Kerala Kerala Visa Information
Kerala & Indian Visa Requirements
A valid visa is required by British passport holders prior to travelling to Kerala. For the full and most up to date information regarding visa requirements, please visit the Web pages of the Indian High Commission. Please also note that the Indian authorities will not permit Indian passport holders to travel on Charter Flights.
Applying for a visa
It is important to make sure that you have sufficient time to obtain a visa before travelling and it is recommended to apply as soon as you can. If you are 90% sure that you will be going to India but have not yet booked, you should still consider getting your visa now, rather than waiting until you book (Visa's are valid for 6 months from date of issue). This will also give you the flexibility of booking late, if you are looking for a late booking bargain. There are three ways in which you can apply for an Indian visa; by post, in person or via an agency. If you are applying online or by post, please visit the website of the Indian High Commission.
Applying in person
To apply in person you must make an appointment to visit the India Visa Application Centre and submit your application over the counter. If you decide to apply in person during peak periods you should expect delays, which is why we strongly advise the use of an authorised agent. However, if you are travelling to one of the below offices we can recommend that you arrive as early as possible, preferably by 06:00 to ensure same day service. If you arrive before 08:30 you should receive a 'queue ticket' for a time slot around a week later, but this involves two visits. Once again, we strongly advise you visit the Indian High Commission to ensure you have the most up to date information.
Visa application centres
• High Commission of India
India House, Aldwych, London WC2B 4NA
Queue numbers are issued between 8.30 a.m. and 12.00 noon Mondays to Fridays
Tel: 0207 6323149 / 0207 632 3152.
• Consulate General of India, Birmingham
20 Augusta Street, Jewellery Quarter, Hockley, Birmingham, B18 6JL.
Tel: 0121 212 2782
• Consulate General of India, Edinburgh
17 Rutland Square, Edinburgh, EH1 2BB.
Tel: 0131 229 2144
Applying by Authorised Agent
Tourists can also apply through an authorised visa agent such as The Visa Company. It is recommended to use a visa agency if you don't mind the additional expense. But If you are applying via The Visa Company, please read the guidance on their website.
Indian Visa Application Recommendations
We can recommend the following guidelines depending on when you are departing:
• Departing at least a month away
Use the postal application route, or a visa agency if you don't mind the additional expense.
• Departing 2-4 weeks away
Use a visa agency, or apply in person.
• Departing in the next 2 weeks
Use a visa agency if they can guarantee the timescale, or apply in person.
Kerala & Indian Visa Referees
When completing your application form you will be required to provide details of two referees. One in the UK and one in India. The High Commission of India suggests the following:
1. UK referee – Can be anyone you know in the UK (friends/family).
2. Indian referee – Preferably a contact name, address & phone number for the hotel you are staying in. Failing this, you can just put the 'UK High Commission' (without need for a contact name or address).
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