Travel Advice for British Citizens of Indian Origin in 2025
If you’re a British citizen of Indian origin, planning a visit to India might raise questions about what kind of visa or travel document you need.The most common terms you’ll hear are OCI, PIO, and Indian Tourist Visa — but what do they mean in 2025?
This blog breaks down the differences, clarifies outdated information, and helps you choose the right option for your travel to India.
First, What Is the PIO Card?
Let’s clear this up quickly: PIO (Person of Indian Origin) cards were officially discontinued in 2015. If you still have a PIO card, it is no longer valid for entry into India. You must convert it into an OCI card to avoid issues at immigration.
OCI stands for Overseas Citizen of India. It is not dual citizenship, but a lifelong visa that allows you to:
Enter India without a visa
Stay in India for as long as you want
Buy property in India (with some restrictions)
Apply for Indian PAN, Aadhaar, and driver’s licence (in most states)
Work and study in India
In 2025, OCI cards remain the most powerful travel document for British citizens of Indian origin.
When Should You Use an Indian Tourist Visa?
If you are not eligible for OCI — for example, if your Indian ancestry goes beyond your grandparents or you are visiting purely as a tourist — you can apply for a standard Indian Tourist Visa.
Key points for the Indian e-Tourist Visa in 2025:
Valid for 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years
Single or multiple entry depending on the type
Must leave India before expiry (no extensions)
Ideal for casual travel, sightseeing, or short family visits
Your parents or grandparents were Indian citizens, or
You were eligible for PIO status before 2015
You are not eligible if:
You, your parents, or grandparents ever held Pakistani or Bangladeshi citizenship
You don’t have documented proof of Indian origin
For more resources on documentation, flights, and travel tips, browse our Travel guides.
What Should You Use in 2025?
If you visit India once in a while, use an Indian Tourist Visa
If you travel regularly, or for extended stays, apply for an OCI card
If you still have a PIO card, convert it immediately to avoid travel issues
In 2025, OCI cards remain the most powerful travel document for British citizens of Indian descent. The PIO is obsolete, and the Tourist Visa works well for casual visits but comes with restrictions. Choosing the right path ensures smooth travel, no immigration hassles, and deeper ties with the country of your roots.
For detailed step-by-step guides on visa applications, head to our Travel & Identity section on ScottishIndian.com.
Emergencies don’t wait, and when urgent situations arise, British nationals may need to travel to India on short notice. If you’re in this situation, applying for an emergency visa to India for British passport holders is possible — but the process must be followed carefully and quickly. This guide explains how to apply, what documents you need, and where to go for support in the UK.
For general travel planning advice, see our guide on Flying from a UK Airport in 2025, which includes culturally relevant tips for Desi travellers.
Who Can Apply for an Emergency Visa?
Emergency visas are granted in situations involving:
Serious illness or death of a close family member in India
Urgent medical treatment (for self or to accompany a patient)
Legal emergencies
Other humanitarian reasons (reviewed case by case)
Tourism, business, or casual travel do not qualify for emergency visa processing. You must provide supporting evidence for the emergency nature of your visit.
The emergency visa to India for British passport holders is designed specifically for situations like the serious illness or death of a family member, urgent medical needs, or other humanitarian crises. Unlike standard visas, this type requires special handling and evidence, and is usually issued on compassionate grounds.
Want to stay updated on Indian government changes affecting NRIs? Check out our coverage of the Registration Bill 2025 and how it impacts British citizens of Indian origin.
Where to Apply: The Indian High Commission or VFS Global
For UK residents, emergency visa services are facilitated byVFS Globalon behalf of the High Commission of India. These services are available in London, Birmingham, and Edinburgh, with appointments strictly by email for emergency cases.
How to Start the Process
Contact the VFS Emergency Team Email the relevant VFS center (based on your location) with:
Subject: “Emergency Visa Request – [Your Full Name]”
Your full name, passport number, and contact number
Nature of emergency (brief explanation)
Proof of emergency (hospital letter, death certificate, etc.)
Preferred date of travel
Scanned copy of your passport and UK visa/residency proof You’ll need to complete the official Indian Visa Application Form and provide required documents, including proof of the emergency such as a hospital note or death certificate.
Wait for Clearance If your case qualifies, VFS will reply with further instructions, including a link to complete the visa application form and a time for an in-person appointment (usually within 24–48 hours).
In-Person Appointment and Biometrics You must attend your appointment in person to provide biometrics and submit documents.
