Visa Types
UK Visa Application Simplified
Find out what documents you need to travel, visit family And friends, do business, or transit through United Kingdom.
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Visa Exemption for UK
- If you have a diplomatic or special passport, you don't need a visa for official, tourist, or transit visits.
- Diplomatic passport holders don't need a visa. Service passport holders can pass through the UK without a visa, but public affairs passport holders can't. However, service and public affairs passport holders can skip the visa if they're traveling with a Chinese government minister on an official visit to the UK.
- If the UK doesn't recognize your passport, you must get a visa using a special form called "Form for Affixing a Visa (FAV)."
- Diplomatic or official passport holders can transit through the UK without a visa.
- If you have a regular passport and a valid electronic visa waiver (EVW) document, you don't need a visa.
- Passports with a personal ID number on the biodata page are exempt from the visa requirement.
- Diplomatic passport holders don't need a visa for official, tourist, or transit visits.
- You can't use a B1/B2 USA visa to pass through the UK.
- There's a special deal for people who booked their travel before September 8, 2023, and are traveling between September 8, 2023, and October 6, 2023.
For more information, Please click here
Key Points for UK Visitor Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to UK?
Yes, Indians need visa to travel to UK
UK visa application is made online or offline?
This visa application must be made online from the govt official website
Do I need to give biometrics?
Yes, biometrics are required to obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain a visa?
No, an interview is not usually required to obtain a UK visa, but it may vary. Embassy may interview you by phone or in person.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a visit visa?
On a visit visa, you can stay for up to 6 months.
What kind of visa will we acquire from UK?
It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page in your passport
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 21-02-2024)
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Standard Visitor visa - for UK, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey
Visa types Fee (INR) Short-term (up to 6 months, single or multiple entry) 13007 Longer-term (valid for up to 2 years) 48861 Longer-term (valid for up to 5 years) 87203 Longer-term (valid for up to 10 years) 108919 Visiting academic - more than 6 months up to 12 months 22621 Marriage visitor visa 13007 Permitted paid engagement visa 13007 Private medical treatment – more than six months up to 11 months 22621 Visit the UK in a Chinese tour group (UK only) 13007
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Short-term study visa
Visa types Fee (INR) Short term student studying English language for more than 6 months but not more than 11 months 22621
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Transit
Visa types Fee (INR) Direct Airside Transit (DATV) 3959 Visitor in Transit visa 7239 Visit purpose of joining a ship or aircraft as a member of crew of that ship or aircraft (fee also applicable to the Isle of Man) 7239
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Parents of children at school
Visa types Fee (INR) Parent of a Student child visa (up to 12 months) (Tier 4 Isle of Man) 72047
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child visitors
Visa types Fee (INR) Short-term (up to 6 months, single or multiple entry) 13007 Longer-term (valid for up to 2 years) 48861 Longer-term (valid for up to 5 years) 87203 Longer-term (valid for up to 10 years) 108919
Please note that visa fees are subject to change, and it’s always recommended to check the latest fees on the official UK government website before submitting your application. Apply now and start your journey to visit in the UK.
To obtain Information about Visa application processing times : Click Here
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Priority Visas offered by UK Visas & Immigration
UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) offers Priority Services (PV) for select visit, study, and work visa applications. Please refer to the link “Get a faster decision on your visa or settlement application” on GOV.UK for more information on the availability and benefits of Priority Visas.
For up-to-date information on visa processing times, visit “Visa decision waiting times: applications outside the UK” on GOV.UK.Super Priority Visa (Fee: INR 104506)
Get a visa decision by the end of the next working day. Not available in Cochin, Jalandhar, Lucknow, Goa and Mysore.
Get a visa decision by the end of the next working day.
For more details click here.Priority Visa Service (Fee: INR 27329)
Not available in Lucknow and Mysore
Put your application at the front of the queue and get decision within 5 working days from when you submit your biometric information.
