Indian citizens need a visa before travelling to United Kingdom.

• Government / consular fee Set by the embassy or consulate. It varies by visa type, number of entries and your nationality.
• Visa centre service fee Charged by the application centre (such as VFS Global) on top of the government fee.
• Courier, SMS & biometrics Optional extras such as passport return by courier are billed separately.

We deliberately do not publish fee amounts: they differ by visa type and nationality and change often, and a stale number is worse than none. Check the current amount on the official source.

• Valid PassportMust be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the UK and have at least one blank page for the visa.
• Completed Visa Application FormSubmitted online.
• Proof of FundsBank statements, salary slips, or a letter from an employer showing you can support yourself and any dependents during your trip without working or accessing public funds. If someone else is funding your trip, provide their bank statements and a letter from them.
• Accommodation DetailsHotel bookings, confirmed accommodation details, or a letter of invitation from a UK resident with proof of their address.
• Travel ItineraryDetails of your planned activities in the UK.
• Return or Onward TicketProof of your intention to leave the UK at the end of your visit.
• Employment/Education ProofLetter from employer stating your job, salary, and approved leave, or a letter from your educational institution confirming enrolment and approved leave. This helps demonstrate ties to your home country.
• Previous Travel HistoryCopies of previous visas and stamps in your old passports.

1. 1
   Complete the online visa application form on the official UK government website.

   Apply for a UK visa
2. 2
   Pay the visa application fee online.
3. 3
   Book an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre or a commercial partner location (e.g., VFS Global) in India.
4. 4
   Attend your appointment to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph) and submit your supporting documents.
5. 5
   Wait for a decision on your visa application. You will be notified when your passport is ready for collection or delivery.

• Insufficient funds or unclear financial situation.

  How to avoid: Provide clear, consistent bank statements for a sufficient period (e.g., 6 months) showing adequate funds to cover your trip expenses without working. If sponsored, provide sponsor's financial documents and a letter of support.

• Unclear purpose of visit or inconsistent itinerary.

  How to avoid: Clearly state your purpose of visit and provide a detailed, realistic itinerary. Ensure all supporting documents (e.g., hotel bookings, invitation letters) align with your stated purpose and dates.

• Lack of strong ties to home country.

  How to avoid: Submit documents proving your strong ties to India, such as employment letters, property ownership, family responsibilities, and evidence of ongoing education. This reassures the visa officer that you intend to return.

• Previous immigration breaches or adverse history.

  How to avoid: Be honest about any previous visa refusals, overstays, or immigration issues in any country. Provide explanations and evidence if applicable. Concealing information can lead to automatic refusal.

• Incomplete or fraudulent documents.

  How to avoid: Ensure all required documents are submitted, are genuine, and are consistent with each other. Any discrepancies or false information can lead to immediate refusal and a ban from future applications.

• Always carry a copy of your passport, visa, and important documents, but keep originals secure.
• Be aware of local laws and customs; driving is on the left.
• The UK uses Type G power sockets (three rectangular pins) and operates on 230V, 50Hz.
• Public transport is extensive in major cities; consider an Oyster card in London for convenience.

• Can I extend my Standard Visitor visa while in the UK?

  In most cases, a Standard Visitor visa cannot be extended beyond 6 months. Extensions are only granted in very limited circumstances, such as for medical treatment or academic visitors.

• Can I work in the UK on a Standard Visitor visa?

  No, a Standard Visitor visa does not permit you to work in the UK, whether paid or unpaid. This includes self-employment and engaging in business activities beyond permitted business visitor activities.

• What happens if my visa application is refused?

  If your visa application is refused, you will receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons. You may be able to reapply if you can address the reasons for refusal, or in some cases, you might have the right to appeal or request an administrative review, though this is rare for visitor visas.

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

  Standard visitor visa applications from India typically take around 3 weeks to process. Priority services are available for an additional fee to get a faster decision, usually within 5 working days.

• Do I need a separate visa if I am transiting through the UK?

  It depends on your specific circumstances. If you are transiting airside without passing through border control, you might need a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV). If you need to pass through border control (e.g., to change airports or for an overnight layover), you will likely need a Visitor in Transit visa.

• My passport expires in 5 months - can I still apply for United Kingdom?

  For a UK Standard Visitor visa, your passport should be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay in the UK. It is generally recommended that your passport has at least six months of validity remaining from your intended date of entry. You should check the specific passport validity requirements on the official UK government website before applying.

• I was refused a Schengen visa last year. Will this affect my UK visa application?

  Yes, you must declare any previous visa refusals for any country, including Schengen visas, when applying for a UK visa. Failing to disclose this information can lead to your current application being refused. The UK immigration authorities will assess your application based on all provided information, including past immigration history.

• How much bank balance do I need to show for a UK tourist visa from India?

  There is no fixed minimum bank balance specified for a UK Standard Visitor visa; instead, you must demonstrate you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your trip without working or accessing public funds. You should provide bank statements, salary slips, or other financial documents to prove your ability to support yourself. The required amount will depend on the length of your stay and your planned activities.

• I want to travel to the UK next month. Is there enough time to get a visa?

  While standard processing times for a UK Standard Visitor visa from India can vary, applying one month before your intended travel date might be cutting it close. The official guidance suggests applying up to 3 months before your travel date to allow ample time for processing. You may consider using a priority service if available and if your travel is urgent, but this incurs an additional fee and does not guarantee approval.

• I am self-employed in India. What documents do I need to show for my UK tourist visa?

  As a self-employed applicant, you need to provide evidence of your business's legitimacy and your financial stability. This typically includes business registration documents, tax returns, bank statements for your business and personal accounts, and letters from clients or contracts. These documents help demonstrate your ties to India and your ability to fund your trip.

• How much does a United Kingdom visa cost for Indian citizens?

  There are usually two or three separate charges, and people often confuse them. Government / consular fee: Set by the embassy or consulate. It varies by visa type, number of entries and your nationality. Visa centre service fee: Charged by the application centre (such as VFS Global) on top of the government fee. Courier, SMS & biometrics: Optional extras such as passport return by courier are billed separately. Fees change regularly, so confirm the current amount on the official source linked on this page before you apply.

• Do I need a separate visa for London, or does this cover all of United Kingdom?

  You do not need a separate visa for any individual city. Entry rules are set nationally, not city by city, so a United Kingdom visa is valid for the whole country — including London, Edinburgh, Scottish Highlands and Bath. Apply once for United Kingdom and you can travel anywhere inside it, up to the permitted length of stay.