UK is a popular tourist destination which is famous as a beautiful mist country in harmony with tradition and modernity. UK Tourist visas are issued for short stays, tourism visits and similar purposes. UK authorities rarely do issue a tourism visa for a longer period than six months.
Do you need a UK tourist visa?
The UK or the United Kingdom is comprised of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. To visit any of these four countries, you would need a UK tourist visa. The UK tourist visa application process is long. Make sure to start your UK visa process at least two months from your intended date of the travel to the UK.
How long can you stay in the UK on a visa?
The UK or the United Kingdom is comprised of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. To visit any of these four countries, you would need a UK tourist visa. UK tourist visas are valid for 6 months and you can stay up to 180 days in the UK.
How much does a UK tourist visa cost?
A Standard Visitor visa costs £95 for up to 6 months. The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel. If you visit the UK regularly, you can choose to apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa instead.
What is a UK tourist visa for India?
A UK tourist visa allows Indians to travel to the United Kingdom for the purpose of: Based on your requirements, you can apply for two types of tourist visas to the UK: Short-stay visa: Generally valid for up to 6 months.
Overview
You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for tourism, business, study (courses up to 6 months) and other permitted activities. You can usually st...
Visit on business
You can visit the UK for up to 6 months to do the following business activities: attend interviews, meetings, conferences and seminars negotiate an...
Visit to study
You can visit the UK for up to 6 months to: study at an accredited institution (this includes English language courses) do a short piece of researc...
Visit as an academic
If you’re from an academic institution overseas, you can: take part in formal exchange arrangements with UK counterparts carry out your own researc...
Visit for medical reasons
You can visit the UK for up to 6 months to: have private medical treatment at a hospital or other medical facility have treatment at an NHS hospita...
If you're under 18
You may visit the UK if you’re under 18 and: you’ve made suitable arrangements for your travel and stay in the UK you have written consent from you...
Apply for a Standard Visitor visa
If you need a Standard Visitor visa, you must apply online before you travel to the UK and attend an appointment at a visa application centre. The...
When you can extend your stay
You may be able to extend your stay if you have permission to be in the UK for less than 6 months. You can extend your stay up to a total of 6 mont...
Browse: Visas and immigration
Check if you need a UK visa, apply, manage your application, biometric residence permits
What you need to do
Check if you need a UK visa, apply, manage your application, biometric residence permits
What is GWF reference number?
GWF reference number is the unique visa application number that was provided to you on your visa application submission. You must provide your GWF number when calling or emailing UK Visas and Immigration. Without the GWF number, UK Visas and Immigration will not be able to provide you with a status update on your visa application.
How long is a UK visa valid?
UK tourist visas are valid for 6 months and you can stay up to 180 days in the UK. The UK tourist visa application process is long and there is no status tracking. Make sure to start your UK visa process at least two months from your intended date of the travel to the UK.
How long does it take to get a UK passport back?
The UK visa application center keeps the passport for the entirety of the visa process, which could be 3 weeks or more. There may be emergencies where you need to have your passport with you. The only way to request your passport back is by formally withdrawing your visa application.
What do you bring to a passport appointment?
On the day of the appointment, you will give your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) and submit your original documents. You must bring all your original documents along with one photocopy of each including your passport.
Where to send biometrics to UK?
You must give your biometrics at your nearest Biometric Enrollment Center and later send/post your documents to the nearest UK Visa Application Center.
How long does it take to get a UK visa?
The UK tourist visa processing takes up to 3 weeks. There have been incidents where UKVI has taken over 2 months to process, especially when the visa applications are “not straightforward”.
How long do passports have to be valid in the UK?
Passport must be valid for the entire stay in the UK
What is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office?
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) is the British Government department responsible for overseas relations and foreign affairs, through its headquarters in London and through Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates throughout the world.
What is Directgov.uk?
Directgov (Direct.gov.uk) provides an alphabetical listing of UK government bodies and a wide range of other public service information. The United Kingdom Parliament official site carries information about the U.K. Parliament: the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The Northern Ireland Assembly. The Scottish Parliament.
