UK Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens

Indian citizens need a visa for every visit to the United Kingdom, including short holidays and family visits. Most travellers apply for a Standard Visitor visa, which allows a stay of up to six months per visit. The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) does not apply to Indian passport holders, so there is no visa-free or ETA route. This guide covers the visa options, the fees after the April 2026 increase, what you will usually need to apply, and how long it takes. For the wider 2026 rule changes, see our UK rule changes page.

Which visa do you need?

• Standard Visitor visa: for tourism, visiting family and friends, and some business activities such as meetings. It allows up to six months in the UK per visit.
• Long-term visitor visa: valid for two, five or ten years for people who visit often. Each visit is still limited to six months, and UKVI decides what validity to grant.
• Transit: Indian nationals generally need a Direct Airside Transit Visa to change flights in the UK. See our transit visa guide.

A visitor visa does not allow you to work for a UK employer or to live in the UK through repeated visits.

Fees from 8 April 2026

The British High Commission announced new fees from 8 April 2026, as reported by the Times of India. A visit visa for up to six months rose from £127 to £135. The long-term visit visa fees became £506 for two years, £903 for five years and £1,128 for ten years. Commentary also lists optional priority services outside the UK at an extra £500 (decision in about five working days) and £1,000 (next working day). VFS Global charges a separate service fee in India. Check the Home Office fee calculator on the day you apply, because the rupee amount changes with the exchange rate.

How to apply

• Apply online on GOV.UK, up to three months before you travel.
• Pay the visa fee online.
• Book a biometrics appointment at a VFS Global centre in India.
• Submit your documents and wait for the decision.

Documents you will usually need

• A valid passport, and your old passports if they hold earlier visas.
• Evidence that you can pay for the trip, such as recent bank statements and payslips. Many applicants submit about six months of statements. No fixed minimum balance is published, so what matters is that your funds fit your plans and your income is explained.
• Proof of your job or business, and a leave letter if you are employed.
• Your travel plan, accommodation and return arrangements.
• If someone is hosting you, their invitation and proof of their status in the UK.
• Evidence of your ties to India, which show that you will return.

How long it takes

Standard decisions usually take about three weeks, or 15 working days, after you give your biometrics. Peak seasons can be slower, and appointment slots at VFS centres can fill up, so apply well before your travel date.

Tuberculosis test

A tuberculosis test is required for applicants who will stay in the UK for more than six months. A standard visitor visa is for up to six months, so most visitors do not need one. Check GOV.UK for your case.

Common reasons for refusal

• Funds that do not match the trip, or large unexplained deposits.
• An unclear purpose of visit or an itinerary that does not add up.
• Weak evidence of ties to India.
• Information that is inconsistent between the form and the documents.
• A previous refusal or overstay that was not declared.

Last verified: 5 November 2026 against the sources linked below. Visa rules change often, so confirm the details on the official link before you book or apply.

Official sources

• GOV.UK: Standard Visitor visa
• GOV.UK: Check if you need a UK visa
• Home Office visa fee calculator
• VFS Global

Found something out of date? Tell us through our corrections policy. This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice: see our disclaimer.