Apply for UK tourist visa from India

With its rich history, diversified culture, and renowned sites, the United Kingdom is an intriguing destination. This guide aims to provide you with comprehensive information about the UK tourist visa, including requirements, the application process, and essential tips to make your UK tourist visa application successful.

The Standard Visitor Visa, commonly known as the UK Tourist Visa, allows visitors to visit the UK for tourism, leisure, or to see family and friends. The visa is usually valid for six months. The UK tourist visa, also known as the Standard Visitor Visa, has replaced several broad categories of visas. The following are the types of visas that have been replaced:

1. Family Visitor
2. General Visitor Visa
3. Child Visitor Visa
4. Sports Visitors
5. Business Visitor Visa (Inclusive of academics, dentists, and doctor Visas)
6. Entertainer Visitor Visa
7. Prospective Entrepreneur Visa
8. Private Medical Treatment Visitor Visa

Applicants must meet UK tourist visa requirements to be eligible for the UK tourist visa, following are the same:

1. Intention to Depart:

The applicant needs to prove that they plan to leave the UK before their visa expires. They should also demonstrate that they have enough money to support themselves during their trip without relying on public assistance.

2. Proof of Activities:

The applicant must provide evidence of their planned activities in the UK and demonstrate that their activities comply with the comprehensive list of visa rules within the country's territory.

3. Clean Criminal Record:

The applicant must have a clean criminal record, meaning they should not have any criminal convictions or pending charges.

4. Good Health and Character:

The applicant should possess good health and character. This means they should not have any serious medical conditions that could pose a threat to public health or security concerns.

It is important for applicants to carefully review the UK tourist visa requirements before applying for a UK tourist visa India.

To apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa, it is important to gather the required documents for a UK tourist visa, following the same:

1. Original Passport:

Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months with a minimum of three blank pages. Include any previous passports if applicable.

2. Online UK Visa Application Form:

Complete the online application form provided by the UK government.

3. Appointment Letter Confirmation:

Obtain confirmation of your appointment at the visa application centre.

4. UK Visa Fee Payment Receipt:

Provide proof of payment for the visa fee. If you apply for UK tourist Visa from India then don't forget to check the UK tourist visa fees from India beforehand as they may vary.

5. Recent Colour Photographs:

Include recent colour photographs that meet the specifications outlined by the UK visa guidelines.

6. Personal Covering Letter:

Submit a cover letter on plain paper (for employed individuals) or letterhead (for self-employed individuals), stating the purpose of your visit to the UK.

7. Original Updated Bank Statement:

Include an original bank statement from the past six months to demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.

8. Income Tax Returns / Form 16:

Provide income tax returns or Form 16 for the past three years as proof of financial stability.

9. Supporting Financial Documents:

Optional but advisable, include additional supporting documents such as fixed deposits, property investments, recurring deposits, or any other investments to further demonstrate financial capacity.

10. Supporting Documents Based on Occupation/Type of Visit:

Include specific supporting documents based on your occupation or the purpose of your visit:

• a) If Employed:

Submit an original leave-sanctioned certificate from your employer with company seal and signature, along with the last three months' salary slips.

• b) If Self-Employed:

Provide business registration licence, MOA (Memorandum of Association), partnership deed, updated bank statements for the past six months, and the company's income tax returns for the last three years.

• c) If Retired:

Include proof of retirement such as a pension book or statements.

• d) If Student:

Submit school/college/institute ID card and a Bonafide certificate.

• e) If Minor:

Include the birth certificate, a no-objection certificate from parents/non-accompanying parent on Rs 100/- stamp paper, and proof of identification of the parent(s) such as a passport or PAN card.

• f) If Visiting Friends or Relatives:

Provide an invitation letter from the host, the host's ID proof (such as a passport or resident permit), and address proof such as an electricity bill or utility bill.

• g) If Sponsored:

Include a sponsorship letter, sponsor's national ID proof (passport, PAN card, or resident permit), updated bank statements for the past six months, and the sponsor's income tax returns for the last three years.

• h) For Business Visa:

Submit an invitation letter from the host company stating the purpose of the trip and business details, along with a cover letter from the Indian company on company letterhead.

