India Visa for UK Citizens 2026: Everything You Need Before You Book Kerala

The Indian e-Visa system has improved substantially since its launch. For UK citizens in 2026, the process is entirely online, takes 3–5 business days, and costs $25 USD for a 30-day tourist visa or $40 USD for a 1-year multiple-entry visa. Here is exactly what you need — and where the process goes wrong for people who rush it.

e-Visa types for UK tourists visiting India

e-Tourist Visa (30 days, double entry): $25. Sufficient for a Nosh Kerala or Kashmir canvas. e-Tourist Visa (1 year, multiple entry): $40. Recommended if you're planning to return within 12 months or want flexibility. e-Medical Visa: for those visiting for Ayurvedic treatment at a government-registered hospital. Note: most luxury Ayurveda retreats operate under the tourist visa — only NABH-accredited hospitals require the medical visa. Nosh will advise based on your specific program.

The 3 points where UK applicants get stuck

One: photo specifications. The system rejects photos with white backgrounds that have any shadow. Use a plain white background with even, flat lighting. Two: passport details. The name must match exactly as it appears on your passport — middle names included, in full. Three: applying too early. The e-Visa is issued 4 days before your travel date at the earliest. Apply no more than 120 days before travel, and no fewer than 4 business days before your flight.

What Nosh Tours handles for you

Nosh's ground coordination includes a pre-travel briefing covering visa status, health requirements, currency, and arrival logistics. We do not apply on your behalf (the applicant must submit personally) but we review your application details before submission and flag any errors. UK travellers on the Kerala canvas have reported zero visa rejections in 3 years of Nosh operations. Apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in — the official portal. Avoid all third-party 'visa services' which charge 5–10x the government fee for the same result.