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UK Visitor Visa from India: Everything You Need to Know

Last Update: 27-08-2024

UK Tourist Visa

Excited about going to the UK, but overwhelmed with the visa process? We feel you. This comprehensive blog tells you everything you need to know to obtain your UK visitor visa from India.


From essential documentation to in-depth application procedure, visa fees, validity, practical tips and more, we’ll cover all the details. Our objective is to make your journey to the UK stress-free.

⚡Quick Summary

UK visitor visa processing time

3 to 5 weeks

UK visitor visa cost

Euro 115 to Euro 963

UK visitor visa validity

6 months to 10 years

UK visitor visa duration

180 Days

How to apply for a UK visitor visa?

  1. Apply through Teleport
  2. Apply through UK Government portal

Documents required for UK visitor visa

  1. Passport
  2. Cover Letter
  3. Previous visas
  4. Visa Application Form
  5. Bank Statement (Last 6 months)
  6. Appointment Confirmation Letter
  7. Income-tax Returns/Form 16 (Last 3 years)
  8. Proof of Investments - FD, Property Investments, etc. 

Do I Need a UK Visitor Visa from India?

Yes, as an Indian citizen, you typically need a UK visitor visa to enter the UK for tourism or short stays. UK standard visitor visa allows you to visit the UK for up to 6 months. Ensure you apply at least 3 months in advance and meet all the requirements for a successful application.

Table of Contents


  1. UK Visitor Visa Overview
  2. Eligibility Requirements for UK Standard Visitor Visa
  3. Documents Required for UK Visitor Visa
  4. How to Apply for a UK Tourist Visa?
  5. UK Visitor Visa Validity
  6. UK Visitor Visa Fees from India
  7. UK Visitor Visa Processing Time
  8. UK Visitor Visa Extension Process for Indians
  9. Reasons for UK Visitor Visa Rejections
  10. FAQs

UK Visitor Visa Overview

As a Standard Visitor, you can visit the UK for various purposes, including tourism, business, short-term study (up to 6 months), and other permitted activities. Generally, you can stay in the UK for up to 6 months. In specific situations, such as seeking medical treatment, you may apply to extend your stay.


Permitted Activities


As a Standard Visitor, you can:

  • Tourism: Visit the UK for holidays or vacations.
  • Family and Friends: See family or friends.
  • Volunteering: Volunteer for up to 30 days with a registered charity.
  • Transit: Pass through the UK on your way to another country.
  • Business: Engage in certain business activities like meetings or interviews.
  • Permitted Paid Engagements: Participate in paid activities as an expert, such as giving lectures or performing.
  • Recreational Courses: Take part in a recreational course lasting up to 30 days, like a dance course.
  • Study: Study, do a placement, or take an exam.
  • Medical: Visit the UK for medical reasons.

Prohibited Activities


You cannot:

  • Work: Perform paid or unpaid work unless it’s a permitted paid engagement or event.
  • Claim Public Funds: Access public benefits or support.
  • Long-Term Stay: Live in the UK for extended periods through frequent visits.
  • Marriage or Civil Partnership: Marry or register a civil partnership; apply for a Marriage Visitor visa instead.

Eligibility Requirements for UK Standard Visitor Visa

To qualify for a Standard Visitor visa, you must:

  • Valid Passport: Have a passport or travel document valid for your entire stay.
  • Evidence of Departure: Show you will leave the UK at the end of your visit.
  • Financial Support: Demonstrate that you can support yourself and any dependants during your stay or have financial backing from someone else.
  • Return Journey: Prove you can pay for your return or onward journey, or have someone else funding it.
  • No Long-Term Residence: Ensure you are not using the UK for long-term residence through frequent visits.

Additional requirements may apply if you are visiting for study, academic purposes, permitted paid engagements, or medical reasons.

