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UK tourist visa for Indians: Requirements, Fees & How to Apply

TeamAckoOct 5, 2023

Are you an Indian dreaming of exploring the breathtaking sights, sounds, and experiences that the United Kingdom has to offer? Then boy, do we have some news for you! Today, we're going to dive into everything you need to know about the UK tourist visa for Indians. From visa requirements to application processes, and everything in between, we've got you covered. So sit back, relax, and get ready to plan your UK adventure like a pro!

Contents

Is UK tourist visa for Indians required?
UK Visa on Arrival for Indians
UK tourist visa requirements for Indians
UK tourist visa fees for Indians
How to apply for UK Tourist Visa online
UK tourist visa processing time
Should I purchase UK Travel Insurance?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is UK tourist visa for Indians required?

If you're an Indian citizen and you're planning to visit the UK, you may be wondering whether or not you need a visa to enter. The answer is yes, most 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 visa or have a British passport, you won't need to apply for a visa. Additionally, if you're travelling to the UK for a short-term business or tourism visit, you may be eligible for the UK's Standard Visitor visa.

To apply for a UK visa as an Indian citizen, you'll need to submit an application through the UK government's visa application centre in India. You'll need to provide documentation such as your passport, travel itinerary, and proof of funds to support your trip.

It's important to note that visa requirements can change, so it's always a good idea to check with the UK government's official website or consult with a travel expert to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information before you plan your trip.

UK Visa on Arrival for Indians

Unfortunately, there is currently no visa on arrival facility available for Indian nationals travelling to the United Kingdom. In fact, most nationalities, including Indian citizens, need to obtain a visa before they can enter the UK.

There are various types of UK visas that Indian nationals can apply for, depending on the purpose and duration of their stay. These include tourist visas, business visas, study visas, and more. The application process typically involves filling out an online form, submitting supporting documents, and attending an in-person appointment at a visa application centre.

So while there may not be a UK visa on arrival for Indians, don't let that discourage you from visiting this beautiful country! With a bit of planning and preparation, you can obtain the necessary visa and enjoy all that the UK has to offer.

UK tourist visa requirements for Indians

The following are the prerequisites for obtaining a tourist visa to the UK.

Since you're planning a trip to the UK for tourism purposes and you're not a citizen of the European Union, European Economic Area, or Switzerland, you'll likely need a visa.
Your nationality and the planned length of your stay will determine the type of visa you require. You can check the UK government's website to see which type of visa you'll need.
In general, you'll need to fill out an application form and provide supporting documents, such as your passport, a recent photograph, and evidence of your travel plans and finances.
You may also need to provide evidence of your accommodation and return travel arrangements.
Depending on your nationality, you might need to show up for a scheduled appointment at a visa application center to submit biometric data like your fingerprints and a photo.
The visa application fee varies depending on the type of visa you're applying for and the length of your stay. You'll need to pay the fee when you submit your application.
It's important to apply for your visa well in advance of your planned travel dates, as the application process can take several weeks or even months.
Once you've been granted a visa, you'll be able to travel to the UK for tourism purposes and stay for the length of time specified on your visa. It's important to abide by the conditions of your visa to avoid any issues with immigration authorities.

UK tourist visa fees for Indians

The below table lists the approximate fees applicable for UK tourist visas.

Type of visa	Duration	Pricing
Standard Visitor Visa	6 months	£95 (INR 9,545)
	2 months	£361 (INR 36,283)
	5 months	£655 (INR 65,789)
	10 months	£822 (INR 82,662)

Note: These fees are subject to change, and it is always a good idea to check the latest information on the official UK government website before applying for a visa. Also, there may be additional fees for other services, such as priority or super-priority processing, courier services, and other optional services.

How to apply for UK Tourist Visa online

Applying for a UK tourist visa online involves the following steps.

Determine the type of visa you need: Visit the official UK government website and determine which type of visa you need. In this case, you will be applying for a Standard Visitor visa.
Create an account: To begin the application process, you will need to create an account on the UK government's official visa application website. This requires you to provide your email address, create a password, and verify your email.
Fill out the application form: Once you have created an account, you will need to fill out the visa application form. This form will ask for personal information such as your name, date of birth, address, and passport details. You will also need to provide details about your travel plans and the purpose of your visit.
Upload required documents: You will need to upload several documents as part of your application. These may include a copy of your passport, evidence of your travel plans and accommodation, and evidence of your financial situation.
Pay the visa fee: There is a fee for applying for a UK visit visa from India. You will need to pay this fee online using a credit or debit card.
Schedule an appointment: After submitting your application, you will need to schedule an appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country. You will need to bring your application and supporting documents to this appointment.
Attend the appointment: At the appointment, you will have your biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) taken and you will be required to provide any additional information or documents as requested.
Wait for a decision: After your appointment, you may be required to wait for a decision on your visa application. This generally takes around 3 weeks, but processing times can vary depending on the country you are applying from.
Collect your passport: If your visa application is approved, you will need to collect your passport from the VAC. If your application is denied, you will be informed of the reasons why and may be able to appeal the decision.

Overall, applying for a UK tourist visa from Indian online can be a straightforward process as long as you ensure that you have all the required documents and information, and follow the instructions carefully.

UK tourist visa processing time

The processing time for a UK tourist visa can vary depending on several factors, including the country you are applying from and the time of year. Generally, the UK Visas and Immigration aims to process most non-settlement visa applications within 15 working days. However, this is not a guaranteed timeframe, and the actual processing time can be longer or shorter.

It's important to note that during peak travel seasons or when there is a high volume of visa applications, the processing time may be longer. It's recommended to apply for a UK tourist visa well in advance of your planned travel dates to allow for any potential delays.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding visa processing times, it is advisable to check the official website of UK Visas and Immigration or consult with the nearest UK embassy or consulate in your country. They will provide you with the specific processing time applicable to your case and can offer guidance on the visa application process.

Should I purchase UK Travel Insurance?

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Questions about UK visitor visas are addressed in this section.

Do Indians need a visa to visit the UK as tourists?

Yes, Indian citizens need to apply for a tourist visa to visit the UK.

How to apply visit visa for 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.

How long does it take to process a UK tourist visa for Indians?

Processing times can vary, but it generally takes around 15 working days for a UK tourist visa application to be processed.

What are the requirements for a UK tourist visa for Indians?

Applicants need to provide a valid passport, evidence of financial support, travel itinerary, 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.

What is the cost of a UK tourist visa for Indians?

The cost of a UK tourist visa for Indians varies depending on the duration of the trip and the type of visa applied for. Generally, the fee is around INR 9,200 for a single-entry visa.

Can Indians work in the UK on a tourist visa?

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.

How long can Indians stay in the UK on a tourist 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 9 months on a visitor visa.

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 changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.

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