UK Tourist Visa from India: Costs & Documents needed in 2024!

A UK Tourist Visa is essential for Indian travellers looking to explore the United Kingdom's rich culture and attractions. In 2023, the UK welcomed 604,000 visitors from India, with Indian nationals accounting for 25% of all Visitor visas granted by March 2024. As one of the top 10 most visited countries globally, the UK draws millions of tourists, with London being the most popular city.

Whether you want to visit historical landmarks or experience British culture, a UK Tourist Visa provides the opportunity to explore one of the world’s most iconic travel destinations.

What is a UK Tourist Visa?

The UK tourist visa is also known as the Standard Tourist Visa. It is designed for those who are eager to make a trip to the country for a short period i.e. a maximum of six months for a holiday, to meet a family or a friend, or to attend a business conference.

In the UK, the standard Visitor Visa (often referred to as a tourist visa) has streamlined and replaced nine previous categories of visitor visas.

This means that instead of having to apply for a specific type of visitor visa based on the purpose of your visit, most applicants can now apply for the Standard Visitor Visa, which covers a wide range of visit purposes.

Types of Tourist Visa Replaced by Standard Visa

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Eligibility Criteria for UK Tourist Visa

• Have a valid passport or travel document for the duration of your stay.
• Demonstrate your intention to leave the UK at the end of your visit.
• Show ability to support yourself and any dependents during your trip, or have financial support from another source.
• Provide evidence that you can pay for your return or onward journey.
• Ensure you will not reside in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your primary residence.

Additional requirements may apply depending on the purpose of your visit:

• For study, placements, or exams.
• For academic, senior doctor, or dentist roles.
• For permitted paid engagements.
• For medical treatment purposes.

Top 7 Requirements of UK Visit Visa- Kansas®

Basic Information Regarding UK Tourist Visa

• The Standard Visitor Visa lets you stay in the UK for up to 6 months.
• You can apply for this visa up to 3 months before your trip, so it's important to apply early enough to allow time for processing.
• To qualify, you must prove you're a genuine visitor and that you'll leave the UK before your visa expires. You cannot extend this visa or switch to another visa type while in the UK.
• When applying, make sure to specify when you want the visa to start (your intended arrival date), or UKVI will start it from the date it’s issued.
• Applicants must leave the UK by or before the visa expiry date and cannot extend it or switch to another visa type while in the UK.
• Ensure that enough supporting evidence is provided for the application.
• Visa decisions can be subjective, so it's important to submit a strong application to avoid any doubts about its validity.

Documents Required for UK Tourist Visa

To apply for a UK Tourist Visa or say Standard Visitor visa, you'll need:

Note: The visa centre may hold your passport and documents while they process your application.

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UK Tourist Visa Fees

How To Get UK Visitor Visa from India? {+Fees Details}

What is a long-term Standard Visitor Visa?

A long-term Standard Visitor visa allows individuals who frequently visit the UK for various purposes.

The purposes can be tourism, family visits, business meetings, or medical treatments to obtain a visa valid for 2, 5, or 10 years.

This visa permits multiple entries into the UK during its validity period, with each visit allowing a stay of up to 6 months. It is suitable for applicants who need to make regular visits but do not intend to live permanently in the UK.

What is a Permitted Paid Engagement Visa?

The Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) Visit Visa allows professionals and experts to visit the UK for paid engagements related to their expertise. It does not lead to settlement in the UK, requiring separate applications even for group travel.

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What is the Processing Time for a UK Tourist Visa?

After applying online and verifying your identity with the required documents, you receive a visa decision within three weeks.

Major UK Visit Visa Requirements from India - Kansas®

How to Apply for a UK Visitor Visa?

Image: Create a ladder-like infographic with each step labelled with the stages involved and at the top of the ladder create a flag labelling Visa Approved.

The application process for a UK Tourist Visa involves these steps:

1. Check if You Need a Visa: Determine if you need a visa based on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Irish citizens do not need a visa.
2. Choose the Right Visa
   1. Standard Visitor Visa: For holidays, seeing family and friends, business trips, or short courses.
   2. Marriage Visitor Visa: If you plan to get married or register a civil partnership in the UK.
3. Prepare Your Application: Apply and pay for your visa online. Each family member must apply and pay separately. Also, Check if you need a tuberculosis (TB) test if staying for more than 6 months.
4. When to Apply: For Visit visas, apply up to 3 months before your travel date.
5. Fees and Healthcare Surcharge: Pay the application fee (same for each family member). Also, pay the healthcare surcharge if applying to work, study, or stay for more than 6 months.
6. Prove Your Identity: Depending on your nationality, you will either:
   1. Go to a visa application centre for biometric information (fingerprints and photo).
   2. Use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check app to scan your identity documents and submit a digital photo.
7. Attend Your Appointment (if required): Book an appointment at a visa application centre, which may be in another country. Children under 16 must attend with an adult. Children under 5 need only a photograph taken.
8. Submit Your Documents: Upload your documents online or bring them to your appointment for scanning.
9. Decision on Your Application: You’ll receive a decision by letter or email. Check your spam/junk folder if you don’t see it.
10. If Your Application is Successful: You’ll get a vignette (sticker) in your passport or access to online immigration status information. Collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) if staying more than 6 months.
11. If There’s an Error in Your Visa: Contact the visa application centre immediately to correct it before travelling. If already in the UK, report errors to UK Visas and Immigration within 3 months.
12. If Your Application is Refused: You’ll get a letter explaining the reason and information on your right to an administrative review or appeal.