Documents Required for UK Visitor Visa

Following are the documents required for UK visitor visa from India:

UK visitor visa document checklist

Visa Application Form

  • A filled and signed visa application form

Passport

  • Should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the trip's duration
  • Should have at least 2 blank pages
  • Scan of the first and last pages of the passport
  • First and last pages of previous passport (if any), along with its travel history

Bank Account Statement (6 months)

  • Original bank statement for the past 6 months.
  • Should be signed and stamped, by the applicant and the sponsor (if applicable).
  • Minimumn bank balance of at least INR 3,00,000
  • Any abrupt deposits into your savings account must be appropriately explained and justified.

ITR-V

  • ITR-V (Income Tax Return Verification) of the past 3 years

Cover Letter

  • Clearly state the purpose of your trip.
  • Specify the number of days you intend to stay.
  • Provide essential passport and travel details.
  • If self-employed, the cover letter should be presented on your business letterhead.

Appointment Confirmation Letter

  • The appointment letter must include essential information such as the traveller's name, appointment date, time, and location.
  • Applicants must carry this letter with them to gain entry into the visa centre.

Entry and exit passport stamps and previous visas held

  • Copy of entry-exit stamp pages in passport and visa stickers over the last 10 years.

Proof of Fixed Deposits, Property Investments, Other Investments etc.

  • Evidence of rental income receipt, interest earnings, and other income sources.

If age under 18

  • Birth Certificate
  • Parent's Passport Copy or ID, if minor is travelling without parents/single parent
  • Copy of passport bio page of accompanying adult - if minor is travelling with parent(s) or legal guardian(s), and they are not applying for a visa at the same time

If Student

  • Provide a copy of your school or college identification.

If Employed

  • Employer's letter confirming approved leave.
  • Provide the original company letter on official letterhead, including the authorised signatory's name, designation, contact information, and company seal stamp.
  • Last 3 months' salary slips.

If Self-Employed

  • Submit a copy of either the Company Registration, GST Certificate, Memorandum of Association (MOA), or Partnership Deed.
  • Last 6 months company bank statement. The bank should have at least €  50-150 per day of the trip per traveller. 
  • Income Tax Return of the company for the last 3 years.

If Sponsored

  • Documentation of accessible and demonstrated available funds of the sponsor.
  • Should have balance of at least € 50-150 per day of the trip per traveller 
  • Proof of sponsorship and support, including specifics on the nature and method of support provided.

How to Apply for UK Visitor Visa from India?

Apply for a UK Visitor Visa through VFS Global

Step 1: Research on Your Visa Type: Begin by finding the right visa for your trip and ensuring you meet all UK visitor visa requirements. Learn about the documents required, processing time, and fees. If your documents aren't in English, consider translating them first.


Step 2: Get Your Documents Ready: Make sure you have all the documents needed for a Netherlands visa. Keep reading ahead for a complete checklist.


Step 3: Apply for Your UK Tourist Visa: Head to the UK Visas and Immigration website to apply for your visa.


Step 4: Pay Your Fees: You'll be required to pay a visa fee upon application submission. Once you have paid your UK visa fees, you will be given a reference number that starts with GWF.  This number will be helpful if you need to make changes to your visa application or appointment.


Step 5: Book an Appointment at a VFS Visa Application Centre: Upon completion of your visa application form and payment of the visa fee, you will be directed to the VFS Global website to book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre, so your biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) can be recorded.


Step 6: Upload Your Documents: Digitally submit all the documents required for your UK visit visa application. You can scan your documents at the Visa Application Centre with their Document Scanning Assistance option. An additional fee applies for this service.


Step 7: Visit the Visa Application Centre: Attend your appointment at the Visa Application Centre to submit your biometrics and get your photograph clicked. Take your valid passport with at least one page that is blank on both sides. Children under 16 years old need to be accompanied by an adult.


Step 8: Get Your Visa: Once a decision is made on your application, you can collect your documents from the Visa Application Centre or have them delivered to you for an extra fee. Please do not attend the Visa Application Centre until you have been contacted to do so. To collect your documents in person; bring the receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre and a valid Government identification card.

