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Travel to India from the UK:Visa, Costs, Safety and Where to Go

Planning to travel to India from the UK? Start with the paperwork, because British citizens cannot get a visa on arrival. You need an approved e-Visa, a passport that is valid for at least six months after you land, and a free e-Arrival Card completed within 72 hours before you arrive. Non-stop flights from London reach Delhi and Mumbai in roughly nine hours, and the best weather for most of the country runs from October to March. If you are travelling for a wedding or to see family, ask about our family visit flight package or wedding and celebration travel package. You can also search flights or hold a fare with Book Now Pay Later flights.

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Taj Mahal at sunrise, a highlight when you travel to India from the UK
e-Visa needed
Free e-Arrival Card
October to March

Travel to India at a Glance

These are the essentials for UK travellers, checked against GOV.UK and recent sources as of 31 October 2026.

TopicWhat to know
VisaAn e-Visa is needed. There is no visa on arrival for British citizens
PassportValid for at least six months after arrival, with two blank pages
Arrival formFree e-Arrival Card, completed within 72 hours before you land
Non-stop flightsLondon to Delhi and Mumbai, about 8 hours 40 minutes to 9 hours 45 minutes
Best time to goOctober to March for most regions
MonsoonRoughly June to September
CurrencyIndian rupee (₹)
Time zone5 hours 30 minutes ahead of the UK in winter and 4 hours 30 minutes ahead in summer
Electricity230 volts, 50 Hz, with Type C and D sockets, so UK travellers need an adapter
Areas to avoidThe India-Pakistan border area, most of Jammu and Kashmir, and Manipur, according to the FCDO
Typical daily budgetRoughly £15 to £35 on a budget and £40 to £80 mid-range, before flights

Visa and Entry Requirements to Travel to India from the UK

British citizens need a visa before they fly, and the quickest route for most holidays is the online e-Tourist Visa. Follow these steps in order.

Passport and e-Visa documents for travel to India
  1. 1

    Check your passport.

    It should be valid for at least six months after your arrival date and have two blank pages. Renew it first if it falls short, or the airline may refuse boarding.

  2. 2

    Choose your e-Tourist Visa.

    There are three options: a 30-day visa with double entry, a one-year multiple-entry visa and a five-year multiple-entry visa. The longer visas limit how long you can stay per visit and per calendar year, so read the conditions on your approval.

  3. 3

    Apply on the official portal.

    Use the Government of India e-Visa site, indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa. You will upload a passport scan and a photograph, and pay the fee online. Unofficial agents may add service charges.

  4. 4

    Apply early.

    The fee must be paid at least four days before you arrive, or the application will not be processed. A 30-day visa can be requested up to 30 days ahead, and the longer visas up to 120 days ahead. Approval often takes three to five working days, so allow one to two weeks.

  5. 5

    Print your approval.

    Carry the electronic travel authorisation, and check that you land at an airport or seaport that the e-Visa allows.

  6. 6

    Complete the e-Arrival Card.

    This free online form is separate from your visa and must be filled in within 72 hours before you arrive.

Other Entry Points to Remember

Visa fees depend on the visa type and the month you arrive, so check the official portal for the current amount.
Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders travel on their OCI card and British passport and do not need an e-Visa.
Business, medical and conference visits use different e-Visa categories from tourism.
Onward travel: keep your return or onward ticket and your first night's accommodation details ready.

Rules can change at short notice, so read the latest GOV.UK entry requirements for India in the week you travel. Not sure which ticket fits your visa dates? Ask our travel experts before you pay.

When Is the Best Time to Travel to India?

India is so large that the best month depends on where you are going. As a rule, the cool, dry months from October to March suit most travellers, while the summer monsoon runs from roughly June to September.

