2025 Visa Guide: Everything UK Travellers Need to Know About India, Bali, and Thailand

As travel continues to evolve in 2025, understanding visa requirements has never been more crucial for UK travellers planning their Asian adventures. Whether you're dreaming of India's colorful streets, Bali's serene beaches, or Thailand's vibrant culture, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about visa requirements, application processes, and essential travel documentation.

Visa Process

Your Journey to India: A Complete Visa Guide

India's rich tapestry of cultures and experiences beckons, but first, let's navigate the visa process with confidence. The Indian government has significantly streamlined its visa system for 2025, making it more accessible for UK travellers while maintaining necessary security measures.

Understanding India's e-Visa System

The e-Visa has revolutionised travel to India for British citizens. Gone are the days of lengthy postal applications and in-person visits to the Indian High Commission. The digital system now processes applications swiftly, typically within 72 hours, though applying at least a week before travel is recommended for peace of mind.

The e-Tourist Visa comes in three variants, each catering to different travel needs. The 30-day visa is perfect for short trips and first-time visitors. For those planning multiple visits or longer stays, the one-year and five-year options offer excellent value and flexibility. Multiple entries are permitted, though each stay cannot exceed 90 days.

When applying through the official portal (https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html), you'll need to provide specific documentation. Your passport should have a minimum of six months validity and at least two blank pages. The photo requirements are particular – a square image with a white background, showing your full face without glasses or head covering (unless worn for religious purposes).

The application process includes providing detailed information about your travel plans. You'll need confirmed hotel bookings for at least your first few nights, even if you plan to travel spontaneously afterward. Many travelers ask about showing sufficient funds – while there's no specified amount, having bank statements showing a healthy balance relative to your planned stay duration is advisable.

Business and Medical Visas: Special Considerations

For those combining business with pleasure or seeking medical treatment, India offers specialized visa categories. The e-Business Visa requires additional documentation, including a letter from your UK employer and an invitation from an Indian business partner. Medical visas need confirmation from an Indian hospital or healthcare provider, along with a brief description of the intended treatment.

Exploring Indonesia: Bali Visa Requirements Explained

Bali, Indonesia's paradise island, welcomes UK travellers with relatively straightforward entry requirements. The visa-free facility for 30-day stays has made spontaneous trips possible, but understanding the nuances of longer stays and visa extensions is crucial for a worry-free vacation.

Visa-Free Entry vs. Visa on Arrival

The visa-free entry is ideal for typical holiday durations, but it comes with limitations. You cannot extend it, and you must exit Indonesia before the 30 days expire. The Visa on Arrival (VoA) offers more flexibility. While it initially grants the same 30-day stay, you can extend it once for an additional 30 days without leaving the country.

The extension process for VoA takes place in Bali's immigration office in Denpasar. In 2025, they've introduced an online appointment system to reduce waiting times, though you'll still need to visit in person. The extension process typically takes 3-4 working days, so plan accordingly and don't wait until the last minute.

Long-Term Stay Options in Bali

For those enchanted by Bali's charms and planning extended stays, Indonesia offers several visa options. The Social-Cultural Visa, obtained through the Indonesian Embassy in London before travel, allows for an initial 60-day stay and can be extended four times, each for 30 days, allowing a total stay of up to six months.

Digital nomads have a new opportunity in 2025 with Indonesia's Digital Nomad Visa, allowing stays of up to six months tax-free, provided you earn from overseas sources. This visa type requires proof of income, health insurance, and a passport valid for at least 12 months.

Thailand's Welcoming Visa Policies

Thailand continues to maintain its reputation as one of Asia's most welcoming destinations for UK travellers. The visa exemption scheme now allows for 45-day stays upon arrival by air, a recent extension from the previous 30-day limit, reflecting Thailand's commitment to tourism recovery.

Beyond the Visa Exemption

While many visitors find the 45-day exemption sufficient, Thailand offers several visa options for longer stays. The Single-Entry Tourist Visa grants an initial 60-day stay and can be extended for an additional 30 days at local immigration offices. The process has been digitized in 2025, with online scheduling and faster processing times.

The Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa remains popular among frequent visitors. Valid for six months from the date of issue, it allows multiple visits of up to 60 days each. This visa type particularly suits those planning to use Thailand as a base for exploring neighboring countries.

Special Entry Programs

Thailand's Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa program, introduced for high-potential individuals, offers stays of up to 10 years. While the requirements are stringent – including significant investment or proven professional expertise – it's worth considering for those planning substantial time in Thailand.

The SMART Visa program caters to professionals in targeted industries, digital nomads, and startup entrepreneurs. Requirements include minimum income thresholds and qualifications, but the benefits include work authorisation and minimal reporting requirements.

Essential Health and Insurance Requirements

Each destination has specific health and insurance requirements that travellers must carefully consider. India has introduced mandatory travel insurance for certain visa categories in 2025, while Thailand strongly recommends it, particularly for adventure activities and medical coverage.

Vaccination Considerations

While yellow fever certificates are only required if arriving from affected countries, other vaccinations are recommended. The NHS Travel Vaccinations service provides comprehensive advice, and appointments should be scheduled at least eight weeks before travel. Some vaccinations require multiple doses over time, so early planning is essential.

Insurance Documentation

Travel insurance requirements have become more stringent in 2025. Policies must typically cover:

• Medical expenses up to £2,000,000

• Emergency repatriation

• Trip cancellation and interruption

• Coverage for adventure activities if planned

• COVID-19 related expenses

Emergency Situations and Solutions

Despite careful planning, emergencies can arise. Each country has specific procedures for lost passports, visa issues, or medical emergencies. The key is knowing where to seek help and having necessary documentation readily available.

Lost Passport Procedures

If your passport goes missing, immediately:

1. File a police report locally

2. Contact the nearest British Embassy or Consulate

3. Apply for an Emergency Travel Document

4. Contact your travel insurance provider

Keep digital copies of all important documents in a secure cloud storage service, and share access with a trusted contact at home.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Application Process

Success in visa applications often comes down to attention to detail and proper preparation. Start gathering required documents well in advance, and create a digital folder for easy access to all necessary information.

Document Authentication

Some documents may require authentication or notarisation. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides an apostille service for official document verification. Allow additional time and budget for these requirements.

Financial Preparations

While specific amounts aren't always stated, having robust financial evidence strengthens your application. Recent bank statements should show stable finances and sufficient funds for your intended stay. Credit card statements can supplement this but shouldn't be the primary evidence.

Planning Your Multi-Country Journey

Many travellers combine visits to India, Bali, and Thailand in one trip. Careful visa planning is essential for such itineraries. Consider visa validity periods, entry/exit requirements, and processing times when planning your route.

Optimal Routes and Timing

Start with countries having stricter visa requirements (like India) and work your way through to more flexible destinations (like Thailand). This approach provides more certainty in your planning and reduces the risk of visa-related complications.

Looking Ahead: Future Visa Developments

Visa policies continue to evolve, with many countries moving toward digital solutions and longer-stay options. Stay informed about changes through official government websites and reliable travel resources.

Digital Integration

All three countries are expanding their online visa services, with improved integration of biometric data and digital payment systems. This modernisation promises faster processing times and more user-friendly applications.

Note: This information is accurate as of January 2025. Visa requirements can change quickly, so always verify details with official sources closer to your travel date.