Last reviewed: May 2026
TL;DR- VFS Global handles Indian sticker visa applications for UK residents on behalf of the High Commission of India and the Indian consulates.
- VFS is separate from BLS International, which processes OCI cards, passport renewals and some other Indian consular services.
- UK centres operate in London, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh, with country availability changing over time.
- Applications start on the Indian government portal, then transfer to VFS for biometrics and submission.
- VFS does not decide your visa. The High Commission or consulate makes the decision.
Address and Contact Details
VFS Global runs the Indian visa application network in the UK from regional centres in London, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh. Past London locations have included Mountview House in Wandsworth and other shared service buildings, but premises have moved more than once.
To find the current address for your nearest Indian visa centre, open vfsglobal.com/India/UnitedKingdom and select your UK city. The portal shows the precise address, postcode, opening hours and access notes.
Verify the current Indian visa centre address at vfsglobal.com/India/UnitedKingdom before travelling. Country-specific helplines and emails are also listed on the same portal.
Countries and Visa Types Handled
The VFS Indian visa centres process sticker visas for travel to India. Common visa categories include:
- Tourist visa (short-term and longer multi-entry options).
- Business visa.
- Conference visa.
- Employment visa.
- Student visa.
- Research visa.
- Medical and medical attendant visa.
- Entry visa (X visa) for spouses and minor children of Indian citizens or OCI cardholders.
OCI card applications, passport renewals for Indian nationals living in the UK, police clearance certificates and many other consular services are handled by BLS International rather than VFS. Visiting the wrong provider can mean a wasted trip.
Indian e-Visa is available for many UK passport holders for tourism, business and medical visits at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Use VFS only if your category is not e-Visa eligible or you specifically need a sticker visa in your passport.
How to Book an Appointment
- Open the Indian visa application portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in and complete the online application form. Save the temporary application ID.
- Go to vfsglobal.com/India/UnitedKingdom and create an account.
- Enter your temporary application ID and personal details.
- Pay the consular visa fee and the VFS service fee online.
- Choose your UK centre and select a date and time slot.
- Print the VFS appointment letter and the signed application form with photograph affixed.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
- Printed VFS appointment letter with barcode.
- Signed Indian visa application form with photograph in the correct format (51mm x 51mm white background).
- Current passport with at least six months validity beyond the intended stay and at least two blank pages.
- Old passports (if any).
- Proof of UK residency (BRP, visa vignette, settled status share code, or recent utility bill).
- Supporting documents for your visa category, such as employer letter for business visa, university acceptance letter for student visa, hospital letter for medical visa.
- Self-addressed return envelope or courier service receipt if you have opted for postal return.
Processing Times and Fees
Indian visa consular fees vary by nationality, visa category and duration. UK nationals usually pay the highest tier of consular fees, while certain other nationalities pay lower rates set by reciprocity. VFS service fees in the UK typically add about £20 to £30 per applicant.
Processing time for a routine sticker visa is normally 5 to 10 working days, though urgent and emergency processing is sometimes available at extra cost. Applications referred to the consulate for further checks can take significantly longer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a sticker visa or can I use an e-Visa for India?
Many UK passport holders can use the Indian e-Visa for tourism, business and medical visits. Categories such as employment, long-stay, research and certain medical attendant visas require a sticker visa via VFS.
Why is BLS International involved if VFS handles Indian visas?
VFS Global handles sticker visa applications. BLS International handles OCI card applications, passport renewals for Indian nationals in the UK, and several other consular services. They are separate operations.
Can I apply for an OCI card at VFS?
No. OCI applications must go through BLS International, not VFS Global.
How long is the Indian tourist visa valid?
UK nationals on a standard tourist visa are typically issued multi-year multi-entry visas (commonly five years), with each visit capped at a set number of days. Always check the visa endorsement for the exact stay limit.
Can a UK resident on a Tier 2 visa apply for an Indian visa at VFS?
Yes. Non-UK nationals living in the UK on a valid visa, BRP or settled status can apply at the UK VFS centres. Bring proof of UK residency in addition to your passport.
How We Verified This
We cross-referenced the VFS Global India UK portal, indianvisaonline.gov.in, the High Commission of India in London website, and gov.uk foreign travel advice. Because consular fees and processing times can change with little notice, we have linked to the official portals rather than reprinting current prices.
