1 Year Multi Entry Visa - UK

That will certainly confuse a lot of people, including the cops. Your visa is really only valid 180 days, though the term is longer.

The cops really don't want everyone with a long-term tourist visa showing up on every visit. Too many other things they have to deal with, including you reporting when you wish to leave the country.

All you need to worry about is that each entry into India is for no longer than 180 days during the life of the visa.

I have made 3 visits on one 12 month visa, all for short lengths of time.

Talking about confusing people.......................

Your 12 month tourist visa is not ONLY VALID for 180 days, it is valid for 365/6 days from date of issue, but for STAYS NOT EXCEEDING 180 days.

Yes. this has caused confusion for years - particularly for Americans with 10-year visas.
The consensus is that it means 'visas valid for [a stay of] more than 180 days'

AndyD 8-)₹

Thanks for the clarification.

On this advice I will not waste time trying to register on arrival.

I suspected that immigration control registration was actually only required for a visitor staying longer than 180 days but the wording on the visa muddies the waters.

Lucky you got your visa before the price increase!!!

AndyD 8-)₹

I know. Lucky, lucky. lucky b......d

The new price is almost the cost of a flight. The price hike is huge. This may have an impact on voluntary groups.

Maybe I should stay a little longer and make the most if it. I had planned for three months in India sandwiched with visits to Sti Lanka and Nepal. A little extra 'meditation' time in the Northern foothills would be really very good. I will have to see how the money goes. My cycle ride raises money for charity but entirely self funded in terms of the travel costs and am a shoestring budget.

Staying on subject I hope that 5 year visas become more easily available for regular travellers to India as they now are more attractive than the 1 year now from an economic point of view.

Excuse typos...I cannot see how to edit my post and am on my mobile.

Encouraging stuff. I've only ever had the 6 month T Visa. On my first trip I actually applied (and paid for, I might add) for a 1 year T Visa but they only issued a 6 month multiple entry. I wonder if this was due to my not providing a covering letter and itinerary?

Probably a stupid question but what sort of info did those successful applicants include in their covering letters and itineraries? Also, do you think there's any value in lodging it in person as opposed to postal?

I have applied for mine by post.

I attached a covering letter just explained that I was going to India on these dates and that I planned to go on these dates later in the year and would they condsider granting me a 12 month visa. As simple as that.

Be interesting to see what's needed for 2-year and 5-year visas.

AndyD 8-)₹

I provided a letter of introduction with information relating to my qualification/work and overseas medical charity sponsorship. In addition I detailed dates of travel and back up preparations (I am doing a big bike ride). The letter was accompanied by an itinerary which detailed dates, duration of stay and purpose of visit. I submitted my application in person and it seemed like a fairly routine matter. I suspect the nature and purpose of my visit was a factor in being granted the full year.

Ps writing this from E. coast of Sri Lanka having completed first 400 miles. A long way to go!

Good luck Clanger, keep us posted.