Travel. For most of us, it’s the one thing we live for. While all the bookings and itinerary planning are the kind of things we start mapping out from months before, with sheer excitement and planning- the visa to even get to the country in the first place is something we often forget or leave out until the last moment.

A couple of hours away by flight, UK stands as one of the most popular destination Indians travel to abroad. Whether it's to visit many student or expat family and friends, or just to marvel at the beautiful city of London and the countryside's of Scotland and Wales. While you prep and plan for your holidays, this article gives you a detailed outline on how to secure your UK tourist visa from India.

Unless you’re an American, Canadian or Australian passport holder, you must compulsorily apply for a tourist visa to travel to the UK. But don’t worry; a standard UK visitor visa from India takes about 15-20 days to process, and contrary to random rumours, it’s not difficult to get. As long as you ensure you’ve got all your UK visa requirements from India in place and submit all that’s been asked for.

Unfortunately, Indian passport holders traveling to the UK cannot opt for a visa on arrival. So, the only option is to apply for a standard UK tourist visa.

No, travel insurance for the UK is not compulsory for Indians. However, spending beyond your budget is the last thing you want on a holiday! Therefore, it's always wise to have valid travel insurance to protect you against all odds.

To be eligible for a UK Visa, the candidate must fulfil the following criteria:

Valid Passport -

You need an Indian passport valid for at least six months from entering the UK with two blank pages.

Financial Support -

You must show that you have enough money to care for yourself and your family during your stay.

No Employment -

You cannot look for or take up a job while you are in the UK.

Clean Record -

You must have no criminal record and promise to follow all UK laws.

Choose the correct UK visa type

You may need UK visa to visit, study, work, or join a family in the UK. The type of visa depends on your nationality, purpose, and duration of stay. Some nationalities may not need a visa for short visits or transit. Applications must be approved before travel.

Prepare your UK Visa application

• Online Application - Apply and pay for most visas online.
• Dependants - Each dependant must apply and pay separately.
• When to Apply - For visit and work visas, you can apply for a UK visa three months before your travel date.
• Decision Time - The decision time for your UK visa application varies by visa type. You can pay for a faster decision based on the visa type, application method, and location.
• Fees - Each visa has a specific fee, which varies depending on the type of visa you apply for. The same fees apply to each family member who applies to join you in the UK.
• Healthcare Surcharge - You’ll need to pay the healthcare surcharge if you’re applying for a visa to work, study, or join your family, staying for more than six months, and not applying for permanent residency in the UK.
• Applying for Others - You can apply for a visa on behalf of someone else, such as a relative without computer access or your child. You need their permission or written consent from a parent or guardian if they’re under 18. Ensure you enter the applicant’s details, not your own, in the form
• TB Test - If you’re coming to the UK for over six months, you might need a TB test. Check if this applies to you. Include a certificate proving you don’t have TB with your visa application if required.
• Change/Cancel Application - If you need to change your application after submission, contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). You can request to cancel your application, but your fee will only be refunded if UKVI hasn’t started processing it yet.

Prove your identity

You must prove your identity and provide eligibility documents when applying for a UK visa. Depending on your nationality and passport type, you’ll visit a visa application center or use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check app.

Getting a decision on your application

If your UK visa application is successful, you’ll receive either a vignette (sticker) in your passport or online access to your immigration status. The vignette or online status will show your visa type, validity dates, and conditions. If you get online access, you can share your status with employers or universities, and some authorities can access it. 

The processing time for a UK tourist visa for Indian applicants usually takes 15 to 20 working days, starting when you submit your biometric information at the Visa Application Centre (VAC). However, this timeframe can vary based on the complexity of your application and the number of applications being processed.

• Visiting family may need invitation letters and relationship details. 

• Ensure all documents are up-to-date and meet visa application guidelines.

•  Provide bank statements, income tax returns, or sponsorship letters to show you can support yourself during your stay.

• Show evidence of employment, property ownership, family relationships, or educational commitments to demonstrate your intention to return to India.

•  Provide details of past travels, previous visas, and immigration stamps to demonstrate compliance with immigration regulations and responsible travel behaviour.

