Home / International Travel Insurance / Visa / UK Tourist Visa For Indians
The United Kingdom is a popular destination for Indians, and the UK government has made it easier for Indians to apply for a tourist visa. With the advent of online applications, you can now apply for a UK tourist visa online, which has made the process faster and more convenient than ever before. Additionally, securing international travel insurance is a wise step to take when planning your visit.
If you want to know more about the visa application process, including how to ensure you meet all requirements and secure the right travel insurance, read till the end!
Indian citizens do require a visa to enter the UK. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, if you hold a valid UK tourist visa or have a British passport, you won't need to apply for a visa.
However, the process for obtaining a UK tourist visa is fairly straightforward. You'll need to submit an application and provide documentation such as your passport, travel itinerary, and proof of funds to support your trip.
There are various categories of UK visas that permit multiple entries, each allowing a stay of up to six months ranging from short-term visas valid for six months to long-term visas valid for two, five, or ten years.
Type of UK Visa | Visa Validity | Maximum Stay Per Visit | Entry Type |
---|---|---|---|
6 Months Short-Term Visa | 6 Months | Up to 6 Months | Multiple Entry |
2 Years Long-Term Visa | 2 Years | Up to 6 Months | Multiple Entry |
5 Years Long-Term Visa | 5 Years | Up to 6 Months | Multiple Entry |
10 Years Long-Term Visa | 10 Years | Up to 6 Months | Multiple Entry |
To apply for a UK tourist visa, Indian applicants must provide the following documents:
Passport (valid 6+ months, 2 blank pages, no alterations)
Bank Statements (last 6 months, dated within 7 days)
ITR (last 3 years; sponsor/company ITR if applicable)
Accommodation Proof (hotel booking or host address + ID)
Invitation Letter (if invited: passport, finances, purpose)
Cover Letter (A4 or business letterhead)
NOC (from employer or school)
GST Certificate (if self-employed)
Travel History (past visas, travel dates)
Additional Financials (FDs, LICs, property papers optional)
Indian citizens are not eligible for a visa-on-arrival when travelling to the UK. Whether visiting for tourism, transit, study, or work, you must apply for the appropriate visa based on your purpose of travel.
Applying for a UK tourist visa online involves the following steps.
Step 1: Click here and pick the UK in the search bar.
Step 2: Pick the visa type and click ‘continue.’
Step 3: Choose the dates.
Step 4: Enter your details, like name, address, birth date, and passport number.
Step 5: Upload the required documents.
Step 6: Pay the visa fees using the available payment method.
The UK tourist visa usually takes about 3 weeks to process after your biometric appointment. A higher volume of applications or requests for extra information might cause delays.
If you're in a hurry, there's an option to fast-track the process. For an extra fee, you can choose Priority Services and potentially get your visa in 2 to 5 working days, provided you're eligible.
To track your UK tourist visa application through ACKO, simply follow these easy steps:
Visit ACKO.com – Head to the official ACKO website.
Navigate to the ‘Travel’ Section – Click on the ‘Travel’ tab in the main menu.
Click on ‘View Applications’ – This option becomes visible once your application is submitted.
Go to ‘My Bookings’ – Find all your submitted applications in this section.
Track Using Your Booking Details – Enter your Booking ID or select a date range to check the current status of your visa application.
The cost of a UK tourist visa varies depending on the type of visa you're applying for and the length of your stay. Below is a table with the details of the UK tourist visa fees for Indians:
Types of UK Tourist Visa | Visa Type | Validity | Visa Fees (INR) |
---|---|---|---|
180 Days Multiple Entry | Sticker | 2 years | ₹47,460 |
180 Days Multiple Entry | Sticker | 5 years | ₹88,232 |
180 Days Multiple Entry | Sticker | 10 years | ₹1,09,833 |
180 Days Multiple Entry | Sticker | 180 days | ₹18,000 |
Note: If the Embassy rejects your visa, the fees will not be refunded, and the prices are subject to change.
A UK tourist visa, or the Standard Visitor Visa, generally lets you stay for up to six months. But if you’re someone who plans to visit the UK often, there are longer-term options are too valid for two, five, or even ten years. This way, you won’t have to reapply every time you want to go back.
