India travel guide for Britons

Britons need a visa for India. The e-visa is the standard route: apply online on the official Indian government portal, pay the fee, and receive an e-visa by email. It covers tourism, business and medical visits. The tourist e-visa allows a stay of up to 30 days with double entry; longer stays may require a regular visa from the High Commission (check).

Apply at least two weeks before departure. The portal usually processes applications in 3–5 working days, but delays happen around holidays. Carry a printed copy of the e-visa and your passport; immigration at major airports checks both. The e-visa is not valid for entry at all land borders, so check your port of entry (check).

UK citizens can apply for an e-visa for tourism, business or medical purposes. The tourist e-visa is valid for 30 days from arrival and allows double entry. For longer stays, study or work, you need a regular visa from the High Commission of India in London or the consulates in Birmingham and Edinburgh (check).

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival and have at least two blank pages. You also need a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds. The e-visa is tied to your passport number, so renew your passport before applying if it expires soon.

The British High Commission in New Delhi is the main point of contact for consular services. There are also consulates in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. For lost passports, arrests or serious emergencies, contact the High Commission or the nearest consulate. The UK government's foreign travel advice page lists current contact details and services.

India is inexpensive by UK standards. A two-week trip for one person typically costs £1,000–£1,500 including flights, accommodation, food and transport. Flights from London to Delhi or Mumbai start around £400–£600 return in economy (2026 estimate). On the ground, budget £25–£40 per day for a mid-range traveller: a decent hotel room costs £15–£30, a meal in a restaurant £3–£8, and a 1st-class train ticket between major cities £10–£30.

The Indian rupee is the only currency; exchange at banks or ATMs, and carry small notes for tips and markets. Credit cards are accepted in cities but cash is king in rural areas. Tipping is expected for drivers, guides and hotel staff; 5–10% in restaurants without a service charge.

Direct flights from London (Heathrow, Gatwick) to Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru take about 8.5–9.5 hours. Airlines include Air India, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. From Manchester, there are direct flights to Delhi and Mumbai (check). Connecting flights via the Gulf (Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi) are often cheaper but add 3–6 hours. Book 2–3 months ahead for the best fares, and avoid peak season (December–January) if you can.

India uses 230 V, 50 Hz electricity, the same as the UK, so your devices will work without a voltage converter. The plug types are C, D and M; UK plugs (type G) do not fit, so bring a universal adapter. Power cuts are common in rural areas; a power bank is useful.

Tipping is expected for drivers, guides and hotel staff. In restaurants, a 5–10% tip is standard if no service charge is added. For a day trip with a driver, ₹200–₹500 (about £2–£5) is reasonable. Round up taxi fares. Carry small notes for tips and temple donations.

The national emergency number is 112, which connects to police, fire and ambulance. For police specifically, you can also dial 100. The British High Commission in New Delhi has a 24-hour consular emergency line; the UK government's travel advice page lists the current number. Save these before you travel.