Planning a trip to the UK requires careful preparation, especially regarding visa necessities and related costs. For Indian citizens, knowing about the various kinds of UK visas and their costs is essential for effective journey planning. The UK offers a range of visa types for purposes such as tourism, study, work, and family visits. Each visa type has a separate fee structure, which can substantially affect your budget. Understanding the application process and required documents is crucial to avoid last-minute issues. Furthermore, it is essential to procure international travel insurance to protect yourself from unforeseen challenges during your trip.
Let’s look at the different visa types for the UK and the fees associated with each visa type.
Do Indian Travellers Need a UK Visa?
Yes, Indian travellers must obtain a visa before they can enter the UK. This requirement applies regardless of the need for the visit, whether for tourism, training, employment, or visiting family members. The UK visa requirement is standard for Indian passport holders, ensuring that every Indian citizen meets the essential access standards set by the UK immigration government. While there may be some exceptions for certain diplomatic or legitimate visits, most Indian travellers have to apply for a visa ahead of their journey. Selecting a suitable visa class based on the motive of your travel is essential to ensure a smooth stay in the UK.
UK Visa Types and Fees
The following is an in-depth breakdown of the types of visas available for Indian applicants, along with their associated fees:
Standard Visitor Visa:
- Short-time period (up to 6 months): INR 9,837
- Long-time period (2 years): INR 37,381
- Long-term (5 years): INR 67,824
- Long-term (10 years): INR 85,116
- Private clinical treatment (6 to 11 months): INR 19,674
- Parent of a scholar/infant (up to 365 days): INR 53,430
The Standard Visitor Visa is applicable for tourism, business, and short-term visits. The longer-term visas are ideal for frequent visitors who need to travel to and from the United Kingdom regularly.
UK Work Visa:
- Tier 1 Visa: For entrepreneurs and business people intending to set up operations inside the UK.
- Tier 2 Visa: Those wishing to work in the UK for a longer period require a licenced sponsor.
- Tier 5 Visa: For short-term work, along with roles in religion, voluntary sports, etc.
Specific work visa costs:
- Worker with less than three years of experience (major applicant and dependents): INR 63,164
- Intracompany Transfer for primary candidates and dependents (3 years or less): INR 63,164
- Workers with a sponsorship certificate over 36 months (predominant applicant and dependents): INR 126,328
- Visa up to 12 months with a sponsorship certificate (primary applicant and dependents): INR 25,266
- Skilled Worker Visa for a shortage occupation (3 years or much less) (foremost applicant and dependents): INR 48,046
- Healthcare visa for more than 3 years (predominant applicant and dependents): INR 48,046
- Health and Care Visa for a shortage profession (3 years or less): INR 24,023
- Graduate Trainee - Intracompany Transfer: INR 49,910
UK Student Visa:
- Academic Visitor (6 to 12 months): INR 19,674
- Short-term Study (6 to 11 months): INR 19,260
- Tier 4 Child Visa (predominant applicant and dependents): INR 36,034
- Student Visa (fundamental applicant and dependents): INR 36,034
The Student Visa is for individuals pursuing research within the UK. The expenses range based on the duration and type of course.
Application Fees for Work Visas Outside the United Kingdom
For Indian candidates applying for visas from outside the UK, the fees are:
Skilled Worker Visa:
- Shortage profession listing (3 years or less): INR 48,046
- Non-scarcity occupation listing: INR 48,046
- Global Talent Visa: INR 62,300
- Intra-company Transfer Visa (3 years or less): INR 63,164
- Short-term (as many as 365 days): INR. 63,164
- Long-term (more than 12 months): INR 126,328
- Health and Care Worker Visa Application charge (over three years): INR 48,046
In addition to these fees, applicants may have to bear extra costs, such as biometric enrolment fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The IHS grants access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) and varies depending on the duration of stay. Applicants must stay updated on these additional costs and follow existing guidelines for payment.
Conclusion
Understanding the UK visa fees for Indians is important for better travel planning and budgeting. The different visa types include specific costs that can affect your normal journey expenses. It is also advisable to consider international travel insurance to shield you from any unforeseen events at any point in your journey. Proper preparation, including being aware of visa costs and securing the right insurance coverage, guarantees a smoother application process and a more exciting tour.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.