UK Standard Visitor visa from India: the complete 2026 guide
Indian citizens need a Standard Visitor visa to visit the UK for tourism, family or business. You apply online on GOV.UK, pay £135[source] for a 6 month visa, give biometrics at a VFS Global centre in India and usually get a decision within 3 weeks[source]. There is no interview for most applicants, so your documents have to make the case on their own.
Who needs a UK visitor visa
Indian passport holders need a Standard Visitor visa for almost every short visit to the UK: holidays, visiting family and friends, business meetings, conferences, short courses of up to 30 days and private medical treatment. You can stay up to six months on each visit. You cannot work, take paid or unpaid employment, or live in the UK through frequent visits.
Key facts for 2026
| What | Figure |
|---|---|
| Visa fee (up to 6 months) | £135[source] |
| Long-term visa, 2 years | £506[source] |
| Long-term visa, 5 years | £903[source] |
| Long-term visa, 10 years | £1,128[source] |
| Usual decision time | 3 weeks[source] |
| Earliest you can apply | 3 months[source] before travel |
A long-term visa still lets you stay a maximum of six months per visit. It saves you from reapplying if you visit often, but a refusal of a long-term application costs more, so apply for one only when your travel history supports it.
Step by step: how to apply from India
- Apply online on GOV.UK. Fill the Standard Visitor application in English. It asks about your trip, your finances, your employment, your family and your travel history over the past 10 years.
- Pay the visa fee. Pay £135[source] (or the long-term fee) online. Optional paid priority services are offered at many centres.
- Book a biometrics appointment. UK Visa Application Centres in India are run by VFS Global in major cities. Book through the link you receive after applying.
- Upload or bring documents. Most centres let you upload documents online before your appointment, or pay for a scanning service at the centre.
- Attend the appointment. Your fingerprints and photo are taken and your passport is collected.
- Wait for a decision. Usually within 3 weeks[source]. Your passport is returned through the centre or by courier.
The "genuine visitor" test
Under the UK Immigration Rules (Appendix Visitor), the decision maker must be satisfied that you are a genuine visitor who:
- will leave the UK at the end of your visit,
- will not live in the UK through frequent or successive visits,
- is coming for a purpose that visitors are allowed,
- will not do prohibited activities such as work, and
- has enough money for the trip without working or using public funds.
Most refusals cite one or more of these points. Our UK refusal reasons guide explains how each one is assessed.
Bank statements and funds
The UK does not publish a minimum balance for visitors. Decision makers look at whether the money is genuinely yours and available, whether it matches your income, and whether the trip cost is reasonable compared to your finances. Most applicants provide six months of statements. Large unexplained deposits just before applying are one of the most common reasons for refusal. Our bank balance calculator estimates a comfortable balance for your trip.
If someone else is paying, such as a child in the UK, include their bank statements, proof of their status in the UK, and a letter explaining the arrangement.
Documents
See the full UK visa documents checklist. In short:
- Passport with a blank page, plus old passports
- Bank statements, payslips and income tax returns
- Employment letter with approved leave, or business documents if self-employed
- Invitation letter from your host, with their passport or status documents, if visiting someone
- Accommodation details and a rough itinerary
- Evidence of ties to India: job, family, property, studies
Documents not in English need certified translations.
Mistakes that get Indians refused
- Unexplained deposits. A ₹3 lakh credit a week before applying, with no explanation, is a red flag.
- Trip cost out of line with income. A three week trip costing more than your annual savings.
- Sponsor without evidence. A child in the UK "will pay", but there are no statements or status documents from them.
- Inconsistent history. Previous refusals not declared, or travel dates that differ between applications.
- A vague purpose. "Tourism" with no plan.
How VisaVisa helps
Because there is no interview, the quality of the file decides the outcome. Our AI document check flags common problems such as sudden deposits, name mismatches and expired documents. In Assisted and Expert plans, a case manager prepares your application form for you to review and builds a cover letter that explains your finances and plans clearly. Start with the free refusal risk checker.
Start your application with a clear plan
Five quick questions. Your checklist, fees and next steps. No payment needed to start.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a UK visitor visa take from India?
GOV.UK says you will usually get a decision within 3 weeks of your biometrics appointment. Peak season and extra checks can take longer, and paid priority services are offered at many centres.
How much bank balance is needed for a UK visitor visa?
There is no fixed minimum. You need to show enough genuinely available money for your trip, consistent with your income. Six months of statements with no unexplained large deposits is the safest approach.
Is there an interview for a UK visitor visa?
Usually not. Decisions are made on your application form and documents. A small number of applicants are invited for a credibility interview.
Can I appeal a UK visitor visa refusal?
There is generally no right of appeal or administrative review for a visitor visa refusal. You can reapply, addressing the reasons in the refusal letter.
Can I apply for a UK visa more than 3 months before travel?
No. The earliest you can apply is 3 months before your travel date.