UK Visa Requirements

From scenic landscapes and to the rich history and heritage, the United Kingdom paints a vibrant portrait of its allure. Iconic landmarks and charming countryside make this a preferred destination among travellers.

Indians need a valid UK visa to visit the country. The type of visa required depends on the purpose and duration of the visit. For tourism, business, or visiting family and friends, Indians usually apply for a UK Visitor Visa. A UK Work Visa is needed if you will be employed in the UK, and a UK Student Visa is needed if you will be studying in the UK. It's always best to check the latest visa requirements and application processes through official UK government channels or consult with a visa advisor.

Indians will be allowed to stay and work in the UK for a maximum of 24 months. If your visa is valid, you are free to enter the UK whenever you choose and to depart and return whenever you please. As a Standard Visitor, you can travel to the UK for up to six months of approved business or tourism activities.

visa-assistance visa-assistance
Get Started

Online immigration system - eVisa

The UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) is introducing eVisa, a complete digital immigration system that allows you a secure and faster way to access, prove, and share your immigration status. 

With the introduction of eVisa, the following changes will apply:

  • Starting 31 December 2024, Biometric Resident Permits (BRPs) and Biometric Resident Cards (BRCs) will no longer be accepted as evidence of your immigration status. 
  • Biometric Resident Permits (BRPs) and Biometric Resident Cards (BRCs) will not be issued after 1 January 2025.

To better understand and learn how the eVisa system applies to you, head to Government of UK – eVisa guidelines.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

If you are travelling to the UK for a short visit (up to 6 months), you need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).  

For more details on the requirements, application, and information visit Government of UK – Apply for an ETA.

Types of UK Visa

There are different categories of UK visas that allow for multiple entries for periods of six months each; short-term visas, valid for six months and long-term visas, valid for two, five, and ten years.

  • UK Visitor Visa 
  • UK Business Visa

Visa Type

Documents Required

UK Business Visa

  • Original passport - valid for at least three months with minimum 2 blank pages.
    • All previous passport and proof of loss passport (if any)
    • The passport should be issued less than 10 years ago.
  • Online application form.
  • All previous visa copies (If any)
  • Invitation letter from invitee company and Covering letter from current company letterhead with name, passport, designation, purpose of travel by authorized signatory with designation and company seal.
  • Financial documents:
    • Last 3 months' salary slips.
    • Income Tax Acknowledgement for last three years.
    • Last six-month bank statements with stamp and signature on it.

  • Points to note:
    • The UK embassy will create the updated checklist when payment confirmation is received in order to schedule the submission appointment.
    • Any applicant may be asked to provide additional documents as per Embassy’s discretion.
    • Processing days will be calculated once all documents have been submitted in accordance with embassy requirements.
    • Priority /Super priority options as per availability at the time of taking appointment with the additional charges by embassy.

 

UK Tourist Visa

  • Original passport - valid for at least three months with minimum 2 blank pages.
    • All previous passport and proof of loss passport (if any)
    • The passport should be issued less than 10 years ago.
  • Online application form.
  • All previous visa copies (If any)
  • Covering letter in original signed by the applicant. For self-employed/business, letter will be on company's letterhead.
  • NOC/Leave letter on company letterhead.
  • Financial documents:
    • Last 3 months' salary slips.
    • Income Tax Acknowledgement for last three years.
    • Last six-month bank statements with stamp and signature on it.
  • In case of Minor:
    • A parent/legal guardian shall submit birth certificate, if the parents are the legal guardians, or the decision of the competent authority on appointing the legal guardian.
    • A minor accompanied by one parent/ legal guardian or alone shall provide original notarized consent of the legal guardian that shall contain personal information, the period and length of stay in UK, the period for which the consent is issued, and the signature of the other parent/legal guardian, plus copies of another parent’s guardian’s passport or ID.



  • Points to note:
    • The UK embassy will create the updated checklist when payment confirmation is received in order to schedule the submission appointment.
    • Any applicant may be asked to provide additional documents as per Embassy’s discretion.
    • Processing days will be calculated once all documents have been submitted in accordance with embassy requirements.
    • Priority /Super priority options as per availability at the time of taking appointment with the additional charges by embassy.
    • Two recent passport size photographs required for Child below 5 years (for adult photos will be taken once application submitted at the time of biometrics).

 

Additional Information -

Priority /Super priority options as per availability at the time of taking appointment with the additional charges by embassy.

The UK embassy will create the updated checklist when payment confirmation is received in order to schedule the submission appointment.

Visa-on-arrival in the UK

Visa-on-arrival is not permitted for Indian citizens travelling to the UK. Indian citizens typically need to obtain a visa before travelling to the UK, whether for tourism, business, study, or other purposes. This involves applying for a visa through the UK Visa Application Centre in India or online, depending on the type of visa needed. It's essential to check the most up-to-date visa requirements and application procedures through official UK government sources or consult with a visa advisor. Regulations may change, so it's always wise to verify the current requirements before planning any travel.

How to Apply for UK Visa online through Air India?

  1. Click here to visit the AirIndia OneVasco website.
  2. Add and review the applicants’ details before proceeding to checkout.
  3. Once the payment is successful, you will receive a confirmation of your visa application. The OneVasco visa concierge team will get in touch to assist you further and ensure a smooth process.
  4. Once the required documents are submitted and verified by our visa experts’ team, your UK Visa application will be submitted for approval.
  5. Once your visa application is approved, a sticker visa will be affixed to one of the pages of your passport.

UK Visa Processing time:

The UK visa processing time will be calculated once all documents have been submitted in accordance with the embassy requirements.

How to track the UK Visa application?