Locations for UK Visitor Visa Application in India

LocationDayOpening hours

Ahmedabad

Monday - Friday

08:00 - 16:00

Bengaluru

Monday - Friday

08:00 - 16:00

Chandigarh

Monday - Friday

08:00 - 16:00

Chennai

Monday - Friday

08:00 - 16:00

Cochin

Monday - Friday

08:00 - 16:00

Coimbatore

Monday - Friday

08:00 - 14:00

Goa

Saturday

09:00 - 17:30

Gurgaon

Wednesday

09:00 - 16:00

Hyderabad

Monday - Friday

08:00 - 16:00

Jaipur

Friday - Saturday

09:00 - 16:00

Jalandhar

Monday - Friday

08:00 - 16:00

Kolkata

Monday - Friday

08:00 - 16:00

Lucknow

Monday - Tuesday

09:00 - 16:00

Mumbai North

Monday - Friday

08:00 - 16:00

Mumbai South

Monday - Friday

08:00 - 16:00

New Delhi

Monday - Friday

08:00 - 16:00

Park Plaza Ludhiana

Monday and Wednesday

10:00 – 16:00

Pune

Monday - Friday

08:00 - 16:00

Radisson Blu Amritsar

Thursday

10:00 - 16:00

Radisson Blu Guwahati

Friday

10:00 - 16:00

Radisson Blu Vishakhapatnam

Friday | Saturday

11:00 - 17:00 | 12:30 - 18:00

Radisson Noida

Monday

09:00 - 16:00

Radisson Red Mohali

Thursday

09:00 – 16:00

The Gateway Hotel, Calicut

Saturday

10:00 – 15:00

Vivanta Mangalore

Saturday

09:00 – 14:00

Apply UK Visitor Visa from India through Teleport

Teleport makes applying for a UK visa straightforward and stress-free. Follow these steps for a smooth application process:

  1. Start Your UK Visa Application: Go to Teleport's UK visa application page and select 'Start Application.'
  2. Enter Basic Information and Make Payment: Provide your basic information like passport details. Teleport allows you to either automatically populate your data or enter it by hand. Opt to pay the visa fee either in full or partially upfront.
  3. Collect Your Documents: A Teleport Relationship Manager will guide you through collecting all necessary UK visit visa documents. 
  4. Appointment Booking: Your Relationship Manager will schedule a UK visa appointment at the visa application centre on your behalf.. He/she will also upload all the documents on the UK embassy website.
  5. Visit the Visa Application Centre: Visit the visa centre with your passport, appointment confirmation letter and a checklist of all documents required for UK visa application. Submit your biometrics. Your Relationship Manager will be available to guide you throughout the process.

UK Visitor Visa Validity

Validity PeriodStay DurationEntry-Type

6 months

180 days

Single/multiple entry

2 years

180 days

Single/multiple entry

5 years

180 days

Single/multiple entry

10 years

180 days

Single/multiple entry

UK Visitor Visa Fees from India

This UK visitor visa fee is non-refundable and subject to change. Additional fees may apply depending on factors such as foreign exchange fluctuations, courier delivery charges (if availed), etc. Following are the UK visitor visa cost based on different visa types:

Visa TypeFees

Standard Visitor Visa

Euro 115

Standard visitor visa for medical reasons

Euro 200

Standard visitor visa for academic purpose

Euro 200

2 year long-term visitor visa

Euro 432

5 year long-term visitor visa

Euro 771

10 year long-term visitor visa

Euro 963

UK Visitor Visa Processing Time

The UK visitor visa processing time can be around 3 to 5 weeks after an appointment with the embassy. To avoid last-minute hassles, start your UK visit visa application process up to 3 months before your intended travel date.

UK Visitor Visa Extension Process for Indians

You may be able to extend your stay if you have permission to be in the UK for less than 6 months. You can extend your stay up to a total of 6 months. For instance, if you've already spent 4 months in the UK, you're eligible to apply for a 2-month extension.


