Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. Spotted an error? Email us at [email protected].
eVisa India OCI card requirements are clear: OCI cardholders do not need an eVisa and enter India visa-free with a valid passport and OCI card. The eVisa serves only ordinary passport holders of eligible nationalities. All OCI travellers must complete the mandatory e-Arrival Card within 72 hours before arrival at indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/.
eVisa India OCI Card Requirements: Do You Need a Visa?
OCI cardholders are visa-exempt and must not apply for an eVisa. The eVisa portal rejects OCI card numbers, as the scheme serves only non-OCI foreign nationals holding ordinary passports (fees ~USD 25 to ~USD 80, processing 72 hours to 5 business days). All OCI cardholders must submit the e-Arrival Card within 72 hours before arrival at indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/. The Government of India does not authorise any agent to charge fees for eVisa or e-Arrival Card services.
| Traveller Type | eVisa Eligible? | Required Action |
|---|---|---|
| OCI cardholder | No | Enter visa-free with passport + OCI card; complete e-Arrival Card |
| Ordinary passport holder | Yes (eligible nationalities only) | Apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in |
| Diplomatic/official passport | No | Apply for physical visa via Indian Mission with note verbale |
| Refugee/stateless person | No | Apply for paper visa at Indian High Commission London |
OCI Eligibility: Who Qualifies?
OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) status is available to Persons of Indian Origin whose parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents held Indian citizenship. Individuals with Pakistani or Bangladeshi ancestry, or who are ordinarily resident in those countries, are generally ineligible. OCI processing takes 4 to 8 weeks after an in-person VFS appointment.
UK-Specific: Surrender Certificate
British citizens of Indian descent must obtain an Indian Passport Surrender Certificate before applying for OCI. Register at indiancitizenship-renunciation.gov.in; processing takes 4 to 6 weeks.
OCI Miscellaneous Services (2026 Update)
OCI cardholders can update passport particulars online at indianvisaonline.gov.in/oci/ free of charge, with no new card required, per the 16 June 2026 advisory.
Documents and Limits for OCI Cardholders
OCI cardholders need a valid passport and OCI card, but must obtain a Protected Area Permit (PAP) for parts of Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and a Special Permit from the Ministry of Home Affairs for journalism, research, missionary work, or mountaineering.
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity from date of arrival
- OCI or eOCI card presented alongside the passport at entry
- e-Arrival Card completed within 72 hours before arrival via indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/
- Self-Declaration Form (Air Suvidha) mandatory for all passengers before reaching Arrival Immigration Counters at airsuvidha.civilaviation.gov.in
- No FRRO registration required, regardless of length of stay
- Protected/Restricted Area Permits (PAP/RAP) mandatory for parts of Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Professional Activity Restrictions
OCI cardholders undertaking journalism, research, missionary work, or mountaineering must obtain a Special Permit from the Ministry of Home Affairs. These restrictions apply to all foreign nationals, including OCI holders.
OCI Card vs eVisa: Key Differences
| Feature | OCI Card | eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Persons of Indian Origin (ancestry-based) | Ordinary passport holders of eligible nationalities |
| Validity | Lifelong visa-free multi-entry | 30 days to 5 years |
| Cost | Free entry (card issuance fee applies) | ~USD 25 to ~USD 80 |
| Processing | 4 to 8 weeks after VFS appointment | 72 hours to 5 business days |
| FRRO Registration | Not required | Required for stays over 180 days (e-Business/Medical) |
Visa Rules for Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders
Diplomatic and official passport holders are ineligible for eVisa and must obtain a physical diplomatic visa via an Indian Mission with a bilateral note verbale, processing in 5 to 15 business days.
Confirm eVisa unavailability
The eVisa scheme does not accept diplomatic or official passport numbers.
Submit application via Indian Mission/Post
UK-based applicants must contact the High Commission of India London at hcilondon.gov.in.
Obtain a bilateral note verbale
The sending government issues this diplomatic note to request visa clearance.
