Visa Overview

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    •  Visa Overview

    A Foreign national who seeks to travel to India must obtain a visa by providing necessary information. An OCI card holder can travel to India without obtaining a visa.

    You can obtain an Indian Visa electronically (e-Visa) also, besides a regular/paper visa.

    1. e-Visa (Issued from India)

    Nationals of United Kingdom and of other eligible countries can apply for Electronic Visa (e-Visa) at Government of India website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/ 

    Procedure:

    • Step 1: Apply online at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html. Upload your photograph, passport page, and any other required documents.

    • Step 2: Pay the e-Visa fee online using a credit/debit card or payment wallet.

    • Step 3: Receive your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) by email.

    • Step 4: If approved, print the ETA and present it at the Immigration Check Post upon arrival in India, where the e-Visa will be stamped on your passport.

    The following may be noted in this regard:

    • Visa applicants are cautioned against using any other website which may appear to represent the Government of India and only use the Government of India portal which is  https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html 

    • Passport used by the applicant should have at least six months validity with at least two blank pages.

    • Foreigners are allowed entry into India on the new passport even if Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) has been issued on the old passport, provided foreign nationals carry with them the old passport on which ETA was issued.

    • E-Visa can be availed for maximum of three times in a calendar year i.e. between January to December.

    • E-Visa is not available to Diplomatic/Official Passport Holders or Laissez-passer travel document holders 

    • E-Visa is not available to International Travel Document Holders

    Applicants requiring help regarding e-Visa may call the 24X7 helpline number +91 -11 24300666 / +91-8278087808 or send an email to  for any indian-evisa@gov.in queries.

    Payment Help desk: SBI ePay: +91-022-65361671 (24x7); Axis Bank: +91 1800-419-0073 (24x7) /  0808178 5040 / Email: ecom@axisbank.com

    Please note: The Consulate does not process e-visas and any enquiries in this regard will need to be made directly on the e-visa portal. Services of e-Visa are completely online and no facilitation is required by any intermediary / travel agents etc. It is advised not to believe or fall in trap of any such unscrupulous elements who claim speedy/express grant of e-Visa and charge money for it. Applicants are, therefore, advised to be cautious and for any clarification, please contact e-visa team.

    1. Regular/Paper Visa (Issued from the Consulate)

    How to apply for a Regular Visa?

    The Regular Visa service has been outsourced to VFS (UK). Applications must be deposited at one of its centres. Latest information: VFS Global Apply Visa

    VFS Contact Details:
     • VFS Helpline: +44 20 3966 4459

    CGI Birmingham Response Unit (Mon-Fri 09:30–13:00, 14:00–17:00):
     • Phone: 0044 7405158288
     • Email: inf.birmingham@mea.gov.in

    When does the validity of the Visa begin? The validity of the visa begins from the date visa is issued and not from the date of your departure mentioned on the application form.

    What are the normal processing times? Processing times vary and are at the sole discretion of the High Commission of India and its Consulates in the UK. Do not confirm travel plans until you have the visa 

    Can I send my application by post? No. Neither the High Commission nor the consulates accept postal applications. All services are outsourced to VFS.

    If I cannot provide the last 2 years of utility bills as proof of UK residency – how do I continue with the process? You must fill up a Non-UK Form. Minimum processing time for Non-UK Passport holders (resident less than 2 years) is 10-15 working days.

    Who signs the application for a Minor? Minors under 16 must have the form signed by a Parent or Guardian. A consent letter and a copy of the parent's passport are required.

    How to retrieve an incomplete visa application form? Note down the unique temporary ID generated at the start of the online form to retrieve it later.

    What is an e-Arrival Card?

    On arrival, all foreign nationals are required to submit information regarding their travel to India. The e-Arrival card is a digital arrival card for foreign nationals and OCI holders and must be submitted online within 72 hours of arrival at indianvisaonline.gov.in. 

    Note: This is not a visa.

    Useful Links:

    Appointments: HCI London Appointments

    VFS Centres Address: VFS Global Centres

    Baggage Rules: CBIC Regulations 

    Medicines Policy: CDSCO Guidelines

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