Do British Citizens Need a Visa for India? 2026 Guide

India is one of the world's most rewarding travel destinations -- and also one of the most important to plan carefully in terms of entry requirements. British citizens require a visa for India, but the Indian e-Visa system is straightforward and can be completed online before you travel.

Do British citizens need a visa for India?

Yes. British passport holders must have a visa to enter India. The most convenient option for tourists is the Indian e-Visa (Electronic Travel Authorisation). India does not offer a visa on arrival for British citizens, so you must apply online or at the Indian High Commission in the UK before travelling.

Applying for an Indian e-Visa

• Apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in -- the official Indian e-Visa portal
• You will need: passport details, travel dates, arrival airport, a recent passport-sized photo, and a credit or debit card
• Tourist e-Visa: usually processed within 72 hours; apply at least 4 days before travel
• e-Tourist Visa is available for 30-day, 1-year, and 5-year options
• The 30-day e-Visa costs approximately $25 USD; the 1-year multiple-entry visa costs approximately $40 USD
• Your passport number on the visa must exactly match your passport

Indian visa tips for British citizens

• Apply early: the Indian e-Visa system can be slow during busy periods
• Double-check all details: errors in name, date of birth, or passport number will cause problems at immigration
• Print a copy of your e-Visa approval to show at the airport and on arrival
• Check which airports your e-Visa is valid for -- some smaller regional airports are not included

Staying connected in India

India has good 4G coverage in major cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai) and tourist areas. Rural and remote regions have variable coverage. A LimitFlex India eSIM provides local network connectivity from the moment you land.

India entry requirements

• Passport validity: 6 months beyond your return date from India
• Return or onward ticket
• Proof of sufficient funds may be requested
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate required if arriving from certain African or South American countries

Frequently asked questions

Can British citizens get a visa on arrival in India? No. India does not offer visa on arrival for British citizens. You must apply for an e-Visa online before travelling. Allow at least 4 days for processing.