Travel to India from the UK: Must-know travel advice

Key takeaways:

• To travel to India from the UK, you need an e-visa and can apply online using the official website or in person at one of several consular offices in the UK
• You need to pay an application fee of £127 to apply for an Indian visa, and it will remain valid for between 1 and 5 years
• An Indian visa will allow you to travel for up to 180 days during a single calendar year, and you can make multiple entries within that period
• India uses the Indian Rupee (INR) and is primarily a cash-based culture, but most merchants also accept debit cards and credit cards
• India has some strict laws governing things such as satellite phones, e-cigarettes, and drinking in public spaces, all of which are banned in the country

Table of contents
India entry requirements and documents from the UK How to apply for a travel visa to India from the UK Managing your money in India Essential laws and travel rules in India Emergency contacts and safety tips Travelling to India? Use Wise for low-cost currency conversion and spending FAQ

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about travelling to India as a UK resident, including visa and visa waiver requirements, application costs, waiting times, and more.

We’ll even give you a hot tip for holiday spending – the Wise debit card. It’s designed for low-cost spending in 150+ countries. It automatically converts your pounds to the local currency at the great mid-market exchange rate, only adding a tiny, transparent conversion fee*.

Learn more about the Wise debit card 💳

India entry requirements and documents from the UK

There are a few simple requirements for any British citizen looking to travel to India from the UK:

• A passport with at least two blank pages and an expiration date of 6+ months after the date you travel
• A paper visa or e-visa, both of which are available to all UK applicants

If you have a dual Indian-British passport, it’s generally easier to apply with your Indian passport. The processing time is between 7 and 9 weeks on average, and if you were born outside of India, you will need to submit your birth certificate during the application process.

Required and recommended vaccinations for travelling to India

India vaccination requirements for travel are fairly relaxed for British travellers. There is an exception, though, and it applies to anyone who has recently been in a country considered high-risk for yellow fever, including many South American and African nations. This rule only applies to travellers over 9 months old who have been in a high-risk country within 6 days of their departure date. ¹

Depending on your level of risk, job, and purpose of travel, there are a few other vaccinations you may want to consider:²

Vaccine	Status/ More information
Japanese Encephalitis	Recommended for highest-risk travellers
Cholera	Recommended for highest-risk travellers
COVID-19	Recommended for high-risk travellers
MMR	Recommended for high-risk travellers
Seasonal Flu	Recommended for high-risk travellers
Diphtheria	Recommended
Hepatitis A	Recommended
Typhoid	Recommended
Tetanus	Recommended
Hepatitis B	Worth Considering
Rabies	Worth Considering

Is it safe to travel to India?

The UK government website warns against the risks of terrorist attacks on British nationals visiting India. It advises caution in regions where major terrorist/insurgent groups operate, including Kashmir and Punjab, especially around key celebrations such as:

• 26 January—Republic Day
• 15 August—Independence Day
• October or November (date varies)—Diwali
• Eid (date varies)

It’s worth noting, however, that the same UK guidance lists many popular holiday destinations, including those in the EU, as high-risk due to the general risk of global terrorist activity.

Here are a few tips that can help you stay safe when you travel to India from the UK:

• Protect your belongings at all times
• Take copies of your important documents (including passports) and secure the originals at your accommodation
• Drink bottled water, as tap water isn’t always safe to drink in India³
• Travel in groups if you’re hiking or leaving populated areas, and always check first to see if you need a permit
• Follow water safety advice if you go swimming

How to apply for a travel visa to India from the UK

India entry requirements from the UK state that you need either a paper visa or an e-visa. They are both valid for travel to India from the UK, and the option you choose is just a matter of personal preference. See below for more information on how to apply for a visa to India.

Here’s how to apply for a paper visa to travel to India:

1. Complete an application form
2. Prepare your documents:
   • Valid passport and photocopy
   • Two recent photographs (50 mm by 50 mm)
   • Copy of your finished application form
   • Photocopies of any previous Indian visas
3. Book an appointment at a consular office:
   • Birmingham
   • Bradford
   • Newcastle
   • Leicester
   • Liverpool (Room 323, 3rd floor)
4. Pay your fee of £127⁴
5. Wait for the visa application to be processed (can take several weeks)
6. Collect your visa from the consular when it is ready

Here’s how to apply for an e-visa to travel to India:

1. Start your e-visa application online at the official Indian government site
2. Enter your contact details, trip details, and passport information
3. Pay a fee of £127
4. You will receive your visa approval by email
5. Print out a copy of your e-visa to present when you travel

You should apply a few months before you travel to give yourself plenty of time and to account for processing delays, as it could take several weeks to process an application.

