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Europe · Destination guide
Europe · Destination guideUK Visa for Indians: Types, Official Portal & Documents (2026)
The UK is outside the Schengen area and runs its own visa system. Visa-free nationalities now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), while visa nationals such as Indians apply online for a Standard Visitor visa and give biometrics at a visa centre.
Official sources last checked
For Indian passport holders
Embassy / consular visaStandard Visitor visa required (UK ETA does not apply)
Indian passport holders need a UK visitor visa before travel. Apply online on GOV.UK, then attend a visa application centre in India for biometrics and documents.
Source: official government page(official site, opens in a new tab)
Ways to enter UK
- Embassy visa
Standard Visitor visa
Online application plus biometrics appointment; usually allows stays of up to 6 months per visit for tourism, family or business.
- ETA
UK ETA (visa-exempt nationalities only)
Digital permission for nationalities that do not need a visa. It does not apply to visa nationals such as Indian passport holders.
Official sources
Government websites — the only authoritative place for current rules and fees. Beware of look-alike sites.
- Visit the UK – Standard Visitor(official site, opens in a new tab)Official
UK Visas and Immigration (Home Office)
- Official
- Apply to come to the UK(official site, opens in a new tab)Official
UK Visas and Immigration
Typical documents
Commonly requested items. The official checklist for your visa category always takes priority.
- Valid passport with a blank page
- Online application and appointment confirmation
- Bank statements and income proof
- Employment/leave letter or business/student evidence
- Travel plans and accommodation; invitation letter if visiting family
- Previous travel history (helps but is not mandatory)
Processing time and fees
Processing
GOV.UK says decisions on visitor visas applied for outside the UK usually take about 3 weeks; priority services may be offered for an extra fee. Check the current guidance.
Government fees
The visa fee depends on visa length (6 months, 2, 5 or 10 years) and is listed on GOV.UK; visa centre optional services cost extra.
Providers that cover UK
Sample prices17 listed providers file UK tourist applications for Indian passports. Totals below are illustrative sample figures (service + estimated government fee), not quotes. You can also apply yourself on the official portal above.
Byevisa8–18 days · sample₹12,870sample total
Thomas Cook India16–36 days · sample₹12,870sample total
Musafir13–29 days · sample₹12,870sample total
TT Services12–29 days · sample₹13,280sample total
Atlys7–15 days · sample₹13,280sample total
Stamp My Visa11–26 days · sample₹13,280sample total
Tips before you apply
- Show strong ties to India – job, family, property – and a credible trip budget.
- Long-term visitor visas (2/5/10 years) still limit each visit to 6 months.
- Book the biometrics appointment soon after submitting online.
- Never submit false documents – it can lead to a 10-year ban.
UK visa FAQ for Indians
Can Indians use the UK ETA?
How long does a UK visitor visa take?
How long can I stay on a UK visitor visa?
Do I need an invitation letter?
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- Visa types explainedTourist, business, student, work and transit
- Document checklistBuild a printable checklist for your trip
- Schengen 90/180 calculatorCount your days in the Schengen area
- Passport validity checkerCheck months of validity left for your trip
- Visa provider directoryEvery listed provider, with listing checks
- Compare providersSide-by-side, head-to-head pages
- Official resourcesGovernment portals in one place
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