Indian High Commission London – Quick Information
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Official name | High Commission of India, London |
| Common search name | Indian Embassy London |
| Address | India House, Aldwych, London, WC2B 4NA, United Kingdom |
| Telephone | +44 (0)20 7836 9147 |
| Emergency helpline | +44 (0)7768 765 035 |
| Main website | High Commission of India, London |
| Visa service provider | VFS Global UK |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| City | London |
The High Commission of India is located at India House, Aldwych, London, WC2B 4NA. Its published general working hours are 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday to Friday.
For official visa and consular information, applicants should check the High Commission’s latest guidance. They should also check the VFS Global UK website before submitting an application.
Where Is the Indian High Commission in London?
The High Commission of India in London is located at:
India House
Aldwych
London
WC2B 4NA
United Kingdom
The mission provides diplomatic, consular and visa-related services for people in the UK.
Although many people search for the Indian Embassy in London. The official name is the High Commission of India, London.
Indian High Commission London Contact Details
For general enquiries, the High Commission publishes the following telephone number:
+44 (0)20 7836 9147
The High Commission also provides an emergency helpline:
+44 (0)7768 765 035
For visa, passport, OCI, and other consular service questions, applicants should contact VFS Global.
VFS Global is the service provider handling applications in the UK. The High Commission’s published information lists VFS contact details including +44 (0)20 3793 8629.
Indian Visa from the UK
If you are in the UK and want to travel to India, the right visa application route depends on your visa type.
Common Indian visa categories include:
- Tourist Visa
- e-Tourist Visa
- Business Visa
- Student Visa
- Medical Visa
- Employment Visa
- Entry Visa
- Transit Visa
- Conference Visa
- Journalist Visa
- Research Visa
- Missionary Visa
- Film Visa
- Mountaineering Visa
- Diplomatic and Official Visa
The High Commission of India in London currently lists these and other visa categories on its official visa section.
How to Apply for an Indian Visa from the UK
The application process depends on whether you qualify for an Indian e-Visa or need a regular/paper visa.
Option 1: Apply for an Indian e-Visa Online
If you qualify for an Indian e-Visa, you can apply online using India’s official e-Visa system.
The High Commission says Indian missions abroad do not process e-Visas. It tells applicants to use India’s official e-Visa website.
Step 1: Check Whether You Qualify for an e-Visa
Before starting your application, check the current eligibility requirements and available e-Visa categories.
Do not assume that every nationality, passport type or travel purpose qualifies for an e-Visa.
Step 2: Visit the Official Indian e-Visa Website
Use India’s official e-Visa portal rather than relying on an unofficial visa website.
The official portal is:
Indian e-Visa Official Website
The indian evisa website looks like this:
Step 3: Select the Appropriate Visa Category
Choose the visa type that matches your purpose of travel, such as tourism, business or medical travel.
Make sure the information you enter matches your passport and supporting documents.
Step 4: Complete the Online Application
Enter your personal information, passport details, travel information and other requested information.
Review everything carefully before submitting because mistakes in passport numbers, names or dates can cause problems with your application.
Step 5: Upload the Required Documents
Upload the documents requested by the official e-Visa application system.
Requirements may vary by visa type and nationality. Always follow the latest instructions on the official portal.
Step 6: Pay the Visa Fee
The cost of a standard tourist visa for India from the UK is GBP 127 for up to one year.
It is GBP 378 for one to five years, per the High Commission of India in London. Fees vary by visa type, length of stay, and how you apply. You can use a regular sticker visa or an e-visa.
Pay the applicable visa fee using the payment method provided by the official Indian e-Visa portal.
Visa fees can change, so check the current amount during the application.
Step 7: Save Your Application Information
Keep your application reference number and payment information safely so that you can check the status of your application later.
Step 8: Check Your e-Visa Status
Use the official e-Visa portal to check the progress of your application.
If approved, carefully read the electronic visa document and follow the instructions provided.
How to Apply for a Regular Indian Visa from the UK
If you need a regular Indian visa, the application process is different from an e-Visa.
The High Commission of India in London states that regular visa services have been outsourced to VFS Global UK, and applicants submit their applications through designated VFS centres.
Step 1: Determine Which Indian Visa You Need
First identify the correct visa category.
For example:
- Tourist Visa – tourism and eligible visits
- Business Visa – eligible business activities
- Student Visa – study in India
- Medical Visa – eligible medical treatment
- Employment Visa – eligible employment
- Entry Visa – specific entry purposes
- Transit Visa – eligible transit travel
Choosing the correct category is important because the required documents and application process can differ.
Step 2: Complete the Indian Visa Application Online
The High Commission states that applicants for regular visas must complete the application online before submitting their documents.
Complete the application form carefully using the information in your passport.
Step 3: Print Your Completed Application
After completing the online application, print the application form as instructed.
The High Commission advises applicants to submit a printout together with the required documentation, photographs, passport and applicable fees.
Step 4: Prepare Your Supporting Documents
Prepare all documents required for your particular visa category.
