How Indian passport holders get a visa for United Kingdom: visa type, government fee, processing time, maximum stay, the documents required and where to apply. Government-sourced — always verify on the official site before you travel.
Quick facts
- Visa type: Standard Visitor visa — apply online + VFS biometrics
- Government fee: £135 for a Standard Visitor visa (up to 6 months). Long-term options: 2-year £506, 5-year £903, 10-year £1,128. Optional VFS services (priority, courier, etc.) cost extra.
- Processing time: Usually a decision within 3 weeks of your biometrics appointment. Priority services available for an extra fee
- Maximum stay: Up to 6 months per visit
- Interview: Not required
- Ease for Indian travellers: 40/100
Documents you'll need
- Passport valid for the whole of your stay, with a blank page
- Evidence you can support yourself during the trip (bank statements / payslips)
- Evidence you can pay for the return or onward journey
- Travel plans, accommodation details and how long you intend to stay
- Evidence you will leave the UK at the end of the visit
- If someone else is funding/hosting you: their details, funds and relationship evidence
How & where to apply
Apply online for the Standard Visitor visa, then book a biometrics appointment (fingerprints + photo) at a VFS Global UK visa application centre in India. You can apply up to 3 months before travel. There is no formal interview in standard cases. GOV.UK — Standard Visitor visa (official)
Transit & connections
Indian nationals normally need a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV, £41.50) to change flights airside in the UK, or a Visitor in Transit visa if passing through border control within 48 hours. Always check GOV.UK for your routing.
How United Kingdom compares in non-Schengen Europe
With an ease score of 40/100 this is one of the tougher applications for Indians — expect strict document scrutiny and plan well ahead of travel. United Kingdom requires a full pre-travel application (embassy / visa application centre) for Indian passport holders.
| Country | Visa type | Government fee | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | Standard Visitor visa — apply online + VFS biometrics | £135 for a Standard Visitor visa (up to 6 months). Long-term options: 2-year £506, 5-year £903, 10-year £1,128. Optional VFS services (priority, courier, etc.) cost extra. | Usually a decision within 3 weeks of your biometrics appointment. Priority services available for an extra fee |
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | Short-Stay (C) visa — apply via VFS / AVATS before travel | €60 single-entry / €100 multi-entry (approx ₹5,400 / ₹9,000); VFS service charge ~₹2,000 extra | 4–8 weeks typical; up to 10+ weeks in peak season (May–Jul, Dec) |
| 🇷🇸 Serbia | Sticker visa — or visa-free if you hold Schengen/US/UK visa | Approx €60 (₹5,400) consular fee for short-stay (C) visa | Around 15 working days from a complete submission |
| 🇹🇷 Turkey (Türkiye) | eVisa (conditional) — or sticker visa via embassy | eVisa approx US$43 (₹3,650) single-entry, 1-month validity. Sticker visa via embassy approx US$50 government fee plus VFS service charge (total ~₹17,000) | eVisa: within minutes online. Sticker visa: 7–15 working days |
| 🇨🇾 Cyprus | National (Cypriot) visa — sticker via VFS Global; Schengen visa override applies | €90 (adults). VFS service charge separately. Total ~₹8,500–9,000 per adult. Free if entering under the Schengen visa override. | 10–15 working days standard. Apply at least 20 days before travel. |
| 🇦🇱 Albania | eVisa — or visa-free for holders of used US/UK/Schengen visa | €60 (~₹5,400) for the e-Visa. Free if eligible for visa-free entry on the basis of a used US/UK/Schengen visa. | E-Visa: 7–15 working days. Visa-free entry: instant on arrival. |
| 🇲🇪 Montenegro | Sticker visa via VFS Global — or visa-free with qualifying strong visa | €60–80 (~₹5,400–7,200) sticker fee. Free if entering under the strong-visa concession. VFS service charge separately. | 10 working days standard; up to 30 days for review, up to 60 days if additional docs needed. Visa-free entry: instant on arrival. |
Fees and processing times are indicative and change with exchange rates and season — always confirm on each country's official source before applying.
Good to know
Apply only via GOV.UK and the official VFS Global UK centres. Strong evidence of funds and ties to India makes a big difference. Visa rules change often — confirm on the official government source: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor
Frequently asked questions
Do Indians need a visa for United Kingdom?
Standard Visitor visa — apply online + VFS biometrics. Apply only via GOV.UK and the official VFS Global UK centres. Strong evidence of funds and ties to India makes a big difference.
What documents do Indians need for a United Kingdom visa?
Passport valid for the whole of your stay, with a blank page; Evidence you can support yourself during the trip (bank statements / payslips); Evidence you can pay for the return or onward journey; Travel plans, accommodation details and how long you intend to stay; Evidence you will leave the UK at the end of the visit; If someone else is funding/hosting you: their details, funds and relationship evidence
How long does a United Kingdom visa take and what does it cost?
Processing: Usually a decision within 3 weeks of your biometrics appointment. Priority services available for an extra fee. Government fee: £135 for a Standard Visitor visa (up to 6 months). Long-term options: 2-year £506, 5-year £903, 10-year £1,128. Optional VFS services (priority, courier, etc.) cost extra.. Maximum stay: Up to 6 months per visit.
How do Indians apply for a United Kingdom visa?
Apply online for the Standard Visitor visa, then book a biometrics appointment (fingerprints + photo) at a VFS Global UK visa application centre in India. You can apply up to 3 months before travel. There is no formal interview in standard cases. Official source: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor
Is a United Kingdom visa hard to get for Indian citizens?
With an ease score of 40/100 this is one of the tougher applications for Indians — expect strict document scrutiny and plan well ahead of travel. No interview is normally required.
Can Indians get a United Kingdom visa online or on arrival?
United Kingdom requires a full pre-travel application (embassy / visa application centre) for Indian passport holders.
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