This information sheet is designed to guide Meaningful Miles guests travelling

to India for short-term volunteering experiences of up to one month. It provides clear guidance on visa options, regulations, and essential links. Immigration rules can change, so this document should be read alongside official government advice.

1.  Visa Requirement for UK Citizens

All UK citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to India. There is no visa on arrival for UK passport holders.

     Recommended Visa for Short-Term Volunteering (Up to 30 Days) Tourist e-Visa (30-day e-Tourist Visa)

For most Meaningful Miles experiences lasting up to one month, UK citizens typically apply for a 30-day Tourist e-Visa, provided that:

• The volunteering is unpaid
• The activity is short-term and non-commercial
• There is no employment contract with an Indian organisation
• Volunteering is incidental to travel and cultural exchange

This is the most commonly used and practical visa option for short-term ethical volunteering experiences.

     Important: Visa decisions are made solely by Indian immigration authorities. Meaningful Miles does not issue visas and cannot guarantee visa approval.

2.  What the Tourist e-Visa Does NOT Allow

The Tourist e-Visa does not permit:

• Paid work or employment
• Long-term or full-time volunteering
• Activities that could be interpreted as replacing local employment
• Staying beyond the permitted visa duration

If your placement exceeds 30 days, or involves formal duties with an organisation, you may need an Entry Visa or Employment Visa with NGO endorsement. This must be arranged directly with the relevant Indian Embassy or Consulate.

3.  What You Need to Apply for the e-Visa

Before applying, ensure you have:

• A UK passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of arrival
• A digital passport photograph
• A scan of your passport photo page
• Travel details (arrival airport and dates)
• Access to pay the visa fee online

Meaningful Miles may provide a programme confirmation letter if required for clarity of travel purpose.

4.  Duration, Entry & Registration

• The 30-day Tourist e-Visa allows stays of up to 30 days from the date of entry
• Overstaying a visa is a serious offence and may result in fines or future travel bans
• Longer visas may require registration with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), but this is not required for standard 30-day e-Visas

5.  Health, Safety & Insurance

All Meaningful Miles guests must:

• Hold comprehensive travel and medical insurance, including emergency evacuation
• Check recommended vaccinations with a healthcare provider (e.g. Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Tetanus)
• Follow local laws, customs, and safety guidance during travel

6.  Safeguarding & Child Protection (India)

Meaningful Miles operates under a strict Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy, aligned with Indian law and international standards.

If you witness or suspect harm to a child in India:

• Childline India (24/7): Dial 1098

This is India’s national child protection helpline supported by the Ministry of Women and

Child Development.

7.  Important Official Links

     Indian Visa & Immigration

• Official Indian Government e-Visa Portal: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/
• UK Government – India Entry Requirements: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/entry-requirements

     Child Protection

• Childline India:

Phone: 1098 (within India)

      Safeguarding Good Practice (India)

• Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India
• Bhumi India – Child Protection & Volunteer Safeguarding Frameworks

8.  Key Reminders for Meaningful Miles Guests

    Apply for your visa early (at least 2–3 weeks before travel)          Ensure your volunteering is unpaid and short-term

    Carry a copy of your visa approval while travelling

    Respect local communities, cultures, and safeguarding rules  Travel with humility, responsibility, and care

Disclaimer

This information sheet is provided for guidance only. Visa rules are determined by the Government of India, and requirements may change without notice. Guests are responsible for ensuring they hold the correct visa for their travel purpose.