What is the State Department's background note?
The State Department’s Background Notes: United Kingdom gives basic statistics on the UK, a brief account of U.S./U.K. relations and some background on U.K. government and politics. The State Department also from time to time issues travel warnings and country specific information on travel to particular countries.
What is the CIA World Factbook?
U.S. Visitors to the U.K. Map of the United Kingdom (CIA World Factbook) The following information is designed to help Americans visiting the United Kingdom, whether for business or pleasure, to locate information that will help them to plan their stay.
When will the ePassport gates open in the UK?
Starting June 2019 U.S. passport holders will be able to use the ePassport Gates on arrival in the United Kingdom. U.S. citizens who had previously registered for the UK’s Registered Traveller Service (RTS) should now also use the ePassport Gates on arrival in the UK.
Who runs the London Theatre Guide?
The London Theatre Guide is run by the Society of London Theatre, a trade association which represents the producers, theatre owners and managers of the fifty major commmercial and grant-aided theatres in central London. Further information on theatres in London and other cities may be found at VisitBritain listed under “ Things to Do “.
What is the NHS surcharge?
An NHS surcharge is assessed on certain visa applicants at the time of application. Tourists and short-term visitors will not be assessed the surcharge, but will be charged 150 percent of the cost of any medical treatment they receive from the NHS. Unpaid balances of £1,000 or more can result in being barred from return to the United Kingdom.
What happens if you violate local laws?
Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.
What is the BAC limit in Scotland?
Scotland’s “drink drive limit” law was amended to a lower level (roughly .05 BAC) and is stricter than the rest of the United Kingdom (roughly .08 BAC). This means that driving after even one drink can result in a charge of driving under the influence.
When will the ePassport gates open in the UK?
Starting June 2019, U.S. passport holders will be able to use the ePassport Gates upon arrival in the United Kingdom. U.S. citizens who had previously registered for the UK’s Registered Traveller Service (RTS) should now also use the ePassport Gates on arrival in the UK.
Which way does traffic go in the UK?
In contrast to the United States, UK traffic drives on the left. Read the Highway Code before driving.
Do I need a visa to enter the UK?
Visas for specific categories of visitors must be obtained prior to travel. Visit the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website to determine if you need a visa to enter the United Kingdom. We cannot intervene on your behalf when you apply for a UK visa, nor can we advocate for your admission into the UK if you are denied entry.
Do pedestrians have the right of way?
Generally, pedestrians do not have the right of way and should not expect vehicles to stop for them.
Health Document
Negative COVID-19 PCR test result required for all international travellers coming to India. The negative PCR test must be issued with in 72 hours of before departure.
Vaccination Document
COVID-19 vaccination proof for travellers coming to India. The last dose of vaccine must be taken atleast 14 ays before departure.
Passport
Original Passport or Travel document of UK with at least 6 months remaining validity on the date of travel and have at least 2 visa pages clear of any markings.
Passport Copy
A clear scan copy of passport of UK with the information pages that has signature. Provide the pages of your current passport showing your photo, personal details and passport issue and expiry dates. Must be valid for six months beyond the expiry date of the visa.
Accomodation Bookings
Hotel reservation (s) in India for the duration of your visit. Embassy recommends not to purchase tickets until visa is approved. Don’t risk your money, time and effort by buying actual tickets. Get hotel bookings for any city in the world within minutes for visa purposes.
Travel Bookings
A round-trip flight reservations (s) for India. An Onward Ticket is a flight reservation made by a real travel agency that can be helpful for visa applications or if you want to enter a country without purchasing a return flight. Get verifiable one way, round trip, and multi-city flight bookings for visa purposes.
Bank Statement
A recent monthly bank statement of the applicant from UK. The statement must clearly show the applicant's name as the account holder, the balances of the accounts, and the date of the statement. If statements are printed online then it has to be Authenticated (stamped) by the bank officials.