Both of these options will give you a visa that is valid for stays of up to 180 days within a single calendar year. You can enter and leave the country as many times as you want, provided you do not exceed stays of 180 days. The visa will remain valid for between 1 and 5 years, depending on the length requested/granted during the application process.⁵

India visa cost for UK citizens

As noted above, there is a standard fee of £127 for completing a visa application for travel to India from the UK. There are also optional services that cost more and can make the process smoother, quicker, or easier:⁶

Service	Fees
Visa home delivery	£180 within 25 miles of the consular, additional 45p per mile outside of this area
Photocopy of the visa	£0.50
SMS conformation	£2
Photograph	£10
A document check	£15
Form-filling service	£5 to £15

Managing your money in India

India uses the Indian rupee (INR).

Digital payments are common here, but cash is still king, and it accounts for the majority of transactions.⁷ ATMs are popular, with networks and banks in India operating over 200,000 of them. You can withdraw cash as needed or simply use your card if the merchant accepts card payments.⁸ ⁹

Either way, be sure to check for foreign transaction fees and withdrawal fees, as these can be substantial.

📚 Read more: Best ways to spend money while travelling abroad

Best ways to convert GBP to INR (and what to avoid)

The airport is one of the worst places to exchange currency, so if you need some Rupees for your trip—and it’s worth keeping some on hand—shop around for a lower rate. Give yourself plenty of time by shopping for reduced rates days or weeks before you’re due to depart.

You can also just use a card that doesn’t charge hidden fees or high rates on foreign transactions and withdrawals.

Avoid getting stung with high fees and poor exchange rates at airports and other exchange houses by using the Wise debit card. It lets you spend in 40+ currencies by automatically converting your pounds at the mid-market exchange rate, only adding a tiny currency conversion fee* – or it’s free if you already have the local currency in your Wise account.

How to pay in India: Cards, cash and mobile payments

As noted above, cash is the leading payment method in India. It is accepted by all merchants, and some will only take cash payments, especially if you’re strolling through the many markets and sampling the local street food. You can withdraw at an ATM, but you will likely be charged a fee that can vary depending on the specific ATM, and your card provider.

Many merchants also take debit cards and credit cards, but you can’t use Google Pay for contactless payments in India, and Apple Pay is not supported, either. ¹⁰ ¹¹

It’s best to keep a low-fee debit/credit card and some cash with you at all times. That should cover possible transactions in the country. Provided you do your research to get a good price on currency conversions, it should be a cheap and easy option.

How much does it cost to travel to India?

It costs between £400 and £600 to fly to India, with the price varying by departure airport, airline, destination, and season. It’s usually cheaper between March and June, with the prices then peaking in July and August. However, if you shop around, you may find a package deal or last-minute offer that can make those prices more palatable.¹²

Accommodation is much cheaper in India than in other popular tourist destinations, costing a fraction of the price of a holiday in the European Union or United States. At the time of writing, you can book 3-star hotels in New Delhi, Candolim, Amritsar, Panaji, and other locations for less than £10 a night, with 4-star hotels costing anywhere from £5 to £20 on average.¹³

Food, transport, and attractions are also cheap. You can enjoy a meal at an inexpensive restaurant for less than £2.50, take a short taxi ride for less than £1, or fill your trolley at a local supermarket for the price of a few high-street coffees in London.¹⁴

Hidden travel costs to watch out for in India

With cheap accommodation, food, and general travel expenses, it’s easy to get carried away with yourself in India. You’re using a foreign currency, enjoying yourself, and not really paying attention—before you know it, your spending money has dwindled and that “cheap” holiday has become an unnecessarily expensive one.

Keep these tips in mind to avoid hidden fees and expenses when you travel to India from the UK:

• Resort fees: Levied by the resort, these fees are not unique to India, and they can add a sizable expense to your tip, so check the terms and conditions and scrutinise your bill
• Baggage fees: If you’re checking in some extra baggage or exceeding your baggage allowance, you could be charged additional fees
• Scams: Watch out for scams, as scammers tend to target tourists—World Nomad has a good guide on avoiding the most common ones
• Be prepared to negotiate: Vendors may charge more on the assumption that you’ll pay regardless—look for the real prices, don’t pay if you’re suspicious, and be prepared to negotiate

