UK Visa for Indians 2026: eVisa Guide, Fees & Requirements

A UK visa is an official entry permit issued by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that authorizes Indian citizens to enter and stay in the United Kingdom for a specific purpose and duration. Since 25 February 2026, approved visas are issued as a digital eVisa — a secure online immigration record linked to your passport number and accessible through your UKVI online account — replacing the traditional vignette sticker. The eVisa is automatically checked by airlines at check-in and by Border Force at passport control, so a physical document is no longer needed. The UK operates its own visa system separate from the Schengen Area, so a UK visa is independent of any European visa you may hold. For a full walkthrough of eligibility and costs.

Yes. Indian passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to the United Kingdom for tourism, business, transit, study, or any other purpose. India is a visa-national country and is not among the 85 ETA-eligible countries, so the £20 Electronic Travel Authorisation does not apply. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Indian citizens at any UK port of entry. Applications are completed online at gov.uk, followed by a biometrics appointment at a VFS Global centre in India. India is not exempt from the UK transit visa requirement either — Indian nationals need a Direct Airside Transit Visa for airside layovers unless they qualify for one of the official transit exemptions (for example, holding certain valid visas or residence permits for the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or an EEA country).

What Is Available and Not Available

The UK offers several visa categories for Indian citizens depending on the purpose of travel. The Standard Visitor Visa covers most short visits, while long-term, student, and work routes carry separate requirements and fees.

Visa Type Summary

Standard Visitor Visa

Best for: Indian travelers visiting the UK for tourism, sightseeing, visiting family and friends, business meetings, short courses, or self-funded medical treatment. This is the most popular visa category for Indian citizens — it covers around 92% of all UK visa applications from India. The application is completed online at gov.uk with biometrics at a VFS Global centre. The visa allows multiple entries with a maximum stay of 6 months per visit, and is issued as a digital eVisa since February 2026. For a complete walkthrough of the tourism route, see the dedicated UK tourist visa guide.

Long-Term Visitor Visa (2, 5, 10 Years)

Best for: Indian travelers who visit the UK regularly for business or family reasons. Long-term visitor visas allow multiple entries with up to 6 months stay per visit, valid for 2, 5, or 10 years. First-time applicants are generally advised to start with the 6-month visa and upgrade to a long-term visa after demonstrating a clean travel record. The Home Office may downgrade a first-time 10-year application to a shorter validity if your travel history is limited.

Business Visitor Visa

Best for: Indian professionals attending meetings, conferences, trade exhibitions, or conducting business negotiations in the UK. Standard business activities are covered by the regular Standard Visitor Visa — a separate business visa is not needed for visits of up to 6 months. Business visitors cannot work for a UK employer or receive payment from UK sources. For detailed business visitor requirements, refer to the UK business visa guide.

Transit Visa

Best for: Indian travelers transiting through UK airports on the way to another country. India is on the Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) list, so Indian passport holders need a DATV (£41.50) even for airside transit where they do not pass through border control. You do not need a DATV if you already hold a Standard Visitor visa, or if you hold certain valid visas or residence permits — for example for the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or an EEA country. Exemptions depend on the specific document and travel route, so always check the official transit guidance at gov.uk. A Visitor in Transit visa (approx £72) is needed if you will pass through UK border control and leave within 48 hours.

Student Visa

Best for: Indians enrolled in full-time courses at recognised UK educational institutions. Requires a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the institution, proof of financial support, and payment of the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The Student visa fee is approximately £490 (~₹65,000), with standard processing of 3 weeks.

Official Visa Fees

Additional Charges

Payment Notes

• The visa fee must be paid online in GBP at gov.uk by Visa, Mastercard, or American Express debit/credit card
• Visa fees are non-refundable regardless of the application outcome
• The visa fee is the same for adults and children — there is no child discount for UK visitor visas
• Priority and Super Priority services are selected when booking your VFS Global appointment and paid separately
• VFS service charges and optional add-ons are paid at the time of booking, not at the centre
• Keep all payment confirmation emails and your GWF reference number for tracking

General Documents (All Visa Types)

• Valid Indian passport with at least one blank page, valid for the entire duration of your stay in the UK
• Completed online application form at gov.uk with appointment confirmation printed
• Recent passport-size photograph meeting the specifications below
• Bank statements for the last 6 months showing sufficient funds — keep statements recent; industry practice recommends no older than 28 days
• Salary slips for the last 3-6 months and Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the last 2-3 years
• Employment letter or leave approval letter from your employer, or business registration documents if self-employed
• Proof of accommodation in the UK — hotel booking or invitation letter from your UK host
• Return flight booking or travel itinerary showing your planned departure from the UK
• Cover letter explaining the purpose of visit, itinerary, and your intention to return to India
• Proof of ties to India — property documents, family details, or employment contract showing strong ties

Passport-Size Photograph Specifications

Indian Banking Nuances for UK Visa Application

Category-Specific Documents

Standard Visitor (Tourism):

