UK Visitor Visa FAQs

UK Visitor Visa FAQs for Indian Nationals

What is the UK Standard Visitor Visa?

The UK Standard Visitor Visa is the visa required for Indian citizens visiting the UK for tourism, family visits, business meetings, or short courses. It is valid for up to 6 months per visit, with the option of multiple entry for up to 2 or 10 years if granted a long-validity visa.

How much bank balance do I need for a UK visa?

There is no fixed minimum balance required. The UK Home Office wants to see that you have sufficient funds to cover your entire trip without needing to work. For a 10–14 day trip, showing a consistent balance of ₹2–5 lakh (roughly £2,000–5,000) over the last 3–6 months is typically expected. Sudden deposits just before applying are treated as suspicious.

How long does the UK visitor visa take to process?

Standard processing from VFS is 15 working days. Priority service (5 working days) and Super Priority (1 working day) are available at an additional cost. Apply at least 4 weeks before your travel date for standard processing.

Do I need to attend an appointment for a UK visa?

Yes. You submit your application online, then attend an appointment at a VFS Global centre to submit documents and provide biometrics. VFS has centres in major Indian cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Pune, and others.

Can I apply for a UK visa if I've been refused before?

Yes. A previous refusal does not bar you from reapplying. However, you must address the specific reason for refusal and submit an improved application. Hiding a previous refusal on the new application is treated as misrepresentation and leads to automatic refusal.

What are the most common reasons for UK visa refusal from India?

The most common reasons are: insufficient bank balance, unclear travel purpose, weak ties to India (no stable employment, property, or dependents), and inconsistent information. See our UK visitor visa eligibility guide for tips on building a strong application.

Can I extend my stay in the UK on a visitor visa?

It is very difficult to extend a UK visitor visa from inside the UK. The UK Home Office expects visitors to leave by the date their permission expires. Extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances (medical emergencies, etc.).

What is the UK visitor visa fee?

The UK Standard Visitor Visa costs £115 (approximately ₹12,000). The super priority service costs £1,000 (₹1,05,000) on top of the standard fee. VFS also charges a service fee separately.

Do I need travel insurance for a UK visa?

Travel insurance is not mandatory for the UK visitor visa, but it is strongly recommended. Unlike Schengen visas, the UK does not require a minimum coverage amount as a condition of visa approval.

Can my spouse and children apply on the same application?

No. Each applicant must submit a separate application and pay a separate visa fee. However, you can book VFS appointments at the same time and submit documents together.