Essential laws and travel rules in India

India entry requirements from the UK aren’t the only thing you need to consider as a tourist. You also need to make sure you abide by local laws and customs, and as some of these are very different from the UK, they are easy to overlook:

• E-cigarettes are banned in India, so you can’t buy them or bring them into the country¹⁵
• It is illegal to drink and smoke in public places¹⁶ ¹⁷
• You cannot possess or use a satellite phone without a license ¹⁸
• You need to have an international driver’s permit (1949) and a valid UK license to drive in India¹⁹
• India drives on the left side of the road²⁰

Emergency contacts and safety tips

Stay safe as you travel to India from the UK by keeping these emergency numbers and essential safety tips in mind:

• The national emergency number is 112
• Call 100 to access the police helpline
• Female victims of harassment, stalking, and other crimes against women can call the Women Helpline on 1091
• India has the highest number of road traffic deaths in the world, so be careful if you’re renting a vehicle ²¹
• Check the altitude levels if you’re planning a hike, and make sure you know the route
• The Telegraph has a helpful guide for tourists caught in a thunderstorm or other extreme weather events

Travelling to India? Use Wise for low-cost currency conversion and spending

Open a Wise account online and you can order the Wise debit card for a one-time fee of £7. You can use this clever card in 150+ countries, including India. It automatically converts your pounds to local currency whenever you spend using the mid-market exchange rate, only adding a tiny, transparent conversion fee* – or it’s free if you already have the local currency in your Wise account.

You also get two free ATM withdrawals for up to 200 GBP (or currency equivalent) each month. Wise will not charge you for these withdrawals, but additional charges may occur from independent ATM networks.

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FAQ

Do I need to print an e-visa?

Yes, you need to print a copy of your visa and take it with you. While many other visas and visa waivers are attached electronically to your passport, an Indian visa should be carried with you to the airport and presented at passport control. If you received a paper visa, you can take the original copy or request/make a photocopy. If you complete the visa application online, it will be sent to your email, and you can simply print a copy yourself.

Do I need to update my e-visa for each trip?

No, you don’t need to update your e-visa for each trip and can enter and leave the country freely as long as the e-visa remains valid. You cannot, however, exceed a stay of 180 days within a calendar year, and must reapply if your visa expires.

Is travel insurance required for India?

You are not legally required to have travel insurance for India, but it is highly recommended. Although India is cheaper than most North American and European destinations, you could still find yourself with a very high medical bill if you have an accident or come down with an illness. Travel insurance may provide you with cover for other eventualities as well. It’s fairly inexpensive and could be a life—and budget—saver if anything unexpected happens during your holiday.

Can I use my UK phone in India?

Yes, you can use a UK phone in India. You will need to activate global roaming, though, and you should also check your network costs. Texts and calls may be much more expensive, and while many providers now offer cheap and even free usage abroad, that rarely applies to data use. If you’re checking your phone for local restaurants, using Google/Apple Maps, or even just reading your emails while out and about, you could be hit with some hefty charges.

What plug adapter do I need for India?

India mainly uses Type D plugs, whereas Type G are common in the UK. Look for a Type G to Type D converter or a universal adapter. If you’re staying at a large hotel popular with tourists, you may find various other sockets capable of fitting plugs that are common in the UK. You can also ask for an adapter at reception, as they usually have various adapters on hand.

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Sources used:

1. Travel Health Pro - India vaccine recommendations
2. Fit for Travel - India
3. WHO - INDIA: Tap water at home lowers disease, saves time and labour
4. HCI London - Visa fee structure
5. India Visa Online - Visa application
6. VFS Global - Optional services
7. BBC - Cash rules in India despite digital payment boom
8. Global Data - Card payments in India to surge to $337 billion in 2023, forecasts GlobalData
9. Statista - Number of ATMs in India
10. NTT Data- Different types of payment methods in India
11. Apple - Apple Pay
12. SkyScanner - Flights from India to the UK
13. Kayak - Hotels in India
14. Numbeo - Cost of living in India
15. NIH - E-cigarettes: A continuing public health challenge in India despite comprehensive bans
16. NRI Legal Consultants- Smoking in public places in India illegal or legal?
17. Indian Bar Association - Alcohol consumption in India
18. The Economic Times - UK warns against satellite phones in updated India travel advisory
19. GOV UK - International Driver’s Permit
20. Times of India - Countries that drive on the left
21. World Economic Forum- India has the highest number of road accident fatalities – but one man’s determination has reduced that figure by 40%.

Sources last checked on date: 09-March-2025