Visa Status
Embassy Visa
Maximum Stay
6 months (standard visitor visa)
Application
Online via official portal or through sponsor
Last Verified
2026-08-01
Indian passport holders need a Standard Visitor Visa for the UK. The fee is £115 (approx. ₹12,500) for a 6-month visa. Apply online, provide biometrics at VFS Global, and submit a TB test certificate. Processing takes 15–30 working days.
The United Kingdom is a popular destination for Indian travellers, offering historic landmarks, world-class museums, the Scottish Highlands, and vibrant cities like London, Edinburgh, and Manchester. Indian passport holders need a Standard Visitor Visa to enter the UK for tourism. The application is completed online, with biometrics collected at a VFS Global centre and a mandatory tuberculosis test from an approved clinic. This guide covers the visa process, fees, required documents, and key requirements for Indian travellers.
Yes, Indian passport holders require a Standard Visitor Visa to enter the UK for tourism. The visa must be obtained before travel. There is no visa on arrival or visa-free entry for Indian ordinary passport holders.
The UK Standard Visitor Visa allows a stay of up to 6 months per entry. Longer-term visas (2-year, 5-year, and 10-year) are available at higher fees, allowing multiple entries, but each individual stay is still limited to 6 months.
The Standard Visitor Visa is the standard visa for Indian leisure travellers visiting the UK. It is available as a 6-month, 2-year, 5-year, or 10-year visa. The 6-month visa is the most common for first-time applicants. Longer-term visas are typically granted to applicants with a strong travel history to the UK.
The UK visa application is started online through the UK government website at gov.uk/standard-visitor. After completing the online form and paying the fee, you book an appointment at a VFS Global centre to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) and submit your passport. The visa is then processed and a vignette (sticker) is placed in your passport.
To enter the UK, Indian passport holders need: a passport valid for at least 6 months, a valid UK Standard Visitor Visa vignette in the passport, a return or onward flight ticket, and proof of accommodation. Immigration officers may also ask for proof of sufficient funds and the purpose of your visit.
Passport validity
Minimum 6 months from date of entry
Visa type
Standard Visitor Visa for tourism, family visits, or business
TB test
Tuberculosis test certificate required from an approved clinic
Biometrics
Biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) collected at VFS Global
Documents required for the UK Standard Visitor Visa application include: a passport valid for at least 6 months, the completed online application form, a recent passport-size photograph, bank statements for the last 6 months, income tax returns for the last 2–3 years, a detailed itinerary, hotel bookings or a sponsor letter, and a tuberculosis test certificate from an approved clinic. Additional documents may be requested.
The UK Standard Visitor Visa costs £115 (approx. ₹12,500) for a 6-month visa. A 2-year visa costs approximately £432, a 5-year visa approximately £771, and a 10-year visa approximately £963. Priority processing (5 working days) costs an additional £500. Super priority service (next working day) costs approximately £1,000. VFS Global service charges are additional.
The UK visa application is completed online through the UK government website. After submitting the online form and paying the fee, you book an appointment at a VFS Global centre to provide biometrics and submit your passport. A tuberculosis test certificate from an approved clinic must be included with the application.
Complete the online visa application form at gov.uk/standard-visitor.
Pay the visa fee online (£115 for 6-month visa).
Book an appointment at a VFS Global centre for biometrics.
Get a tuberculosis test certificate from a UK-approved clinic in India.
Attend the VFS appointment to provide biometrics and submit your passport and documents.
Wait 15–30 working days for processing. Collect your passport with the visa from VFS Global.
Standard processing takes 15 to 30 working days. Priority processing delivers a decision within 5 working days for an additional fee of £500. Super priority service delivers a decision by the next working day. It is recommended to apply at least 6 weeks before your travel date.
The UK Standard Visitor Visa cannot be extended from within the UK. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before travel. Overstaying is a serious violation and can result in deportation and a ban from entering the UK.
Common mistakes include: not getting the TB test from an approved clinic (only approved clinics are accepted), not providing sufficient financial documentation, not booking the VFS appointment far enough in advance, applying too close to the travel date, and not carrying supporting documents when travelling. Also, ensure bank statements show regular income, not just a sudden large deposit.
UK visa information is published by the UK Home Office (UK Visas and Immigration). The official visa application portal is gov.uk/standard-visitor. VFS Global handles biometrics and document collection in India.
Last verified: 2026-08-01. Visa rules can change. Always confirm with official sources before travel.
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Important Disclaimer
Visa requirements change frequently. The information on this page was last verified on 2026-08-01. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy website or your travel agent before applying. VacationTrips does not guarantee that this information is current at the time of your travel.