Published: 9 September 2026 | Last updated: 9 September 2026
eVisa India vs UK visa – key differences for British travellers: India’s eVisa is fully online, takes ~15 minutes, costs £25 to £80 depending on duration, and requires no biometrics or embassy visit. The UK Standard Visitor Visa costs £120, requires a mandatory in-person biometrics appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC), and takes approximately 3 weeks. India’s eVisa allows stays of up to 90 days per visit; the UK Standard Visitor Visa allows up to 180 days.
India’s eVisa processes most British applicants within 72 hours through a fully online procedure with no biometrics. The UK Standard Visitor Visa costs £120, demands in-person biometrics at a VAC, and takes 3 weeks. US ESTA and Australia’s eVisitor are fully online; Schengen requires a paper dossier and consulate visit; the US B1/B2 involves a mandatory consular interview with wait times of 2 to 4 months in 2026.
UK eVisa vs India eVisa: Entry Rules and Eligibility for British Travellers
UK “eVisa” (gov.uk) = digital immigration status for UK residents replacing physical BRP cards, not a visitor visa. India eVisa = electronic travel authorization issued by the Bureau of Immigration via indianvisaonline.gov.in. British passport holders qualify for the India eVisa but are not eligible for visa-on-arrival, restricted to nationals of Japan, South Korea, and the UAE. The High Commission of India, London (hcilondon.gov.in) provides consular support. In any eVisa India vs UK visa comparison, these are two entirely different systems serving different purposes.
e-Arrival Card vs India eVisa: Don’t Confuse Them
The e-Arrival Card is mandatory arrival information, not a visa. All foreign travellers must submit it within 72 hours before arrival via indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival or the “Indian Visa Su-Swagatam” mobile app. A Self-Declaration Form is additionally required for all passengers via airsuvidha.civilaviation.gov.in.
OCI Card: A Long-Term Alternative to the India eVisa
Persons of Indian Origin holding UK passports may qualify for an OCI or eOCI Card, a lifelong multiple-entry document that replaces the need for an India eVisa on each visit.
India eVisa Application Process vs UK Standard Visitor Visa
The India eVisa requires four online steps taking ~15 minutes: form, passport scan, photo upload, fee payment, and email approval. No embassy visit or biometrics. Standard processing is 72 hours. The UK Standard Visitor Visa costs £120, demands in-person biometrics at a VAC, and takes 3 weeks. This eVisa India vs UK visa contrast is stark: the India eVisa involves zero in-person contact, while the UK visa requires fingerprints and a facial scan.
Fill the online application form
Apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in
Upload passport page and photo
Digital photograph 2×2 inches, white background
Pay the government fee
£25 (30-day), £40 (1-year), or £80 (5-year) by card or wallet
Receive eVisa by email
Print a copy for immigration
India eVisa: no biometrics, 72 hours, £25 to £80, application window 4 to 120 days before arrival. UK visa: biometrics at VAC, 3 weeks, £120, 180 days max, physical visa vignette in passport. The Government of India does not authorise any agent to charge eVisa fees.
Common Mistakes That Lead to India eVisa Rejection
- Photo dimensions wrong or background not white
- Passport with less than 6 months validity from arrival date
- Applying more than 120 days before travel
- Name mismatch between passport and application form
Visa Fees, Duration and Validity Compared Across Five Destinations
India eVisa fees range £25 to £80 depending on category; the UK Standard Visitor Visa costs £120; Schengen short-stay visa €90 (~£78); US ESTA $21 (~£17); US B1/B2 $185 (~£150); Australia’s eVisitor is free for UK citizens. The India eVisa permits 90 days per visit; the UK allows 180 days.
| Destination | Visa Type | Gov Fee | Stay Duration | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | eVisa 30-day tourist | £25 | Up to 90 days | Fully online |
| India | eVisa 1-year tourist | £40 | Up to 90 days/visit | Fully online |
| India | eVisa 5-year tourist | £80 | Up to 90 days/visit | Fully online |
| UK | Standard Visitor | £120 | Up to 180 days | Online + VAC biometrics |
| Schengen | Short-stay | €90 (~£78) | 90/180-day rule | Paper dossier + VAC |
| US | ESTA | $21 (~£17) | Up to 90 days | Fully online |
| US | B1/B2 Visitor | $185 (~£150) | Up to 6 months | Online + interview + biometrics |
| Australia | eVisitor (Subclass 651) | Free | Up to 3 months | Fully online |
Agency fees extra (e.g., The Travel Visa Company from £74.95). Schengen fee for context only – UK citizens travel visa-free. Rates as of 2026.
