UK Tourist Visa
Dreaming of exploring the fascinating landscapes, historical sites, and vibrant cities of the United Kingdom? With all its rich history, world-famous landmarks-from Buckingham Palace to the Tower of London-and the incredible Highlands of Scotland, the United Kingdom is everyone's first choice destination. Travelling to visit family, immerse yourself in British culture, attend an event, or create a lifetime of memories only requires getting a UK tourist visa.
This guide provides everything you need to know on eligibility, the application process, required documents, how to increase your chances of making a smooth and successful visa application, and UK tourist visa processing time.
What is a UK tourist visa?
The UK tourist visa, also officially called the Standard visitor visa, allows a foreign national to visit the UK for tourism, family visits, attending events, or even short courses. The visa lasts up to 6 months per visit, though extended stay options are available for specific cases.
Types of UK standard visitor visa?
Here are the types of UK standard visitor visa.
Visa Type | Purpose | Validity |
Standard Visitor Visa | For general tourism, visiting family or friends, attending conferences, short courses, or medical treatments. | Up to 6 months; options to extend for frequent visitors (2, 5, or 10 years), but each visit is limited to 6 months. |
Marriage Visitor Visa | It is intended for applicants travelling to the UK expressly to register for a civil partnership or be married. | It is up to 6 months, it is non-renewable and must leave after expiry. |
Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) Visa | For professionals (artists, entertainers, academics) invited to work temporarily in the UK. | Up to 1 month. |
Transit Visa | It is for travellers passing through the UK to another country. | Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV): For airport-only transit, valid for 48 hours. Visitor in transit visa: For those passing through UK border control, valid for 48 hours. |
Short-Term Study Visa | For short courses (up to 6 months), such as English language studies. | For English language classes, the validity period is either six or eleven months. |
UK visitor visa requirements for Indians
When applying the following, you must be able to provide the UK visa and Immigration officer with proof of the following.
Visa Type | Eligibility Criteria |
Standard visitor visa | - You’re at least 18 years old. - Traveling for short courses, medical care, vacation, or to see family or friends. - You have sufficient proof of funds to support yourself. - Proof of return or onward travel. - No plans to work or live long-term. |
Marriage visitor visa | - You’re at least 18 years old. - Arriving in the United Kingdom to register a civil partnership or be married. - Having a plan to leave after the visa expires. - Have funds to support your stay. - No plans to stay or apply for public funds. |
Permitted paid engagement (PPE) visa | - You’re at least 18 years old. - Invited for a specific paid job, like a performance or lecture. - Plan to stay no longer than 1 month. - Can show funds and have accommodation. - Will leave the United Kingdom after the work is done. |
Transit visa | - On your route to another country, passing via the United Kingdom. - DATV: For direct airport transit, no leaving the airport, valid for 48 hours. - Visitor in Transit Visa: For passing through UK border control, valid for 48 hours. - Evidence of further travel and the necessary visas for the next stop. |
Short-term study visa | - You’re at least 16 years old. - Approved for either an English language course (up to 11 months) or a short course (up to 6 months). - Have enough funds for tuition and living. - Proof of course acceptance and accommodation. - No work or extensions allowed. |
Documents required for UK visitor visa for Indians
Here are the required documents for the UK tourist visa;
- Application form for UK tourist visa (form VAF1A)
- 2 recent photograph
- Valid passport
- Proof of funds
- Your last 10 years of travel history
- Letter of invitation ( If Applicable)
- Biometrics
- Fee receipt
- Language skill certificate
- Medical certificate
How to apply for UK tourist visa from India?
The Step-by-step process for a UK standard visitor visa.
- Check whether you need a visa for the UK or not
- Choose the correct visa type to begin the process
- Get the online application form completed
- Gather all necessary documents to submit
- Schedule an appointment for the UK visa
- Attend the visa interview
UK tourist visa fee for Indians
The cost of a UK standard visitor visa is £115. The long-term standard visa fee depends on your length of stay. However, the UK standard visitor visa Application Fees are mentioned below.
Visa Type | Fee | Maximum Length of Stay |
Standard visitor visa | £115 | 6 months |
Standard visitor visa (for medical reasons) | £200 | Up to 11 months |
Standard visitor visa (for academics) | £200 | Up to 12 months |
2-Year long-term standard visitor visa | £432 | 6 months per visit (valid up to 2 years) |
5-Year long-term standard visitor visa | £771 | 6 months per visit (valid up to 5 years) |
10-Year long-term standard visitor visa | £963 | 6 months per visit (valid up to 10 years) |
UK tourist visa processing time for Indians
The UK standard visitor visa comes within 3 weeks of attending the appointment at the visa application centre. However, it may vary based on the workload of the immigration authority and the candidate’s nationality.
How can Province Immigration help you?
Explore the UK's famous landscapes, historical settings, and cultural vibrancy- an adventure journey. Province Immigration is here with you to make the visa procedure hassle-free. Getting help from our expert guidance and personalised support, you will confidently secure your UK tourist visa. The process includes:
- Profile evaluation: We check your profile history with the visa eligibility criteria and advise you on which visas you must apply for.
- Obtaining documents: Assist you in gathering the paperwork required to apply for a visa.
- Professional direction: We are always here to help you, whether with interview preparation, French/English classes, working samples for resumes and cover letters, or help with application forms, medical clearance certificates, or police clearance certificates.
- Dedicated case officer: We provide individualised support throughout the process and serve as the company’s primary point of contact.
- Post-landing services: After getting your visa, we assist you in settling down in the nation. These services are specially tailored to meet your needs. With Province Immigration, you can anticipate a one-stop solution for your visa needs, including profile evaluation, documentation, application preparation, and post-visa services.
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