Get Your UK Visitor Visa Fast and Easy

Written by

Shrishti Bajpai

Fact check by

Afreen Abbasi

Updated on

Jul 05,2024

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Are you dreaming of strolling along the cobblestone streets of London, exploring the historic castles of Edinburgh, or savoring a traditional afternoon tea in the English countryside? The United Kingdom offers a wealth of cultural treasures and stunning landscapes, making it a top destination for travelers worldwide. However, before you embark on your British adventure, there's one essential step: securing your UK visitor visa. Understanding the ins and outs of the visa application process, including the all-important processing time, and UK visitor visa fees from India is key to ensuring a stress-free journey. 

To visit the UK, apply online for a Standard UK visitor visa, and attend a visa application center appointment. UK visitor visa holders are prohibited from working with clients or remotely. Apply a minimum of 3 months before travel, meeting eligibility criteria for permitted activities. Verify UK visitor visa necessity based on nationality before applying.

No UK Tourist Visa Needed for 111 Countries

Many nationalities from 111 countries have been given exemption from the UK tourist visa checklist and given visas on arrival to the UK due to British government policies including citizens of Israel, Germany, Australia, and America. Those, who have such passports as in Canada, Japan, and Singapore may travel without a UK visitor visa. Brazil, Italy, and South Korea are also included in the UK tourist visa checklist.

Andorra

Brazil

Estonia

Japan

Montserrat

Saba

South Georgia and Sandwich Islands

Anguilla

British Virgin Islands

Falkland Islands

Kiribati

Nauru

Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

South Korea

Antigua and Barbuda

British Overseas Territories

Finland

Latvia

Netherlands

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Spain

Argentina

Brunei

France

Liechtenstein

New Zealand

Saint Lucia

St Barts

Aruba

Bulgaria

Germany

Lithuania

Nicaragua

Sint Maarten

Sweden

Australia

Canada

Greece

Luxembourg

Norway

Saint Martin

Switzerland

Austria

Cayman Islands

Grenada

Macao

Palau

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Taiwan

Bahamas

Chile

Guatemala

Malaysia

Panama

Samoa

Togo

Barbados

Colombia

Guyana

Maldives

Papua New Guinea

Singapore

Tonga

Belgium

Costa Rica

Hong Kong

Malta

Paraguay

Sint Eustatius

Trinidad and Tobago

Belize

Croatia

Hungary

Marshall Islands

Peru

Slovakia

Turks and Caicos

Bermuda

Curacao

Iceland

Mauritius

Pitcairn Island

Slovenia

Tuvalu

Bonaire

Cyprus

Ireland

Mexico

Poland

Solomon Islands

USA

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Czech Republic

Israel

Micronesia

Portugal

San Marino

Uruguay

Botswana

Denmark

Italy

Monaco

Romania

Seychelles

Vatican City

 

Types of UK Visitor Visa

Embarking on a journey to the United Kingdom involves more than just packing your bags and booking your flights. It requires understanding the diverse array of UK visas available to suit your specific needs.

1. UK Visitor Visas - Standard Visitor Visa 

Whether you're eager to explore the UK's landmarks, attend events or seminars, seek medical treatment, or engage in business activities, the Standard Visitor Visa is your gateway. It caters to individuals with diverse intents, facilitating their temporary stay in the UK.

2. UK Study Visas (Tier 4)

Aspiring scholars aged 16 and above, hailing from outside the EEA and Switzerland, can pursue their educational aspirations in the UK with a Student Visa.

3. UK Work Visas

  • Tier 1 Investor Visa

For individuals outside the EEA and Switzerland seeking to invest £2,000,000 or more in the UK, the Investor Visa opens avenues for business ventures and residency.

  • Tier 2 Work Visa (General)

Skilled professionals offered employment in the UK by licensed sponsors can secure the Tier 2 Work Visa. Timely decision-making within three weeks ensures swift processing for applicants outside the UK.

  • Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa

Entrepreneurs harboring ambitions of setting up or managing businesses in the UK, backed by £50,000 or more, can tick their UK tourist visa checklist through the Entrepreneur Visa.

  • Graduate Entrepreneur Visa

Graduates endorsed by the Department for International Trade (DIT) or authorized UK higher education institutions (HEIs) can leverage the Graduate Entrepreneur Visa to kickstart their entrepreneurial journeys.

  • Exceptional Talent Visa

Exceptional individuals endorsed as leaders in fields spanning science, engineering, humanities, medicine, digital technology, or the arts can seize opportunities in the UK through the Exceptional Talent Visa.

4. UK Work Visas (Tier 5)

  • Government Authorized Exchange

  • Youth Mobility Scheme

  • Creative and Sporting Visas

  • Charity Worker

  • Religious Worker

  • International Agreement

5. UK Family Visas

  • Family Visas

Designed for prolonged stays with family members exceeding six months, Family Visas facilitate familial reunions in the UK.