To be eligible for a UK tourist visa, you’ll need to meet a few essential requirements:
You must clearly demonstrate that you're visiting the UK for tourism purposes.
You’ll need to show that you have enough funds to cover the cost of your trip.
You need to prove that you intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit.
Your Indian passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the UK.
We make it easy and quick to get visas for all international countries.
We assist with itinerary planning, cover letter drafting, NOC preparation, document submission, biometrics appointments, and interview support.
We also offer the convenience of collecting documents and delivering stamped visas right to your doorstep.
Choose your preferred visa fee payment method.
Applying for a UK tourist visa online involves the following steps.
Click here and pick the UK in the search bar.
Pick the visa type and click ‘continue.’
Choose the dates.
Next, enter your details, like name, address, birth date, and passport number.
Upload the required documents.
Pay the visa fees using the available payment method.
Avoid UK visa rejection with planning and detail. Important considerations:
Study all instructions: Know the visa type and requirements before applying. Our blog fully covers this.
Apply Correctly: Complete your visa application. Verify your personal details, travel history, and visit purpose.
Provide Correct Documentation: It is typical to submit confirmation of income, work, housing, and travel.
Meet Financial Requirements: Show you can survive in the UK without any issues. Bank statements and sponsorship letters are needed.
Explain Purpose of Visit: State in application if you are visiting for tourism. Provide detailed plans, lodging, and invitations.
Follow these criteria to improve your chances of getting a UK visa and avoid rejection.
The UK Tourist Visa, also known as the UK Visitor Visa, is your go-to option if you're planning to visit the UK for tourism, business, medical treatment, or just some leisure time. This falls under the Standard Visitor Visa category and allows you to stay in the UK for up to six months. If you’re a frequent visitor, there’s also a long-term option. You can apply for a visa that’s valid for 2, 5, or even 10 years, though you’ll still be limited to a maximum of six months per visit.
Purchasing UK travel insurance is a wise decision. While you may think that nothing can go wrong during your trip, unexpected events can occur, and it's always better to be prepared.
With travel insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing that if something does happen, you won't be left to deal with the financial burden alone. This can include coverage for trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost or stolen luggage, and even travel delays.
In the UK specifically, travel insurance can be particularly useful as medical costs can be quite high for non-residents. Additionally, if your trip involves adventure sports or activities, you'll want to make sure you're covered in case of any accidents or injuries.
It's important to read the terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy carefully to ensure you have the coverage you need. Some policies may have exclusions or limits, so it's essential to understand what you're paying for.
Yes, Indian citizens need to apply for a tourist visa to visit the UK.
The process for applying for a UK tourist visa involves completing an online application form, submitting supporting documents, and attending an interview if required.
Processing times can vary, but it generally takes around 15-20 working days for a UK tourist visa application to be processed.
You can apply three months before your trip.
Applicants need to provide a valid passport, evidence of financial support, a travel history, and proof of accommodation in the UK. Additionally, applicants need to demonstrate that they have a genuine intention to visit the UK for tourism purposes and that they will return to India after their trip.
The cost of a UK tourist visa for Indians varies depending on the validity period and the type of visa applied for.
No, a tourist visa does not allow visitors to work in the UK. If a visitor wishes to work in the UK, they need to apply for a work visa.
The duration of stay allowed on a UK tourist visa for Indians depends on the visa type and individual circumstances. Generally, visitors are allowed to stay for up to 180 days on a visitor visa.
The short answer is no; travel insurance is not mandatory for obtaining a UK tourist visa from India. However, we recommend that you purchase travel insurance to protect yourself from unexpected events and financial burdens.
If you want to apply for a UK tourist visa, you must present your bank statements from the last 6 months. While there is no fixed minimum balance, it is recommended that you maintain a balance of 2,00,000-3,00,000 INR for smooth processing.
The UK government requires applicants to submit bank statements for the past six months. So, it is recommended to provide six months of bank statements to increase your chances of getting a tourist visa to the UK.
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Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to change. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.
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