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OCI stands for Overseas Citizenship of India. It is for foreign nationals of Indian origin. An OCI card allows them to live and work in India for as long as they want. There is a need for OCI renewal in the USA but do you know why?

In this article, we will learn about why the renewal process for an OCI card is requisite. An OCI card was introduced in 2005 and is proof of identification. PIO to OCI conversion was requisite because PIO lacked several features than OCI.

Why You Need a Visa to Visit India?

To visit India, a foreign applicant needs a visa. It is because the government of India requires all foreign nations to obtain one before visiting the country, regardless of the purpose of their travel. It is an official document that gives them permission to live, enter, or travel in India for a limited time. Unlike other nations, UK citizens seeking to enter the country as tourists need to apply for an Indian visa first from an Indian consulate or embassy. For their assistance, the Indian Government has appointed VFS Global for visa services.

It is all about why you need a visa to travel to India from the UK. With this, moving ahead let’s know about the different types of Indian visas available for UK citizens.

Types of Indian Visas for UK Citizens

To visit India, a foreign applicant needs a visa. It is because the government of India requires all foreign nations to obtain one before visiting the country, regardless of the purpose of their travel. It is an official document that gives them permission to live, enter, or travel in India for a limited time. Unlike other nations, UK citizens seeking to enter the country as tourists need to apply for an Indian visa first from an Indian consulate or embassy. For their assistance, the Indian Government has appointed VFS Global for visa services.

It is all about why you need a visa to travel to India from the UK. With this, moving ahead let’s know about the different types of Indian visas available for UK citizens.

Types of Indian Visas for UK Citizens

Depending on the visit purpose and passport type the Indian Embassy issues different types of Indian visas to UK citizens. In addition, the visas available are also categorized according to their validity period and the number of entries allowed. Moving ahead, let’s know about them in detail.

Indian Visa Types Description
Regular India Tourist Visa
  • Applicable for applicants who are not Indian residents or working in India.
  • Activities included in it are meeting relatives, and friends, tourism, sightseeing, and attending weddings. For other than these UK citizens need an Indian visa.
  • Valid for 1 year and cannot be extended.
Business Visa
  • Applicable to those who are conducting business in India. For instance for sales.
  • With single or multiple entries valid for one year. However, stay in India for this visa type is restricted to six months only.
Urgent India Business Visa
  • Require the reason for urgent travel.
  • Along with it a statement confirming the company will undertake all expenses.
  • Indian invitation letter with the visa time.
India Employment Visa
  • Available for an Indian company employee or those who are registered with Indian NGOs.
  • Regardless of contract duration valid for one year. You may extend the period of it up to five years.
  • The minimum salary applicable for this visa is USD 25000. However, it may be except in some cases,
India Student Visa
  • Students who want to continue their studies at well-known Indian institutions can apply for this visa.
  • Till the period of study single, double, or triple entry is allowed for visa holders.
India Entry Visa
  • Granted to applicants who do not meet the requirements of other visa types. For instance- applicable for short-term courses in India like- yoga, mountaineering, or more.
  • Children and a spouse of an employee who visits India for job purposes may apply for this.
India Intern Visa
  • Applicants who are pursuing internships at Indian educational institutes, charities, or companies can apply for this.
  • Should have a graduate degree for this.
  • In addition, the gap between UG and PG and the commencement of the internship should be not more than one year.
India Conference Visa
  • Applicable to those who have an invitation to attend a workshop, seminar, or conference organized by the Indian government.
  • For private organization conferences, applicants need to apply for a business visa.
India Journalist Visa
  • Applicable for the applicants of the media industry.
  • With this, if you are not traveling for work purposes you should have a letter confirming that. Also not allowed to pursue any professional work.
India Fashion/ Film Visa
  • Applicable for applicants working in a TV show or a commercial film.
  • The application is reviewed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
  • After the approval, you get a journalist visa for shooting.
India Research Visa
  • Applicable for professors, research scholars, and people who want to attend seminars, workshops, and research conferences in India.
  • Includes several requirements and the process time is also lengthy as approval is obtained from the Education Department.
India Transit Visa
  • Applicable for the people who have to cross India to visit the final destination.
  • The maximum stay period is 15 days.
  • Available for both single and double entries.
  • Valid for up to three months from approval. However, you cannot change the transit visa reason and need to show ticket proof for it.
India Medical Visa
  • Applicants who are visiting India for medical treatment can apply for this visa.
  • The treatment should be significant such as renal disorders, neurosurgery, or more.
  • Required medical proof for the visa.
Medical Escort Visa
  • Relatives who are traveling for the patient for treatment in India can apply for this visa.
  • Only two people are allowed to be with a patient.
  • Required medical proof for the visa.
E-Visa
  • Completely online procedure.
  • Applicable for business, medical, or tourism purposes.
  • Valid for one year from the issuing date and each visit allows you to live in India for up to 180 days.
  • Can be used a maximum of three times a year.

