Last reviewed: May 2026
TL;DR- India House sits at Aldwych, London WC2B 4NA
- Visa categories include e-Visa, tourist, business, student, employment and medical
- OCI Card applications and renewals are also handled
- UK visa work routes through BLS International at blsindia-uk.com
- Confirm current fees and processing times on the official channels
Address and Contact Details
The High Commission of India in London, known as India House, is one of the oldest and largest diplomatic missions in the United Kingdom. The building sits on Aldwych in central London, on the boundary of the City of Westminster and the City of London.
- Address: India House, Aldwych, London, WC2B 4NA
- Phone: +44 (0)20 7836 8484
- Website: https://www.hcilondon.gov.in
The closest London Underground stations are Holborn on the Central and Piccadilly lines, Temple on the District and Circle lines, and Covent Garden. India House handles policy, consular liaison and OCI matters, while most routine visa work is outsourced to BLS International. Counter hours can change on Indian and UK public holidays, so confirm timings on the website before you travel.
Visa Services Available
Indian visa work is split between India House for select consular services and BLS International for routine processing. The main visa categories are:
- e-Visa: online application for short tourism, business and medical trips
- Tourist Visa: paper or e-Visa route for tourism and short personal visits
- Business Visa: for business meetings, conferences and trade activity
- Student Visa: for enrolled students at recognised Indian institutions
- Employment Visa: for individuals taking up paid work in India
- Medical Visa: for treatment at recognised Indian hospitals
- OCI Card: lifetime visa style document for persons of Indian origin
OCI Card applications can run alongside or in place of a visa, depending on your background and family history with India.
How to Book an Appointment
Most UK based applicants apply through BLS International rather than visiting India House directly. The general path is:
- Visit https://www.blsindia-uk.com to start a fresh application
- Complete the online form with personal, passport and travel details
- Upload supporting documents in the required format and file size
- Pay the application and service fees through the listed channels
- Book an appointment at the appropriate BLS centre or India House
- Attend with your printed application, original passport and supporting documents
For e-Visa applications, you usually apply online through the official Indian government e-Visa portal and do not need to attend in person. Always start from the official portal rather than a third party search result, as paid lookalike sites are common.
Documents and Requirements
Document lists vary by visa type, but most applications need:
- A valid UK passport with at least six months of validity remaining and two blank pages
- Recent passport sized photographs meeting the specified Indian visa photo rules
- Proof of UK address such as a utility bill, bank statement or council tax letter
- Completed application form, printed and signed
- Confirmed flight booking or travel itinerary
- For business: a UK company cover letter and an Indian host letter
- For employment: contract or letter from the Indian employer
- For student: confirmed admission letter from the Indian institution
- For medical: letter from a recognised Indian hospital
- For OCI: prior Indian passport copies, parent or grandparent documents proving Indian origin
Applicants of Pakistani or Pakistani origin background may face additional documentation requirements. The portal flags this during the application.
Processing Times and Fees
e-Visa decisions for eligible nationals often come within a few working days. Paper visa processing through BLS typically takes longer, particularly for business, employment and student categories. OCI applications can take several weeks because they involve verification with Indian authorities.
Fees vary by category, applicant nationality and visa duration. BLS adds a service fee on top of the consular fee. Current fee schedules are published on hcilondon.gov.in and blsindia-uk.com, and amounts can change without notice. Pay only through the official BLS payment portal and keep all receipts as part of your record.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I apply at India House or BLS International?
Most routine UK visa and OCI work is outsourced to BLS International. India House handles diplomatic, policy and certain consular matters. Start your application at blsindia-uk.com unless the official portal directs you elsewhere.
Can I apply for an e-Visa as a UK citizen?
UK citizens are usually eligible to apply for an Indian e-Visa for tourism, business and medical purposes. The application is made online through the official Indian government e-Visa portal. You do not normally need to attend a centre in person for this route.
How long does an OCI application take?
OCI applications often take several weeks because they involve verification with Indian authorities. Plan well ahead of travel and avoid booking non refundable flights until the OCI is in hand. Renewals tied to a new passport can be faster but still take time.
What if I have a Pakistani heritage in my background?
Indian visa rules require additional disclosure where the applicant or their parents have a Pakistani heritage. The application portal will request extra information. Provide accurate details, as omissions can delay or block processing.
Can I post documents to BLS instead of attending?
BLS sometimes offers postal or courier submission for certain categories. The current options change, so check the BLS website for your visa type before posting any passport or documents. Use only the BLS approved courier partner if a postal route is available.
How We Verified This
Information was drawn from the official High Commission of India London website at hcilondon.gov.in, the BLS International UK portal at blsindia-uk.com and the UK government's published list of foreign embassies and consulates in the UK on gov.uk. Confirm current information directly with the High Commission or BLS before acting on it, as embassy and outsourcing arrangements change.
