Key Highlights
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Also Read: Your Comprehensive Guide to UK Startup Visas
4. UK Work Visas (Tier 5)
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Government Authorized Exchange
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Youth Mobility Scheme
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Creative and Sporting Visas
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Charity Worker
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Religious Worker
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International Agreement
5. UK Family Visas
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Family Visas
Designed for prolonged stays with family members exceeding six months, Family Visas facilitate familial reunions in the UK.
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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.
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Apply online, verify your identity, and submit the required documents for your UK Tourist Visa.
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Typically, a visa decision is provided within 3 weeks of the application submission.
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There is an option to check for the possibility of expediting the visa decision process.
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The decision will be communicated via email or letter, detailing the next steps.
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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
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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.
Read More: Migration and Immigration: Differences, Meaning & More 2024
Key Takeaways for Securing Your UK Visitor Visa
Consider the UK visitor visa process 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 for your UK Visitor Visa. By familiarizing themselves with the guidelines and seeking necessary assistance, travelers can confidently and easily embark on their British adventure.