RegionBest monthsWhat to expect
Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and RajasthanOctober to MarchWarm days and cool nights. Temperatures often reach 40°C in April and May
GoaNovember to MarchDry and sunny. Heavy rain from late May to September
Kerala and the southOctober to AprilWarm and humid, with the backwaters at their best from late November to March
Himalayan foothillsOctober, November, March and AprilClear views in the shoulder months, and snow in midwinter
Eastern Himalaya, such as DarjeelingAvoid June to AugustHeavy monsoon rain

Seasonal Points to Plan Around

Delhi air quality: pollution is worst in winter, particularly from mid-December to mid-January, and morning fog can delay flights and trains across the northern plains.
Heat: the plains become very hot from April, so build in rest time or visit the hill stations instead.
Monsoon: it brings fewer visitors and lush scenery, and Kerala's monsoon is traditionally popular for Ayurvedic treatments.
Cyclones: the south-east coast can see storms in November and December.
Festivals and weddings: Diwali falls in October or November and Holi in March. Wedding season peaks from November to February, so flights and hotels fill up early.
Fares: prices are highest around Christmas and the main festivals. Book early, or ask about Book Now Pay Later flights to hold a fare.

Where to Go When You Travel to India

Distances are huge, so choose one or two regions rather than trying to see everything. Each area below has its own character, season and pace.

Colourful street scene in Rajasthan, India
Delhi and the Golden Triangle: Delhi's markets and monuments, the Taj Mahal in Agra and the pink city of Jaipur. This is the classic first trip.
Rajasthan: forts, palaces and desert towns such as Jodhpur, Udaipur and Jaisalmer, best from October to March.
Kerala: palm-fringed backwaters, tea hills at Munnar and the historic port of Kochi.
Goa: beaches, old Portuguese churches and a relaxed pace, at its best in the dry season.
Varanasi: the ghats on the Ganges, one of India's oldest living cities.
Mumbai: a fast-moving coastal city of colonial architecture, street food and Bollywood.
Himalayan foothills: hill towns, trekking and mountain views in the cooler shoulder months.

Route Ideas for a First Visit

RouteSuggested timeBest for
Delhi, Agra and Jaipur5 to 7 daysA first look at India's history and architecture
Rajasthan circuit10 to 14 daysForts, palaces, desert and markets
Kerala and Goa8 to 10 daysBackwaters, beaches and a slower pace
Delhi, Varanasi and Agra7 to 9 daysCulture, spirituality and the Taj Mahal
Mumbai and Goa7 to 9 daysCity life followed by the coast

A 30-day e-Visa is enough for most of these trips. If you want a longer journey, compare the one-year and five-year options.

Practical Notes for Sightseeing

The Taj Mahal is usually closed on Fridays, so plan your Agra day around that and confirm before you go.
Some wildlife parks close on set weekdays, and tiger safaris are best booked well ahead in the winter season.
Dress modestly at temples, and expect to remove your shoes.

Getting There and Getting Around When You Travel to India

Flying from the UK

India is well served by non-stop flights from London. British Airways flies from Heathrow and Gatwick to Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad. Virgin Atlantic flies from Heathrow to Delhi and Mumbai, with Bengaluru as an additional route in the summer schedule, and Air India and IndiGo also operate non-stop to Delhi.

Aeroplane flying from the UK to India
Route from LondonTypical non-stop time
DelhiAbout 8 hours 40 minutes to 9 hours 30 minutes
MumbaiAbout 9 hours
Bengaluru and HyderabadAbout 9 hours 50 minutes
ChennaiAbout 10 hours 55 minutes

Times vary by airline, because some routings are longer than others, so check the scheduled journey time before you buy. If your destination has no non-stop service, such as Kochi, one-stop options through the Gulf and other hubs are widely available. Passengers from Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh usually connect via London or a hub. Our team can compare these for you, so contact our travel experts with your dates.

