India entry requirements for UK travellers
Everything a UK traveller needs to know before visiting India: visa and passport rules, recommended vaccines with lead times, and whether you need an International Driving Permit.
Quick answer for UK travellers
- Visa
- Yes - apply for an eVisa before travel
- Passport
- valid 6+ months beyond arrival, 2 blank pages
- Vaccines
- 3 recommended, 7 to consider
- Driving permit
- 1949 Geneva Convention IDP if you plan to drive
Data is automatically refreshed from official UK government sources: gov.uk Foreign Travel Advice for visa and passport rules, NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro for vaccines, and gov.uk driving abroad guidance for International Driving Permits. Not medical advice - always confirm with a travel-health professional and the India embassy before you travel. Read our full methodology →
Entry requirements for India
Passport validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you arrive and have 2 blank pages.
Visas
British passport holders normally need a visa (eVisa) to enter.
Source: UK Foreign Travel Advice - India · checked . Always confirm the latest requirements before you travel.
Vaccines for travel to India
Based on NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro guidance for UK travellers. Lead times assume protection is needed on the day you arrive.
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2 weeks before travelHepatitis A Recommended
Recommended for all previously unvaccinated travellers.
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Tetanus / Diphtheria Recommended
Booster recommended if last dose was more than 10 years ago.
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2 weeks before travelTyphoid Recommended
Especially for those visiting friends/relatives and frequent travellers.
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2 weeks before travelChikungunya Consider
For ages 12+. Consider for current outbreak areas, long-term or frequent travellers.
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7 days before travelCholera Consider
For outbreak areas, humanitarian workers, or those with limited water/medical access.
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Dengue Consider
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3 weeks before travelHepatitis B Consider
Recommended for those with sexual risk, healthcare workers, and long-stay travellers.
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4 weeks before travelJapanese Encephalitis Consider
Recommended for rural/endemic areas, 1+ month stays, or visits to rice fields or pig farms.
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4 weeks before travelRabies (Pre-exposure) Consider
Pre-exposure for remote areas, animal contact work, or long stays (>1 month).
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Tuberculosis (BCG) Consider
Source: NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro - India · checked . Cross-check against NHS Fit for Travel and US CDC Traveller's Health.
Driving in India
To drive in India with a UK driving licence, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) under the 1949 Geneva Convention.
IDPs are issued by PayPoint (no longer the Post Office) - find an issuing store.
India travel: frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for India from the UK?
Yes - British passport holders normally need a visa to enter India (specifically a eVisa). Apply before you travel and check the UK government's foreign travel advice for the latest requirements.
How long does my passport need to be valid for India?
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you arrive in India, and have at least 2 blank pages. Check your expiry date well in advance - renewing a UK passport currently takes around 3 weeks.
What vaccines do I need for India?
No vaccines are listed as required for India, but Hepatitis A, Tetanus / Diphtheria, Typhoid are recommended for UK travellers based on NaTHNaC guidance. Some vaccines need several weeks for full protection - book a travel clinic appointment well before you fly.
Do I need an International Driving Permit for India?
If you plan to drive in India on a UK licence, you may need an International Driving Permit issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. UK IDPs are issued by PayPoint in person and cost £5.50.
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