India is a vibrant nation of astonishing contrasts, where both traditional and modern cultures collide. Coupled with its bustling business scene, it is unsurprisingly one of the world’s most popular destinations.
At Saudiwakala, we’re dedicated to making it easier to travel to India from the UK, whether for holidays or business trips. Our India visa application process helps our customers to obtain tourist and business documentation from the Indian Visa Centre in London, saving you from having to complete the process yourself.
This means minimal effort for you, and added peace of mind that your passport and documentation will be handled by experts.
Applying for an Indian visa with Saudiwakala is done in four main steps:
Types of Visa | Validity | Fees GBP (£) |
---|---|---|
Business Visa | Fast: Completed within two working days Standard: Completed within 10 working days | From £289.00 |
Tourist Visa | Fast: Completed within two working days Standard: Completed within 10 working days | From £269.00 |
Whether you’re interested in culture, art or nature, Iran caters to all types of traveller. The country is blessed with everything from stunning architecture and fascinating Persian art, to beautiful natural wonders and bustling metropolises.
As leading Iranologist Richard Nelson Frye once proclaimed: "Iran's glory has always been its culture." The culture of Iran, also known as the culture of Persia, is among the world’s oldest, with the country considered one of the cradles of civilisation. Notable features of Persian culture include ancient dance practices, its rich literary and artistic heritage, and distinctive forms of architecture that can be seen in Iran’s historic gates, palaces, religious sites, bridges and more. The traditional theme of this style is cosmic symbolism, which portrays the communication and participation of man with the powers of heaven. Meanwhile, Farsi, the official language of Iran, is one of the most historically prominent tongues in the Middle East, and has been used by various empires across Asia. Outside of Iran, it is currently also spoken in Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Russia.
Another prominent feature of Iranian culture is religion, with almost the entire population practising Islam. Around 90-95% of these follow the Shia branch, while about 5–10% practise the Sunni and Sufi branches. This informs the country’s conservative nature, with “liberal” Western influences discouraged by authorities. Religious public holidays such as the Iranian Islamic Republic Day and the Anniversary of the Islamic Revolution are a key part of its national culture and celebrated widely.
Iran’s economy is among the world’s top 30 by GDP, with its main sectors including hydrocarbon, agriculture and the services industry. The country ranks second in the world for natural gas reserves and fourth in proven crude oil reserves. As a result, Iran’s economic activity and government reserves are dependent on oil revenues. The country has been hit hard by the US sanctions reimposed in mid-2018 and has since focused on domestic capabilities and reducing its dependence on oil exports as a result.
Iran’s most popular destination is arguably Persepolis, the capital of the first Persian Empire and the birthplace of Persian civilisation. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll find iconic landmarks including the Ruins of the Gate of All Nations, the Apadana Palace and various ancient tombs here. Outside of Persepolis, there are an abundance of Iranian architectural wonders to explore, including Naqsh-e Jahan Square and the Si O Se Pol Bridge in Isfahan, and the Azadi Tower and the Golestan Palace in Tehran.
Iran is also full of jaw-dropping natural spectacles, such as Mount Damavand, the highest volcano in Asia — standing at 5600m — which is frequently cited in Persian mythology and folklore. Located 41 miles northeast of Tehran, Damavand can be admired from afar or climbed, with trekkers able to reach the summit in two days. Another beautiful natural wonder is the Maranjab Desert, situated 37 miles north-east of Kashan. Not only can you marvel at the wondrous landscape itself, but there’s a chance to spot animals including cheetahs, lizards and scorpions.