Comprehensive Guide to India Tourist Visa: Application, Fees, and Process for UK Residents

India, a land of rich culture, heritage, and vibrant traditions, attracts millions of tourists every year. Whether you’re fascinated by the Taj Mahal, eager to explore the bustling markets of Delhi, or keen on the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, securing an Indian tourist visa is your first step. This guide aims to cover everything you need to know about the India tourist visa, including application procedures, visa fees, and specific details for travelers from the UK.

What is an India Tourist Visa?

An india tourist visa is a type of visa that allows foreign nationals to enter India for tourism purposes. It’s typically issued for sightseeing, visiting friends or relatives, or participating in short recreational activities. Unlike business or work visas, the tourist visa restricts any commercial or paid activities within India.

Types of Indian Tourist Visa

India offers multiple types of tourist visas including e-Tourist visas, regular paper visas, and multiple-entry visas. The most popular option for many travelers, especially from the UK, is the e-Tourist Visa (eTV), which simplifies the application process by allowing applicants to apply online.

How to Apply for an Indian Tourist Visa from the UK

If you’re a UK resident planning a trip to India, the process for obtaining a tourist visa is straightforward:

1. Choose Your Visa Type: Decide between the e-Tourist Visa or the regular sticker visa, depending on the duration and nature of your trip.
   
   

2. Complete the Online Application: Visit the official Indian government visa website or trusted services like visastoindia to fill in the indian tourist visa application form.
   
   

3. Upload Required Documents: You’ll need a recent passport-sized photograph, a valid passport with at least six months’ validity, and sometimes a scanned copy of your passport’s bio page.
   
   

4. Pay the Visa Fee: Payment can be made online using debit/credit cards or other accepted methods.
   
   

5. Submit and Wait: After submission, you will receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) if applying for an e-Visa, usually within 72 hours.
   
   

6. Travel to India: Print your ETA approval and carry it along with your passport. Present both at the Indian immigration checkpoint upon arrival.
   
   

Indian Tourist Visa Application: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Visit the official website or a reliable portal like visastoindia for application.

Step 2: Fill in your personal details, passport information, travel plans, and emergency contact details.

Step 3: Upload your documents — passport photo and scanned passport bio page.

Step 4: Pay the visa fee online. The fees vary depending on your nationality and visa duration.

Step 5: Review and submit your application. You will receive an acknowledgement and reference number.

Step 6: Await confirmation via email. For e-Visas, approval usually arrives within a few days.

India Tourist Visa Price: What to Expect?

The cost of an Indian tourist visa varies based on several factors like visa type, duration, and your nationality. For UK citizens, the india tourist visa price for an e-Tourist visa typically ranges from $10 to $80 USD (approximately £8 to £65 GBP), depending on whether it’s a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry visa.

• e-Tourist Visa (30 days, double-entry): Around $10-$25 USD
  
  

• e-Tourist Visa (1 year, multiple-entry): Around $40-$80 USD
  
  

Additional service fees may apply if you use visa facilitation websites like visastoindia for assistance.

Tourist Visa for India from the UK: Important Details

For UK nationals, the Indian government has simplified the visa process with e-Visa options available at various entry points like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata airports.

Key points to note:

• The e-Tourist Visa allows a stay of up to 180 days.
  
  

• Applicants must apply at least four days before travel.
  
  

• Multiple entry options are available on e-Visas.
  
  

• Your passport must have at least two blank pages and a minimum of six months’ validity from the date of arrival in India.
  
  

UK Tourist Visa from India Fees: A Quick Overview

If you’re an Indian national planning to visit the UK for tourism, it’s useful to understand the visa fees for the UK tourist visa from India. Although this guide primarily focuses on the Indian tourist visa for UK residents, the reciprocal visa fees for UK tourist visas from India generally start from around £95 for short stays up to six months.

Why Use a Service Like visastoindia for Your Indian Tourist Visa?

While the Indian government offers direct visa application portals, many travelers prefer using professional visa facilitation services such as visastoindia because they:

• Simplify the application process
  
  

• Provide personalized support and guidance
  
  

• Help avoid common errors and delays
  
  

• Offer assistance with document preparation and submission
  
  

• Provide updates on application status
  
  

This support is especially valuable for first-time travelers or those unfamiliar with visa requirements.

Common FAQs About Indian Tourist Visa

Q: Can I extend my tourist visa while in India?
A: Generally, e-Tourist visas cannot be extended. However, regular tourist visas might be extended under specific circumstances by applying at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in India.

Q: How long can I stay on a tourist visa in India?
A: Most tourist visas allow a stay of up to 6 months, but e-Tourist visas usually permit stays of up to 180 days.

Q: Can I convert a tourist visa to a business visa?
A: No, tourist visas are strictly for tourism and cannot be converted into business or employment visas.

Q: Is travel insurance mandatory for India tourist visa?
A: It’s not mandatory but highly recommended for the duration of your stay.

Final Thoughts

An India tourist visa is your gateway to discovering the incredible diversity and beauty of India. For UK residents, the application process is straightforward and can be efficiently managed online via government portals or trusted services like visastoindia. Knowing the visa types, application steps, fees, and important regulations will ensure your journey to India is smooth and hassle-free.

Planning ahead and securing your tourist visa early will let you focus on the exciting adventures ahead — from exploring ancient forts and palaces to savoring delicious Indian cuisine and immersing yourself in local culture.