It is essential to ensure that all documents are accurate, complete, and meet the specific requirements of the required documents for a UK tourist visa as outlined by the authorities. Be thorough in gathering the necessary documents to support your visa application successfully.

To apply for UK tourist visa India, you need to follow certain steps, following are the same:

1. Fill out the Application Form:

Visit the official UK government website and complete the UK tourist visa application form. Any errors or incorrect information can lead to visa rejection therefore provide accurate details. If needed, you can seek assistance from a visa agent for a fee or to expedite the process.

2. Pay the Visa Processing Fee:

After submitting the application form for the UK tourist visa India, make the payment for the UK tourist visa fees using a valid debit or credit card. The UK tourist visa fees from India is usually around USD 123 (100 Pounds) for a duration of up to 6 months.

3. Schedule the Interview Appointment:

Once the payment is made, you will be prompted to book an interview appointment.

4. Gather the Required Documents:

Before attending the interview, ensure that you have printed copies of your application form, UK tourist visa fees receipt, and your passport. Additionally, it is helpful to have supporting documents such as tentative flight bookings, hotel reservations, UK travel insurance, World Cup tickets (if applicable), and copies of your passport. These additional documents strengthen your UK tourist visa application.

5. Visa Processing Time:

Typically, a standard UK tourist visa from India takes around 2 weeks to process.

6. Obtain Travel Insurance:

It is advisable to have travel insurance for your UK trip. While it may not be a mandatory requirement for the UK Tourist visa application, having travel insurance protects against unforeseen circumstances during your travel. You can purchase travel insurance online at any time before your departure.

Remember to follow all the guidelines and instructions provided by the UK government during the application process. Double-check your application and documents to ensure accuracy. Applying well in advance and having all the necessary documents will increase the chances of a successful UK tourist visa application from India.

The UK Tourist Visa fees from India vary depending on the type and duration of the UK tourist visa. It is important to consider the following fee structure when planning your finances:

Standard Visitor Visa:

1. Short-term (for a maximum of 6 months): INR 8,337
2. Long-term (for a maximum of 2 years): INR 30,218
3. Long-term (for a maximum of 5 years): INR 54,877
4. Long-term (for a maximum of 10 years): INR 68,776

Business Trip Visa:

1. Business visitor - clinical attachments, PLAB/OSCE test, and dental observation: INR 8,339
2. Business visitor - Academic or dependent visitor: INR 16,051
3. Permitted paid engagement: INR 7,981
4. Diplomatic courier: INR 7,981
5. Prospective entrepreneur: INR 7,981
6. Civil or marriage partnership: INR 7,981

Special Visitor:

1. Parent of his/her child at a school (for a maximum of 12 months): INR 44,476

Special Visitor - Child Visitor:

1. Short-term (for a maximum of 6 months): INR 7,981
2. Long-term (for a maximum of 2 years): INR 30,218
3. Long-term (for a maximum of 5 years): INR 54,877
4. Long-term (for a maximum of 10 years): INR 68,776

Connect with us to know the details of the UK Tourist Visa fees from India.

The UK tourist visa processing time from India is generally within 15 days, given that all the required supporting documents are submitted accurately and on time. For those who require faster processing, there is an option to avail of the fast-track services. You can obtain your UK Tourist visa India within 24 hours with this service. However, an additional cost may be required for this.It is advisable to plan your visa application well in advance, considering the standard UK tourist visa processing time of 15 days. This allows sufficient time for the completion of the application process and minimises the need for expedited services unless there are urgent circumstances requiring immediate travel.

• a) Apply in advance:

Start the visa application process well in advance to allow sufficient time for processing and avoid any last-minute stress.

• b) Provide accurate and complete information:

Double-check all the information provided on the application form and supporting documents to ensure accuracy.

• c) Financial proof:

Ensure that your financial documents demonstrate your ability to cover all expenses during your stay in the UK on a UK Tourist Visa.

• d) Strong ties to your home country:

Emphasise your ties to your home country through supporting documents to convince the visa officer that you have every intention of returning after your visit.

• e) Genuine travel plans:

Prepare a realistic and detailed travel itinerary, including places to visit and activities you plan to engage in during your stay.

• f) Seek professional advice if needed:

If you are unsure about any aspect of the visa application process, consider consulting an immigration lawyer or a reputable visa service provider.