• Ensure your visa application is accurate and complete. Discrepancies or false details can cause delays or rejection. Carefully review the form before submission.

•  Schedule and attend a biometric appointment to provide fingerprints and have your photograph taken.

• Consider getting travel health insurance to cover medical expenses during your stay. This will offer peace of mind and financial protection.

• Check the UK government website or authorized agents regularly for the latest visa requirements and procedures. If needed, seek assistance from relevant authorities or professionals.

If your UK visa application is rejected, you’ll receive a refusal letter detailing the reasons for the decision. You can request an administrative review if you believe there was an error in the decision, which involves a different official re-evaluating your application. Depending on the type of visa, you might also have the right to appeal the decision, presenting your case to an independent tribunal.

 Alternatively, you can reapply for the visa, ensuring you address the reasons for the initial refusal and provide all necessary documents to strengthen your application. Sometimes, you can ask for a reconsideration if you believe immigration rules or policies were not correctly followed. It’s crucial to carefully review the refusal letter and understand the specific reasons for the rejection before deciding on the next steps. Consulting with an immigration advisor can be very helpful.

To avoid rejecting your UK visa application, it’s essential to complete it accurately, ensure all fields are filled out correctly and completely, and double-check for errors or omissions. You must also provide all required documents, such as a valid passport, financial statements, and other supporting evidence, and ensure none of your documents are expired. 

Demonstrating sufficient funds is crucial, so show that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in the UK by providing accurate and up-to-date bank statements. Clearly state the purpose of your visit and ensure it aligns with the visa category you’re applying for, ensuring your intent is legitimate and well-documented. 

If applying for a visitor visa, keep your travel plans realistic and concise, as long or vague itineraries can raise suspicions. If you’ve had a visa refusal before, address the reasons for the previous rejection and demonstrate any changes in your circumstances. Ensure you have no criminal record, as this can be a common reason for visa rejection. Finally, if you’re unsure about any part of the application process, seeking advice from an immigration advisor can help you avoid common pitfalls and strengthen your application.

Yes, you can extend your UK visa while in the UK. The process involves submitting an application to the Home Office, completing an online form, providing supporting documents, paying the fee, and attending a biometric appointment. For a Standard Visitor visa, you can extend your stay to 6 months if eligible, with a fee of £1,000. Extensions for medical treatment, academic purposes, or other reasons require additional criteria and documentation.

Engage in Exciting Adventure Sports Without Worries

Travel insurance also covers adventure sports abroad, so no matter what, you will be protected through anything and everything during your trip.

Losing Your Passport is No Worry

In case you lose your passport or it is stolen, expenses related to the re-issuance of the same will be covered under Digit’s international travel insurance policy.

Luggage Loss or Delays in Transit Become Easier to Deal With

You may experience loss or delay of baggage in transit while travelling to a foreign land. A travel insurance policy from Digit will help cover the financial losses during such times.

Get Dental Treatment

Suppose you encounter acute pain or an accidental injury to your natural teeth on the trip. In this scenario, the treatment provided will be covered according to the policy schedule.

Affordable Premiums for the Policy

Digit’s travel insurance for the UK starts from just ₹515 (excl. GST) per adult for four days of stay. This policy comes with a sum insured of $50,000. 

Compensation for Missed Connection

If you miss a connection because of a delay in your previous connection due to the reasons specified in your policy, we'll cover your extra travel and accommodation expenses.

There are quite a few reasons why Digit is a prime choice as a UK travel insurance provider.

High Cover Amount at Low Premium

Digit offers a high sum insured of $50,000 under its UK travel insurance, with premiums beginning at ₹515 (excl. 18% GST) for a 4-day trip for 1 adult.

Flight Delay Compensation

Digit takes wastage of time and the ensuing harassment due to flight delay very seriously, offering reimbursement immediately.

Trip Cancellation

If any emergency circumstance necessitates you to cancel your trip and get back home, Digit also offers compensation for it.

Fast Paperless Claim

Digit offers a smartphone-enabled process that makes filing a claim easy and fast. Additionally, Digit also offers the option for a 24x7 missed call facility for claim settlement.