India Visa for UK Citizens
UK citizens are eligible for India's e-Visa and, for regular tourist visas, validity of up to five years. This guide covers what is specific to British travellers; the documents and process for each visa type are shared across all foreign nationals and covered on our service pages.
Last reviewed: July 2026 · Independent consultancy — verify with official sources
India Visa Essentials for UK Citizens
- •Unlike US nationals (who can receive 10-year tourist visas), UK nationals are issued regular multiple-entry tourist visas for up to five years. Verify the current validity when you apply.
- •The 180-day-per-calendar-year cap applies across e-Tourist and regular tourist visas combined.
Which India visa do you need?
The requirements and process for each category are the same for all foreign nationals. For tourism, British travellers use the official e-Visa portal. For everything below, we handle the paperwork end to end:
Meetings, conferences, investment exploration.
Paid work with an Indian employer.
Spouses and children of visa holders.
Persons of Indian origin and spouses.
Treatment at recognised Indian hospitals.
Mandatory for stays beyond 180 days.
Extend an eligible long-stay visa.
Leave India after an overstay or expiry.
For tourism, most UK citizens use the official India e-Visa portal. For business, employment, family (X), OCI, medical, or any FRRO/compliance matter, apply through the appropriate route — we manage the process for you.
India Visa FAQs for UK Citizens
How long is an India tourist visa valid for UK citizens?
Regular multiple-entry tourist visas for UK nationals are issued for up to five years, with stay capped at 180 days per calendar year. e-Tourist Visas are shorter-window permits applied for online. Confirm current terms when applying.
Do British citizens need a visa for India?
Yes. UK citizens are not eligible for visa-free entry. Short visits typically use the e-Tourist Visa; other purposes need the appropriate regular visa.
Can UK citizens extend a visa while in India?
It depends on the category. Employment, Student and Medical visas can generally be extended through the e-FRRO; tourist and e-Visas generally cannot. Try our Visa Extension Checker or contact us.
Official government sources
We base our guidance on official Indian government sources and update it as rules change. Requirements are set by the authorities and can change — always verify the current position directly before you apply:
Disclaimer: India Visa Experts is an independent consultancy and is not affiliated with the Government of India, its missions, or any government agency. Visa decisions rest solely with the relevant authorities. Nationality-specific terms (validity, eligibility) can change — verify the current position on the official sources above before you apply. This page is general guidance, not legal advice. See our editorial policy.
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Independent consulting service. Not affiliated with the Government of India or any government agency.