How to apply for a UK tourist Visa in India?

Dreaming of a stroll through London’s iconic streets, a peaceful retreat in the English countryside, or exploring the rich history of Scotland? For Indian travellers, the United Kingdom is a destination that offers an incredible blend of heritage landmarks and modern structures.

From the major beauty of Big Ben to the rolling landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, the UK has something for every traveller. But before you can immerse yourself in these experiences, securing a UK tourist visa is the essential first step. Navigating through the visa process might seem complex, but with the right guidance, it can be smooth and stress-free.

Types of UK tourist visa

Standard visitor visa

The Standard visitor visa is the most common type of UK tourist visa for Indian citizens. It allows individuals to visit the UK for leisure, vacation, short-term study, medical treatment, or business purposes.

Key features:

Duration: Valid for up to 6 months.

Multiple entries: The visa usually allows for multiple entries during the 6-month period.

Eligibility: You must demonstrate that you intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit, have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay, and have a valid reason for visiting.

Sub-categories:

• Tourism/leisure: For those visiting the UK for vacation, sightseeing, or to visit friends and family.

• Short-term study (up to 6 months): If you’re planning to take a short course in the UK, such as an English language course.

• Business visit: For attending meetings, conferences, or short-term business ventures.

Cost:

Visa fee: £115 (approx. INR 11,500).

Documents required:

• A valid passport with at least one blank page.

• Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, payslips, etc.).

• Evidence of accommodation and return travel bookings.

• Supporting documents showing the purpose of your visit (invitation letter, course details, etc.).

Long-term standard visitor visa

If you’re a frequent traveller or expect to visit the UK multiple times over a longer period, you can apply for a Long-term Standard Visitor Visa. This visa is available in durations of 2, 5, or 10 years.

Key features:

Duration: 2, 5, or 10 years.

Stay per visit: Even though the visa is long-term, each visit can last no longer than 6 months.

Eligibility: You need to prove that you have a frequent need to visit the UK for legitimate reasons (e.g., regular business trips or family visits).

Fees:

2-year visa: £376 (approx. INR 37,600)

5-year visa: £670 (approx. INR 67,000)

10-year visa: £837 (approx. INR 83,700)

Documents required:

• Same documents as the standard visitor visa, along with additional proof of the need for regular travel to the UK.

Transit visa

A transit visa is required if you are passing through the UK en route to another country and are not staying for more than 48 hours.

Types:

Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV): For those who are connecting flights and will not go through UK immigration.

Visitor in transit visa: For those who need to pass through UK immigration on their way to another destination.

Key features:

Duration: Valid for up to 48 hours.

Eligibility: You must provide proof of onward travel, such as a confirmed flight ticket to a third country.

Cost:

DATV: £35 (approx. INR 3,500)

Visitor in transit visa: £64 (approx. INR 6,400)

Documents required:

• Valid passport.

• Proof of onward travel.

• Visa for the destination country (if required).

Permitted paid engagement visa

The Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) Visa allows Indian citizens to visit the UK for up to 1 month to take part in specific paid activities without the need for a full work visa.

Key features:

Duration: Up to 1 month.

Eligibility: This visa is designed for professionals like experts, performers, lecturers, examiners, and artists who have been invited to the UK by a UK-based organization.

Cost:

Visa fee: £115 (approx. INR 11,500).

Documents required:

• Invitation from the UK-based organization.

• Proof of professional qualifications and work history.

• Details of the engagement or event in the UK.

Short-term study visa (6-11 months)

For those planning to study an English language course for more than 6 months but less than 11 months, the short-term study visa is a suitable option.

Key features:

Duration: 6 to 11 months.

Eligibility: You must have been accepted into an accredited English language course.

Cost:

Visa fee: £200 (approx. INR 20,000).

Documents required:

• Confirmation of acceptance for the course.

• Proof of funds to cover your stay and course fees.

• Valid passport.

Marriage visitor visa

The Marriage visitor visa is for individuals who wish to visit the UK to get married or register a civil partnership. It’s only applicable for people who don’t intend to live in the UK after marriage.

Key features:

Duration: Valid for up to 6 months.

Eligibility: You must prove that you’re entering the UK solely to get married or form a civil partnership, and that you plan to leave afterward.

Cost:

Visa fee: £115 (approx. INR 11,500).

Documents required:

• Proof of your marriage or civil partnership plans.

• Evidence of accommodation.

• Proof of financial means.

Parent of a tier 4 child visa

If your child is studying at an independent fee-paying school in the UK, you can apply for the parent of a tier 4 child visa to accompany and care for them.

Key features:

Duration: Up to 6 or 12 months, renewable.

Eligibility: Your child must be under 12 years old and attending a fee-paying school in the UK.

Cost:

Visa fee: £531 (approx. INR 53,100).

Documents required:

• Proof of your child’s enrollment in a UK independent school.

• Evidence of your relationship with the child.

• Financial proof of support during your stay.

How to apply for a UK tourist visa from India?

To apply for a UK tourist visa from India, follow these steps to ensure a smooth application process:

1. Determine the visa type

Identify the correct visa type based on the purpose of your visit. For tourism or short-term business, you will likely need the standard visitor visa. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the specific visa type you're applying for.

2. Create an online application

• Visit the official UK government visa website: UK Visa and Immigration.

• Select the type of visa you need (e.g., standard visitor visa).

• Fill out the online application form with accurate personal, travel, and financial details.

3. Pay the visa fee

After completing the application, you will need to pay the visa fee online. Ensure you have an international debit or credit card ready. The visa fees vary depending on the type of visa and duration:

Standard visitor visa: £115 (approx. INR 11,500).

Long-term visitor visa (2-10 years): £376-£837 (approx. INR 37,600 - INR 83,700).

4. Book an appointment at a visa application centre

Once you submit your application and pay the fee, book an appointment at your nearest UK visa application centre (VFS Global). In India, VFS Global operates in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and others.

5. Prepare supporting documents

Passport: Ensure it has at least one blank page and is valid for the entire duration of your stay.

Photographs: 1-2 recent passport-sized colour photos.

Travel itinerary: Include flight tickets, accommodation details, and trip purpose.

Financial proof: Recent bank statements, salary slips, or financial guarantees to show you can cover the cost of your stay.

Additional documents: Depending on the purpose of your visit, you may need additional documents, such as:

• Invitation letter from a UK host (if applicable).

• Proof of employment or business (if applying for a business visit).

6. Attend your appointment

Go to the visa application centre on the scheduled date with your printed application form, visa appointment confirmation, and supporting documents.

At the appointment, you’ll:

• Submit your biometric data (fingerprints and photograph).

• Submit your passport and documents for verification.

7. Track your application

After submitting your application and biometrics, you can track the status of your visa through the VFS Global website. You will also receive notifications via SMS or email.

8. Receive your visa

Once your visa has been processed, you will be notified to collect your passport from the visa centre, or it will be sent to you via courier (if you opted for this service).

Processing time can take anywhere between 15 to 30 working days.

9. Travel to the UK

If your visa is approved, you can now prepare for your trip. Ensure that you have all your documents (visa, passport, itinerary, etc.) with you when travelling.

Conclusion

Applying for a UK tourist visa from India may seem detailed, but with proper preparation, it’s a smooth process. By following the steps outlined—choosing the right visa, preparing documents, and attending your appointment—you’ll be ready to explore everything the UK has to offer. Whether it’s London’s vibrant streets or the serene countryside, your British adventure is just a visa away. Safe travels!