For more details click here.Priority Visa for settlement or migration service (Fee: INR 62638)
Put your application for settlement or migration at the front of the queue. Not available in Coimbatore.
Put your application for settlement or migration at the front of the queue and get decision within 30 working days from when you submit your biometric information.
For more details click here.On Demand Mobile Visa (Fee: INR 9900 for Single and INR 7500 for two above)
A one-stop visa submission at your doorstep.
Booking this service means you can go through the entire visa submission process without leaving your home, office or school campus.
For more details click here.
Step-by-step guide
Let us walk you through the process
- To identify the appropriate visa type for the UK, consider the purpose of your visit, such as tourism, work, study, or joining family, as each category has specific visa requirements.
- Visit the official UK government website or consult the nearest British embassy or consulate in your country to access accurate and up-to-date information on visa categories, eligibility criteria, and application procedures.
- Carefully review the documentation and financial requirements for the chosen visa type to ensure a successful visa application process for the UK.
Submit your online application directly to UK Visa and Immigration website https://www.gov.uk/browse/visasimmigration . You’ll have to complete supporting documents as per the UK document checklist relevant to
your visa category.
To apply for a visa through GOV.UK, you must pay for both the visa fee and healthcare surcharge (if applicable). After payment, you will be given a reference number that starts with GWF. This reference number will be useful if you need to make any changes to your application or appointment in the future.
After you have successfully submitted and paid for your visa application on the GOV.UK website, you will be redirected to the VFS Global website to schedule an appointment at a Visa Application Centre where you will have your biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) collected. At the Visa Application Centre, you may also choose to add optional services offered by VFS Global to expedite your application, simplify the process, or make it more comfortable.
You have the option to submit all the necessary documents required to support your application online, without having to leave your home, office or school. This means you can keep your important documents with you. However, if you don't have access to a scanner, we offer a Document Scanning Assistance option at the Visa Application Centre to help you scan your documents. Please note that this service may have a fee associated with it. For more information, please refer to our guidelines for supporting documents.
The appointment for your visa application must be kept. You are not allowed to send a substitute.
Please review our instructions before coming to the visa application centre.
Once your visa application decision has been returned to the Visa Application Centre, you will receive an email update. If you cannot easily access email or want more detailed tracking information, you can choose to receive updates by SMS to your phone. You may need to check whether this service is available at the Visa Application Centre you're visiting, and you'll have to pay a fee for this service.
Once a decision has been made on your visa application, we will contact you to inform you when you can pick up your documents or passport from the Visa Application Centre. You can also choose to have your documents returned to you by courier for an additional fee. Please wait until you are contacted before attending the Visa Application Centre, as you won't be able to collect your passport until it is ready.
To collect your documents in person, you'll need to bring the receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre and a form of government identification. The options available for collecting your documents may vary, so please check with the Visa Application Centre at the time of your appointment.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
Below is a detailed document checklist for applying for a UK visitor visa for all categories:
1. Valid Passport:
- Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the intended duration of your stay in the UK.
- It should have at least one blank page for the visa endorsement.
2. Completed Visa Application Form:
- Fill out the online visa application form accurately and completely.
- Make sure to provide all the required information.
3. Recent Passport-sized Photographs: (Optional):
- Provide two recent, color passport-sized photographs.
- The photographs should meet the UK visa photo requirements.
4. Travel Itinerary:
- Provide a detailed travel itinerary outlining your planned activities and accommodations during your stay in the UK.
- Include details such as flight bookings, hotel reservations, and any planned tours or activities.
5. Proof of Financial Means:
- Provide evidence of your financial ability to support yourself during your stay in the UK.
- This can include bank statements, salary slips, sponsorship letters, or any other relevant financial documents.
6. Employment Documents:
- If you are employed, provide an employment letter from your employer stating your position, salary, and the period of leave granted for your travel.
- Include recent payslips to demonstrate a stable income.
