The United Kingdom remains a top destination for Indian travelers seeking rich history, vibrant culture, and scenic landscapes. It is for all kinds of visits, like a short holiday or a longer stay. Understanding the UK tourist visa fees is essential for budgeting your trip effectively.
For Indian citizens, the standard UK tourist visa fee for a short-term visit of up to 6 months is ₹15,748. However, on the other hand, longer-term visas, which are valid for multiple entries over 2, 5, or 10 years, come at a higher cost, ranging from ₹58,902 to ₹131,320.
What is a UK Tourist Visa?
A UK tourist visa, officially known as a Standard Visitor Visa, allows foreign nationals to enter the United Kingdom for tourism, leisure, short business visits, or medical treatment.
This visa is typically valid for up to 6 months, though longer durations are available for frequent travelers.
Applicants must demonstrate that they intend to leave the UK after their visit and have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay.
These fees are payable in Indian Rupees and may vary slightly depending on exchange rates and service charges applied by the visa application center.
Types of UK Tourist Visas
The United Kingdom proposes various visitor visa options depending on the intent or purpose and duration of travel. The most common categories include:
Short-Term Tourist Visa (up to 6 months) Ideal for vacations, sightseeing, attending events, or visiting friends and family. This is the most commonly issued visa for leisure travel.
Long-Term Multiple Entry Visas Available for 2, 5, or 10 years, these visas allow multiple visits to the UK, with each stay capped at 6 months. They are best suited for frequent travelers who visit the UK regularly for personal or professional reasons.
Marriage Visitor Visa: Designed for individuals traveling to the UK to get married or register a civil partnership. Applicants must intend to leave the UK after the ceremony and not settle permanently.
Medical Treatment Visa: For those seeking private medical care in the UK, this visa allows stays of up to 11 months. Applicants need to provide evidence of treatment arrangements and financial means to cover medical expenses.
UK Tourist Visa Fees in Indian Rupees
Below is a breakdown of the UK tourist visa fees for Indian applicants:
These fees are set by the UK Home Office and are subject to change. Applicants should confirm the latest rates before submitting their application.
Jobs in the UK from India
The Jobs in the UK from India remain one of the top destinations for Indian professionals, offering opportunities in healthcare, IT, finance, engineering, and education, with a vacancy rate of 2.2% as of mid-2025.
In 2024, over 280,000 Skilled Worker visas were granted, with Indians being the largest group of recipients.
Healthcare roles (doctors, nurses, care staff) are in especially high demand to fill shortages in the NHS.
IT specialists, software developers, and fintech experts are increasingly sought after as the UK strengthens its digital economy.
Fresh graduates benefit from the Graduate visa, allowing them to stay and work for up to 2 years after completing their studies.
Average salaries for skilled Indian professionals range from £28,000 to £45,000 annually, with senior roles paying significantly more.
UK Tourist Visa Processing Time
Processing times for UK tourist visas vary depending on the service selected:
Standard Processing: Approximately 3 weeks (15 working days)
Priority Service: 5–7 working days
Super Priority Service: 24–48 hours
Applicants are advised to apply well in advance of their intended travel date, especially during peak seasons.
Documents Required for UK Tourist Visa
Indian citizens applying for a UK tourist visa must typically submit the following documents:
Valid passport with at least one blank page
Completed online visa application form
Two recent passport-sized photographs
Bank statements (last 6 months) showing sufficient funds
Proof of accommodation and travel itinerary
Employment or business proof (if applicable)
Cover letter explaining the purpose of the visit
Additional documents may be requested in certain cases, depending on the circumstances. To avoid any delays, applicants must seek accuracy and completeness.