The island nation of the United Kingdom, which is made up of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, is located in northwest Europe. The Irish Sea, English Channel, North Sea, and Atlantic Ocean are all around this island nation. See a nation that is home to breathtaking scenery, fairy-tale castles, and thriving, modern cities that are brimming with wonderful experiences to share.
As a Standard Visitor, you are allowed to travel to the UK for leisure, business, educational purposes (up to six-month courses), and other acceptable pursuits.
You are usually allowed to stay in the UK for a period of six months. In some situations, such as when receiving medical care, you may be eligible to apply for a longer stay.
Types of UK Visitor Visa
There are two categories of UK Tourist/ Visitor Visa listed below available to anyone requesting to visit the UK:
- Short-Term Visa - Usually for up to 6 months
- Long-Term Visiting Visa - A maximum of 2, 5, or 10 years. The applicant may submit an application for a long-term visitor visa if they can show that several trips to the UK would be required over time and that the goal of those trips would remain the same during the validity of the visa.
UK Tourist/ Visitor Visa Requirement
Mention below are the UK Tourist / Visitor Visa Requirements that one must fulfil if he or she plans to visit the UK:
- Provide return documentation on time.
- Provide evidence that you can handle your financial obligations while in the UK.
- Provide evidence of any activity (business or otherwise) you wish to engage in during your visit to the UK and which are permissible under the relevant laws.
- When applying for a long-term visa, the applicant must demonstrate that they will continue to have a continual need to enter the UK during the validity of the visa.
- Applicants must demonstrate they have the required documentation, have made financial arrangements to cover the cost of the treatment, and will leave the UK once it is finished when requesting a visa for medical treatment.
What is the process for applying UK tourist visa?
One must follow the steps mentioned below when initiating the process for applying UK tourist Visa:
- Filling out the application – Submit your request for a visit or tourist visa to the UK. It is essential that you enter your information accurately. Any erroneous information could result in the denial of your visa.
- Pay the UK visa processing fee – After completing your application, pay the UK visa fees using a legitimate debit or credit card. You should expect to pay about GBP 100 for the typical UK tourist visa from India.
- Schedule your interview – Following the completion of your payment, you will be prompted to schedule your interview date. Be sure the date of your appointment is one that works for you. You will have to start anew on the UK visa application if you wish to change your appointment time!
- Application Form - It is extremely important that you print off your application form, your UK visa fee receipt, and your passport.
- Other Documents – It is helpful to have additional documents, such as provisional flight and hotel bookings and passport copies, to strengthen your UK visitor visa application from India.
- Processing Time for UK Tourist Visa – A typical UK tourist visa from India should typically take up to 2 weeks to process. Nonetheless, it’s usually preferable to apply at least three weeks in advance, just to be cautious.
Documents Required for UK Visitor Visa
- The dates planning to travel to the UK
- Where you will be staying during the visit
- How much the trip will cost (just an estimate)
- Your current home address and how long you’ve lived there
- Parents’ names and dates of birth (if known)
- Your annual income (if applicable)
- Details of any criminal, civil, or immigration offenses that may have been committed
- Details of travel history for the past 10 years
- Your employer’s address and telephone number
- Partner’s name, date of birth, and passport number
- The name and address of anyone paying for the trip
- The name, address, and passport number of any family members in the UK
- A certificate proving that you’ve had a tuberculosis (TB) test if visiting for more than 6 months
- Proof of identity with a passport or travel document
- Have fingerprints and a photograph (known as ‘biometric information’) taken
- Plan for Weather Variability: It is also very unpredictable—it can rain anytime, so a light raincoat or umbrella and layers to adapt to shifting conditions are advisable. Be prepared that it might be quite mild and even chilly at times during the summer.
- Use Public Transportation: The public transport system is rich and timely in the UK, especially in cities like London. Use the Oyster card in London to get reduced fares on buses, trains, and the Underground. Additionally, national rail connects all major cities, allowing convenient and affordable travel anywhere.
- Buy Advance Tickets: Tourist attractions such as the London Eye or Stonehenge get too crowded in peak seasons. Tickets are easily available beforehand, even online, saving long queues and sometimes offering a discount.
- Be Mindful of Your Tipping: Tipping is generally not necessary in the UK. However, it is appreciated for good service. Tip around 10-15% of the total bill for restaurants if a service charge is not attached. For taxis, a round-up to the nearest pound is sufficient.
- Currency and Methods of Payment: The UK uses the British Pound (£). Many places accept credit or debit cards, but it is always handy to carry some cash, especially in rural areas or for small purchases. Avoid high exchange rates at airports by using local exchange bureaus or withdrawing money from ATMs.
- Travel Insurance: Buying travel insurance is highly recommended before the UK trip for protection against financial loss, medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage. Enquire with your insurance provider about healthcare abroad coverage.
- Learn Local Customs and Manners: The British are considered polite, and saying "please" and "thank you" goes a long way, as does queuing to wait in line for most services, whether at a bus stop, a shop, or an attraction.
- Find Out Local Secrets Beyond Towns Generally Visited: While bigger cities like London, Edinburgh, and Oxford are not to be missed, many smaller towns and regions offer priceless experiences and lesser-known insights into UK culture. Visit places like Bath for Roman baths, York for medieval streets, or the Cotswolds for charming villages.
- Stay Alert on Local Customs: There are always things to pay attention to in local culture and traditions, especially public activities in the UK. For example, never shout in a crowded place and don’t intrude upon other people's personal space.
- You will be permitted to do the following while visiting the UK for tourism or recreational purposes:
- Participate in educational exchange programmes,
- Attend leisure courses for a maximum of 30 days, and
- Spend a maximum of 30 days volunteering for a recognised charity
UK Tourist Visa Processing Time
The table demonstrates the UK tourist/ visitor visa fee for different tourist/visitor visa types.
| Visa Type | Fee | Maximum length of stay |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor visa | £100 | 6 months |
| Standard Visitor visa for medical reasons | £200 | 11 months |
| Standard Visitor visa for academics | £200 | 12 months |
| 2 year long-term Standard Visitor visa | £376 | 6 months per visit |
| 5 year long-term Standard Visitor visa | £670 | 6 months per visit |
| 10 year long-term Standard Visitor visa | £837 | 6 months per visit |
Travel Tips during Your UK Visit
Important FAQ's
You must have access to enough resources to support yourself for your whole stay in the UK. There is no minimum amount of money that must be demonstrated but it is a general suggestion to at least maintain a bank balance of 6 to 7 lakhs.
If your application for a Regular Visiting Visa is denied, you probably won’t have the option to appeal. It is possible that you will have to use judicial review if you need to contest a refusal.p>
No, the Immigration Office does not reimburse the visa cost if your application is rejected.
It is preferable to apply for a UK visa at least three months before your anticipated departure date.