7. Business Documents (if applicable)::
- If you are traveling for business purposes, provide documents such as a letter of invitation from the UK company or organization, details of meetings or conferences, or any other relevant business-related documents.
8. Accommodation Proof:
- Provide proof of your accommodation arrangements in the UK.
- This can include hotel reservations, a letter of invitation from a host, or rental agreement if staying with friends or family.
9. Travel Insurance: (Optional)
- Obtain travel insurance that covers medical expenses, repatriation, and other unforeseen events during your stay in the UK.
- Ensure that the coverage is valid for the entire duration of your visit.
10. Previous Travel History:
- Provide documentation of your previous international travel history.
- Include copies of visas, entry/exit stamps, and any previous UK visas or permits.
11. Proof of Strong Ties to Home Country:
- Provide evidence of your strong ties to your home country to demonstrate your intention to return after your visit.
- This can include proof of employment, property ownership, family relationships, or any other relevant documents.
12. Payment of Visa Fee:
- Pay the applicable visa application fee as per the current fee schedule.
- Keep the payment receipt as proof of payment.
13. Purpose of Visit Documents:
- For Tourist Visa:
- Detailed travel itinerary, including places you plan to visit and activities you plan to engage in.
- Proof of accommodation bookings or an invitation letter from a friend or family member residing in UK.
- For Business Visa:
- Letter of invitation from the UK company or organization you will be visiting.
- Details of the business meetings or conferences you will be attending.
- For Family Visit:
- Invitation letter from your family member residing in UK.
- Proof of relationship, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or family photographs.
- Transit Visa:
- Confirmed flight tickets for your onward travel.
- Valid visa for your final destination (if required).
- Proof of transit purpose, such as hotel reservations or connecting flight details.
Please note that the document requirements may vary depending on the specific category and purpose of your visit. It is advisable to check the official website of the UK Visas and Immigration or consult with the nearest UK embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date and accurate information for your particular visa application.
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
To submit our visa application, we need to provide a list of forms as required.
Visa Application Form (online): The standard visa application form that needs to be completed online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website.
It is important to note that the specific application forms and requirements may vary depending on the purpose of your visit and individual circumstances. It is recommended to consult the official UKVI website or contact the UK embassy or consulate in India for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the application forms for a visitor visa to the UK.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
Please find below a step-by-step guide on the process of acquiring a visa.
The process for applying for a UK Visitor visa from India typically involves the following steps:
- Determine the type of visitor visa: Decide which type of visitor visa is appropriate for your purpose of travel, such as tourism, visiting friends or family, or business-related activities.
- Gather the required documents: Prepare the necessary supporting documents, including a valid passport, visa application form, financial documents, proof of accommodation, travel itinerary, and any additional documents specific to your visit.
- Complete the online application: Fill out the visa application form online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website. Provide accurate and detailed information, and pay the application fee.
- Schedule an appointment: Book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in India to submit your application and biometric data (fingerprints and photograph).
- Attend the appointment: Visit the VAC at the scheduled time with all the required documents. Submit your application form, supporting documents, and provide biometric data.
- Pay the visa fee: Pay the visa application fee at the VAC as per the current fee structure. The fee can be paid in cash or by debit/credit card.
- Wait for a decision: After submitting your application, wait for the processing of your visa. The processing time can vary, so it's advisable to apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
- Collect your passport: Once a decision has been made on your visa application, you will be notified to collect your passport from the VAC. This can usually be done in person or through a courier service.
- Check your visa and travel to the UK: Upon receiving your passport, check that your visa has been issued correctly. Make sure to review the visa conditions and validity dates. You can then proceed with your travel plans to the UK within the designated visa validity period.
It's important to note that the specific requirements and processes may vary based on individual circumstances and the type of visitor visa being applied for. It is recommended to refer to the official UKVI website or contact the UK embassy or consulate in India for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the visitor visa application process from India.