UK Visitor Visa from India: Fees, Requirements & Process
UK Visitor Visa from India: Fees, Requirements & Process
5 min read
UK Visitor Visa from India
Travelling to the United Kingdom is a dream for many Indians, whether it’s to explore London’s landmarks, visit family, attend business meetings, or simply enjoy a holiday. To make this possible, Indian citizens need to apply for a UK Visitor Visa (Standard Visitor Visa). This visa allows short stays for tourism, family visits, or business purposes. With expert guidance from Aussizz Group, applying for your UK Visitor Visa becomes a hassle-free experience.
Benefits of a UK Visitor Visa for Indians
The UK Visitor Visa for Indians offers multiple benefits, allowing travellers to visit the United Kingdom for diverse purposes and experiences.
Tourism and Travel: Explore world-famous attractions such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Stonehenge, and the Scottish Highlands. The visa allows stays of up to six months per visit, making it ideal for holidays and cultural exploration.
Business Purposes: Attend short-term business meetings, trade fairs, conferences, or training sessions in the UK with the Standard Visitor Visa, without the need for a separate work permit.
Education: Enrol in short-term study courses (up to six months) at recognised UK institutions, language schools, or universities, making it a great option for students seeking international exposure.
Medical Treatments: Receive advanced medical care at renowned UK hospitals with the Visitor Visa (medical category), provided you submit a medical diagnosis and treatment plan approved by UK healthcare providers.
Visiting Friends and Family: Indians with relatives or friends in the UK can easily apply to visit them under this visa category, valid for up to six months at a time. Long-term options (2, 5, or 10 years) are also available.
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Planning a trip should be exciting, not exhausting—and that's where Travelfika comes in! With our smart AI-powered tools, insider tips, and seamless planning features, we make travel easier than ever.
Whether you're crafting the perfect itinerary, discovering hidden spots, or getting real-time recommendations, Travelfika has your back. No more endless research—just smooth, effortless travel planning tailored to you.Read More
Planning a trip should be exciting, not exhausting—and that's where Travelfika comes in! With our smart AI-powered tools, insider tips, and seamless planning features, we make travel easier than ever.
Whether you're crafting the perfect itinerary, discovering hidden spots, or getting real-time recommendations, Travelfika has your back.Read More
Planning a trip should be exciting, not exhausting—and that's where Travelfika comes in! With our smart AI-powered tools, insider tips, and seamless planning features, we make travel easier than ever. Read More
Planning a trip should be exciting, not exhausting— and that's where Travelfika comes in! With our smart AI-powered tools, insider tips, and seamless planning features. Read More
Cultural and Academic Exchange:
Attend cultural programmes, academic workshops, or research exchanges in the UK under the Visitor Visa framework, enhancing personal and professional growth.
Multiple Entry Options: Depending on the validity chosen, Indian travellers can obtain long-term visas (2, 5, or 10 years), allowing frequent visits with a maximum stay of 6 months per entry.
Travel Advantage: Holding a UK visa can improve travel opportunities, as it often strengthens your profile when applying for visas to other Schengen or Commonwealth countries.
Overall, the UK Visitor Visa provides flexibility and global exposure, making it one of the most valuable short-term visas for Indian nationals.
UK Visitor Visa Types
The UK offers the Standard Visitor Visa, which covers multiple purposes. Depending on your reason for travel, it can be used for:
Visa Type
Visa For
Purpose
Standard Visitor (Tourism)
Tourists, Travellers
Tourism, leisure trips, sightseeing, holidays across the UK.
Standard Visitor (Family)
Friends & Relatives
Visiting family or friends living in the UK for short stays.
Standard Visitor (Business)
Business Professionals
Attending meetings, conferences, trade shows, signing contracts, or short training.
Standard Visitor (Study – Short Term)
Students
Short courses or study programs up to 6 months (or 11 months for English language courses).
Standard Visitor (Medical)
Patients
Receiving private medical treatment at UK hospitals or clinics.
Standard Visitor (Academic)
Academics, Researchers
Conducting academic research or participating in exchange programs (up to 12 months for certain roles).
UK Visa Types With Cost for Indian People
The cost of a UK Visitor Visa depends on the duration and purpose. Here are the common fee categories for Indian applicants:
Standard Visitor Visa (6 months): Approx. ₹11,000 – ₹12,000 (GBP 115).
Note: Fees are subject to exchange rate fluctuations. Always check the official UK Government website before applying.
Validity of Various UK Visa Types for Indian People
6-Month Visa: Most common type, valid for short visits.
2-Year Visa: Multiple entries for up to 6 months per visit.
5-Year Visa: Suitable for frequent travellers to the UK.
10-Year Visa: Long-term option, often chosen by business professionals or those with family in the UK.
Important: Even with a long-term visa, you can only stay up to 6 months at a time in the UK.
Apply for a UK Visitor Visa from India
To apply for a UK Visitor Visa (Standard Visitor Visa) from India, follow these steps:
1. Determine Visa Type: Decide the purpose of your travel, tourism, visiting family/friends, business meetings, medical treatment, or short-term study.
2. Complete Online Application: Fill out the UK Standard Visitor Visa application form on the official UK Government website (www.gov.uk).
3. Pay Visa Fee: Pay the application fee online. The standard 6-month visa costs GBP 115 (approx. ₹11,000–12,000). Longer validity visas (2, 5, or 10 years) have higher fees.
4. Book a Biometric Appointment: Schedule a biometric appointment at your nearest VFS Global Visa Application Centre in India.
