Documents for UK visa application

Original passport and old passports, if any

Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of submission of the visa, with a minimum of three blank pages

Confirmed return air tickets

The visa application form duly filled (online) by the applicant, under the guidance of our travel experts

2 recent passport-size colour photographs taken against a white background with matte-finish (size 35 mm x 45 mm and 60% - 80% face close-up) (Photo specifications) Note: Photograph should not be more than 3 months old, scanned/stapled and should not be used in any of the previous visas.

Covering letter mentioning details of travel, details of the traveller, purpose of visit and duration of stay. The letter should be duly signed by authorized signatory with company stamp and addressed to the Visa Officer, British Deputy High Commission, Kolkata.

Income Tax Returns of the last 3 years

Original bank statements reflecting transactions for the last 6 months, duly attested and signed by a bank official

Proof of investments - Mutual funds, fixed deposits, national saving certificates, stocks & shares, etc

Hotel confirmation details

Additional documents

If the applicant is employed:

Salary sips for the last 6 months

Original leave letter from employer

If the applicant is a company owner or self-employed:

Certificate of registration of the company / Certificate of Incorporation (MOA / Proof of Proprietorship / Partnership deed, etc)

Covering letter on the company letter head and financial documents

If the applicant is Student:

Original NOC letter from school / college with ID card copy

Original NOC letter from parents, Income Tax Returns and Bank statements

Important UK visa information

Types of UK Tourist Visa

6 months UK Tourist Visa

Your 6 months UK Tourist Visa is valid for 6 months and allows multiple entries to the UK during that period. You can stay for a maximum period of 6 months only

Long Term UK Tourist Visa

Types of Long-Term UK Tourist Visa include 2 years UK Tourist Visa, 5 years UK Tourist Visa and 10 years UK Tourist Visa. You need a Long-Term UK Tourist Visa if you travel regularly to the UK. These visas allow multiple entries for up to 6 months on each visit.

Key Highlights

Depending on the availability, you will get an appointment from the Consulate. On the day of the appointment, remember to carry all your original documents for submission and for the biometrics.

Post the appointment, it will take approximately 14 to 15 working days for the Consulate to process your visa.

Once it is processed, the visa copy will be attached to your passport.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility for applying for UK visa is as follows:

Proof of your confirmed return ticket

Confirmed hotel bookings

You must be able to show the reason of your visit and that you can support your dependents along with yourself.

Sufficient funds for the entire stay and journey back.

The activities you want to carry out in the UK must be allowed according to the rules and laws.

Time Required for UK Visa arrival:

Tourist visas can be approved in less than 24 hours at times.

If you are planning to settle in the UK, then the processing of the application can take up to 12 weeks.

Points to keep in mind while applying for visa:

Keep necessary documents ready, such as passport, salary slips, hotel confirmation, official ID, bank statements, tickets, employer letter, academic certificates, PAN card, etc.

Make sure that the details you enter are valid based on your knowledge before submitting the forms.

You have an option to cancel the form if you have not made any payments.

You can apply for fast-track visa too.

Visa Requirements

All Indian Travellers require a valid visa to enter the United Kingdom.

All visa applicants must visit the visa application centre in person for biometric information submission. UK visa cannot be applied by a third party.

Children below the age of 5 years need to visit the visa application centre for visa submission but are not required to provide their biometric data.

The visa validity is usually 6 months with multiple entries unless applied for longer terms by paying an extra fee.

You can also visit Ireland in this visa; however, your first port of entry must be the UK. For this, your visa must have a BIVS stamp.

The UK high commission may ask you to appear for an interview in person or over the phone if deemed necessary.

The Standard visa process takes 15 working days. However, this may vary from case to case.

Whereas Priority visa takes 5 working days and Super Priority visa takes 24 hours to process your application with an additional charge.

Key facts

The visa application process involves getting an appointment from the consulate depending on the availability. On the day of the appointment, the applicant must carry all the original documents for submission and for the biometrics.

Post the appointment, it usually takes 14 working days for the consulate to process the visa.

The visa copy will be attached to your passport.

Ahmedabad