The UK visa cost for Indian applicants varies significantly depending on the visa type, its duration, and the specific services chosen, with standard visitor visas starting from approximately £115 (INR 11,800) for a six-month stay as of late 2026. These costs are set by the UK government and are subject to change, requiring applicants to consult the official GOV.UK website for the most current figures.
Key Facts
- The United Kingdom comprises England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with London as its capital.
- The UK population is over 69 million in 2025, according to Wikipedia.
- Visa fees for Indian citizens are payable in Indian Rupees (INR) through official channels.
- The standard visitor visa for a six-month stay is approximately £115.
- Additional costs may include the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and priority services.
Understanding UK Visa Fees from India
UK visa fees from India encompass a range of charges that depend on the purpose of your visit, such as tourism, study, work, or family reunification. These fees are determined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and are typically paid online during the application process. The fees are non-refundable, even if the visa application is rejected.
For Indian citizens planning to visit, work, study, or settle in the UK, the official GOV.UK website provides the most up-to-date information on visa categories and their associated costs. It is important to check this source directly before making any payments to avoid discrepancies. For a general overview of all fees, you can refer to a complete guide to UK visa costs
What are the Different UK Visa Types and Their Costs for Indian Citizens?
The cost of a UK visa for Indian citizens varies based on the visa category. The UK government offers several visa types, each designed for a specific purpose, including visitor visas, student visas, work visas, and family visas. Each category has its own fee structure and requirements.
Standard Visitor Visa Costs
The Standard Visitor Visa is suitable for tourism, visiting family or friends, business trips, short-term studies, and medical treatment. The fees for Indian applicants are as follows:
- 6-month visa: Approximately £115 (INR 11,800)
- 2-year visa: Approximately £400 (INR 41,000)
- 5-year visa: Approximately £770 (INR 79,000)
- 10-year visa: Approximately £963 (INR 99,000)
These fees cover the processing of your application by UKVI. Additional services, such as priority processing, incur separate charges.
Student Visa (Tier 4) Costs
Indian students applying for a UK Student Visa (formerly Tier 4 General student visa) will face a specific set of fees. The primary application fee is approximately £490 (INR 50,300). In addition to this, students must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
The IHS grants access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during their stay. As of late 2026, the IHS for students is approximately £776 per year. For example, a three-year degree program would require an IHS payment of around £2,328 (INR 239,000). For more details on how to obtain a visa, including student visas, you can consult a step-by-step guide to getting an England visa
Work Visa Costs (Skilled Worker Visa)
The Skilled Worker Visa (formerly Tier 2 General visa) is for individuals who have a job offer from a licensed UK employer. The costs for Indian applicants depend on the duration of the visa and whether the job is on the shortage occupation list.
For a visa up to three years:
- Application fee: Approximately £719 (INR 73,800) for jobs not on the shortage occupation list.
- Application fee: Approximately £551 (INR 56,600) for jobs on the shortage occupation list.
For a visa longer than three years:
- Application fee: Approximately £1,420 (INR 146,000) for jobs not on the shortage occupation list.
- Application fee: Approximately £1,084 (INR 111,300) for jobs on the shortage occupation list.
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) also applies to work visas, typically around £1,035 per year. Employers may also pay an Immigration Skills Charge, which is separate from the applicant’s fees.
Family Visa Costs
Family visas, such as the Spouse Visa or Partner Visa, allow Indian citizens to join family members who are already settled in the UK. The application fee for a Family Visa is approximately £1,846 (INR 189,600). The IHS is also mandatory for family visa applicants, costing around £1,035 per year.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Explained
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is an additional fee that most non-EEA nationals, including Indian citizens, must pay when applying for a UK visa that lasts longer than six months. This surcharge grants access to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, similar to a UK resident. The IHS is paid upfront for the entire duration of the visa.
As of late 2026, the standard IHS rate is £1,035 per year for most applicants. For students and those on Youth Mobility Scheme visas, the annual rate is £776. This fee is separate from the visa application fee and must be paid in full for the visa to be processed. Failure to pay the correct IHS amount will result in the visa application being rejected.