5. Submit Supporting Documents: Upload or carry required documents such as a passport, financial proof, an invitation letter, accommodation details, and a travel itinerary.
6. Attend Biometric Appointment: Visit the VFS centre to provide fingerprints and photographs. You may also submit physical copies of documents if required.
7. Wait for Processing: The average processing time is 3–6 weeks, depending on the type of visa and whether you choose standard or priority service.
8. Collect Your Passport: Once your application is decided, you’ll be notified to collect your passport. If approved, your UK Visitor Visa will be stamped inside.
UK Visitor Visa Requirements
For Indian citizens applying for a UK Visitor Visa (Standard Visitor Visa), the following general requirements apply:
Valid Passport: Must be valid for the duration of your stay in the UK, with at least one blank page.
Online Application Form: Complete and submit the visa application form on the official UK Government website.
Visa Fee: Pay the applicable visa fee online in GBP before scheduling your biometric appointment.
Photograph & Biometrics: Provide a recent passport-sized photograph and attend a biometric appointment for fingerprints and a digital photo.
Proof of Funds: Show evidence of financial means (bank statements, salary slips, or savings) to cover your stay and return travel.
Accommodation & Travel Details: Provide proof of where you will stay (hotel bookings, invitation letter, or host details) and your travel itinerary.
Employment/Study Documents: If employed or studying, submit a letter from your employer or educational institution confirming your status and leave approval.
Invitation Letter (if applicable): If visiting family or friends, provide an invitation letter and proof of their UK residency status.
Medical Documents (if applicable): For medical treatment, provide a detailed medical diagnosis and treatment plan from a UK hospital/doctor.
Additional documents may be required depending on the purpose of your visit and your personal circumstances. Let’s get you approved, start your UK ETA application now.
About the UK Visa Application Form
For the UK Visitor Visa, applicants must fill out the online application form on the UK Government website. This form requires:
Personal details (name, address, passport details).
Travel history in the last 10 years.
Financial details and employment information.
Purpose of visit and length of stay.
Accommodation and travel arrangements.
It is crucial to fill out the form accurately. Any mismatch or incomplete details can lead to rejection.
About Biometric Appointment for UK Visa
As part of the application, all Indian applicants must attend a biometric appointment at a VFS Global Visa Application Centre. This includes:
Fingerprints and photograph collection.
Submission of original documents for verification.
Without completing biometrics, your visa application will not be processed.
Tips to Increase Approval Chances
To improve your chances of approval:
Maintain strong financial records (salary slips, ITRs, bank balance).
Show proof of ties to India (employment, property, family).
Provide a clear travel plan (itinerary, accommodation, sightseeing list).
Apply early (at least 2–3 months before travel).
Seek expert guidance from consultants like Aussizz Group.
Applying for a UK Visitor Visa from India may seem complicated, but with the right guidance, it becomes straightforward. From preparing documents to attending biometrics, every step must be handled carefully. Aussizz Group and Travelfika ensure a smooth application process, high success rates, and complete peace of mind.
Ready to travel to the UK? Contact Travelfika today and start your visa journey with confidence.
FAQs – UK Visitor Visa from India
1. What is the UK visitor visa fee in India?
The standard UK Visitor Visa (6 months) fee is approximately ₹11,000–12,000. If you choose long-term validity visas of 2, 5, or 10 years, the cost is higher. Fees must be paid online in GBP during the application. Always check the official UK Government website before applying, as exchange rates and fee updates may apply.
2. How long does it take to process a UK Visitor Visa in India?
The average processing time for a UK Visitor Visa from India is around 3–6 weeks under the standard service. However, if you need quicker results, priority services are available at an additional cost, which may shorten the time to about 1 week. Applicants should apply early, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Can I work in the UK with a Visitor Visa?
No, the UK Visitor Visa does not allow employment or long-term work. It is designed only for tourism, short family visits, business meetings, academic research, or medical purposes. If you wish to work or study long-term in the UK, you must apply for a separate work or student visa category.
4. Do I need travel insurance for a UK Visitor Visa?
Travel insurance is not mandatory for a UK Visitor Visa, but it is strongly recommended. Insurance provides financial protection against unexpected expenses like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage. Having travel insurance not only safeguards your journey but also shows immigration officers that you are prepared and financially responsible during your stay.
5. Can I extend my UK Visitor Visa?
In most cases, extensions are not allowed on the Standard UK Visitor Visa. The visa is typically valid for up to six months per visit. Once your current visa expires, you must apply for a new one if you wish to return. Only under rare circumstances, such as medical reasons, extensions may be considered.
6. What financial documents are required for a UK visa?
Applicants usually need to provide recent bank statements covering at least 6 months, salary slips, and income tax returns (ITRs). These documents prove financial stability and the ability to fund your trip. If someone in the UK is sponsoring your visit, their financial records and a formal invitation letter must also be included in your application.
7. Do I need to book flights before applying?
You don’t need to purchase flight tickets before applying for a UK Visitor Visa. However, providing a tentative travel itinerary or flight booking confirmation can strengthen your application. Immigration officers prefer to see evidence of travel planning. Booking refundable tickets is often suggested to avoid any financial loss in case your visa is delayed or refused.
8. What happens if my UK Visitor Visa is refused?
If your UK Visitor Visa is refused, you will receive a detailed refusal letter explaining the reasons, such as insufficient documents or financial doubts. You can either reapply with stronger evidence after correcting the issues or, in some cases, appeal the decision. Consulting an immigration expert can greatly improve your chances in subsequent applications.
