Indian Embassy London: Visa Applications, OCI Cards and Consular Services 2026

The High Commission of India in London is India's principal diplomatic mission in the United Kingdom. It covers England, Wales and Northern Ireland; a separate Deputy High Commission serves Scotland from Edinburgh and a consulate serves Birmingham. The High Commission handles Indian visa applications (through VFS Global), OCI card services, Indian passport renewals, civil registration and bilateral governmental affairs. Note: This page covers the High Commission as the "Indian Embassy London." India does not have embassies in Commonwealth countries - the equivalent diplomatic mission is called a High Commission. The functions and services are identical to those of an embassy.

Address and Contact

India House is located at Aldwych, London WC2B 4NA. The nearest Underground stations are Temple (District and Circle lines) and Holborn (Central and Piccadilly lines). The High Commission does not accept walk-in applications for visas or OCI services - these must be submitted through VFS Global. General enquiries: hci.london@mea.gov.in or +44 (0)20 7836 8484.

Indian Visa Applications for UK Residents

British nationals and most other nationalities require a visa to travel to India. The simplest route for eligible nationalities is the Indian e-Visa (eTV - Electronic Travel Authorisation), available online at indianvisaonline.gov.in. The e-Visa is available for tourism (e-Tourist Visa), business (e-Business Visa), medical travel and conference attendance. It is valid for 30 days to 5 years depending on the type selected, and grants single, double or multiple entry. For visa types not covered by the e-Visa system - employment visas, student visas, research visas, journalist visas and long-stay visas - applicants must apply for a sticker visa through VFS Global.

VFS Global India Visa Application Centres

VFS Global manages Indian visa and OCI applications on behalf of the High Commission of India. The main London application centre is at Millbank Tower, 21-24 Millbank, London SW1P 4QP. Additional VFS Global centres for Indian services operate in Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh. Appointments are booked at vfsglobal.com/india/unitedkingdom.

OCI Card Services

The Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card is a lifelong multi-entry visa for persons of Indian origin who hold foreign citizenship, and for the foreign spouses of Indian nationals or OCI cardholders. It grants visa-free travel to India for life, parity with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) for most economic, financial and educational purposes, and the right to work in India without a separate employment visa. OCI card applications are submitted through VFS Global. New applications, renewals following passport renewal, re-issuance of lost cards and conversions from PIO (Person of Indian Origin) card to OCI are all available. The OCI card must be updated (re-issued) each time the holder obtains a new passport until the age of 20, and once more after the age of 50.

Indian Passport Services

Indian nationals resident in the UK can renew or replace Indian passports through the High Commission. Services include passport renewal, issue of a new passport following loss or damage, change of details (name, address, addition of spouse's name), emergency certificate issue, and Emigration Check Required (ECR) removal. Applications are submitted online through the Passport Seva portal (passportindia.gov.in) and appointments for document submission are booked through the High Commission's appointment system.

Visa Fees

Indian e-Visa fees depend on the visa type and the applicant's nationality. British nationals currently pay $25 for a 30-day e-Tourist Visa, $40 for a 1-year e-Tourist Visa and $80 for a 5-year e-Tourist Visa (fees in USD, charged to a card). Sticker visa fees vary by category and are detailed on the VFS Global India website. VFS Global charges a service fee in addition to the government visa fee.

Emergency and Urgent Services

The High Commission provides emergency travel documents (Emergency Certificates) for Indian nationals who need to return to India urgently and cannot wait for a standard passport. These require an appointment and supporting documentation. For British nationals who need an emergency Indian e-Visa, the standard online system typically processes applications within 72 hours; a priority processing option is available at higher cost.

Where is the Indian Embassy in London?

The High Commission of India (the Commonwealth equivalent of an embassy) is at India House, Aldwych, London WC2B 4NA. The nearest tube stations are Temple and Holborn.

Do British citizens need a visa to visit India?

Yes. British nationals require a visa for India. Most can apply for an Indian e-Visa online at indianvisaonline.gov.in, which covers tourism, business and medical travel. Standard sticker visas for other purposes are processed through VFS Global.

How do I apply for an OCI card in the UK?

OCI card applications are submitted through VFS Global at its Indian services centres. The main London centre is at Millbank Tower, SW1P 4QP. Apply online at ociservices.gov.in and book your VFS appointment for document submission.

How long does an Indian visa take from the UK?

e-Visas are typically processed within 72 hours online. Sticker visas through VFS Global generally take 5 to 15 working days depending on visa type.

What is the difference between the Indian Embassy and the Indian High Commission?

India does not have embassies in Commonwealth countries. The High Commission of India performs the same diplomatic and consular functions as an embassy. The terms are used interchangeably for practical purposes.

Can I renew my Indian passport at India House London?

Yes. Indian nationals can renew passports through the High Commission. Applications are initiated online at passportindia.gov.in and document submission appointments are booked through the High Commission's system.