is not a visa. You still need a separate valid visa or OCI. Details: India e-Arrival Card guide.
How 1avisas.co.uk can help
1avisas.co.uk can help you start an online India eVisa application and assist with e-Arrival form filing.
- Offered: electronic India eVisa application help · e-Arrival form filing assistance
- Not offered: sticker visas or consulate appointment services
→ Start on 1avisas.co.uk · India hub
FAQ
Do UK citizens need a visa for India?
Yes for typical visits, unless you hold a valid OCI card. The UK is on the eVisa eligible nationality list.
Is there visa on arrival for UK citizens?
Plan on obtaining permission before travel. Follow GOV.UK and the official Indian eVisa rules for your case — do not assume visa on arrival.
How far in advance should I apply?
For e-Tourist and e-Business, at least 4 days before arrival. More buffer is safer.
Where is the official website?
indianvisaonline.gov.in (eVisa). Confirm you are on the real government channel.
What does it cost?
Fees are country-specific (plus bank charges). Current United Kingdom amounts are shown on the Government of India eVisa fee checker.
What about the e-Arrival card?
Separate from the eVisa — arrival information within 72 hours, not a visa. See the e-Arrival guide.
Sources
Important notice
The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. 1avisas.co.uk is a private service provider and not a government authority, embassy, or consulate.
Entry and eVisa rules can change. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this information. Only the official rules in force at the time of your travel are authoritative.
As of: 30 July 2026
For binding information, check the Government of India eVisa guidance and GOV.UK India entry requirements (Sources above).