India has reinstated e-visas for entry to the country after halting them last year and demanding all applications for UK nationals be made in person.
The High Commission of India confirmed the U-turn today and said the e-visa service would once again be available for UK nationals travelling to India.
It said a system upgrade was under way, adding that the visa website would soon be ready to take applications from the UK.
The UK was one of several countries not put back on to the e-visa list in 2021 when the application entry process was reinstated after the Covid pandemic.
In a video shared on Twitter, Indian High Commissioner Vikram K. Doraiswami said: “We are rolling out e-visas once again and this service will be available to you forthwith. We are looking forward to a good winter season.”
Team @HCI_London is delighted to confirm that e-Visa facility will again be available for UK nationals travelling to India. System upgrade is underway & the visa website will soon be ready to receive applications from friends in the UK. Here's a video on the subject. @MEAIndiapic.twitter.com/E0UdgMOayG
— India in the UK (@HCI_London) December 5, 2022
On the Indian visa website, it said e-visas had been restored and now covered all 164 eligible countries. It said all valid eVisas could now be used for entry into the country.
Kerry Golds, chief tour operating officer for Abercrombie & Kent, said: “India has been a firm favourite for both Cox & Kings and A&K guests for years.
“The return of the e-visa for British citizens is a significant step forward in removing a barrier for travellers planning a visit to this incredible, captivating country.”
In November the high commission introduced interim measures including a doorstep service to speed up the visa application process, said to have left millions of UK bookings at risk. The doorstep service remains in operation.
A new visa processing centre also recently opened in Glasgow and another in Marylebone, London to speed up the process.