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Yes — British citizens need a visa to visit India, but for tourists it's obtained conveniently online as an e-Visa (e-Tourist visa), with no need to visit an embassy. You apply through the official Indian government portal, upload a photo and passport page, pay the fee, and receive your visa by email to bring with you. There are different durations to choose from, so you pick the one that suits your trip.
There's also a newer step to know: India now requires travellers to complete a free online e-arrival card within 72 hours before arrival, separate from the visa. And your passport must be valid for at least six months with two blank pages. Sort these in advance and your arrival is smooth.
Below we explain the e-Visa options, the e-arrival card, the passport requirements, health advice and a few practical points. Rules change, so always confirm the latest on the UK government's India travel advice before you fly.
The quick answer
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India's e-Tourist visa is applied for entirely online, which makes it far easier than the old embassy process:
For most holidays the 30-day or 1-year e-Visa is ideal. On a guided trip we'll advise which to choose and remind you when to apply.
As well as your visa, India now asks travellers to complete a digital arrival card online before you arrive — and it's easy to overlook:
It only takes a few minutes, but both the visa and this arrival card are required, so add them to your pre-departure checklist. On a guided trip we'll flag both in good time and can help you complete them.
Passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date and have at least two blank pages. Make sure it's undamaged.
Health. No vaccinations are compulsory to enter India from the UK, but a travel clinic will typically recommend several (such as hepatitis A and typhoid), and may advise antimalarials for certain areas. A yellow fever certificate is required if you're arriving from a risk country. See your GP or travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure — this is general guidance, not medical advice.
Practicalities. Keep printed and digital copies of your e-Visa, arrival card and passport, and have your accommodation details accessible. If you hold an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card you don't need a visa; and travellers of Pakistani origin should allow considerably longer for processing.
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India's entry paperwork — an e-Visa plus the new arrival card — is very manageable once you know the steps, and getting it right matters. On our trips we make sure nothing is missed: we advise which e-Visa to choose, point you to the official site so you don't overpay an agent, flag the e-arrival card and its 72-hour window, and remind you when to apply. You'll arrive with confirmed accommodation and itineraries to show, and our local team knows the airport routine. The result is that entering India — visa, arrival card and all — is smooth and stress-free.
Frequently asked questions
Do UK citizens need a visa for India? Yes — you need a visa, obtained conveniently online as an e-Tourist visa through the official Indian government portal. There's no need to visit an embassy.
How do I apply for an Indian e-Visa? On the official site, indianvisaonline.gov.in, by uploading a photo and passport page, completing the form and paying online. Apply a couple of weeks ahead, and avoid overcharging copycat agent sites.
What e-Visa durations are available? Commonly a 30-day (double-entry), a 1-year and a 5-year (multiple-entry) tourist visa, with the fee varying by length and season. Choose the one that suits your trip.
What is the e-arrival card and do I need it? Yes — it's a free digital arrival form you complete online within 72 hours before entering India. It's separate from, and additional to, your e-Visa.
What are the passport rules for India? Valid for at least six months beyond arrival, with at least two blank pages, and undamaged.
Do I need vaccinations for India? None are compulsory from the UK, but a travel clinic will usually recommend several depending on your itinerary. Yellow fever is required only if arriving from a risk country. See a clinic 6–8 weeks ahead.
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