The short answer
Yes, British citizens need a visa to visit India unless they hold an OCI card. Most holidaymakers apply online for an e-Tourist visa on the official Government of India site, indianvisaonline.gov.in. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after arrival and have two blank pages. Rules were checked in October 2026 and can change, so always confirm on the official site.
Do UK citizens need a visa for India?
Yes. The UK government's travel advice says you must have a visa to visit India unless you are an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder. For a holiday, the e-Tourist visa is the usual choice.
Which e-Tourist visa should you choose?
| e-Tourist visa | Validity | Entries |
|---|---|---|
| 30 day | 30 days from first arrival | Multiple within the period |
| 1 year | 365 days from the date of grant | Multiple |
| 5 year | Five years from the date of grant | Multiple |
On the 1 year and 5 year visas, the official site says your total stay in one calendar year should not exceed 180 days. If you may return to India, the longer visas save you applying again.
How do you apply?
Apply on indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa. You fill in the form, upload a photo and the photo page of your passport, and pay the fee by card. The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) arrives by email. Print it and show it at immigration, where the visa is stamped in your passport.
Cochin and Thiruvananthapuram are among the airports that accept e-visa arrivals.
Avoid agent sitesMany lookalike websites charge extra for the same form. The official site says the Government of India charges no emergency or express fees. Only use the .gov.in address.
Passport and arrival rules
Your passport needs at least six months' validity from the date you arrive and at least two blank pages. India also asks foreign visitors to complete an online e-Arrival card before landing, so check the current requirement on the official site a few days before you fly.
Our Kerala expert
Based in Cochin
Our Kerala office has been planning trips from Cochin for 20 years. This guide reflects what we tell travellers who call us.
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Frequently asked questions
Apply once your flights are confirmed and well before you travel. Processing can take 72 hours or more, so do not leave it to the last week.
Plan on getting your e-Tourist visa before you fly. Check the official Indian visa site for current rules.
Yes. The UK government says OCI cardholders do not need a separate visa.
