Everything India citizens need to know about applying for a United Kingdom visa. Updated July 2026.
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Four answers decide which documents you need.
| Visa Type | Standard Visitor Visa |
| Application Fee | GBP 135 (Standard Visitor, 6 months) |
| Processing Time | Usually 3 weeks after identity verification for applications made outside the UK. Some applications take longer; check GOV.UK's current processing times. |
| Maximum Stay | Usually up to 6 months per visit |
| Official Portal | Official application site |
TB test from a Home Office-approved clinic (mandatory for India)
Immigration Health Surcharge: GBP 1,035/year (paid upfront)
Biometrics at VFS Global application centre
Optional priority service outside the UK: GBP 500 on the GOV.UK fee schedule
Super Priority: +GBP 1,000 (next working day)
Indian applicants often underestimate the Immigration Health Surcharge, budget GBP 1,035 per year of visa validity on top of the GBP 135 Standard Visitor application fee.
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Yes. India citizens need a Standard Visitor Visa to visit United Kingdom. Application fee: GBP 135 (Standard Visitor, 6 months). Processing: Usually 3 weeks after identity verification for applications made outside the UK. Some applications take longer; check GOV.UK's current processing times.
The Standard Visitor Visa application fee is GBP 135 (Standard Visitor, 6 months). Immigration Health Surcharge: GBP 1,035/year (paid upfront). Optional priority service outside the UK: GBP 500 on the GOV.UK fee schedule. Budget for the total cost including biometrics, service centre fees, and any required medical examinations.
Processing for India citizens applying for a United Kingdom Standard Visitor Visa: Usually 3 weeks after identity verification for applications made outside the UK. Some applications take longer; check GOV.UK's current processing times. Optional priority service outside the UK: GBP 500 on the GOV.UK fee schedule.
Beyond standard documents (valid passport, photos, financial proof), India citizens must meet these corridor-specific requirements: TB test from a Home Office-approved clinic (mandatory for India). Immigration Health Surcharge: GBP 1,035/year (paid upfront). Biometrics at VFS Global application centre. TravelReady generates a personalised checklist for the India-United Kingdom corridor.
Indian applicants often underestimate the Immigration Health Surcharge, budget GBP 1,035 per year of visa validity on top of the GBP 135 Standard Visitor application fee. Refusals on this corridor usually turn on one of a few things: documentation that is incomplete or inconsistent, financial evidence that does not show where the money came from, or a file that does not establish your reason for returning. TravelReady's Expert Document Validation checks your documents against embassy rules specific to the India-United Kingdom route before you submit.
Data sources: Requirements sourced from official embassy and consulate websites, IATA travel regulations, and government immigration portals.
Update policy: Requirements are reviewed continuously and updated within 24 hours when policy changes are announced. Last reviewed: July 2026
TravelReady is not affiliated with any government or embassy. Always verify requirements with the official consulate for your destination.