  • UK Ancestry Visa

Applicants tracing their lineage to the UK can avail themselves of the UK Ancestry Visa, paving the way for a connection to their ancestral homeland.

UK Visitor Visa Processing Time

The UK visitor visa Processing Time varies depending on several factors, including the type of visa applied for, the applicant's nationality, and the time of year. On average, processing times can range from a few weeks to several months. Applicants are advised to apply well in advance of their intended travel dates to allow for sufficient processing time.

Visa Type

Standard Processing Time

Priority Processing Time

Standard Visitor Visa

15 working days

5 - 10 days 

Family Visitor Visa

15 working days

10 - 12 days 

Business Visitor Visa

15 working days

5  days 

Tourist Visitor Visa

15 working days

One Week 

 

Note: UK visitor visa processing times may vary based on individual circumstances and fluctuations in application volume. It's always best to check the official UK visa website for the most up-to-date information.

  • Apply online, verify your identity, and submit the required documents for your UK Tourist Visa.

  • Typically, a visa decision is provided within 3 weeks of the application submission.

  • There is an option to check for the possibility of expediting the visa decision process.

  • The decision will be communicated via email or letter, detailing the next steps.

  • UK visitor visa processing times for specific UK visitor visa categories are as follows:

  - Standard Visitor: 3 weeks

  - Permitted Paid Engagement: 3 weeks

 - Marriage Visitor: 3 weeks

 - Transit: 3 weeks

  • The UK visitor visa processing time may vary based on the completeness of the submitted documentation by the applicants.

UK Visitor Visa Fees from India

If you're an Indian national planning a visit to the United Kingdom, understanding the UK visitor visa fees from India is a crucial step in your application process.

Visa Type

Maximum Length of Stay

Fee

Standard Visitor visa

6 months

£115

Standard Visitor visa for medical reasons

11 months

£200

Standard Visitor visa for academics

12 months

£200

2 year long-term Standard Visitor visa

6 months per visit

£400

5 year long-term Standard Visitor visa

6 months per visit

£771

10 year long-term Standard Visitor visa

6 months per visit

£963

 

Additional Costs

In addition to the UK visitor visa fees from India, applicants may need to pay other charges, such as the healthcare surcharge (Immigration Health Surcharge - IHS), which allows access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS) during the stay. The IHS fee is approximately £624 per year for each applicant and is payable at the time of visa application.

UK Tourist Visa Document Checklist

Ensure a smooth application process by following this comprehensive UK tourist visa document checklist for a tourist visa. Include essentials like a passport, visa application form, financial statements, travel itinerary, accommodation details, and any additional supporting documents. Here’s a list of some of them:

1. Passport Requirement

   - Valid passport or travel document for the entire stay in the UK.

   - The UK tourist visa document checklist must have a blank page for the Standard UK visitor visa.

2. Online Application Information

   - Dates of planned travel to the UK.

   - Accommodation details during the visit.

   - Estimated trip UK visitor visa fees from India.

   - Current home address and duration of residence.

   - Parents' names and dates of birth (if known).

   - Annual income details (if applicable).

   - Disclosure of any criminal, civil, or immigration offenses.

3. Additional Information (Depending on Circumstances)

   - Details of the person funding your trip.

   - Information on family members in the UK, including their name, address, and passport number.

   - Certificate for tuberculosis (TB) test if the visit exceeds 6 months for complete UK tourist visa document checklist.

Key Takeaways for Securing Your UK Visitor Visa 

Consider the UK visitor visa process as the gateway to your British escapade, unlocking a world of historic wonders, cultural delights, and picturesque landscapes. From understanding visa types to ensuring the timely submission of documents, TerraTern will help you with expert guidance and support to your UK Visitor Visa. By familiarizing themselves with the guidelines and seeking necessary assistance, travelers can embark on their British adventure with confidence and ease.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a UK visitor visa?

A normal visitor visa for the United Kingdom is commonly valid for 6 months. However, it could be extended in some instances, such as for medical treatment or different unique purposes.

What are the different types of visit visas in the UK?

In the UK, there exist multiple varieties of visitor visas, each intended for distinct objectives. There are several common classifications, such as business, family, and regular visitor visas for travel purposes. Which particular kind is used will depend on why the visitor is there.

Is a visitor visa available in the UK?

Yes, the UK offers visitor visas for individuals intending to visit for tourism, business, family visits, or other permitted purposes. It is essential to apply for the appropriate type of visa based on the nature of the visit.

Is a UK visitor visa easy to get?

The ease of obtaining a UK visitor visa depends on different factors, including your reason for going to, and compliance with visa requirements. While the system is normally trustworthy, applicants need to provide correct documentation and meet eligibility criteria. Seeking guidance from legitimate government resources and adhering to utility suggestions can enhance the chances of a hit visa software.