Depending on the type of visa, these can include documents relating to:
- Passport
- Photographs
- Travel plans
- Accommodation
- Financial circumstances
- Employment or business
- Invitation or supporting letters
- Education
- Medical treatment
- Other documents relevant to the purpose of travel
Always check the current requirements for your specific visa before attending your appointment.
Step 5: Book a VFS Appointment
Applicants are required to submit their applications through the designated VFS service centre.
The High Commission currently advises applicants to obtain a prior appointment. Its appointment information says there is currently no walk-in service. It also says applicants should choose the correct service when booking.
Apply for an Indian Visa through VFS Global UK
Step 6: Attend Your Appointment
Attend your VFS appointment with your completed application and supporting documents.
Make sure your documents are complete before attending because incomplete documentation can delay the processing of an application.
Step 7: Submit Your Application and Documents
Submit the application and supporting documents at the designated VFS centre.
Additional requirements may apply depending on your visa category and circumstances.
Step 8: Pay the Applicable Fees
Pay the applicable visa and service fees according to the current instructions.
Fees can change, so check the current VFS and High Commission information before submitting your application.
Step 9: Track Your Application
After submission, use the available VFS tracking service to monitor your application.
Processing times can vary. The High Commission says processing depends on each application, and some may take longer than others.
Step 10: Receive Your Passport
Once processing has been completed, follow the instructions provided by the visa application centre for passport collection or delivery.
Do not make non-refundable travel arrangements based solely on an application being submitted. The High Commission advises applicants to confirm travel plans only after obtaining the appropriate visa.
Indian Visa Processing Time from the UK
Indian visa processing times can vary depending on the visa category, individual circumstances, documentation and the processing requirements applicable to the application.
The High Commission of India in London says processing times vary by application, and some may take longer.
For the most current processing information, check the official VFS Global UK guidance before applying.
Indian Visa Requirements for UK Travellers
Visa requirements depend on your nationality, passport type and reason for travelling.
For British citizens traveling to India, the UK government says your passport must meet two rules.It must expire at least six months after your arrival date.It must also have at least two blank pages.
However, passport validity and entry requirements should always be checked against the latest official Indian requirements before travelling.
Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for India?
Yes, ordinary British citizens need a valid visa to enter India. There is no visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival. Most UK travelers can apply online for an e-Visa for tourism, business, or medical needs. This avoids an embassy visit. Holders of a valid Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card do not need a visa.
The appropriate Indian visa or travel authorisation depends on the traveller’s nationality, passport and purpose of travel.
Do not confuse an Indian visa for travelling to India with a UK visa for travelling to the United Kingdom.
VFS Global India Visa UK
VFS Global is the service provider used for regular Indian visa applications in the UK.
The High Commission of India in London directs applicants to VFS Global for the latest information about visa applications, supporting documents, appointments and visa centres.
Indian Visa Application UK – Important Tips
Before submitting your application:
- Check that your passport details are correct.
- Select the correct visa category.
- Make sure your documents meet the current requirements.
- Complete the online application carefully.
- Print the application if applying for a regular visa.
- Book the correct VFS appointment.
- Arrive with all required documents.
- Check the latest processing information before booking travel.
- Use official government and VFS websites for visa information.
- Avoid relying on outdated visa information from third-party websites.
Indian High Commission London Visa Services
The High Commission of India in London provides information on several Indian visa types. These include tourist, business, medical, student, employment, transit, entry, conference, and other specialized visas.
For the latest visa information, applicants should consult the official High Commission website and VFS Global UK.
High Commission of India, London – Official Website
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Indian High Commission in London?
The High Commission of India is located at India House, Aldwych, London, WC2B 4NA, United Kingdom.
Is there an Indian Embassy in London?
The official diplomatic mission is called the High Commission of India, London. People commonly search for it as the Indian Embassy in London.
How do I apply for an Indian visa from the UK?
Depending on your eligibility and visa type, you can apply for an Indian e-Visa online.Or, you can apply for a regular visa through the VFS Global process in the UK.
Can I apply for an Indian visa directly at the High Commission?
For regular visa applications, the High Commission states that the service has been outsourced to VFS Global UK and applications should be submitted through the designated service centres.
Can I apply for an Indian e-Visa at the High Commission?
No. The High Commission states that Indian e-Visas are not handled by Indian missions abroad. Applicants should use India’s official e-Visa system.
Do I need a VFS appointment for a regular Indian visa?
The High Commission’s current appointment guidance says applicants need a correct prior appointment and that there is currently no walk-in service.
How long does an Indian visa take from the UK?
Processing time varies depending on the application. The High Commission advises that some applications can take longer and recommends confirming travel plans only after obtaining the appropriate visa.
What is the Indian High Commission London phone number?
The High Commission’s published general telephone number is +44 (0)20 7836 9147.
What is the Indian High Commission London emergency number?
The published emergency helpline is +44 (0)7768 765 035.
Official Indian Visa Links
For the most accurate and current information, use official sources:
High Commission of India London
Disclaimer
This page is for information only. It is not the official website of the Government of India. It is also not the official website of the High Commission of India in London. Visa rules, fees, processing times, document requirements and application procedures can change. Always check the latest rules on the official High Commission of India and VFS Global websites.Do this before you apply or make travel plans.
