No, an Indian visa for UK citizens on arrival is not available. Only Japan, South Korea and, with conditions, the UAE can get a visa on arrival. UK passport holders apply online for the 30 day e-Visa at the official portal, 4 to 120 days before travel, and must wait for approval before flying.

Many British travellers assume they can sort the paperwork at the airport, as they might for some other destinations. For India, that assumption will cost you a seat on the plane. The process is simple once you know the steps, though, and it leaves room for a well-paced trip afterwards. This guide covers the e-Visa first, then the route, the season and the etiquette.

Why UK travellers apply for the e-Visa before flying

UK passport holders must apply online and wait for the e-Visa to be granted before they fly. The only official site is indianvisaonline.gov.in, so bookmark that address and be wary of look-alike websites that charge extra for a form you can complete yourself.

The application window opens 120 days before travel and closes 4 days before you fly. You must pay at least 4 days before arrival. Your passport must be valid for at least six months when you apply, with two blank pages, and you should apply on the same passport you will travel with. If you renew your passport, your e-Visa does not carry over, so apply after you have the new document.

The 30 day e-Visa costs US$25, or US$10 for applications covering travel in April to June, plus a 3% bank charge. The portal states that it does not publish a fixed processing time. It emails you when the visa is granted or rejected, so apply early enough that you are not waiting on the result. Our step-by-step notes for British applicants set out the fee table and common pitfalls, but always confirm the current fees on the official portal before you pay.

How many days a first trip deserves, and for whom

For a first visit that covers the north, allow 2 to 3 weeks. That gives you time for Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and at least one stop further along the route without rushing. It suits first-time visitors who want the classic highlights and enough slack for a missed train or a slow morning.

A focused 7 to 10 day trip works well if you are drawn to Rajasthan or Varanasi. Rajasthan can be done in a shorter loop, and Jodhpur is a good addition if you are happy to spend a long day on the road. A guided Mehrangarh Fort tour is one option for seeing the fort and the old town with someone who knows the history.

NRIs visiting family often spend longer in one city and less time on the big monuments. That is a sensible choice. Return visitors can skip the marble and the forts they have already seen and concentrate on markets, temples and time with relatives. A single long weekend suits Jaipur or Varanasi on their own. It does not allow a full circuit, so do not try to fit Delhi, Rajasthan and the Ganga into three days.

Sights in a sensible visiting order

The Golden Triangle route runs from Delhi to Agra and then on to Jaipur, and it is the easiest order for a first trip. As a planning estimate, allow one to two days in Delhi, one day in Agra for the Taj Mahal and the fort, and one to two days in Jaipur. Confirm all times and opening days before you publish your own plan, as these change.

Jaipur's walled city rewards at least one full day and ideally two. Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Johari Bazaar sit close together, with Amber Fort a short drive outside town. If you want a knowledgeable guide for the old city, a private Jaipur city tour can cover the main sites in a single well-ordered day.

From Jaipur, Fatehpur Sikri is a practical day trip, whether you base yourself in Agra or Jaipur. It was the 16th century red sandstone imperial capital of Emperor Akbar, and its mosque, palace complex and courtyards take a morning to see properly. A Fatehpur Sikri day trip is one way to organise the drive and the guiding.

Varanasi closes most long northern routes. Give it at least two nights so you can see the evening ceremony and the early morning ghats without feeling hurried. Ayodhya can be added as a pilgrimage stop, with the Ram Mandir consecrated in January 2024. Darshan timings and visitor rules can change, so check them before you go.

Best time to visit by season

October to March is the main season for the north, including Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Varanasi and Ayodhya. The cooler months suit long days of walking, and they make the open courtyards and ghats far more comfortable. Ayodhya visits fit well into this window too, and Experience My India has a dedicated page for travellers who want a planned visit to the Ram Mandir.

The e-Visa fee drops to US$10 for April to June, which some travellers find useful. The trade-off is serious heat across the plains. Afternoon sightseeing in Jaipur or Agra in May can be exhausting, so if you travel then, plan your monuments for early morning and rest in the middle of the day.

The monsoon brings rain to much of the country from roughly June to September. Kerala, Goa and the hill regions have their own seasonal patterns. Some travellers like the greener landscapes and quieter roads, while others find the rain disruptive. Check current seasonal advice for each region before you fix your dates, as conditions vary from year to year.

Getting there and moving around

Direct flights run from the UK to Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. For a Golden Triangle route, Delhi is the natural gateway. If your plan leans towards Kerala or Goa, Mumbai or Bengaluru may suit you better, and you can plan the rest of the trip from there.

For the Golden Triangle legs, a private car with a pre-arranged driver is the most comfortable option. It lets you set your own pace and make stops for photographs or lunch. Drive times vary with traffic and road works, so confirm the timings with your driver or operator before you set off.

Arriving in Varanasi takes planning. The old lanes near the ghats are narrow and crowded, especially in the evening. Plan to reach the river before the Ganga Aarti ceremony begins, allowing extra time for crowds, and arrive at your guesthouse or hotel in daylight if you can.

Local etiquette and what to skip

Dress modestly at temples and on the ghats. Shoulders and knees should be covered, and you should remove your footwear where asked. Carry a small bag for shoes if you plan to walk between shrines.

Ask before photographing people, especially during rituals. Observe ceremonies quietly and do not touch sacred objects unless you are invited to do so. Follow darshan guidance and visitor rules, even when they feel inconvenient. A calm, unhurried attitude goes a long way.

Skip heavy sales pressure in bazaars and be cautious of unlicensed boat offers on the ghats. A rushed multi-city schedule is the other thing to avoid. A slower route with fewer stops will give you a far better sense of the places you visit.

One practical sample day in Jaipur

Start early at Amber Fort, before the heat and the crowds build. Go up by the route you prefer, and allow time to look around the courtyards and halls at an easy pace. Confirm opening hours and any booking rules before you leave the hotel.

Return to the walled city for the afternoon. Hawa Mahal, City Palace and Jantar Mantar are close together, so you can walk between them. Finish with a stop in Johari Bazaar for textiles and jewellery, and bargain politely if you buy. Rest in the middle of the afternoon, as the heat is still strong until late.

Keep the evening calm. A quiet dinner, an early night and a short walk through the old city will leave you fresh for the next day. Check on the day whether any sites are closed for holidays or maintenance.

Frequently asked questions

Can UK citizens get an Indian visa on arrival?

No. Only Japan, South Korea and, with conditions, the UAE can get a visa on arrival. UK citizens must apply for the e-Visa online and wait for approval before flying.

How early should a UK traveller apply for the Indian e-Visa?

Apply within the window of 4 to 120 days before travel. Pay at least 4 days before arrival, and check the official portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in for current fees and guidance.

How many days should a first trip to India allow?

For a first northern trip, allow 2 to 3 weeks. A focused Jaipur and Varanasi route can work in 7 to 10 days, and that suits return visitors and those who want depth over distance.