UK Embassy in India

UK Embassy Locations in India

While an embassy represents one country to another, a high commission is what Commonwealth countries call their embassies in fellow Commonwealth nations. Similarly, the consulate general is known as a deputy high commission. 

Here are the locations of the UK's high commission and deputy high commissions in India.

India and UK Relations

India and the UK have strong historical, cultural, and economic relations. The foreign ministries of both countries work very hard to strengthen these relations and benefit both countries.

• Tourism and Travel: In 2023, 604,000 Indians visited the UK. Indian tourists are interested in the country's world-famous spots, such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the London Eye. Scotland's gorgeous green landscapes are among the best places to visit in the UK.
• Visa Requirements: Indians need a Standard Visitor Visa to travel to the UK for tourism. The visa allows a stay of up to 6 months for the reason of the visit. The application process is online, followed by submitting documents to the British High Commission.
• Trade and Business Relations: The UK has a £41 billion trading relationship with India. Recently, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar visited the UK to discuss how to strengthen these relations, especially in tech, AI, and investment opportunities.
• Job Creation: Did you know that India was the second-largest FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) source for the UK in 2022-23? India invested in 118 UK projects, which generated more than 8000 jobs there.

Services Offered by the UK's Embassy and Consulate Generals in India

An embassy (or high commission) is generally located in the host country's capital, while the consulate general offices are in other major cities. The embassy focuses on maintaining international relations, while the consulates focus on providing assistance to UK citizens and services like visa issuance.

Services Offered by the UK Embassy in India

• Emergency Travel Documents for British Citizens: The British High Commission can give an emergency travel document to help British citizens return home if their passport is stolen, lost, or expired in India.
• Issuing Official Letters: The high commission can issue certain official letters to British citizens in India. These include letters for applying for organ transplants, no-objection letters for child adoption, applications for access to Indian national/state archives, and applications to study in an Indian university.
• Citizen Assistance: If a British citizen in India is arrested, a victim of a crime, or faces a major crisis, the High Commission provides assistance and guidance.
• UK Visa Services: The high commission handles all the paperwork, approvals, and processing of UK visas for Indian citizens.
• Diplomatic Relations: The high commission maintains international relationships between India and the UK. This is accomplished through development work in India, visits of British officials to India, and inviting Indian officials to the UK.

Services Offered by the UK Consulate General in India

• Issuing Emergency Travel Documents: The British Deputy High Commissions can also provide emergency travel documents to British citizens whose passports have been stolen, lost, or expired in India.
• Assisting British Citizens: Deputy High Commissions also provide assistance and guidance to British citizens in India.
• Issuing Official Letters: Some deputy high commissions are authorised to provide official letters for child adoption, organ transplant, admission to an Indian university, etc.

How to Contact the UK Embassy in India?

The British High Commission is situated in New Delhi. There are deputy high commissions in several other Indian cities. Here's how you can contact the UK embassy in India.

Do You Need UK Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is not mandatory if you want to travel to the UK as a tourist. However, getting your trip insured is great because it offers emergency financial assistance.

• Medical Emergencies: Travel insurance provides financial help if you need emergency medical treatment or hospitalisation in the UK.
• Repatriation: Insurance also covers repatriation to your home country in case of medical emergencies or death while travelling.
• Lost passport: Travel insurance can assist if you lose your passport in the UK.
• Flight Issues: Get support if you miss your flight or if the flight gets cancelled while travelling to the UK.