If you intend to travel from India to the United Kingdom, the cost of your visa will increase as of April 1, 2025. The cost of a Standard Visitor visa, which is necessary for citizens of Nigeria, Pakistan, and India, has gone up from £115 (about ₹12,190) to £127 (roughly ₹13,462). There has also been an increase in the number of long-term visiting visas. Increase in UK visa fees starting in April: Indians will now pay Rs 14,000 for a 6-month visa, up from £432 (about ₹45,792).
Additionally, the UK is growing its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, which is applicable to tourists from nations that do not require a visa. Previously priced at £10 (about ₹1,060), the ETA is now £16 (roughly ₹1,696).
— Previous fee: £115 (₹12,190)
— New fee: £127 (₹13,462)
— Increase: £12 (₹1,272)
Long-term visitor visas:
Two-year visa: £475 (₹50,350), up from £432 (₹45,792)
Five-year visa: £848 (₹89,888), up from £771 (₹81,726)
Ten-year visa: £1,059 (₹1,12,254), up from £963 (₹1,02,078)
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA):
—Previous fee: £10 (₹1,060)
—New fee: £16 (₹1,696)
— Increase: £6 (₹636)
Who uses long-term visitor visas?
A long-term Standard Visitor visa is for people who need to travel to the UK frequently. It’s available in 2, 5 or 10-year formats, with each stay limited to 6 months.
Common users include:
Family visitors — those visiting relatives in the UK multiple times
Business travellers — attending recurring meetings or events
Tourists— planning repeat holidays in the UK
Applicants must show a pattern of regular travel, stable finances, and strong ties to their home country. The visa can’t be used to live in the UK.
If you’re from a visa-required country
(such as India, Pakistan, Nigeria)
— You need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa
— It costs £127 (₹13,462) for stays up to 6 months
— Single or multiple-entry options depend on the officer’s decision
— Apply online, then attend a visa centre for biometrics
— You’ll need to provide documents like your passport, proof of funds, travel itinerary and accommodation details
— Processing usually takes 3 weeks, sometimes longer during busy periods
— An interview may be required
If you’re from a visa-free country
(such as the United States, EU countries, Australia, Japan)
— You must apply for an ETA before travelling
— It costs £16 (₹1,696) and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires
— You can visit multiple times, but each stay is capped at 6 months
— Apply online or via mobile app — no biometrics or documents needed
— Most ETAs are processed within 3 working days
— No interview or appointment is involved
— As of April 1, 2025, the ETA is already in place for Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan
— More visa-exempt countries will be added throughout 2024 and 2025
