A few years ago India introduced e-VISAs, which are now for up to 2 months. This seems to be enough for some, but for long stay backpackers I would recommend the real thing.
From the UK the standard seems to be a 12 month tourist VISA (you have to re-enter if you want to stay over 180 days, Nepal makes a nice overland detour)
There is also a 3 year tourist VISA listed on the website, but this costs more and needs an appointment to get.
I'm writing this because I couldn't find many recent guides. For old hands:
They seem to give 1 year by default (even if you ask for 6 months)
My VISA only took 7 days by post (Nov 2018) out of the maximum 3 weeks.
You now post the application to the Hounslow application centre (Nov 2018)
The cost for 1Y was something like £120 + £13 post + £8 photos
How to apply
Indian VISA applications are subcontracted to VFS. The vfsglobal.com/india/uk website is the official place to begin, and yes the website is confusing! It is possible to apply by post for the 1 year tourist visa (At least Nov 2018). Though various places make it sound like you need an appointment, if you click through enough pages post is specified.
To begin follow the link from the VFS website to the online application form. This is a complex multi-page form that can go wrong in many ways!
Keep the information handy and if it goes wrong just start again from the beginning. You will need:
Mission: UK London works for postal
Passport details
Places you plan on going- Delhi and Goa are fine, don't mention anywhere which needs permits
Employer details (or last employer if you've quit to travel) if you work in anything that sounds like journalism or media best find a new career! (Special restrictions)
Contact in India: use your first hotel
Contact in UK: use a parent or friend
At the end it asks for photo upload. I have heard some people use this and it works. The website makes it seem required, but in my experience it is not! I click skip and use 2 physical photographs with the paper copy (there is an extensive guide on the website note these are NOT standard passport size)
At the end of this you can print (download) your completed form. Then take the option to 'book appointment' which takes you through to the Indian high commission website. One of the options here allows you to pay for your application, during which you specify the application method (post or appointment), and if you select post it directs you to the Hounslow centre (Nov 2018).
If you select return by self postage you can use a royal mail special delivery envelope included with the application.
Alternatively you can do it by appointment, which you have to book.
The photo is again optional
Pay for it by card.
You need to post:
Printed form, signed on both pages, with photo attached (I think the website specifies you need a second photo clipped on, though when I've submitted in person they only need 1 of the photos!)
A copy of the declaration document from the VFS website, with your name and signature.
For peace of mind I include the receipt from the HC website for visa payment.
The return envelope. You need to get a silver royal mail special delivery envelope. Write your home address on it, buy a special delivery stamp and attach. The Stamp costs £6.50. Take a note of the tracking number!
(A passport is less than 100g, the basic special delivery stamp)
The outgoing envelope, put everything inside another silver special delivery envelope.
Post to the Hounslow centre (This was Nov 2018, check the website for the correct location, it's really well hidden) using special delivery again.
Wait...
I don't book my outgoing flight until I'm holding the VISA, but if you do book flights in advance apply with enough time. My application took a week but the website specifies up to 3 weeks by post, appointment may be safer.
Good luck, see you in India! If you see anything which differs let me know
I enjoyed South India, and have had good experiences in the Himalayas and the North East (except Manali in season, ugh.)
From the UK the standard seems to be a 12 month tourist VISA (you have to re-enter if you want to stay over 180 days, Nepal makes a nice overland detour)
There is also a 3 year tourist VISA listed on the website, but this costs more and needs an appointment to get.
I'm writing this because I couldn't find many recent guides. For old hands:
They seem to give 1 year by default (even if you ask for 6 months)
My VISA only took 7 days by post (Nov 2018) out of the maximum 3 weeks.
You now post the application to the Hounslow application centre (Nov 2018)
The cost for 1Y was something like £120 + £13 post + £8 photos
How to apply
Indian VISA applications are subcontracted to VFS. The vfsglobal.com/india/uk website is the official place to begin, and yes the website is confusing! It is possible to apply by post for the 1 year tourist visa (At least Nov 2018). Though various places make it sound like you need an appointment, if you click through enough pages post is specified.
To begin follow the link from the VFS website to the online application form. This is a complex multi-page form that can go wrong in many ways!
Keep the information handy and if it goes wrong just start again from the beginning. You will need:
Mission: UK London works for postal
Passport details
Places you plan on going- Delhi and Goa are fine, don't mention anywhere which needs permits
Employer details (or last employer if you've quit to travel) if you work in anything that sounds like journalism or media best find a new career! (Special restrictions)
Contact in India: use your first hotel
Contact in UK: use a parent or friend
At the end it asks for photo upload. I have heard some people use this and it works. The website makes it seem required, but in my experience it is not! I click skip and use 2 physical photographs with the paper copy (there is an extensive guide on the website note these are NOT standard passport size)
At the end of this you can print (download) your completed form. Then take the option to 'book appointment' which takes you through to the Indian high commission website. One of the options here allows you to pay for your application, during which you specify the application method (post or appointment), and if you select post it directs you to the Hounslow centre (Nov 2018).
If you select return by self postage you can use a royal mail special delivery envelope included with the application.
Alternatively you can do it by appointment, which you have to book.
The photo is again optional
Pay for it by card.
You need to post:
Printed form, signed on both pages, with photo attached (I think the website specifies you need a second photo clipped on, though when I've submitted in person they only need 1 of the photos!)
A copy of the declaration document from the VFS website, with your name and signature.
For peace of mind I include the receipt from the HC website for visa payment.
The return envelope. You need to get a silver royal mail special delivery envelope. Write your home address on it, buy a special delivery stamp and attach. The Stamp costs £6.50. Take a note of the tracking number!
(A passport is less than 100g, the basic special delivery stamp)
The outgoing envelope, put everything inside another silver special delivery envelope.
Post to the Hounslow centre (This was Nov 2018, check the website for the correct location, it's really well hidden) using special delivery again.
Wait...
I don't book my outgoing flight until I'm holding the VISA, but if you do book flights in advance apply with enough time. My application took a week but the website specifies up to 3 weeks by post, appointment may be safer.
Good luck, see you in India! If you see anything which differs let me know
I enjoyed South India, and have had good experiences in the Himalayas and the North East (except Manali in season, ugh.)
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