• Day-wise travel itinerary covering all planned activities and destinations
• Leave approval letter from employer (if employed)
• Confirmed hotel reservations for the entire stay

Business Visitor:

• Invitation letter from the UK company or conference registration proof
• Company registration documents of the Indian employer
• Letter of responsibility from the Indian employer on company letterhead

Family Visit:

• UK host's residence proof (BRP or eVisa share code, tenancy agreement)
• Relationship evidence and the host's invitation letter

Student Visa:

• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the UK institution
• Proof of funds for tuition fees and living costs for the first year

Document Guidelines

• All documents must be in English — documents in other languages require certified translations
• Uploaded files must be clear, legible, and not password-protected
• Provide self-attested photocopies of all original documents at the VFS centre
• Names and details must match your passport exactly across all documents
• Keep digital copies of everything — UKVI may request additional documents after submission

The UK visa application process consists of two mandatory stages. Missing either stage will result in delays or rejection of the application.

Stage 1 — Complete the Online Application

1. Check eligibility — Visit gov.uk/check-uk-visa and confirm whether you need a Standard Visitor visa. Applications can be submitted up to 3 months before your intended travel date.

2. Prepare all documents — Gather passport scan, photo, bank statements, salary slips, ITR, hotel booking, flight itinerary, and cover letter before starting the application.

3. Create a UKVI account — Register at gov.uk and start the online application. The form takes approximately 90-120 minutes and progress can be saved.

4. Complete the application form — Fill all personal, employment, and travel details exactly as printed on your passport. Choose the correct visa category — Standard Visitor for tourism or business visits.

5. Pay the visa fee — Pay £135 by Visa, Mastercard, or Amex within the online portal. Keep the payment confirmation and your GWF reference number.

6. Book the VFS Global appointment — Book your biometrics appointment at the nearest VFS Global centre and pay the service fee. Select Priority or Super Priority here if you need a faster decision.

7. Attend the biometrics appointment — Visit the VFS centre with your printed appointment confirmation, passport, and supporting documents. Provide biometrics (fingerprints and digital photograph).

Stage 2 — Verification, Decision & eVisa

8. Keep your passport — Under the eVisa system, your passport is returned immediately after biometrics. You can apply for other visas while UKVI processes your application.

9. Wait for the decision — Standard processing takes 15 working days from your biometrics date. Priority decides in 5 working days; Super Priority by the next working day.

10. Receive the decision email — You will be notified by email when a decision is made. There is no passport collection step for approved eVisa applications.

11. Access your eVisa — Create or link your UKVI account at gov.uk/get-access-evisa to view your digital immigration status. The eVisa is electronically linked to your passport number.

12. Verify details before travel — Check that your name, passport number, and validity dates on the eVisa are correct. Airlines verify your digital status at check-in — incorrect details mean you cannot board.

The UK visa application is processed entirely online through the official government portal (gov.uk), while biometrics and document verification are handled by VFS Global, the official UK visa application centre operator in India. For complete contact details, visit the British High Commission page.

Recommendation: Apply at least 8-10 weeks before your intended travel date for standard applications. During peak season (April-June, September-October), apply 10-12 weeks in advance. Never book non-refundable flights or hotels before your visa is approved.

Common Rejection Reasons and Solutions

Upon arrival at Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, or other UK airports, proceed to the immigration ePassport gates or standard lanes. Border Force officers may ask about your purpose of visit, accommodation, and return plans — answer clearly and confidently. Your eVisa is verified digitally at passport control, linked to the passport recorded in your UKVI account. Keep a printed copy or PDF of your "View and Prove" status page for the first few trips in case of technical issues. Your maximum permitted stay is 6 months per visit. The currency is the British Pound (GBP); ATMs are widely available and contactless cards are accepted everywhere. Emergency numbers are 999 (police, fire, ambulance) and 101 (non-emergency police). NHS treatment is not free for visitors — hospital treatment can cost thousands of pounds, so travel insurance is strongly recommended. The London Underground, buses, and trains are the easiest ways to travel; an Oyster card or contactless card works across London. The best time to visit is summer (June-August) for pleasant weather, with spring and autumn offering fewer crowds.

• Indian passport holders need a full UK visa for all travel — the £20 ETA applies to 85 visa-exempt countries, not India.
• The Standard Visitor fee is £135 from 8 April 2026, with long-term visas at £506 (2 years), £903 (5 years), and £1,128 (10 years).
• Since 25 February 2026, visas are issued as digital eVisas — no passport sticker, and you keep your passport during processing.
• Standard processing takes 15 working days from biometrics; Priority (+£500) decides in 5 working days and Super Priority (+£1,000) by the next working day.
• India is on the Direct Airside Transit Visa list — a £41.50 DATV is needed for airside layovers unless you qualify for an official exemption (e.g. valid US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand visa or EEA residence permit).
• India is the largest source of UK visitor visas globally, with an approval rate of around 91%.
• Apply 8-10 weeks before travel with recent bank statements — everything you need for a successful application is on the UK visa requirements page.