These are the different types of Indian visas available for UK citizens. You can choose the one that matches your preferences and requirements. In addition, if you have any queries about the UK application for an Indian visa get in touch with Visament today. We can assist you with your application. With this, moving ahead, let’s know about the eligibility criteria for getting an Indian visa.

Eligibility Criteria for Indian Visa

Applying for an Indian visa is not as easy a task as you think. You need to fulfill several requirements to get it. Want to know what are they? Read the next section and get your answers.

  • Visit Purpose: To get an Indian visa you need to clearly state the reason why you are visiting the country. It can be tourism, medical treatment, business, studying, or attending a conference. In addition, as per the purpose you need to apply for a visa.
  • Validity of Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your arrival date in India.
  • Financial Standing: You should demonstrate sufficient finances to cover your expenses while living in India.
  • Return Tickets: You should have a confirmed onward travel or return ticket by your side to get an Indian visa.

These are the following eligibility criteria that UK citizens need to follow to get an Indian visa. With this, moving ahead, let’s know the document requirements for the process.

Required Documents for Indian Visa

Depending on the visa type and nationality the required documents for an India visa vary. Here to give you an idea we have mentioned the general documents asked for in the process:

  • Passport: You should have a valid passport with six months validity and at least two blank pages in it.
  • Photograph: Should have a recent passport-size photograph not older than six months.
  • Application Form: A copy of the filled visa application form with the signature of the applicant in blue.
  • Payment: For payment, you can use your debit or credit card.
  • Email: In case you are applying for an e-visa you need to provide your email as well. It is because you will get this visa on your email ID.
  • Proof of Finance: You need to provide proof of sufficient funds to manage your expenses in India. For this, you can show a copy of your bank passbook or bank statements.
  • Previous Visa: If you have applied for an Indian visa previously also then you need to attach a copy of that as well.
  • Flight Tickets: A copy of flight tickets whether reservation or booking.
  • Birth Certificate or National ID: Whichever, is applicable you need to provide a copy of your birth certificate or national ID.
  • Address Proof: For this, you can provide a copy of the gas bill, electricity bill, or landline telephone bill. However, it should be not older than 6 months. 
  • Return Ticket: You also need to show a copy of your onward journey or return ticket.

These are the following documents that UK citizens need while applying for an Indian visa. However, it may vary as per the visa type. So, it is advisable before applying for the visa to check the documents. With this, moving ahead, let’s know the Indian visa application process.

Indian Visa Application Process for UK Citizens

To apply for an Indian visa as a UK citizen you need to follow the below-mentioned steps:

  • Visit the official website of the Indian visa i.e. “India Visa Online.”
  • Fill out the application form available online with the correct personal details, visa type, and travel information.
  • After that upload the scanned copies of your recent photographs and passport.
  • Make the payment online using a suitable payment method.
  • After your visa approval, via email, you will get an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

It is how you can apply for an Indian visa online in the UK. However, in case you face any kind of issue in the process Connect with Visament. We will assist you throughout the process and make things easy for you. Moving ahead, let’s know about the visa fee and processing time.

