Visa Information

his information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of India’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in India set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the High Commission of India in London or another Indian consulate in the UK.

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering India.

Passport validity requirements

To enter India, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and have at least 2 blank pages.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to visit India unless you are an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder.

India has a number of visa categories. Make sure you get the right visa for your travel.

You could be refused entry or deported for having the wrong visa. You could also be banned from entering India in the future.

For the latest information on Indian visas and immigration requirements, see the Indian Bureau of Immigration.

Applying for a visa or e-visa

Find out how to apply for a visa from the Indian Bureau of Immigration. Depending on your requirements, you may be able to apply for a:

• regular (paper) visa
• e-visa (check the website’s FAQs for restrictions on airports and seaports of entry)

Check your eligibility and any restrictions before you apply. Allow plenty of time for your application to be processed.

Tourism Health Information

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for India
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in India, including:

• dengue and malaria
• Zika
• chikungunya
• poor air quality

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts India. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.

Air pollution

Severe air pollution is a major health hazard, especially during the winter months from October to February. North Indian cities are most affected by extremely high levels of pollution. Children, the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions may be especially affected. If you’re pregnant or have a respiratory or heart condition you may wish to consult a medical practitioner before you travel.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in India

Medical facilities differ from those in the UK, especially in more remote areas. Specialised treatment may not be available outside major cities. In major cities, government and more expensive private medical care is available

FCDO has a list of medical providers in India where some staff will speak English.

Weather & When To Go

India’s climate is diverse, with variations across regions and seasons. The best time to visit largely depends on the specific areas you plan to explore:

Seasons

1. Winter (November to February): This is generally the best time to visit most parts of India. The weather is cool and pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing. Popular destinations during this season include Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and the southern states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
2. Spring (March to April): Temperatures start to rise, especially in the northern regions, but it remains a good time to visit. Festivals like Holi in March add vibrancy to the experience.
3. Summer (May to June): This season can be extremely hot, particularly in northern and central India, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F). Coastal regions like Goa and Kerala are more temperate. If you visit during this time, consider heading to the cooler hill stations like Manali or Shimla.
4. Monsoon (July to September): The southwest monsoon brings heavy rainfall, particularly to the west and south of India. While it can be a beautiful time to see lush landscapes and enjoy fewer crowds, travel may be disrupted in some areas. It’s a great time to visit regions like the Western Ghats and Kerala, which come alive with greenery.

Summary

For most travelers, November to February is the optimal time to explore India, offering comfortable temperatures and clear skies. However, if you’re looking for fewer crowds and unique experiences, consider traveling during the shoulder seasons of March to April or October, while keeping in mind the extreme heat of summer and the potential for heavy rains during the monsoon.