Indian visa services
Indian paper visa (sticker visa)
Some travellers generally need to apply for a stamped visa in their passport instead of an e-Visa. That usually means a VFS appointment, supporting documents in original and copy, and your passport being held while the mission considers the file. We prepare your pack and guide appointments; we do not control timelines or outcomes.
- VFS appointment
- £125 preparation fee
- Passport retained
- Consular categories
Plan for time without your passport
Sticker visas need a different mindset to e-Visas:
- Your passport is normally held by VFS or the High Commission during processing.
- Do not book travel that needs your passport while processing is live.
- Timelines vary by category and by mission workload — we explain published service standards where they exist.
Who this visa is for
Not eligible for e-Visa
Applicants directed to a sticker visa by the official system or by past e-Visa refusals.
Categories outside e-Visa
Visa classes — for example certain entry, journalist, or research categories — that are not on the e-Visa menu.
Consular assessment cases
Travellers who prefer mission review for a complex itinerary or background.
Not sure this is the right route? Message us — we confirm before you pay anything.
What your fee includes
- Completion of paper / sticker visa application via the official portal.
- Photo and signature formatted to current consulate specification.
- Supporting documents reviewed against current consular rules.
- VFS appointment booked at your nearest centre (subject to availability).
- Status tracking until your passport with visa is returned to you.
- Free rework if rejection occurs due to our error.
How we work with you
Contact Matrix or place your order
We confirm whether a paper (sticker) visa is the correct route and which VFS centre applies to your UK address.
Personalised checklist
We list originals and copies required for your appointment pack.
Send scanned documents
We prepare forms and supporting order from scans; you bring originals to VFS.
Appointment and submission
We guide VFS appointment booking where required. Your passport is normally retained by VFS during processing.
Collect passport and visa
We explain typical tracking steps; collection or courier is arranged per VFS instructions.
Government / VFS fees are paid separately by you at the appointment — see the fee table below.
Fees, in plain terms
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Matrix service fee | £125 preparation fee per applicant |
| Government / VFS fees | Indian High Commission, VFS service, SMS and courier fees are paid separately at the appointment. |
| Our turnaround | File typically ready in 2–3 working days |
| Authority processing | Varies by category; your passport is held by VFS during processing |
Matrix Solutions charges a preparation fee agreed on WhatsApp for your case complexity. Indian High Commission and VFS service charges, SMS, courier, and optional add-ons are paid separately unless we explicitly itemise an inclusive package.
Timelines are conditional and confirmed for your case.
Common questions
Does VFS keep my passport?
Yes, for most sticker routes the passport stays with VFS or the mission until a decision is made.
Can you guarantee a date for return of my passport?
No. We explain published service standards where they exist, but we cannot control mission workload.
Important notes
- Final decisions and timelines sit with the relevant authority — we prepare and guide; we do not guarantee outcomes.
- Matrix Solutions (UK Matrix Solutions Ltd) is not affiliated with VFS Global, the Indian High Commission, or the Government of India.
- Companies House no. 13295750 · ICO ZC142664.
Related visa services
Need to confirm whether your case is sticker or e-Visa? Contact us — we confirm before you pay.