UNITED KINGDOM tourist Visa Guide
The United Kingdom boasts a rich tapestry of attractions, including iconic landmarks like Stonehenge, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, the Roman Baths, and the magnificent castles of Edinburgh. To explore these wonders, Indian citizens need a UK Tourist Visa. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of obtaining one.
What is a UK Tourist Visa? For citizens outside the EU and visa-exempt countries, a UK Visitor Visa, often referred to as a UK Tourist Visa, is necessary to visit the United Kingdom for tourism. These visas are issued for short stays, typically up to 6 months. They have been rebranded as Standard Visitor Visas.
How to Apply for a UK Tourist Visa: Applying for a UK Tourist Visa from India is a straightforward process:
Create an Account: Register on the UK visa and immigration service portal or Visa4UK, both government platforms for online visa applications.
Fill out the Application Form: Complete the UK Tourist Visa application form online with your personal details.
Pay the Fees: Submit the required application fees online.
Book an Appointment: Schedule an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) for document submission and biometric data collection.
Prepare for the Appointment: Print the appointment confirmation email and gather all necessary documents to submit at the VAC.
Attend the Appointment: Submit your documents and provide biometric data as requested.
In some cases, an interview may be required. It is essential to ensure that all documents provided are genuine and accurate, as submitting false information or fake documents can result in visa rejection, which can impact future travel opportunities.
Eligibility for UK Tourist Visa: To be eligible for a UK Tourist Visa, Indian citizens must meet specific criteria:
- Hold an Indian passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended travel date.
- Have the primary purpose of engaging in tourism-related activities.
- Demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover expenses during the stay.
- Provide evidence of ties to their home country, ensuring their return after the visa expires.
Documents Required for UK Tourist Visa: Indian citizens applying for a UK Tourist Visa need to submit the following documents:
- Valid passport.
- Two recent passport-sized photographs meeting specified regulations.
- Proof of legal residence (ID card or passport).
- Proof of previous travel history (copies of previous visas).
- Complete travel itinerary.
- Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host).
- Proof of employment or studies:
- If employed:
- Copy of employment contract or employee ID card.
- Letter from the employer confirming leave approval.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the employer.
- If self-employed:
- Copy of the business license.
- Proof of partnership or registration in the commerce register.
- If a student:
- Letter granting leave for the travel period or NOC.
- Proof of admission.
- If retired:
- Pension statements for the last 6 months.
- Copy of retirement or relieving letter.
- If employed:
- Proof of sufficient funds to support the stay (bank statements for the last 6 months or a passbook).
- Proof of ties to the home country (rent agreements, proof of bank accounts, etc.).
UK Tourist Visa Photo Specifications: Ensure your UK Tourist Visa photos meet these specifications:
- Recently taken.
- Dimensions: 35mm x 45mm.
- Clear background in basic cream or light grey.
- Glasses allowed only for medical reasons.
- Eyes directly gazing at the camera.
- Headgear not permitted, except for religious reasons.
- Maintain a neutral facial expression.
- No “Red-eye effect” from the camera flash.
UK Tourist Visa Fees: The visa fee varies depending on factors like duration, number of entries, priority processing, biometric charges, and other service fees. It’s essential to convert the fee amount to Indian Rupees when paying.
How to Check UK Tourist Visa Status: After submitting your application, you will receive updates via email. You can also opt for SMS notifications. To track your application, contact the High Commission or VAC with your application number. If your visa is approved and you’ve chosen delivery, track the status using the GWF application number on the courier company’s website.
While Holding a UK Tourist Visa: During your stay on a UK Tourist Visa, keep these points in mind:
- Carry all travel documents, including your passport and visa, as you may need to present them at the port of entry.
- Note the visa’s expiry date and leave the UK before it expires, as overstaying is a criminal offense.
- While on a tourist visa, you cannot work but may engage in voluntary and unpaid work.
- You cannot access public funds in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
With a UK Tourist Visa, you can engage in various activities, including sightseeing, visiting friends or family, receiving medical treatment, participating in charity work for up to 30 days, attending business meetings, training, and sports-related activities.
Visa applications are often rejected due to incorrect information on the application form, insufficient funds to cover expenses, an inadequate or unconvincing travel itinerary, a criminal history, prior visa rejections, a passport nearing expiration, or an incomplete application.
There is no fixed amount required. The key is to prove you have sufficient funds to cover your stay, including basic expenses. If you have a sponsor, you only need to show funds for your essential needs.
Yes, you can reapply. However, the success of your new application depends on addressing the reasons for the previous rejection and ensuring your application is complete and genuine.
An invitation letter is not mandatory unless you are being sponsored by a friend or family member. However, even for tourism purposes, submitting an invitation letter can strengthen your application.
Medical insurance is not mandatory for stays less than 6 months, but it is advisable due to the potential cost of healthcare in the UK.
No, the UK is not part of the Schengen area. Separate Schengen visas are required for travel to Schengen countries.
To get a 10-year tourist visa, apply for a Long-term Visitor Visa and provide strong evidence of the need for multiple visits to the UK, your intention to return home after each visit, and financial stability.
While a US visa can enhance your travel history and credibility, it doesn’t guarantee a UK visa. Each application is assessed independently.
For a UK Tourist Visa, a covering letter is not required. Avoid attaching unnecessary documents, and focus on providing essential information as requested.
There’s no official waiting time. Reapply once you’ve addressed the issues that led to the rejection and can present a stronger application.
Criminal checks are not typically conducted, but you must truthfully declare any criminal history in your application. The UK reserves the right to verify your criminal record if necessary.
No, employment is not a requirement. You must demonstrate sufficient funds and ties to your home country.
Yes, you can apply for a new visa after leaving the UK. There is no specific waiting period, but your previous stay and compliance with visa regulations may affect your application.
Typically, you cannot extend a UK Tourist Visa. However, in exceptional cases, such as unforeseen emergencies, a 14-day extension may be granted before you must leave the country.