| Destination | Passport Validity Required | Advance Application |
|---|---|---|
| India | Min. 6 months from arrival | 4 to 120 days before arrival |
| UK | Valid for duration of stay | Up to 3 months before travel |
| Schengen | 3 months past departure | Up to 6 months before travel |
| United States | 6 months beyond intended stay | ESTA: anytime; B1/B2: months ahead |
| Australia | Valid for duration of stay | Anytime before departure |
Application Complexity and Processing Times: India vs UK, Schengen, US and Australia
- India eVisa – 1/5: ~15 min, 4 steps, no biometrics, ~72 hours
- Australia eVisitor (Subclass 651) – 1/5: fully automated, instant to days
- US ESTA – 2/5: online, ~20 min
- UK Standard Visitor Visa – 3/5: online form + mandatory VAC biometrics + ~3 weeks
- Schengen Visa – 4/5: paper dossier, travel medical insurance, consulate appointment
- US B1/B2 – 5/5: DS-160 + consular interview + 2 to 4 months in 2026
Biometrics and In-Person Requirements: The Biggest Difference
The India eVisa requires zero biometrics and zero in-person contact. The UK Standard Visitor Visa mandates fingerprinting and a facial scan at a VAC. The US B1/B2 requires biometrics plus a mandatory consular interview; Schengen requires consulate biometrics; Australia eVisitor requires none. This is the single biggest procedural differentiator between the India eVisa and Western visa systems.
What to Have Ready at Immigration: Port-of-Entry Checklists
India port-of-entry at border control: printed eVisa + passport + e-Arrival Card (72h before, via indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/) + Self-Declaration Form (via airsuvidha.civilaviation.gov.in). UK: passport at eGates. Schengen: passport + return ticket + accommodation proof. US: passport + ESTA or B1/B2 visa. Australia: passport + eVisitor confirmation. Refusal: India eVisa non-refundable, no appeal; UK admin review possible; US reapplication only.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the UK eVisa the same as the India eVisa?
No. The UK eVisa (gov.uk) is a digital immigration status for UK residents replacing BRP cards. The India eVisa is an electronic travel authorization for foreign tourists issued by the Bureau of Immigration. Different systems, different purposes.
How much does an India eVisa cost for UK citizens in 2026?
Government fee: £25 (30-day), £40 (1-year), £80 (5-year tourist eVisa). Agency fees (e.g., The Travel Visa Company from £74.95) are additional. The Government of India does not authorise agents to charge eVisa fees.
Can UK citizens get a visa on arrival for India?
No. Visa on arrival is only for citizens of Japan, South Korea, and the UAE (UAE nationals must have previously obtained an e-Visa or paper visa). UK passport holders must apply for an India eVisa before travel.
How long does it take to get an India eVisa from the UK?
Standard processing ~72 hours. Apply 4 to 120 days before arrival. Approved eVisa arrives by email.
Which is easier to apply for: an India eVisa or a UK Standard Visitor Visa?
The India eVisa: fully online, ~15 minutes, no biometrics. The UK visa: online form + mandatory VAC biometrics + ~3 weeks processing.
How long can I stay in India on a tourist eVisa?
Up to 90 days per visit on all tourist eVisa types. The 1-year and 5-year eVisas allow multiple entries within their validity period.
Do I need to print my India eVisa?
Yes. Indian immigration requires a printed copy at the port of entry. Also submit an e-Arrival Card (72h before) and Self-Declaration Form.
What happens if my India eVisa application is refused?
Fee is non-refundable, no formal appeal. You can reapply. Common reasons: photo errors, passport validity under 6 months, name mismatch, applying more than 120 days before travel.
Do UK citizens need a Schengen visa for short trips?
No. UK citizens travel visa-free in Schengen for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The €90 fee is shown for context only (non-EU travellers such as Indian citizens do require it).
What documents do I need to apply for an India eVisa?
Passport with 6 months validity from arrival, digital photo (2×2 inches, white background), and credit/debit card for the fee. No biometrics, no interview, no in-person appointment.
Sources: Bureau of Immigration, Government of India (indianvisaonline.gov.in); UK Home Office (gov.uk); US Department of State; Australian Department of Home Affairs; European Union. Data verified as of September 2026. This article is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with any government body.