Required Documents
Valid British passport (with at least 6 months validity)
Proof of emergency (hospital note, death certificate, etc.)
Passport-size photographs (as per Indian visa specifications)
Visa application form (completed online and printed)
Proof of UK residency (BRP, utility bill, etc.)
Visa fee (varies; payable at the center)
Processing Time
Emergency visas are typically processed within 24 to 48 hours after your biometric appointment. Same-day visas are sometimes possible depending on the urgency and time of submission.
Validity and Restrictions
Emergency visas are single-entry only
Validity is usually for 30 days
Entry must occur within the validity period
You must register with the FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) if you overstay or require extensions
What If You Already Have a Tourist Visa?
If you hold a tourist visa but need to travel for emergency purposes, you do not need a new visa unless your existing visa has expired. However, be ready to show supporting documents for your reason for travel at immigration in both the UK and India.
Emergency services are not available on public holidays unless truly exceptional
Always check the official VFS India UK website for the latest information
Be respectful and concise when emailing the emergency team — your tone and clarity matter
Book flexible or refundable flights where possible until your visa is confirmed
In times of distress, the Indian High Commission and VFS Global do accommodate urgent travel needs, but it’s crucial to provide clear evidence and follow the process precisely. With the right documentation and a genuine reason, you can often receive your visa in as little as one working day.
If you’re a British national needing to travel to India for emergency reasons, start by contacting the VFS emergency email line — they are your fastest route to resolution. Getting an emergency visa to India for British passport holders is straightforward if you follow the right process and provide proper documentation. Whether it’s for a loved one’s medical emergency or a critical family matter, the system is built to support urgent travel needs.
A simple, no-stress guide for Indian nationals living in the UK | ScottishIndian.com
Whether you’re a student, a working professional, or raising a family in Scotland or anywhere else in the UK — your Indian passport is one of your most important documents. But what happens when it’s about to expire? 😬
Don’t worry. At ScottishIndian.com, we help Indian migrants in the UK with real-world, step-by-step guides — and renewing your passport is no exception. Here’s everything you need to know to renew your Indian passport in the UK in 2025.
When Should You Renew Your Passport?
You can renew your Indian passport in the UK up to 1 year before expiry, or immediately if it’s expired. It’s also recommended to renew early if:
You’ve run out of visa stamp pages
Your appearance/signature has changed
Your passport is damaged or lost
You’re planning international travel soon
Documents Needed to Renew Your Indian Passport in the UK
Here’s your ScottishIndian-style checklist of what you’ll typically need:
✅ Original Indian passport ✅ Photocopy of first and last pages of passport ✅ Valid UK visa or BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) ✅ Proof of address in the UK (e.g., utility bill, bank statement) ✅ 2 recent passport-size photos (white background, 51x51mm size) ✅ Duly filled online passport application form ✅ Declaration forms (provided by VFS or High Commission site) ✅ Additional documents for name/address/appearance change, if applicable
Step-by-Step Passport Renewal Process
Fill out your application online Go to the Passport Seva Portal and register for a new user account (or log in if you already have one). Complete the form and select “Re-issue of Passport”.
Book an appointment with VFS Global UK Visit VFS Global – Indian Passport UK to book your appointment. Choose the nearest centre (London, Edinburgh, Birmingham, etc.).
Visit VFS with your documents On the day of your appointment, carry originals + copies of all required documents. Biometric data and photographs may be taken again at the centre.
Track your application You’ll receive tracking updates via email/SMS. You can also use the VFS tracking tool on their site.
Receive your new passport Processing usually takes 7–15 working days, depending on the case and document verification.
How Much Does Indian passport renewal in UK Cost?
As of 2025:
Normal 36-page passport: ~£60
Jumbo 60-page passport: ~£70
VFS service fee: ~£7–£10 Optional: Courier return or text message updates at extra cost
Don’t forget to add the photocopies and passport size photo cost
Renewing your passport in the UK might sound daunting, but once you know the steps, it’s pretty straightforward. Just plan early — especially if you have travel plans, visa applications, or university deadlines coming up.
At ScottishIndian.com, we’re here to help Indian nationals living in the UK navigate everything from passports and paperwork to travel, culture, and careers.
Have more queries with passport renewal or booking your VFS appointment? Shoot your questions in our Whatsapp Community group. We’ve got you covered — desi-style, but UK-smart. 💼🇮🇳
