Quick facts
- 30-day India eVisa — Valid for 30 days from first arrival. Double entry. First entry must occur before the ETA expires.
- 1-year India eVisa — Valid for 365 days from date of grant. Multiple entry. Maximum 180 days in India per calendar year.
- 5-year India eVisa — Valid for 5 years from date of grant. Multiple entry. Same 180-day annual limit.
- Official fees for UK citizens — 30-day: US$10–25 (seasonal) · 1-year: US$40 · 5-year: US$484, plus 3% bank charge.
- Application window — 30-day: up to 30 days before arrival. 1-year and 5-year: up to 120 days before arrival. All types: no later than 4 days before arrival.
Not sure which visa fits your trip?
We review your itinerary, confirm the right visa type, and manage the full application — including timing — so your ETA is valid when you need it, with buffer built in for delays.
From £69. Full document review included. Apply now →
The problem most travellers don't see coming
Your India eVisa arrives by email. It looks straightforward — until you notice two different date concepts on the ETA. One is the deadline for first entry. The other governs how long you may stay after you arrive. They are not the same thing, and confusing them is one of the most common — and costly — mistakes UK applicants make.
The three India tourist eVisa options don't simply differ in length. They operate on different timing logic. Choosing the wrong one, or applying at the wrong time, can leave you with an ETA that doesn't match your itinerary.
The rules, properly explained
This is the section that many articles online get wrong or avoid entirely.
The 30-day India eVisa: one visa, two dates
The ETA for the 30-day eVisa carries an expiry date — the deadline by which your first entry must occur. Once you arrive in India, your 30-day stay runs from that date of arrival. These two dates are independent.
Example: ETA allows first entry until 31 March.
- Arrive 10 March → stay until 8 April
- Arrive 25 March → stay until 23 April
The expiry date is an arrival deadline. Your 30 days begin the moment you land.
There is a further complication. The official FAQ currently states that 30-day eVisa applications can be made no earlier than 30 days before travel. Apply outside that window, or enter the wrong travel date, and your ETA may expire before you board. This problem appears regularly on India travel forums — often from travellers holding non-refundable tickets.
The 1-year and 5-year India eVisa: a different system
Validity runs from the date the ETA is granted — not from when you first travel.
| A | B | C |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year | 5-year | |
| Valid from | Date of grant | Date of grant |
| Entries | Multiple | Multiple |
| Max stay per calendar year | 180 days | 180 days |
| Application window | Up to 120 days before travel | Up to 120 days before travel |
The wider application window makes planning considerably easier. Neither visa is a residence permit — the 180-day annual cap applies regardless of how long the visa itself remains valid.
Which India eVisa do you need?
One short trip, under 30 days → 30-day eVisa The right fit for a single holiday or family visit. The application window is narrow — no more than 30 days before arrival — and the timing needs to be managed carefully to ensure your ETA is valid when you travel, with enough buffer for delays or plan changes. Not sure when to apply for your dates? We handle the timing for you. Apply now →
Staying longer than 30 days, or returning within the year → 1-year eVisa The most practical option for UK travellers who want flexibility. Covers longer stays, split itineraries, and repeat visits — all under one approval. The 120-day application window makes it far easier to plan ahead.
Travelling to India regularly → Consider the 5-year eVisa One approval, five years of trips. The trade-off is cost: UK citizens pay US$484 plus 3% bank charge — substantially more than the 1-year option, and well above the US$200 standard rate for most other nationalities. Worth calculating against your expected travel frequency before committing.
A stay of two to three months → 1-year or 5-year eVisa only The 30-day eVisa cannot accommodate this. Stays of 60 to 90 days fall comfortably within the 180-day annual limit. Those approaching 180 days should calculate their dates carefully before applying.
Trip includes business activity → Check before you apply A tourist eVisa does not cover commercial activity. If your visit involves business meetings, trade purposes, or any commercial engagement, a separate e-Business Visa is required. For full requirements, see our India Business eVisa guide for UK travellers.
What does each option cost?
| 30-day | 1-year | 5-year | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fee (UK citizens) | US$10–25 | US$40 | US$484 |
| Entries | Double | Multiple | Multiple |
| Stay limit | 30 days from first arrival | 180 days per calendar year | 180 days per calendar year |
| Application window | Up to 30 days before travel | Up to 120 days before travel | Up to 120 days before travel |
| Best for | Single short trip | Flexible or repeat travel | Frequent travellers |
*The fees above are paid directly to the Indian government and apply whether you apply independently or through us.
Our £69 service fee covers document review, application management, and timing — so your ETA arrives correctly, on time, and with buffer built in for any changes to your plans.
Faster processing options are also available. See our India visa application page for full details.
The 30-day eVisa is priced at US$10 from April to June and US$25 from July to March. A 3% bank charge applies to all eVisa types. Sterling amounts vary with the exchange rate at the time of payment.
The 5-year fee of US$484 for UK citizens reflects bilateral reciprocity arrangements, in effect since December 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
The basics
Dates, timing, and the 30-day eVisa
Longer stays and repeat visits
Ready to apply?
One short trip: the 30-day eVisa is usually sufficient. Longer stay, more flexibility, or a return visit in the same year: the 1-year eVisa is the practical choice. Frequent traveller: the 5-year eVisa may make sense, though the fee for UK passport holders is considerably higher than for most nationalities.
If you're not certain which option fits your itinerary - or you'd rather not navigate the application timing yourself - we'll take care of it. We review your travel plans, confirm the right visa type, handle the full application, and manage the timing so your ETA is valid exactly when you need it, with buffer built in for any last-minute changes.
Apply for India eVisa — From £69