Indian citizens travelling to the United Kingdom (UK) for tourism need need a Standard Visitor Visa, issued for short-term (6-month) tourism or social visit.
You can stay in the UK on a Standard Visitor Visa for upto six months. You can apply for a single-entry or a multiple-entry K visa. The multiple entry UK visa allows you to enter the country multiple times within the visa validity period.
You are eligible to apply for a UK visa if -
- you have a valid passport
- you plan to leave the UK after your visit
- you can afford your return journey
- you won't live in the UK long-term through frequent visits
- you can support yourself and any dependents during your trip.
Since the visa processing time for a UK tourist visa is around 4-6 weeks, you can apply three months before your intended travel date.
No, since the UK is not a part of the Schengen area, you cannot travel to France or any other Schengen country on a UK tourist visa.
Yes, you can apply for long-term UK Standard Visitor Visas, available for durations of 2, 5, or 10 years.
Yes, you can apply for a UK visa without a confirmed flight booking. However, you will need to provide a flight itinerary or reservation as proof of your intended travel dates.
Yes, you can apply for a UK visa without a confirmed accommodation. However, you will still need to show your accommodation plans by providing hotel reservations or an invitation letter, if applicable.
Though recommended, travel insurance is not mandatory in the UK.
No, since UK is not a part of the Schengen area, you cannot travel to the UK with a Schengen visa.
Yes, ITR for the past three years are mandatory while applying for the UK visa.
Even though not filing an ITR in the past years can be a challenge while applying for a UK visa, a cover letter, explaining the reasons for the same, can be written and attached with the visa application. Other financial documents that can prove your financial stability can be submitted along with this to strengthen your application.
If your passport has only one empty page left, it may be sufficient for a UK visa, but it's advisable to renew it as immigration authorities might need additional space for entry and exit stamps.
To increase your chances of getting a long-term UK Standard Visitor Visa, demonstrate the need for multiple visits with evidence of frequent travel or ongoing commitments. Provide a good travel history, comprehensive financial documents, and strong ties to India. Seeking professional advice from Visa Banana can also help build a stronger application.
The UK tourist visa processing time is typically 3 weeks from the date of biometrics submission. However, delays can occur if the application contains inaccuracies, requires further evidence or verification, involves an interview, or if the applicant has personal circumstances that need further investigation.
No, you cannot work or engage in any type of employment on a UK tourist visa.
If you lose your passport with a UK visa while traveling, report it to the local police, get a police report, visit the nearest Indian embassy for an emergency passport, and inquire about reissuing the visa.
As long as your travel dates lie within the visa validity period, you can travel to the UK on your existing UK tourist visa.
No, unless its an exceptional case, UK tourist visa is non-extendable.