British passport holder travelling to India? This guide covers every visa type, the e-visa vs regular choice, documents, fees and timelines — plus when an OCI card is the smarter long-term option.
Last updated: June 2026 · 7 min read
If you hold a British passport, you need a visa to travel to India — unless you have an OCI card. There are several visa types, and choosing the right one saves both money and hassle. This guide explains the options for UK residents and how to apply.
Quick answer: For a one-off short trip, an e-visa (online only, issued in 48–72 hours) is simplest. If you travel often, a regular multi-entry visa — including the 5-year option — is better value but needs a VFS appointment and takes about 1–2 weeks. Travel several times a year? Consider an OCI card instead.
| Feature | e-Visa | Regular visa |
|---|---|---|
| Processing time | 48–72 hours | 1–2 weeks |
| Government fee | ~£25 | £80–£100 |
| VFS visit needed? | No (online only) | Yes |
| Best for | One-off short trips | Frequent travellers |
If you travel to India more than once every couple of years, the regular multi-entry visa is almost always better value than repeat e-visas.
Decide between an e-visa for a quick one-off trip and a regular multi-entry visa for frequent travel.
Enter your details exactly as they appear on your British passport on the Indian visa portal.
Upload a compliant photograph and supporting documents — invitation letter and financial proof for visiting visas.
Pay the government visa fee online. For an e-visa, this completes the application.
For a regular visa, book and attend a VFS Global appointment with your documents.
An e-visa arrives by email in 48–72 hours; a regular visa is returned with your passport in about 1–2 weeks.
| Cost component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sorted service fee | £129 |
| Government visa fee (varies) | £25–£100 |
| VFS service charge | ~£15–25 |
| Total range | £169–£254 |
If you are of Indian origin and plan to visit India regularly, an OCI card (£149 through Sorted plus around £215 in government fees) gives lifetime, unlimited, visa-free access to India — no visa ever again. Compare that with renewing a tourist visa every one to five years. For many NRIs, the OCI card is the smarter long-term investment; for occasional travellers, a tourist visa or e-visa is cheaper upfront.
⚠️ Apply early for visiting visas. Visiting and business visas that need invitation letters and financial documents take longer to prepare. Start at least a few weeks before travel to avoid last-minute stress.
That is a UK visa matter, separate from this guide. Indian visas covered here are for travelling to India on a British passport. If you need help with travel to India for family, we can advise on the right Indian visa type.
Yes — families often apply together, and Sorted's Family Visit bundle covers two visiting visas at a reduced price. Each traveller still needs their own application and documents.
We complete the application, draft invitation letters, prepare financial documents and guide you through VFS. See the full service details.
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