Additional Costs and Optional Services
Beyond the core visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge, Indian applicants may incur additional costs, depending on their preferences and circumstances. These can include priority services, document scanning, and travel to application centers.
Priority and Super Priority Services
For applicants who need a quicker decision on their visa, UKVI offers priority services:
- Priority Service: This typically provides a decision within 5 working days for an additional fee of approximately £500 (INR 51,400).
- Super Priority Service: This aims for a decision within 24 hours (usually on the next working day) for an additional fee of approximately £1,000 (INR 102,800).
These services are optional and subject to availability at the visa application center in India.
Visa Application Centre (VAC) Services
Applicants usually submit their biometric information and documents at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) operated by VFS Global or TLScontact. Some VACs offer additional services for a fee, such as:
- Document scanning assistance: For applicants who prefer not to upload their documents online.
- SMS updates: To receive notifications about the application status.
- Premium Lounge access: For a more comfortable waiting experience.
- Walk-in service: For appointments without prior booking, where available.
The costs for these services vary by center and are separate from the main visa fees.
How to Pay Your UK Visa Fees from India
Indian applicants typically pay their UK visa fees online through the official GOV.UK website as part of the application process. The payment is usually made in Indian Rupees (INR) using a debit card, credit card, or sometimes through other secure online payment methods. It is essential to ensure sufficient funds are available and to use a card that supports international transactions.
The exchange rate used for converting the GBP fee to INR is set by the UK government or its payment processor, and it may fluctuate. Applicants should carefully review the total amount in INR before confirming payment. All payments must be made in full before the application is submitted to UKVI for processing.
| Visa Type | Duration | Approximate Fee (GBP) | Approximate Fee (INR) | IHS (per year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor Visa | 6 months | £115 | INR 11,800 | N/A |
| Standard Visitor Visa | 2 years | £400 | INR 41,000 | N/A |
| Standard Visitor Visa | 5 years | £770 | INR 79,000 | N/A |
| Standard Visitor Visa | 10 years | £963 | INR 99,000 | N/A |
| Student Visa | Varies | £490 | INR 50,300 | £776 |
| Skilled Worker Visa (up to 3 years, non-shortage) | Up to 3 years | £719 | INR 73,800 | £1,035 |
| Skilled Worker Visa (up to 3 years, shortage list) | Up to 3 years | £551 | INR 56,600 | £1,035 |
| Family Visa | Varies | £1,846 | INR 189,600 | £1,035 |
FAQ
How much is a UK visitor visa for an Indian citizen?
A standard 6-month UK visitor visa for an Indian citizen costs approximately £115 (INR 11,800). Longer duration visitor visas, such as 2-year, 5-year, and 10-year options, have higher fees, ranging from approximately £400 to £963.
What is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a mandatory fee for most non-EEA nationals, including Indian citizens, applying for a UK visa longer than six months. It grants access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) and costs approximately £1,035 per year for most applicants, or £776 per year for students.
Can I pay UK visa fees in Indian Rupees?
Yes, UK visa fees for Indian applicants are typically paid online in Indian Rupees (INR) using a debit or credit card. The exchange rate is set by the UK government or its payment processor and is applied during the online payment process.
Are UK visa fees refundable if my application is rejected?
No, UK visa fees are generally non-refundable, even if your visa application is rejected or withdrawn. The fees cover the administrative cost of processing the application, regardless of the outcome.
How can I get a faster decision on my UK visa application from India?
You can opt for priority services to get a faster decision. The Priority Service aims for a decision within 5 working days for an additional fee of approximately £500. The Super Priority Service aims for a decision within 24 hours for an additional fee of approximately £1,000, subject to availability.
Sources: United Kingdom – Wikipedia – UK | Latest News & Updates | BBC News – Welcome to GOV.UK – UK Map | Discover United Kingdom with Detailed Maps | Great Britain MapsUpdated: October 30, 2026.
