UK Standard Visitor Visa for Indians 2026 — Fees, Process, Documents & TB Test
The UK is a favourite for Indian travelers — for tourism, visiting family, and short business trips you’ll apply for the UK Standard Visitor Visa. India enjoys one of the highest UK visitor-visa approval rates in the world, so a clean, well-documented application has strong odds.
Do Indians need a UK visa?
Yes. Indian passport holders need a visa to enter the UK. The Standard Visitor Visa covers tourism, visiting friends/family, and permitted business activities, and is available for 6 months or as a long-term 2, 5, or 10-year multi-entry visa (each visit still capped at 6 months).
Fees (from April 2026)
| Visa length | Fee (GBP) |
|---|---|
| 6 months | £135 |
| 2 years | £506 |
| 5 years | £903 |
| 10 years | £1,128 |
VFS Global service/biometric-centre charges (₹2,000–3,500) are paid separately. Priority (about 5 working days, ~£500) and Super Priority (next working day, ~£1,000) services are optional add-ons.
Processing time
Standard processing is around 3 weeks (15 working days), though it can stretch to 3–6 weeks in busy periods. Priority options are available for urgent travel.
Validity & length of stay
Every visitor visa — even the 10-year one — allows a maximum stay of 180 days (6 months) per visit. Long-term visas simply save you from reapplying each time you travel.
Step-by-step application process
- Apply online on the official UK government visa site and choose “Standard Visitor”.
- Pay the visa fee online in your currency.
- Book and attend a biometrics appointment at a VFS Global centre in India.
- Upload supporting documents (online or at VFS).
- Wait for a decision; collect your passport or have it couriered back.
Documents checklist
- Passport valid for the whole of your stay (with a blank page).
- Bank statements (usually last 6 months) and proof of income/ITRs.
- Employment letter or business proof; leave approval if employed.
- Travel itinerary and accommodation/hotel bookings.
- Invitation letter and host details if visiting friends/family.
- TB test certificate from an approved clinic (required for Indian applicants).
Key points to remember
- The TB test is mandatory for Indians and must be from a UK-approved clinic — book it early.
- Write a short cover letter explaining your trip, funding, and ties to India.
- Show you can fund the trip and will return — consistent finances matter more than a huge balance.
- Don’t book non-refundable flights before approval.
Common reasons for refusal
Refusals usually stem from unclear finances, missing TB certificate, weak ties to India, or discrepancies between your stated plans and documents. Address the exact refusal reason before reapplying.
Official application & disclaimer
Apply only through the official channel: gov.uk/standard-visitor (official UK government). Beware of look-alike websites and agents charging inflated fees.
Last verified: June 2026. Visa fees, processing times, and rules for the UK change frequently and can vary by applicant profile and season. Always confirm the latest fees and requirements on the official site above before you apply. This guide is for general information and is not legal or immigration advice.