You can apply to stay in the UK for longer than 6 months if you're a patient receiving medical treatment. You need to apply while you’re still in the UK and before your current visa expires.

Reasons for UK Visitor Visa Rejections

When applying for a UK visa, knowing what could potentially lead to denial is crucial for strengthening your application and boosting the likelihood of getting approved. Here are some important considerations:


  1. Lack of Proper Documentation: All UK visit visa or tourist visa documents you submit must be authentic, complete, and satisfactory. Submitting incorrect or misleading information can cause your application to be rejected immediately and may lead to potential bans on future applications.
  2. Lack of Funds: Inadequate proof of financial stability and inability to cover the cost of your stay can lead to rejection. Maintain a minimum bank balance for UK tourist visa of around INR 3,00,000 per applicant.
  3. Weak Ties to India: UK authorities may question your intentions to return to India, if you cannot demonstrate strong ties, such as family, property, or employment in India, and, hence, may reject your visa application.
  4. Questionable Travel Record: A history of overstaying visas in other countries could be seen as a red flag, suggesting a risk of not adhering to UK’s visa regulations.
  5. Intentions Under Scrutiny: Not being able to convincingly explain the reason for your visit and its consistency with your planned activities might arouse suspicion. For example, expressing plans to work on a visa that doesn't allow employment could result in denial.

Conclusion

Securing UK visas can pose challenges. Through this blog, we aim to simplify the process of obtaining a UK tourist visa for Indians. Should you have any questions, \reach out to us on 073148 52914 or drop us a message on WhatsApp


Opt to apply with Teleport for a no-fuss UK tourist visa from India. Our user-friendly platform simplifies the entire process so you have one less worry thing to worry about - your visa!


Safe travels!


Continue Reading: Scotland Travel Visa for Indians: How to Apply & Fees

FAQs

How to get a UK visitor visa from India?

To get a UK Standard Visitor visa for tourism, you must fill out an application form online, submit the required fee and supporting documents and attend an appointment at a VFS visa application centre.

What is the minimum bank balance required for a UK tourist visa from India?

For a UK tourist visa, it is recommended to have a minimum bank balance of at least INR 3,00,000 when applying from India. This amount helps demonstrate your financial ability to cover the costs of your trip, including accommodation, travel, and daily expenses. It's important to show consistent financial stability over several months rather than a sudden large deposit.

What are the fees for a UK visitor visa from India?

The UK visit visa cost are as follows:

  • Visa with 6 months validity: Embassy Fees: ₹ 12,527
  • Visa with 2 years validity: Embassy Fees: ₹ 47,057
  • Visa with 5 years validity: Embassy Fees: ₹ 83,983
  • Visa with 10 years validity: Embassy Fees: ₹ 1,04,897
Can I bring my dependents on a UK standard visitor visa?

No, the UK Standard visitor visa does not allow for dependents to accompany the primary visa holder.

Do I need travel insurance for a UK visitor visa?

No, travel insurance is not mandatory for obtaining a UK tourist or UK business visa . However, we strongly recommend it. Having travel insurance provides financial protection in case of unforeseen circumstances such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, or other travel-related issues.

Can I visit other countries in the Schengen Area with a UK visitor visa?

No, you cannot visit other countries in the Schengen Area with a UK Standard Visitor Visa. The UK Standard Visitor Visa only allows you to visit the United Kingdom for tourism or leisure. It does not grant you access to other. countries in the Schengen Area

Is a 3-month bank statement enough for a UK tourist visa?

Yes, a 3-month bank statement showing a balance of at least INR 3,00,000 is generally considered sufficient for a UK tourist visa. It is important to ensure that the bank statement is clear of any inappropriate transactions and demonstrates consistent financial stability to support your trip.

How long does it take to process a UK visitor visa from India?

The processing time for a UK visitor visa from India is typically around 3 weeks. However, it is advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel date to account for any potential delays.

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