UK Visa Guide

Among the lovely countries in Europe, you’ll most likely find the United Kingdom at the top of the charts. Since it is one of the most beautiful and popular choices to visit, you can find many India to UK flights. While London may be one of your go-to places in the UK, you can also book direct India to Manchester flights with IndiGo. This is one of the most stunning cities, filled with music scenes and lots of food choices. Besides that, the Manchester Airport is located in the heart of the UK, making it easy to get around the tourist spots at ease and also visit Edinburgh and many other countries within the UK, like England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. You do not need to think twice, as you can also get return Manchester to India flights with IndiGo, which brings relief from long layovers and changing flights.

Make sure to apply for a UK visa since Indians need a visa to enter this country. There are many types of UK visas for Indian nationals. Several people come to the UK for various reasons like sightseeing, studying, or even working. While the rest of the country requires a UK visa to enter the country, some of the other nations can visit without it. Once you get your UK visa, you can book flights to the UK and delve into the charming English countryside, cruise through the canals, and explore the majestic cities. It is relatively easy to obtain a UK tourist visa from India. To get in-depth information about the different UK visas, you can visit the official government website.

Indian passport holders need to apply for a visa to enter the United Kingdom. For this, you need to go to the official website to get the UK visa. These are the steps to follow:

• Go to the website and choose the type of visa you want
• You can apply and pay online for the visa
• Provide your proof of identity by checking the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ section
• You’ll receive a letter or an email with your UK visa application

You may hear back regarding your UK visa processing time within three weeks. Depending on the country you're in, you might be able to access different services or receive your visa quicker. Click here to know more.

You can check your UK visa application on the official website by filling out your visa application number and travel document number.

Planning to visit the United Kingdom but do not know which visa is perfect for you? This list may help you get the information you need. Scroll below to know the different types of UK visas.

The tourist visa or visitor visa is the most common type of visa to enter the United Kingdom. With the standard visitor visa, you can enter the country for tourism, business, and study for up to 6 months. 

Eligibility for a visit visa

• Your passport should be valid throughout the length of your stay 
• Confirmed round-trip flight tickets
• Proof of accommodation 
• Receipt of payment of visa fee
• At least two passport-size photographs
• Bank statement, as a proof of funds

Visitor visa validity

With the standard visitor visa, you can stay in the UK for up to 6 months. You will be able to extend the UK visa application under certain circumstances, such as for medical treatment.

Processing time for visitor visa

The UK visa processing time may take approximately three weeks. However, if there are any national holidays in between, it may take longer.

If you get a sponsor from a company in the UK, you will be able to get the UK work visa. UK work visas include the health and care worker visa and the skilled worker visa.

Eligibility for a work visa

• Your passport should be valid throughout the length of your stay
• Confirmed return flight ticket
• Confirmed letter from the local company stating your date of joining and other details
• Proof of accommodation
• Receipt of payment of visa fee
• At least two passport-size photographs
• Bank statement, as a proof of funds

In addition to the above, you must also be eligible with the following:

• A qualified medical practitioner like doctor, nurse, or social care worker
• The work you’ll do for the UK employer must be approved by the home office
• You must have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ provided by the employer stating your new role in the UK
• You must receive a minimum salary, depending on the type of work

Work visa validity

Your work visa is valid for up to five years. When your visa expires, you can renew it.

Processing time for work visa

The UK visa processing time may take approximately three weeks. However, if there are any national holidays in between, it may take longer.

The UK work visas you can apply for without having a job offer

• British National (Overseas) visa
• Graduate visa
• Youth Mobility Scheme visa
• India Young Professionals Scheme visa
• Apply for the Global Talent visa
• UK Ancestry visa
• High Potential Individual (HPI) visa

To know more about the different types of the UK work visas, click here.

Planning to study in the UK? Then you need to apply for a study visa. There are three types of UK study visa: student visa, child student visa, and study English in the UK (short-term study visa). You can apply for the UK study visa if you are 16 years of age or above. Make sure that you have been offered a course and have a receipt of payment for the course.

Eligibility for a study visa

• Have a valid passport
• Confirmed letter from the university
• Proof of accommodation/hostel
• Receipt of payment of visa fee 
• At least two passport-size photographs
• Bank statement, as a proof of funds

Study visa validity

Your study visa is valid depending on the length of the chosen course. 

Processing time for study visa

The UK visa processing time may take approximately three weeks. However, if there are any national holidays in between, it may take longer.

If you have a family in the UK, you can apply for the UK family visa and live in the country for more than six months. This will allow you to live with your spouse, partner, child, parent, or even a relative who will be able to provide a long-term care for you. 

Note: If you are planning to visit the UK for 6 months or less, the you can check for a standard visitor visa or marriage visitor visa instead. 

Eligibility for a family visa

• Have a valid passport
• Proof of accommodation
• Receipt of payment of visa fee 
• Acceptance letter from the university
• At least two passport-size photographs
• Bank statement, as a proof of funds

Family visa validity

The UK visa for family is valid for 2 years and 9 months. You have the option to extend the family visa. 

Processing time for family visa

If you are applying for a family visa outside the UK, you will receive a decision within 24 weeks. And if you apply from the UK, you will receive a decision within eight weeks of your application date. You can also use the super priority service (unless you are applying as an adult to be cared by a relative in the UK). In this case, the decision will be provided within two working days, provided you give all your biometric information.

This type of visa is ideal to help you to pass through the UK. Based on your country, you may need a UK transit visa. You can click here to find out whether you will need a visa for transit. You will not require a transit UK visa if you have an EU Settlement Scheme family permit, have a Home Office travel document (refugee or stateless person), a standard visitor visa.

If you have a long layover and need to stay in the UK for more than 48 hours, or you are a frequent flyer that requires you to stay for more than six months, then you will need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa instead of a transit visa. You can apply for the transit UK visa here.

Eligibility for a transit visa

• Make sure you have a valid passport
• Provide details of your accommodation
• Show proof of onward flight details

Note: Make sure to bring your visa and documents when you travel through the UK.