You can track the status of your application on the  link

What are the UK Visa fees and charges?

Please refer to the below table for UK visa fees:

Visa Name

UK Visa Fees in INR

UK Standard Business/Tourist Visitor Visa - 6 Months

12,624

UK Standard Business/Tourist Visitor Visa - 2 Years

47,723

UK Standard Business/Tourist Visitor Visa - 5 Years

85,173

UK Standard Business/Tourist Visitor Visa - 10 Years

1,06,383

Frequently asked Questions

Yes, a valid UK visa for Indians is needed to enter the country. You can apply for a UK Tourist Visa, UK Work Visa, UK Student Visa, etc, based on the purpose of your visit. Before applying for visa, it is recommended to check the latest requirements and guidelines through official UK government channels or consult with a visa advisor.

  1. Click here to visit the AirIndia OneVasco website. 
  2. Add and review the applicants’ details before proceeding to checkout. 
  3. Once the payment of the UK Visa fees is successful, you will receive a confirmation of your visa application. The OneVasco visa concierge team will remain in constant touch to ensure a convenient experience.
  4. Once the required documents are submitted and verified by the visa experts’ team, your UK Visa application will be submitted for approval. 
  5. Once approved, the UK Visa will be a sticker visa will be affixed to one of the pages of your passport. 

No, you must apply well in advance, considering the UK visa processing time may vary depending on the type of visa applied. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Indian citizens travelling to the UK. This means that Indian citizens need to obtain a visa before travelling to the UK, regardless of the purpose of their visit.

This involves applying for a visa through the UK Visa Application Centre in India or online, depending on the type of visa needed. 

UK Business Visa: If you are visiting the UK for business purposes, you can apply for a UK Visitor Business Visa. With this visa, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months for business-related activities such as attending meetings, conferences, or negotiating contracts.

UK Tourist Visa: If you're travelling to the UK for tourism, visiting family and friends, or for business purposes, you can typically stay for up to 6 months on a Standard Tourist Visitor Visa. This visa can be used for multiple visits within its validity period, but each visit must not exceed 6 months.

Since there are multiple categories of UK visa, the validity period will be considered as per the travel period and type of category you have applied for at the time of application.

Visa Type

Validity Period

UK Business Visa

A Standard Visitor Visa typically has a validity period of up to 6 months. During this time, you can enter the UK for business-related activities. This visa may also allow multiple entries during its validity period.

UK Tourist Visa

The validity period of a UK tourist visa, also known as a UK Visitor Visa, typically ranges from 6 months to 10 years, depending on various factors such as your individual circumstances and the purpose of your visit. However, it's important to note that the maximum duration of stay allowed per visit is usually 6 months.

 

Yes. Schengen visa holders require separate visas for the United Kingdom. Indian nationals need to apply a visa to enter the UK, regardless of whether they hold a Schengen visa or not. The type of visa required depends on the purpose of the visit, such as tourism, business, study, or work. Indian citizens typically need to apply for a visa in advance through the UK Visa Application Centre in India or online.

Yes, you can apply for a UK Business visa even if you haven't booked your flight tickets. However, for a UK Tourist visa, flight tickets are mandatory to present at the time of submission.

When you apply for a UK visa, you need to provide details about your intended travel dates, including your planned arrival and departure dates.

However, you should have a clear travel itinerary and plans in place before applying for your visa. This includes knowing the dates you intend to travel, where you plan to stay, and the purpose of your visit. Providing this information accurately in your visa application will help the authorities assess your application effectively.

Remember to check the specific requirements and guidelines for the type of visa you're applying for, as different visas may have different documentation requirements and criteria for approval.

Yes, when applying for a UK visa, there are specific criteria for the type of photo you must upload. It's essential to adhere to these guidelines to ensure that your visa application is processed smoothly.

Yes, documents can be uploaded in either PDF or JPG format. Ensure that your documents are saved in one of these formats when submitting them for your UK visa application.

The processing time for UK visa can range from a few weeks to several months, so it's essential to apply well in advance of your planned travel date. Additionally, factors such as the completeness of your application, the accuracy of your information, and any additional processing requirements can affect the processing time.

Your UK Application form needs to be filled online and given for submission at the visa application centre with the required documents. Once your visa application is approved, a sticker visa will be affixed to one of the pages of your passport.

If you have any queries regarding your UK visa application, you may reach out to the OneVasco team. 

Yes, Indians need a visa to visit the UK. The type of visa required depends on the purpose and duration of the visit. For tourism, business trips, or visiting family and friends, Indians usually apply for a UK Visitor Visa. For other purposes like work or study, different visa categories apply. It's always best to check the latest visa requirements and application processes through official UK government channels or consult with a visa advisor.

No. Once a UK visa application has been submitted, it cannot be cancelled. However, if you no longer wish to proceed with your travel plans or if there has been a change in circumstances, you can inform the UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) or the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) about your decision.

If you have submitted your visa application through a Visa Application Centre (VAC), you can contact them directly to inform them of your decision to withdraw your application. They will advise you on the next steps and may provide you with a form or process to formally withdraw your application.

If you have applied for your visa online or through another channel directly with UKVI, you can contact them to inform them of your decision. You may need to provide details such as your application reference number and personal information to identify your application.

No. UK visa fees are non-refundable, so even if you choose not to use the visa, you may not be eligible for a refund. 

Refunds are not available for visa rejections. UK Visa fees are non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the application. When applying for a UK Visa, it is necessary to ensure all guidelines are followed to minimise the risk of rejection.

There is no timeframe that you must wait to reapply in case your UK Visa application is denied. However, one must understand the reason for rejection and address the issues before submitting a fresh application.