Indian Visa Fee and Processing Time

Besides the unmatchable hospitality, the land of culture i.e. India is also known for a lot of things. In this, the flexible policies for foreign citizens are one of those. As stated above the government of India for different purposes offers Different Visa Types. However, as the two visas are not the same, the fees and their processing time are different as well. Here, to give you a better idea, below we have mentioned the processing time and visa fees of several visa categories:

Indian Visa Type Indian Visa Fee Processing Time
Tourist Visa
  • Visa duration up to one year with single or multiple entry: GBP 127
  • Visa duration from one year to five years with multiple entries: GBP 378
 10-15 Days
Business Visa
  • Visa duration up to one year with single or multiple entry: GBP 189
  • Visa duration from one year to five years with multiple entries: GBP 567
 10-15 Days
Conference Visa (for 6 months) Visa duration up to 6 months with single or multiple entry: GBP 63 15 Business Days
Student Visa (up to 5 years) Visa duration up to one year with single or multiple entry: GBP 179 15 Business Days
Journalist Visa (up to 3 months) Visa duration up to 3 months with single or multiple entry: GBP 63 10-15 Days
Employment Visa
  • Visa duration up to 6 months with single or multiple entry: GBP 360
  • Visa duration up to 1 year with single or multiple entry: GBP 391
  • Visa duration for more than 1 year with single or multiple entry: GBP 467
 10-15 Days
Medical Visa/ Medical Escort Visa Visa duration up to 1 year with single or multiple entry: GBP 101 24 hours or a few business days
Research Visa (up to 3 years) Visa duration up to 2 years with single or multiple entry: GBP 179 A few business days
Transit Visa (up to 3 months) Visa duration up to 3 months with single or multiple entry: GBP 69 A few business days to a week
E- Visa

1.) Tourist visa fees are as follows

  • 30 days visa duration with two entries: £72.95
  • 1-year visa duration with multiple entries: £87.95
  • 5 years visa duration with two entries: £145.95

2.) E-Business Visa duration up to 1 year with single or multiple entry: £189
3.) E-Medical/Medical Escort Visa duration up to 1 year with single or multiple entry: £101
4.) E- Conference Visa duration up to 6 months with single or multiple entry: GBP 63

 3-5 Days for all visa types

This is all about the Indian visa fees and processing time for UK citizens. Moving forward, let’s know why you should choose Visament for your Indian visa application assistance.

Why Choose Us for Your Indian Visa Application?

When you get assistance with Visament, you get more than just guidance. You get:

  • The chances of your visa approval are maximized.
  • In your own time flexible completion of the form.
  • In less time guaranteed scheduling of Indian visa appointment.
  • Our experienced team reviews your visa application and guides you at every step of the process.
  • Our customer service team provides end-to-end support.
  • We monitor your visa application process in real time.

Additional Visa Services Offered

Apart from the Indian visa, we do offer the following other additional visa services to UK citizens:

UK to US Visa Passport Renewal Visa Renewal Services
UK to Canada Visa Surrender of Indian Passport Police Clearance Certificate

Need Help with Your US Visa Application?

Here the blog was all about Indian visas and how citizens of the UK can apply for them. However, if you want to learn more about the Indian visa or have queries about the application process, we are here. At Visament we have team experts by our side who hold many years of experience in this field. In addition, they have great knowledge about the immigration services. So, instead of looking for other options, connect with us today and get the best immigration and NRI services.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, the Indian visa application center or Indian Mission/Post takes a minimum of three working days to process the Indian visa. However, the processing time may vary as per the nationality or in some special cases.

The visa processing time depends on the Indian visa type. Generally, the tourist visa takes 2-4 days, the e-visa- 72 hours, the medical visa is 2-3 days, and student and conference visas 2-3 weeks. However, due to additional verification, the business visa takes more time.

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