Travelling from the United Kingdom to India has become significantly easier with the electronic visa system. If you hold a UK passport, you must obtain an approved Indian eVisa before departure. Here’s a complete, updated guide covering eligibility, documents, processing time, common mistakes, and how to avoid delays.
Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for India?
Yes. British passport holders require a visa to enter India. The Indian eVisa allows short-term travel for tourism, business, medical visits, or conferences without visiting the embassy in United Kingdom.
The approved document is issued electronically as an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which must be presented upon arrival.
Types of Indian eVisa Available for UK Citizens
UK travellers can apply for:
- Tourist eVisa – For holidays, family visits, yoga programs
- Business eVisa – For meetings, trade, or short-term business activity
- Medical eVisa – For treatment at recognized hospitals
- Conference eVisa – For attending approved events
Each category has specific validity and entry conditions, so selecting the correct visa type is essential.
Indian eVisa Requirements for UK Passport Holders
To apply, UK citizens need:
- A valid UK passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- A recent passport-style photograph
- Scanned passport bio page
- Valid email address
- Debit/credit card for payment
Your passport details must exactly match your application. Even minor spelling differences can cause immigration issues. If you've misplaced your approval email, you must retrieve your correct Indian eVisa copy before travel.
Processing Time & Urgent Applications
Standard processing usually takes 3–5 business days. However, errors in:
- Name formatting
- Passport number
- Photo dimensions
- Payment confirmation
can delay approval.
Many UK applicants search for the correct ETA format for India after receiving a confusing or incomplete confirmation. If you notice formatting issues, missing barcodes, or status discrepancies, it’s better to resolve them before departure rather than risk boarding denial.
Common Mistakes UK Citizens Make
- Entering passport details incorrectly
- Uploading unclear photos
- Selecting the wrong visa category
- Applying too close to departure
- Not carrying a printed ETA copy
Airlines in the United Kingdom often verify visa approval before boarding. If documentation appears inconsistent, boarding may be refused. Even small technical errors can lead to rejection or boarding issues. Many UK applicants only realize formatting mistakes after approval emails look unusual or details don’t match their passport. If you want an extra layer of review before submission, you can consider a professional Indian eVisa assistance service. At LeSo, we verify documents, check application accuracy, correct formatting issues, and handle urgent submissions for travellers to India. For personalized assistance, visit LeSo’s website or contact us via WhatsApp or email at info@leso.co.in.
Entry Points & Arrival Rules
UK citizens entering India on an eVisa must arrive through designated international airports or seaports. Immigration officers will:
- Verify your passport
- Confirm your ETA
- Capture biometric data
Ensure your printed copy matches your passport exactly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long can UK citizens stay in India on an eVisa?
It depends on the visa type. Tourist eVisas typically allow short-term stays with specific entry limits.
2. Can I extend my Indian eVisa while in India?
Generally, eVisas are non-extendable and non-convertible.
3. What if my Indian eVisa details are incorrect?
Errors may require reapplication. It’s important to correct discrepancies before travel.
4. Do UK citizens need to print the eVisa?
Yes. Carrying a printed ETA copy is strongly recommended.