UK tourist visa from India
The United Kingdom has a wide range of attractive tourist spots including the city of London, countryside of Scotland and Wales. A UK tourist visa for Indians is referred to as a UK Standard Visitor Visa which allows its holder to enter and stay in the UK for up to 60 months.
UK visitor visa term
Based on your requirements, you can apply for two types of tourist visas to the UK:
UK tourist visa requirements
You need to fulfil the UK tourist visa requirements i.e. eligibility criteria and documentation to get a UK tourist visa from India.
How to apply for UK tourist visa from India
You can apply for a UK visa online and in person. Follow the steps mentioned below:
UK tourist visa fees for Indians
Here is the checklist of UK tourist visa fees in Indian Rupees based on visa type:
UK tourist visa processing time
The earliest you can apply for a UK standard visitor visa is 3 months before you travel.
What Documents Do I Need to Apply for A Visa Online?
For most destinations, you only need to fill in your details exactly as they appear on your passport’s biographical data page and the visa fees. For other destinations, you may need to upload additional documents such as:
What Do I Do If My Electronic Visa Application Is Denied?
All online visa application forms allow you to confirm your details before making the visa fee payment, so take your time and verify your information right down to the spellings of your names.
What are the different types of UK visa applications?
The type of UK visa that you apply for will be the main deciding factor in how long it takes to process your UK visa application. The UK visa that you choose will depend on your reason for visiting the UK and how long you wish to stay.
How might the time of year and other factors affect your UK visa processing time?
There are other factors that may affect the processing time of your UK visa application . These include:
What is UKVI?
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is the Home Office department responsible for the UK’s visa system. UKVI specifies standards for processing times of UK visas. The pre-COVID pandemic standards were as follows (for current processing times, you are advised to take specific guidance on your type of application):
What is a start up visa?
The Start-up visa is suitable for persons wanting to establish a business in the UK, who are from outside the EEA and Switzerland and are endorsed by an authorised body.
What factors affect the processing time of a UK visa?
One factor that may affect the UK visa processing time is whether the application has to be made through UKVCAS.
How long does it take to get a visitor visa in the UK?
Your application for a Standard Visitor visa should be made no earlier than 3 months before you intend to enter the UK, and it will generally take no more than 3 weeks for the visa application to be processed and a decision made after your appointment.
How long does it take to get access to UKVCAS?
Where applicants have completed their application online and been transferred from Access UK to the UKVCAS website, they have 240 days to submit their biometrics or their application will be closed.
UK Tourist Visa Requirements by Nationality
- Minimum passport validity required to enter the UK
1. Passport must be valid for the entire stay in the UK — - Visa REQUIRED nationalities
1. Afghanistan 2. Albania 3. Algeria 4. Angola 5. Armenia 6. Azerbaijan 7. Bahrain 8. Bangladesh 9. Belarus 10. Benin 11. Bhutan 12. Bolivia 13. Bosnia and Herzegovina 14. Burkina Faso 15. Burundi 16. Cambodia 17. Cameroon 18. Cape Verde 19. Central African Republic 20. Chad 21. China 22…
UK Tourist Visa Application Process
- First, check if you need a visitor visa to travel to the UK in the “UK tourist visa requirements by nationality” section above. Alternatively, you can check your eligibility and requirements on the UK gov website. —
Entering and Leaving The UK
- Entering the UK by air
At the immigration, the officers may ask you questions on your trip, how long you plan to stay, your next destination, etc. You may be asked to show your return/onward ticket and your hotel booking. If you are traveling on a one-way ticket, you can use OnwardTicketto get proof of onwar… - Leaving the UK by air
If you are flying out of Heathrow airport, make sure to arrive early. The airport is huge and you may have to take a bus from the gate to the flight. ***
Summary
- The UK tourist visa requirements are clear and easy to understand. But, the visa application process is long and expensive. Apply at least 2 months in advance, follow all the proper steps and documentation. Tourist visas are usually multiple-entry with 6 months validity.