Getting Around India

TransportBest forWatch out for
Domestic flightsLong distances, such as Delhi to Kerala or GoaWinter fog in the north can cause delays
TrainsScenic, affordable journeys between major citiesPopular services sell out, so book well ahead through the official rail booking site
Private car and driverRajasthan and the Golden Triangle, with flexible stopsAgree the route and price before you set off
Ride-hailing apps and taxisCities and airport transfersUse the app fare, or agree a price first
Metro and local trainsDelhi and MumbaiAvoid rush hour with luggage
Auto-rickshawsShort local tripsInsist on the meter or agree the fare in advance

Build In a Buffer

Delays are common, especially in winter fog and the monsoon. Leave a spare day before your flight home, and allow extra time to reach airports in large cities, where traffic can be heavy.

How Much Does It Cost to Travel to India?

Once you land, India is one of the best-value destinations in the world. Flights and any private tours are usually your biggest costs.

Budget

Typical daily spend per person

About £15 to £35

Hostel dorms or simple guesthouses, local food, trains and buses

Mid-range

Typical daily spend per person

About £40 to £80

Air-conditioned hotel rooms, restaurant meals, a driver for some days

Luxury

Typical daily spend per person

£100 or more

Heritage hotels, private cars, guided experiences

These are estimates from 2026 traveller cost surveys, and prices vary by city and season. They exclude flights, visa fees and insurance. Delhi, Mumbai and the Rajasthan palace cities cost more than smaller towns.

Typical Prices

Hostel dorm bed: roughly £4 to £12 per night.
Mid-range hotel with air conditioning: roughly £15 to £45 per night.
Street food or a thali: roughly £1 to £4.
Restaurant meal: roughly £4 to £12 per person.

How to Save Money

Travel in the shoulder months, such as October or March, rather than over Christmas.
Book trains and internal flights early.
Eat where locals eat, and choose busy, freshly cooked places.
Spread the cost of your flights with Book Now Pay Later flights.

Money Tips for Travellers

Carry some cash. Cards work in hotels, malls and larger restaurants, but small shops, rickshaws and rural areas prefer cash in rupees.
Use ATMs inside banks or hotels where possible, and check your card's foreign withdrawal fees.
Keep small notes for tips, tuk-tuks and snacks.
Tip about 10 percent at restaurants if a service charge is not already on the bill.
Expect higher entry prices for foreign visitors at major monuments, and buy tickets from official counters or websites.
Agree prices first for taxis and rickshaws without a meter.

Is It Safe to Travel to India? Health, Safety and Insurance

Millions of visitors travel to India every year without serious problems. The main tourist routes are well established, but a few regions carry official warnings, and some health and safety risks need planning.

Traveller in India following safety and health advice

Safety and Areas to Avoid

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against:

  • All travel within 10km of the India-Pakistan border.
  • All travel to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, including Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Srinagar, with limited exceptions listed on GOV.UK, such as travel by air to and from the city of Jammu.
  • All but essential travel to Manipur, including the capital, Imphal.

The advice changes, so read the latest FCDO travel advice for India before you book and again before you fly. Popular routes such as Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Mumbai, Goa and Kerala are outside these warnings.

Staying Safe on the Ground

Watch for scams and petty theft in busy tourist areas, at stations and around major monuments.
Be careful with drinks. Never leave a drink unattended, and avoid illicit alcohol, which can contain dangerous methanol.
Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps, especially at night, and share your plans with someone.
Women travellers should read the FCDO's advice for women, avoid isolated areas after dark and use trusted transport.
Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and follow local authority instructions in heavy rain or extreme heat.

Health and Vaccinations

See your GP or a travel clinic six to eight weeks before you go, and use TravelHealthPro for official UK guidance.
Routine vaccines should be up to date. Hepatitis A, typhoid and tetanus are commonly advised, and some travellers consider rabies, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, cholera or the dengue vaccine, depending on the trip.
Dengue is present, and its mosquitoes bite during the day, so use repellent and cover up.
Malaria risk varies by region. Tablets are not usually needed for Delhi, Agra, Jaipur or Goa, but ask a clinician if you will visit rural or north-eastern areas.
Food and water: drink bottled or filtered water, choose freshly cooked hot food and avoid ice of unknown origin.
Yellow fever: India has no risk, but you may need a certificate if you arrive from a country that does, so check before you travel via Africa or South America.
Air quality: if you have asthma or a heart condition, check pollution levels in Delhi in winter.

