Travelling to the United Kingdom is a popular choice for Indian tourists, students, professionals, and family visitors. But before you board your flight to London, Manchester or Edinburgh, it's crucial to understand the UK visa process, current costs, documentation, and how to apply. This guide offers a clear and up-to-date breakdown to help you navigate UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requirements.
Do Indian Citizens Need a UK Visa?
Yes, Indian passport holders normally require a visa to enter the UK. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Indians; all visa applications need to be made in advance through the UKVI system. Whether you're visiting, studying, working or transiting, the visa subclass you apply for will depend on the purpose and duration of your stay.
Common UK Visa Types for Indian Travellers
Here are some of the UK visa categories most relevant to Indian applicants:
Standard Visitor Visa (up to 6 months): For tourism, business, short visits, or attending family and events.
Long-Term Visit Visa: Valid for up to 2, 5, or 10 years, depending on how often you plan to visit.
Student Visa (Tier 4 / Student Route): For full-time academic or vocational study in the UK.
Skilled Worker / Work Visa: For Indians who have a job offer in the UK, through a sponsor.
Transit Visa: For travellers passing through the UK to another destination.
Family / Settlement Visas: For joining family, spouse visas, or long-term residency routes.
UK Visa Fee Updates (from 9 April 2025)
The UK government has revised visa fees, effective 9 April 2025, as per official Home Office regulations.
Here are some of the updated application fees for Indian applicants (made outside the UK):
Short-term Visitor Visa (up to 6 months): £127 (was £115) (GOV.UK)
Visitor Visa (2-year, long-term): £475 (GOV.UK)
Visitor Visa (5-year): £848 (GOV.UK)
Visitor Visa (10-year): £1,059 (GOV.UK)
Visiting Academic Visa (6-12 months): £220 (GOV.UK)
Transit Visa (direct airside): £39; landside transit: £70. (GOV.UK)
Converted to Indian rupees (INR), the short-term UK visitor visa fees for Indian applicants are approximately ₹15,419 for up to 6 months. (Visa Application Fees)
Documents Required for a UK Visa
Whether you are applying for a visitor, student or work visa, these are the common documents needed:
Valid Indian passport (with at least six months’ validity)
Completed visa application form via UKVI’s website or application centre
Recent passport-sized photograph (as per UK visa specifications)
Proof of funds (e.g., bank statements for the past 3–6 months)
Travel itinerary: confirmed return or onward flight tickets
Accommodation proof: hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a UK host
For students: Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a UK educational institution
For workers: Sponsorship letter / Certificate of Sponsorship from your UK employer
Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate, if required (for some nationalities/visa types)
Travel insurance (strongly recommended but not mandatory for all visa types)
How to Apply for a UK Visa from India
Applying for a UK visa involves the following steps:
Choose the right visa type using the UKVI website.
Create an application through the official visa system or the VFS Global portal.
Fill in personal and travel details, and upload required documents.
Pay your visa fee and biometric fee (if required).
Book and attend a biometric appointment at a VFS Global centre in India.
Submit your application and wait for UKVI’s decision.
Receive a visa vignette in your passport (in most cases) or an electronic visa.
UK Visa Validity & Duration
Short-term visitor visas often allow stays up to 6 months.
Long-term visitor visas (2, 5, or 10 years) allow multiple visits, but each stay is typically limited to 6 months.
Student visas are valid for the duration of your course, possibly plus a short grace period.
Work visas may be valid based on your job contract or sponsorship.
Tips for Indian Travellers Applying for a UK Visa
Apply well in advance - UK visa application centres often have wait times.
Ensure financial documentation is transparent and credible - UKVI scrutinises personal funds carefully.
Maintain a clean immigration history: previous visas/travel improve visa chances.
Be honest in your application and interview - misrepresentation can lead to refusal.
Use trusted visa consultants or apply yourself through VFS Global if confident.
Keep copies of your application, payment receipts, and uploaded documents for your records.
