India eVisa Guide for UK BRP / eVisa Holders
eTourist, eBusiness, and eMedical visas, BLS International, OCI card, and travel tips
Most nationalities can apply for an Indian eVisa online
Apply at the official site indianvisaonline.gov.in. The eTourist visa is available from $25. Some nationalities must use BLS International instead.
Overview
India is a vast and diverse subcontinent offering extraordinary experiences, from the Taj Mahal and Rajasthan’s palaces to Kerala’s backwaters, Goa’s beaches, the Himalayas, and vibrant cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur. For UK BRP holders, India requires a visa for all visitors, but the introduction of the eVisa system has made the process significantly easier for most nationalities.
The Indian eVisa is available in three categories: eTourist, eBusiness, and eMedical. Most UK-based travellers use the eTourist visa, which can be applied for entirely online with no embassy visit. For nationalities not eligible for eVisa, or for longer stays, applications are submitted through BLS International in London. If you are of Indian origin, the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card offers a lifetime multiple-entry alternative.
India eVisa at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 30-day eTourist | $25 — single entry, 30-day stay |
| 1-year eTourist | $40 — multiple entry, 90-day stays |
| 5-year eTourist | $80 — multiple entry, 90-day stays |
| Processing time | 4-7 business days (eVisa) |
| Regular visa | Via BLS International, 4-6 weeks |
| OCI card | $275 — lifetime validity |
| Apply eVisa at | indianvisaonline.gov.in |
| BLS International | 81 Borough High Street, London SE1 1NL |
eVisa Application Process
Step 1: Apply Online
Visit indianvisaonline.gov.in (the only official site — beware of imitations). Select eTourist and fill in your details including passport information, personal details, employment, and travel plans. Upload a passport-sized photo (2x2 inches, white background) and passport bio page scan. The form takes about 20-30 minutes.
Step 2: Pay & Submit
Pay the visa fee by credit/debit card. Fees vary by nationality and visa duration. The 30-day single entry is typically $25, the 1-year multiple entry is $40, and the 5-year multiple entry is $80. Additional service charges of approximately $2.50 may apply. Keep your application ID for tracking.
Step 3: Receive eVisa
Processing takes 4-7 business days. The eVisa is sent to your email as a PDF. Print it out — you will need to show it at immigration. The eVisa is electronically linked to your passport. Enter India through one of the 28 designated airports or 5 seaports (including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Goa, and Cochin).
OCI Card — For People of Indian Origin
If you were born in India, or your parents or grandparents were Indian citizens, you may be eligible for an Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card. The OCI grants lifetime multiple-entry visa rights, exemption from FRRO registration for any length of stay, and parity with NRIs in economic and educational matters. It costs $275 and is applied for through BLS International. The OCI card eliminates the need to apply for tourist visas ever again.
BLS International — Regular Visa
If your nationality does not qualify for eVisa, you must apply for a regular Indian visa through BLS International. The main London centre is at 81 Borough High Street, SE1 1NL. The process involves an online application at indianvisaonline.gov.in, printing the form, attending BLS with your passport and documents, and providing biometrics. Processing takes 4-6 weeks. Regular visas are also required for employment, study, and long-term stays.
Travel Tips
- Flights — London to Delhi 8.5 hours, London to Mumbai 9 hours. Air India, BA, Virgin Atlantic, and others operate direct flights.
- Currency — Indian Rupee (INR). Cards accepted in cities and tourist areas. Cash essential in rural areas and smaller shops.
- Health — No mandatory vaccinations, but Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and other jabs recommended. Drink bottled water only. Travel insurance essential.
- Best time — October to March (cooler, dry season) for most of India. June to September is monsoon season.
- Budget — Extremely affordable. Meals from 200-500 INR (~£2-5), hotels from 2,000-5,000 INR (~£20-50) for mid-range.
- Safety — Generally safe for tourists. Use registered taxis and ride-hailing apps. Standard precautions in crowded areas.
For more visa guides, return to our Visa Guides hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: March 2026. Always verify entry requirements with the relevant embassy or official government website before booking travel.