Wait for processing
Clearance takes 5 to 15 business days, with exemptions only under specific bilateral arrangements.
UN Laissez-Passer Holders
UN Laissez-Passer holders must follow the diplomatic visa route. OCI cardholders using a UNLP instead of a national passport lose visa-free entry.
Visa Rules for Refugees and Stateless Persons
Refugees and stateless persons are completely ineligible for eVisa and must apply for a paper visa 4 to 8 weeks in advance. Unlike OCI cardholders, they cannot use the eVisa system under any circumstances.
- Confirm eVisa ineligibility – Holders of 1951 Convention travel documents and Titre de Voyage are not accepted by the eVisa portal.
- Apply directly to the Indian High Commission London via hcilondon.gov.in – not through VFS Global.
- Obtain prior clearance from the Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs, before submission.
- Submit documents: valid travel document, cover letter, recent photographs, and applicable fee.
- Wait for processing – expect 4 to 8 weeks for a visa decision.
How to Apply for an India eVisa from the UK
UK ordinary passport holders can apply for an eVisa at indianvisaonline.gov.in. OCI cardholders do not need this process.
Complete the online form
at indianvisaonline.gov.in with passport details, travel dates, and purpose of visit.
Upload documents
Passport scan, digital photograph, and travel itinerary.
Pay the fee
~USD 25 (30-day e-Tourist), ~USD 40 (1-year), ~USD 80 (5-year). Fees vary by nationality.
Receive eVisa
By email within 72 hours to 5 business days.
Print and carry
The eVisa authorisation with your passport at entry.
Scam warning: The Government of India does not authorise any agent to charge fees for eVisa, e-Arrival Card, or OCI services. Apply only through indianvisaonline.gov.in.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do OCI cardholders need a visa for India in 2026?
No. OCI cardholders enter India visa-free with a valid passport and OCI card; the only mandatory pre-arrival step is the e-Arrival Card within 72 hours.
Can OCI holders apply for an eVisa to India?
No. OCI card numbers are rejected by the eVisa portal. The eVisa scheme serves only non-OCI foreign nationals holding ordinary passports.
What is the e-Arrival Card, and is it mandatory for OCI holders?
Yes, it is mandatory for all travellers, including OCI holders. Submit it at indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/ within 72 hours before arrival. The government does not authorise agents to charge fees for this service.
Do diplomatic passport holders need a visa for India?
Yes. Diplomatic and official passport holders are ineligible for eVisa and must apply for a physical diplomatic visa through an Indian Mission with a bilateral note verbale. Processing takes 5 to 15 business days.
Can refugees apply for an India eVisa?
No. Refugees and stateless persons are completely ineligible for eVisa. A paper visa with prior clearance from the Bureau of Immigration is mandatory. Apply at the Indian High Commission London 4 to 8 weeks before travel.
How long must my passport be valid to enter India with an OCI card?
Your passport must have a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of arrival. This rule applies to all foreign nationals entering India, including OCI cardholders.
What areas require a special permit for OCI holders?
OCI holders need a Protected Area Permit or Restricted Area Permit for parts of Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and certain Sikkim border districts. Journalistic, research, missionary, or mountaineering activities require a Special Permit from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
How do I update my OCI after getting a new British passport?
Since 2026, you can update your passport particulars online via indianvisaonline.gov.in/oci/ under OCI Miscellaneous Services. This service is free of charge and does not require a new OCI card.
Do I need a Surrender Certificate to apply for OCI from the UK?
Yes. British citizens of Indian descent who were formerly Indian nationals must obtain an Indian Passport Surrender Certificate before applying for OCI. Register at indiancitizenship-renunciation.gov.in. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks.
What is the processing time and fee for an India eVisa in 2026?
eVisa processing takes 72 hours to 5 business days. Fees are approximately USD 25 for a 30-day e-Tourist visa, approximately USD 40 for a 1-year visa, and approximately USD 80 for a 5-year visa. Apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in.