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Permitted and Prohibited activities under UK tourist visa

The Ultimate Guide for UK Visas in 2024 - Kansas®

When you can extend your stay?

If you're in the UK for less than 6 months, you can extend your stay up to a total of 6 months. Special circumstances apply to medical patients, academics, and PLAB test retakers. Apply before your current visa expires, paying a £1,000 (INR 105,752.92) fee.

Tips for UK Tourist Visa

Apply Early: You can apply for your visa up to three months before you plan to travel. Since summer is a busy period, applying as early as possible is a good idea. The processing time is generally 15 working days, and in some places, you can opt for a faster service for a decision within five days.

Choose the Right Visa: Different visas are available depending on the purpose of your visit and how long you plan to stay. Make sure to choose the correct visa based on your trip’s purpose and understand what you can and cannot do with that visa.

Check Required Documents: Each visa application requires supporting documents that vary by visa type. Ensure that you have the correct documents ready and that the information you provide is accurate.

Ensure You Can Pay the Visa Fee: Visa fees vary depending on the type and length of the visa. Ensure you have enough funds to cover the fee, including for any dependents.

Use Priority Services if Necessary: If you need your visa processed quickly, you may be able to use priority services, which place your application at the front of the queue. Some countries offer express services for faster results.

Booking Travel Plans: You'll need to show details of your plans to visit the UK, such as tour and accommodation information, but it’s advised not to book travel arrangements until your visa is granted.

Seek Help if Needed: You can contact visa services via email and get a response within 24 hours. Helpline services are also available, but embassies and consulates cannot assist with visa-related questions.

Avoid Overstaying: It’s essential to follow the conditions of your visa and leave the UK before it expires. Overstaying, even by one day, can result in a ban of up to ten years, preventing future work or study opportunities.

Why Choose Kansas Overseas for a UK Tourist Visa?

Our Customized Services:

• Profile Evaluation: We provide expert guidance on visa options based on your travel purpose, history, and current policies.
• Visa Filing: We ensure your application meets all requirements of the UK immigration authorities.
• Documents & Review: We assist with gathering and reviewing all necessary documents for your visa application.
• Visa & Interview Preparation: We help you prepare strong answers and organize documents for your visa interview.
• Dedicated Case Officer: A personal case officer to guide you through each step, providing a consistent point of contact.
• Post Landing Service: We help you with settling in the UK, including a comfortable stay and additional customized services.

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Other FAQs

1. How to Get a UK Tourist Visa from India?

You can get a UK Tourist Visa from India by following these steps:

• Apply online via the official UK government visa website.
• Pay the visa fee.
• Book an appointment at a visa application center to submit your biometric information (fingerprints and photographs).
• Submit the required documents.
• Attend the visa interview if required.

2. How many months prior to the travel should I apply for a UK visa?

You should apply up to 3 months before your planned travel date.

3. When should I apply for a UK visit visa or a tourist visa from India?

Apply as early as 3 months before your travel date to ensure ample processing time.

4. How long should I expect the visa processing time to take?

The standard processing time is approximately 15 working days from the date of your biometric appointment.

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

The requirements for a UK tourist Visa for Indians are:

• A valid passport.
• Completed visa application form.
• Proof of financial stability (bank statements, income tax returns).
• Travel itinerary and accommodation details.
• Proof of ties to India (employment, family, property).
• Visa fee payment receipt.

6. What is the minimum bank balance required to obtain a UK tourist visa from India?

While there is no official minimum, it is recommended to have sufficient funds to cover your stay (approximately INR 1-2 lakh or more, depending on the duration and activities planned).

7. What are you not allowed to do under a long-term visitor visa UK?

Here are the activities not allowed under a long-term visitor visa UK:

• You cannot work (paid or unpaid) for a UK company or as a self-employed person.
• You cannot live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits.
• You cannot access public funds (benefits).

8. What are the documents required for a UK tourist visa from India?

The documents required for a UK tourist visa from India are:

• Valid passport.
• Visa application form.
• Passport-sized photographs.
• Financial documents (bank statements, pay slips, income tax returns).
• Travel itinerary.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Invitation letter (if visiting family/friends).
• Proof of employment or business (employment letter, business license).

9. How many days before the date of your travel can you apply for a UK visa?

You can apply up to 90 days (3 months) before your intended travel date.

10. Who can apply for a Schengen visa in the United Kingdom?

Individuals residing in the UK with a valid residence permit can apply for a Schengen visa to travel to the Schengen Area.

11. What is the processing time for a UK tourist visa from India?

Standard processing time is about 15 working days from the biometric appointment date.

12. How long can Indians stay in the UK on a tourist visa?

Indians can stay up to 6 months on a standard visitor visa.

13. What should you do if your UK visa application gets denied?

You can follow these steps:

• Review the reasons for refusal provided in the refusal letter.
• Address the issues identified and consider reapplying.
• Seek professional advice if necessary.
• You may be eligible to apply for an administrative review or appeal, depending on the reason for refusal.

14. Who has to sign for a minor when visiting the United Kingdom?

A parent or legal guardian must sign the visa application form for minors.

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