London Visiting Visa Cost from India

Introduction

If you’re an Indian citizen planning to visit London for tourism or visiting family and friends, you’ll likely need a visiting visa. Understanding the cost associated with a London visiting visa can help you plan your trip and make necessary arrangements in advance. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the various factors that influence the cost of a London visiting visa from India.

Visa Application Fee

The first cost you need to consider is the visa application fee. This fee is payable to the UK Visa and Immigration department and is non-refundable, regardless of whether your application is approved or not. The current visa application fee for a standard visitor visa for Indian citizens is Rs. 11,330 (as of 2021).

Additional Services

Depending on your requirements, you may need to pay for additional services, such as priority processing or premium services. These services are optional but can expedite the processing time and provide added conveniences. The fees for these services vary, so it’s essential to check the latest information on the UK government’s official website.

Priority Processing

If you need your visa application to be processed faster than the standard timeline, you can opt for priority processing. This service comes at an additional fee but ensures that your application receives expedited attention.

Premium Services

The UK government provides premium services that offer benefits like faster application processing, personalized assistance, and enhanced convenience. These services are available at select Visa Application Centers and come at a higher cost than regular applications. The specific fees for premium services can be found on the UK government’s official website.

Healthcare Surcharge

Apart from the visa application fee, Indian citizens are required to pay a healthcare surcharge as part of their visa application. This surcharge covers access to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK during your visit. As of 2021, the healthcare surcharge is £470 per year for adults and £235 per year for children. The surcharge is payable upfront for the entire duration of your visit visa.

Biometric Appointment Fee

As part of the visa application process, you’ll typically need to visit a Visa Application Center to submit your biometric data, including fingerprints and photographs. To book an appointment, you may be required to pay a separate fee. The fee for the biometric appointment is approximately Rs. 6,500, but it’s advisable to check the latest information on the UK government’s official website.

Financial Requirements

While it may not be a direct cost, it’s important to consider the financial requirements for a London visiting visa. The UK government expects visitors to have sufficient funds to cover their stay in London, including accommodation, transportation, meals, and any additional expenses. You may be required to provide financial documentation, such as bank statements, to prove your ability to support yourself during your visit.

Conclusion

Obtaining a London visiting visa from India involves several costs, including the visa application fee, healthcare surcharge, optional additional services, and biometric appointment fee. It’s crucial to stay updated with the latest fees and requirements by referring to the UK government’s official website or consulting with a reputable visa consultancy. By understanding the costs involved, you can plan your trip to London more efficiently and avoid any last-minute surprises.