Travel Insurance

Insurance is essential. Your policy may be invalid if you travel against FCDO advice, and a UK GHIC does not cover India. Look for cover that includes:

Medical treatment and emergency repatriation.
Delays, cancellations and missed connections.
Trekking or altitude, if you plan to visit the mountains.
Lost baggage and stolen valuables.

If plans change suddenly, our emergency travel package can help with short-notice flights.

Practical Tips for Travel to India

Phones, Data and Power

SIM and eSIM: an eSIM set up before you fly is the simplest option. A physical tourist SIM is also available, but registration usually needs your passport and takes time, so allow for it on arrival.
Roaming: check your UK provider's charges before relying on your normal plan.
Plug adapter: India uses 230 volts at 50 hertz with Type C and D sockets. UK plugs do not fit, so pack an adapter. The voltage matches the UK, so UK chargers and appliances work with the right adapter.

Language and Local Etiquette

Hindi and English are widely spoken, and communication is easy in most tourist areas. A few habits show respect and help you blend in:

Greet people with a smile, and a "namaste" is always welcome.
Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, especially at temples and in rural areas.
Remove your shoes before entering temples and many homes.
Eat and pass items with your right hand.
Ask before photographing people, and keep public displays of affection low-key.

What to Pack

Lightweight, loose cotton clothing, plus a scarf or shawl for temples and cool evenings.
A warm layer for winter mornings and air-conditioned trains.
Comfortable shoes that are easy to slip off.
Insect repellent, sun protection, hand sanitiser and any medicines you need.
A plug adapter, a power bank and copies of your passport, e-Visa and insurance.

Our international travel packing checklist covers documents, carry-on essentials and common mistakes, and you will find more trip-planning advice on the Travel Campus UK blog.

FAQs

Yes. British citizens need a visa before they fly, and there is no visa on arrival. Most holidaymakers apply online for an e-Tourist Visa on the official government portal, at least four days before arrival. Check GOV.UK for the latest rules.

It is a free online form that is separate from your visa. You must complete it within 72 hours before you arrive in India. Keep the confirmation on your phone, and check the official guidance before you fly.

Non-stop flights from London to Delhi take about 8 hours 40 minutes to 9 hours 30 minutes, and London to Mumbai takes about 9 hours. Bengaluru and Hyderabad take around 9 hours 50 minutes, and Chennai about 10 hours 55 minutes.

Most visitors travel safely on the main tourist routes, using normal precautions against scams and petty theft. The FCDO advises against travel to the India-Pakistan border area, most of Jammu and Kashmir and, except for essential travel, Manipur. Check GOV.UK before you book.

October to March suits most regions, with warm days and cooler nights. The summer monsoon runs from roughly June to September, and the plains can reach 40°C in April and May. Delhi's air quality is poorest in winter.

Budget travellers might spend about £15 to £35 a day and mid-range travellers about £40 to £80, excluding flights. Heritage hotels, private drivers and guided tours raise the total.

No vaccines are required for entry from the UK, but routine vaccines should be up to date. Hepatitis A, typhoid and tetanus are commonly advised, and others may be suggested for your route. See your GP or a travel clinic six to eight weeks before you go.

Yes. With Book Now Pay Later flights, you can secure a fare with a partial payment and settle the balance later. Ask our team about the terms for your dates.

Ready to Travel to India?

With your visa, route and budget planned, the last step is choosing the right flights. Our travel experts can compare airlines, baggage and connections for you, and help with hotels, holiday packages and airport transfers. Call 0044 20381 81875, contact us online or search flights now. Visiting family or attending a wedding? Ask about our family visit flight package or wedding and celebration travel package.

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