Long-stay / residence for British citizens travelling to India
Residence in India uses long-term visas or OCI for qualifying persons of Indian origin.
For a full British citizen passport. Other British passport types can follow a different rule.
Key facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who it's for | Long-term residents and OCI holders. · OCI Services portal (opens in a new tab) |
| Maximum stay | Visa or OCI conditions. · OCI Services portal (opens in a new tab) |
| Cost | OCI and long-stay visa fees are on OCI Services (opens in a new tab) and the Indian mission fee schedule. · OCI Services portal (opens in a new tab) |
| Processing time | OCI and long-stay applications are processed by Indian missions or OCI Services — timelines vary by category. · OCI Services portal (opens in a new tab) |
| How to apply | Indian mission or OCI services portal. · OCI Services portal (opens in a new tab) |
Each fact above is linked to the authority that sets the rule. Entry Visa Guide does not take applications.
Apply only on the government website linked above. This site does not issue visas or travel authorisations and does not take applications. Other websites charge their own service fee on top of any government charge.
How to apply
- Determine whether OCI or a long-term visa fits your case.
- Apply before travel with supporting civil documents.
- Register with FRRO for stays beyond visa conditions.
FAQ
Is OCI permanent?
OCI is a lifelong multipurpose document with its own rules — not identical to Indian citizenship.
Can e-Tourist be extended?
GOV.UK says e-Tourist visas are not extendable in India.
Sources
- GOV.UK: India entry requirements (opens in a new tab)
- Indian government: e-Visa portal (opens in a new tab)
- Indian government: e-Tourist visa fee table (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
- Indian government: e-Arrival card (opens in a new tab)
- Indian government: authorised visa portal, including the warning about agents (opens in a new tab)
Independent guide, not legal advice. Entry Visa Guide is an independent information site. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or run by any government or public authority. Always check official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Report an error.