Indian Visa

Who requires a visa?
Required by all

What documents will be required?
Passport valid for at least 8 months required by all.
Application to: Embassy or High Commission (or Consular section at Embassy or High Commission); see Contact Addresses section.

Application requirements:
(a) Passport valid for up to 8 months.
(b) Completed application form. Nationals of Pakistan and Bangladesh must complete special application forms; nationals of Sri Lanka, UK nationals with dual nationality or of other origin, and other special cases, may be required to complete additional application forms. Personal interviews in some cases may also be necessary.
(c) Two passport-size photos. Nationals of Pakistan will require five.
(d) Fee (postal orders or bank drafts only).
(e) Stamped addressed special delivery envelope.
Business (a)-(e) and, (f) A letter from their employer stating the reason of the visit and an invitation from the company in India and a letter of introduction from UK company addressed to the Embassy. Transit (a)-(e) and, (f) Proof of onward travel. Student (a)-(e) and,
(f) Proof of admission to appropriate university/educational institution.


Time required to issue visa:
Personal applications can normally be processed the same day. Postal applications may take up to 15 working days or longer.
For nationals of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, non-UK citizens and Restricted Area Permits: 7 days or sometimes much longer.
For British nationals with dual nationality and other special cases, authorisation from India is required and the time taken to process the visa will vary according to individual cases.
Care should be taken not to apply to late (to avoid unforeseen delays) or too early, since visas are issued on receipt of passport and are valid from date of issue and not date of travel.


What is the cost of a visa?
The following prices are for UK nationals only; prices for other nationals vary. Tourist: £30 (6 months). Business: £30 (6 months); £50 (1 year); £90 (2 years). Transit: £8 (up to 72 hours, single or double-entry). Long-term/Entry (these are only issued to nationals of Indian origins): £90 (5 years). Journalist, Student, Employment and Conference visas are also available (contact the Embassy or High Commission for details).
Note: Nationals of Afghanistan, Argentina, Bangladesh, Jamaica, Korea (Dem Rep), Maldives, Mongolia, Mauritius, Poland, Slovak Republic, South Africa and Uruguay are exempt from visa fees.

Note: (a) The High Commission in London reserves the right to decide on the duration of the visa notwithstanding the minimum fee. (b) Restricted Area Permits are needed to visit some areas (see below). (c) Non-UK nationals applying in the UK need to pay an additional £10 (£15 for US passport holders) unless holding proof of at least 1-year residence in the UK. (d) A £1 fee may be required for postal applications, depending on consulate.



How long is the visa valid for?
Tourist: up to 6 months from date of issue; Business: up to 2 years; Transit: normally 72 hours, valid for 15 days from date of issue; Long-term: up to 5 years, although individual visits are not expected to exceed 6 months.


Other information: 
Temporary residence: Prior permission should be sought before entry into India.

Restricted and protected areas: Certain parts of the country have been designated protected or restricted areas that require special permits and in some cases prior government authorisation which is easily obtained. Intent to visit a specific restricted region should be indicated when applying for a visa and a permit will be granted to visit that region only. Passengers are advised to check with India Tourism for up-to-date information before departure.
The following states are subject to some restrictions: Assam, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Manipur, Meghalaya, Sikkim, West Bengal.