🇬🇧 UK Visa Guide · June 2026
London Visa
for Indians
UK Standard Visitor visa rules, exact documents, fees in ₹, and the step-by-step VFS Global process — everything an Indian passport holder needs before flying to London.
Standard Visitor
visa · required in advance
₹12,500
Visa fee (£115) + VFS charges
~3 Weeks
Standard processing time
⚡
QUICK ANSWER
Visa Type
Standard Visitor
Mandatory, applied for in advance
Total Cost
~₹14,000
Visa fee + VFS service fee, per adult
Time Needed
3–4 weeks
Appointment wait + ~3 week processing
📋
UK Visa Rules for Indians
UPDATED JUNE 2026
Indian passport holders always need a visa to enter the UK — there is no visa-on-arrival and no visa-free entry. For tourism, that means a UK Standard Visitor visa, applied for in advance online through gov.uk and processed via VFS Global's UK visa application centres in India before you fly. This is completely separate from a Schengen visa — a Schengen visa does not let you enter the UK, and vice versa.
STANDARD · MOST COMMON
Regular Appointment
via VFS Global centres in India
- Apply up to 3 months before travel
- Standard appointment slots, no extra fee
- Submit documents & biometrics in person
- Processing: ~3 weeks (15 working days) typical
PRIORITY · FASTER DECISION
Priority / Super Priority
Paid UKVI expedited service
- Priority: decision within 5 working days, +~₹42,000
- Super Priority: decision by next working day, +~₹63,000
- Same document requirements as standard
- Not always available — check slot availability first
ℹ️ Good to know: A Standard Visitor visa is for tourism, visiting family/friends, or short business trips only — up to 6 months per visit, with no right to work. If your only European stop is the UK, you don't need a Schengen visa at all; if you're also visiting France, Germany or other Schengen countries on the same trip, you'll need both visas separately.
📑
Documents Required
The UK visa process is entirely online-first, then verified in person at your VFS appointment. Have all of these ready before booking.
✓
Valid passport
With at least one blank page, valid for your entire intended stay in the UK.
✓
Completed online application (gov.uk)
The UK visa application is filled entirely online — there's no separate paper form to print and sign like the Schengen process.
✓
Digital photo
Uploaded during the online application — UK-specific photo specifications apply.
✓
Proof of funds — bank statements (last 6 months)
Along with ITR of the last 2–3 years if self-employed, or salary slips and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer.
✓
Travel itinerary & accommodation proof
Flight reservation and hotel bookings or an invitation letter if staying with family/friends, covering your full stay.
✓
Proof of ties to India
Property documents, employment letter, or family ties — evidence that demonstrates you intend to return to India after your visit.
✓
Biometrics appointment at VFS
Fingerprints and a photo are collected in person at your VFS Global appointment — mandatory even if you've applied before.
⚠️ Note: Unlike Schengen, the UK does not require a printed cover letter or day-wise itinerary as standard, though including one can strengthen a borderline application. Focus most on clean, consistent financial documentation.
💰
London Visa Fees — Exact Breakdown
PER APPLICANT
The UK visa fee is fixed in GBP by the UK government; VFS Global adds a separate service fee for processing your application in India.
| Item | Cost (GBP) | Cost (₹ approx.) | Notes |
|---|
| Standard Visitor visa (6 months) | £115 | ₹12,300 | Non-refundable, even if visa is denied |
| 2-year multi-entry visa | £474 | ₹50,800 | Good for frequent repeat visitors |
| 5-year multi-entry visa | £864 | ₹92,600 | Each visit still capped at 6 months |
| VFS Global service fee | — | ₹1,500–₹2,200 | Per applicant, charged in INR |
| Priority service (optional) | +£500 | ₹42,000+ | Decision within 5 working days |
| Super priority (optional) | +£750–1,000 | ₹63,000+ | Decision by next working day |
| Typical total (1 adult, standard 6-month) | £115 | ₹13,800–₹14,500 | |
💡 Pro tip: If you expect to visit the UK more than once every 1–2 years, the 2-year multi-entry visa often works out cheaper than applying twice, and saves you repeating the whole application process. The visa fee is non-refundable whether approved or rejected, so get your documents right the first time.
🛂
Step-by-Step Application Process
Start this at least 3–4 weeks before your travel dates — earlier in peak season (Jun–Aug, Dec).
01
Start your application on gov.uk
The entire application form is completed online at the official UK government visa website — you can apply up to 3 months before travel.
02
Pay the visa fee online
Choose your visa validity (6 months, 2, 5 or 10 years) and pay the corresponding fee as part of the online application.
03
Book your VFS Global appointment
VFS UK visa centres operate in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune and Chandigarh. Slots fill up fast in peak season.
04
Gather and organise all required documents
Use the documents checklist above — inconsistent financial documentation is the most common reason for delays or refusal.
05
Attend your VFS appointment
Submit your supporting documents and give biometrics (fingerprints + photo) in person.
06
Track your application status online
UKVI provides an online tracker using your application reference number — standard processing is around 3 weeks (15 working days).
