India Visa for UK Citizens: E-Tourist Visa Application & Travel Advice 2026

If you are planning to travel to Goa from the UK, you will need a visa. India does not offer visa-free entry or visa on arrival for British passport holders — this is not a UK visa situation where you can simply turn up. The good news is that the application process is straightforward, and the most popular option — the e-Tourist visa — can be approved within 72 hours. As of March 2026, the process remains fully online for every applicant.

This guide explains every visa option available, the passport requirements, and exactly how to apply so you can get to Goa without any immigration headaches. Whether you are a solo traveller or booking for the whole family, we cover every step.

Do I Need a Visa? Entry Requirements for India

Yes. All UK citizens need a valid visa to enter India, including Goa. There is no exemption, regardless of how short your stay is. The gov.uk travel advice page confirms that British nationals must obtain a visa before travelling to India.

You have three main options: the e-Tourist Visa (quickest and cheapest), a regular tourist visa through VFS Global, or an OCI card if you are of Indian origin.

The E-Tourist Visa: Fastest Way to Apply

The e-Tourist visa is an electronic visa that you apply for entirely online. It is the most popular option for UK holidaymakers heading to Goa.

E-Visa Application Process: Step by Step

Follow these steps to apply for your e-visa online.

1. Visit the official site: Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in. This is the only legitimate Indian government visa portal — do not use third-party sites that charge inflated fees.
2. Select e-Visa: Choose "e-Tourist Visa" and fill in your travel details, including your intended arrival date and port of entry (Dabolim GOI or Mopa GOX for Goa).
3. Upload documents: You will need a digital photo (white background, no glasses, 350x350 pixels minimum) and a scan of your passport bio page. You can take the photo on your mobile phone if it meets the requirements.
4. Pay the fee: The fee varies by duration and season. Pay by debit or credit card online.
5. Wait for approval: Most e-visa applications are processed within 72 hours. You will receive your Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) by email.
6. Download and print your ETA: Save the approval document and carry it with you. You will need to show it at immigration when you arrive in India.

Apply at least two weeks before your travel date to allow time for any delays or queries. Each applicant must complete the online instruction form carefully — any error will delay processing. While most applications are approved in 72 hours, some are referred for additional checks.

Passport Requirements for an India Visa

Your passport must meet the following requirements to apply for an Indian visa:

• At least 6 months validity remaining from your date of arrival in India
• At least 2 blank pages for immigration stamps
• Must be a machine-readable passport
• Must not be damaged or have any pages missing
• Children of all years of age require their own passport — they cannot travel on a parent's document

If your passport is due for renewal, apply for a new one before starting your visa application. A visa cannot be transferred from an old passport to a new one — you would need to apply again.

Regular Tourist Visa via VFS Global

If you prefer a traditional visa or need a longer stay, you can apply through VFS Global, which handles Indian visa applications on behalf of the Indian High Commission in the UK.

The regular tourist visa fee starts at around £100 and varies depending on the duration and number of entries. You will need to book an appointment, attend in person, and submit your passport along with supporting documents. Processing takes 5-10 working days on average.

This route makes sense if you need a visa longer than the e-visa options allow, if your e-visa application has been rejected, or if you need premium services such as same-day processing. VFS Global also handles foreigner registration — applicable if you plan to stay in India longer than 180 days.

The OCI Card: For People of Indian Origin

If you are a British citizen of Indian origin — or your parents or grandparents were born in India — you may be eligible to apply for an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card. Each applicant must complete the eligibility check and provide a copy of relevant identity documents and proof of provision of Indian heritage. This is not technically a visa but a lifelong document that grants you visa-free travel to India indefinitely.

• Valid for life (must be renewed if you get a new passport, but the OCI status remains)
• Multiple entry with no stay limit restrictions
• Apply through VFS Global — you will need to register and provide proof of Indian origin
• Fee: approximately £150-200
• Processing: 4-8 weeks

If you travel to India regularly, the OCI card is the best long-term investment. You skip the visa application entirely for every future trip.

Immigration at Goa Airports

If you are flying direct to Goa, you will clear immigration at either Dabolim Airport (GOI) or the newer Mopa Airport (GOX). Both airports have e-visa counters. Have your printed ETA, passport, and return flight details ready. Since 2024, India also requires all international travellers to fill in the e-arrival card online before landing — complete this on the Air Suvidha portal within 72 hours of departure.

If you are connecting through Mumbai or Delhi, you will clear immigration there instead. Queues can be long — allow at least 90 minutes between your arrival and any connecting domestic flight. The Bureau of Immigration at major Indian airports processes e-visa holders in a separate queue, which is usually faster than the regular visa line.

Registration with the Bureau of Immigration is required if you plan to stay in India for more than 180 days on a regular visa. For most holiday visitors to Goa, this does not apply. The same rule is applicable to OCI cardholders staying beyond the standard tourist period.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using unofficial websites: Several third-party sites charge £50-100+ for visa "assistance." The official Indian government site is the only one you need.
• Photo rejection: The most common reason for application delays. Use a white background, remove glasses, and ensure the document photo meets the exact pixel requirements.
• Expired passport: Check the 6-month validity rule before you apply — not from your departure date, but from your arrival date in India.
• Last-minute applications: While e-visas are usually processed quickly, do not leave it until the day before your flight. Apply at least two weeks ahead.
• Vaccination certificates: While no vaccination is mandatory for UK travellers to India, carrying your COVID and Yellow Fever certificates avoids potential delays at immigration.
• Emergency contact: Save the British High Commission Delhi number (+91 11 2419 2100) in your phone before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

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