Planning a holiday in London, visiting family in Manchester, or traveling across Scotland? Securing a Standard Visitor Visa from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires clear budgeting. From official Home Office application fees to mandatory VFS Global service charges and optional priority processing, knowing the exact landed costs helps avoid surprises.
The official UK Standard Visitor Visa fee for Indian applicants is £115 (approx. ₹12,300 to ₹12,800) for a short-term 6-month multiple-entry visa. Long-term multi-entry tourist visas (2 years, 5 years, and 10 years) carry higher consular charges, and additional charges apply if you opt for priority fast-track or premium biometrics booking.
UK Visitor Visa Fees for Indian Citizens: Quick Summary
| Visa Category | Validity Period | Home Office Fee (GBP) | Approx. Cost in INR | Maximum Stay Allowed |
| Standard Visitor Visa (Short-term) | 6 Months | £115 | ₹12,300 – ₹12,800 | Up to 180 days per visit |
| Standard Visitor Visa (Long-term) | 2 Years | £432 | ₹46,000 – ₹47,500 | Up to 180 days per visit |
| Standard Visitor Visa (Long-term) | 5 Years | £771 | ₹82,000 – ₹85,000 | Up to 180 days per visit |
| Standard Visitor Visa (Long-term) | 10 Years | £963 | ₹1,02,000 – ₹1,06,000 | Up to 180 days per visit |
| Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) | Transit only | £35 | ₹3,700 – ₹4,000 | Airside layover only |
| Visitor in Transit Visa | Up to 48 Hours | £64 | ₹6,800 – ₹7,100 | Landside layover up to 48h |
Note: Government fees are billed in British Pounds (£/GBP) on the official Gov.uk portal. The exact INR charged depends on daily currency exchange rates and bank international card markup fees.
Detailed Fee Breakdown by Visa Duration
1. Short-Term Standard Visitor Visa (6 Months)
- Cost: £115 (~₹12,300 to ₹12,800)
- Who it is for: First-time leisure travelers, business meeting attendees, conference speakers, or those visiting relatives.
- Stay Rules: Allows multiple entries into England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland for a cumulative stay of up to 180 days within the 6-month validity window.
2. Long-Term Visitor Visas (2, 5, and 10 Years)
If you travel to the UK frequently for business, leisure, or family visits, long-term options avoid the hassle of reapplying each year:
- 2-Year Visa: £432 (~₹46,000 to ₹47,500)
- 5-Year Visa: £771 (~₹82,000 to ₹85,000)
- 10-Year Visa: £963 (~₹1,02,000 to ₹1,06,000)
- Important Condition: Even on a 5 or 10-year visa, you cannot live in the UK through frequent successive visits. Each individual stay is restricted to a maximum of 6 months (180 days).
Additional VFS Global & Fast-Track Processing Fees
When applying from India, you will book an appointment at a local VFS Global center (New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune, etc.). The following optional add-ons are available:
| Service | Additional Fee | Estimated Timeline |
| Standard Processing | Included | Usually within 3 weeks (15 working days) |
| Priority Visa Service | £500 (~₹53,000 – ₹55,000) | Decision within 5 working days |
| Super Priority Visa Service | £1,000 (~₹1,06,000 – ₹1,10,000) | Decision by end of next working day |
| Document Scanning Assistance | ~₹900 – ₹1,500 | On-site scanning at VFS counter |
| Courier Delivery Service | ~₹650 – ₹950 | Passport delivered directly to your home address |
| Premium Lounge Appointment | ~₹3,000 – ₹4,000 | Expedited biometrics in a private lounge |
Mandatory Documents for Indian Applicants
A well-documented financial profile is the key to securing a UK Standard Visitor Visa. The primary reasons for refusal under Immigration Rule V 4.2 are unverified funds or unclear ties to India. Ensure your dossier includes:
- Original Passport: Valid for the duration of stay with at least 1 blank page.
- Bank Statements: Original stamped and signed bank statements for the last 6 months showing steady income and a genuine closing balance (avoid unexplained sudden bulk deposits).
- Employment Evidence:
- Salaried: Last 3 to 6 months’ salary slips, Form 16, employer leave approval / NOC letter.
- Self-employed / Business: GST registration, Certificate of Incorporation / Partnership deed, and business bank statements.
- Income Tax Returns (ITR): Acknowledgments for the last 2 to 3 financial years.
- Cover Letter & Itinerary: Day-wise travel schedule, planned accommodation, and an explanation of your ties to India (family, property, employment) proving you will return before your visa expires.
- Sponsorship Details (If applicable): If visiting family or friends, provide their British passport/BRP copy, utility bill, council tax receipt, and an invitation letter.
How to Apply for a UK Visitor Visa from India
- Submit Online Form on Gov.uk: Create an account on the official UK government portal (
gov.uk/standard-visitor) and fill out the visa questionnaire. - Pay the Visa Fee: Pay the consular fee online via international credit card, debit card, or PayPal.
- Book VFS Global Appointment: Redirect to the VFS Global India portal to choose an appointment center, select a time slot, and opt for digital document upload.
- Upload Supporting Documents: Upload scanned copies of your passport, bank statements, ITR, and cover letter before your biometric appointment.
- Attend Biometric Appointment: Visit the designated VFS centre to give fingerprints and have your photo taken.
- Passport Return: Track your application online and collect your passport with your vignette (sticker) or receive it via courier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the fee for a 6-month UK tourist visa from India?
The official Home Office fee is £115, which translates to approximately ₹12,300 to ₹12,800, depending on current exchange rates and bank conversion markups.
How much bank balance is required for a UK tourist visa from India?
There is no fixed minimum balance stated by UKVI, but you must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover flights, accommodation, and daily expenses without resorting to public funds. A maintained balance of ₹2.5 Lakhs to ₹4 Lakhs per person for a 1–2 week trip is generally recommended.
Is the UK visitor visa fee refundable if rejected?
No. Visa application fees and VFS service fees cover the administrative cost of processing and assessment, and are strictly non-refundable if refused.
How early should I apply for a UK visitor visa?
You can apply up to 3 months (90 days) before your planned date of travel. It is advisable to apply at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance to accommodate peak-season appointment delays.
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