07
Collect your passport with visa
Pick up in person at the VFS centre, or opt for courier delivery to your home address for an additional fee.
🕐 Peak season warning: June–August and the December holiday period see the heaviest application volumes. Processing can occasionally extend beyond 3 weeks during these windows — apply as early as your 3-month window allows.
📆
Visa Validity & Multi-Entry Options
Unlike the Schengen 90/180-day rule, the UK Standard Visitor visa works differently — it's about how long the visa itself stays valid, with each individual visit capped separately.
✓
Up to 6 months per visit
Whichever visa validity you choose (6 months, 2, 5 or 10 years), each individual visit to the UK is capped at 6 months.
✓
Multi-entry as standard
Even the basic 6-month visa typically allows multiple entries within its validity window — you're not limited to a single trip.
✓
Longer visas for frequent visitors
2, 5 and 10-year visas let you visit the UK repeatedly over that period without reapplying each time — useful if you have family or business ties there.
⚠️ Overstay warning: Overstaying a UK visa can result in fines, deportation, and a UK entry ban ranging from 1 to 10 years depending on the circumstances. Always exit before your permitted stay expires, even if your visa itself remains valid for future trips.
🛡️
Travel Insurance (Not Mandatory)
Unlike the Schengen visa, the UK Standard Visitor visa does not legally require travel insurance. Your application won't be rejected for lacking it. That said, the NHS isn't automatically free for short-term visitors, so a comprehensive policy is still genuinely worth having.
⚠️ Important: Without insurance, a hospital visit in the UK can be extremely expensive for a non-resident. Treat insurance as essential travel prep even though it's not required paperwork for the visa itself.
🛡️
POPULAR FOR INDIA
Bajaj Allianz
Popular travel insurance for Indian travellers visiting the UK. £50,000+ medical cover, trip cancellation, baggage loss.
Get Bajaj Quote →
Affiliate link · Factvisit may earn a commission · no extra cost to you
🌐
COMPREHENSIVE
HDFC ERGO
£50,000+ medical cover, 24/7 assistance, cashless claims. Good documentation to have on hand even though not mandatory.
Get HDFC Quote →
Affiliate link · Factvisit may earn a commission · no extra cost to you
⚡
COMPARE & BUY
PolicyBazaar
Compare 10+ Indian travel insurers for UK-specific plans in one place. Filter by cover amount, trip length. Instant policy issue.
Compare Plans →
Affiliate link · Factvisit may earn a commission · no extra cost to you
🚫
Common Mistakes to Avoid
✕
Weak proof of ties to India
A common refusal reason — the application needs to clearly show you have reasons to return to India (job, property, family) rather than overstay.
✕
Booking non-refundable flights before visa approval
Use a flight reservation/hold booking for the application, and only buy your actual ticket once the visa is approved.
✕
Insufficient or inconsistent bank statement
Large, unexplained deposits right before applying can raise questions. Keep at least 6 months of clean, consistent statements.
✕
Applying too close to your travel date
Standard processing is around 3 weeks, but can take longer in peak season — apply as early as your 3-month window allows.
✕
Confusing UK visa with Schengen visa
A Schengen visa does not cover the UK, and a UK visa does not cover Schengen countries — they must be applied for entirely separately.
✕
Choosing the wrong visa validity
If you're a one-time visitor, the 6-month visa is usually enough — paying for a 2 or 5-year visa only makes sense for genuinely frequent travellers.
❓
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Indians need a visa for London?
Yes. Indian passport holders need a UK Standard Visitor visa arranged in advance to enter the United Kingdom. There is no visa-on-arrival and no visa-free entry for Indian citizens.
How much does the London visa cost for Indians?
The 6-month Standard Visitor visa fee is £115, roughly ₹12,300, plus a VFS Global service fee of about ₹1,500–₹2,200 per applicant. Total cost typically lands around ₹13,800–₹14,500 per adult.
How long does it take to get a UK visa?
Standard processing is around 3 weeks (15 working days) from your application, though this can occasionally extend during peak season (June–August, December). Priority (5 working days) and Super Priority (next working day) services are available for an extra fee.
Can I get a UK visa on arrival in London?
No. There is no on-arrival or airport visa option for the UK. The visa must be approved and stamped in your passport before you fly, applied for entirely online via gov.uk.
What documents do I need for the London visa?
A valid passport, the completed online application, a digital photo, proof of funds (6 months of bank statements), travel itinerary and accommodation proof, and evidence of ties to India showing you intend to return.
Is the UK visa the same as a Schengen visa?
No — they're completely separate. The UK is not part of the Schengen area, even after Brexit. A Schengen visa does not let you enter the UK, and a UK visa does not cover any Schengen country. If you're visiting both regions, you need two separate visa applications.
Is travel insurance compulsory for the London visa?
No — unlike the Schengen visa, travel insurance is not a legal requirement for the UK Standard Visitor visa. It's still strongly recommended, since the NHS isn't automatically free for short-term visitors and medical costs can be high without cover.