It is not necessary to have friends or family in UK for applicants to visit the country. UK has quite diverse landscape and people and also has rich history and cultural background. It is full of beautiful places which must be visited at least once in lifetime. But the visitor must go through the process of visa application and meet the eligibility. And the Indian visitor must comply with all the requirements set for Indian citizens by the UK embassy. UK visitor visa allows applicants to visit UK for travel and tourism purposes, for business, or to visit family and friends. Visitors can also take part in sports and creative events, or receive medical treatment or simply visit for up to 6 months.
It is mandatory for the visitor’s visa category applicants to provide their financial status for accommodating themselves in UK to the immigration authorities without resorting to public funding or working. However, assistance from family members living in UK is valid.
Tourist/Visitor Visa Basic Requirements
The Standard Visitor Visa to United Kingdom has replaced the following visas: family visitor visa, general visit visa, child visitor visa, business visitor visa, sports visa, entertainer visitor visa, prospective entrepreneur visa, private medical treatment visa.
The basic requirements must be met in order to qualify for visa. Additionally, the applicant must meet various other conditions based on the purpose of the visit to UK. A maximum of 6 months visit in only allowed at a time, and they must be able to financially support themselves during their stay, and also be able to fund their onward journey without any paid or unpaid employment in UK.
Applying for a UK Tourist Visa
Long Term Visit/Tourist Visa up to 2, 5 or 10 years. A long-term visitor visa can be applied for if the applicant can submit the proof that frequent visits would be required over a certain period of time, and the purpose of those visits would be same over the duration of the visa period.
The application process for a UK tourist visa is to be submitted to the UK High Commission or UK Visa Application Centers situated across the country. The visa application can be made online or in person.
This visa allows the holders to visit UK for up to maximum of 6 months and they may be allowed multiple entries during this period.
How long is the Visa Valid for?
Visitor visas in general are only valid for 6 months. But still they can be issued for longer periods like 1, 2, 5 or 10 years. However, they can stay in UK for maximum of 6 months in a stretch at one time. Only the academic visitors and parents of children at school are exempted from this.
Other Information on UK Tourist/Visitor Visa.
What will I need to make my application?
This depends on the type of category you are applying for entry. In all cases, you will need to make your application online or fill in an application form. You will also need to do the following.
- Your passport or travel document
- A recent passport-sized (45mm x 35mm)
This should be:
Taken against a light coloured background Clear and good quality, and not framed or backed Printed on normal photographic paper, and Full face and without sunglasses, hat or other head covering unless you wear this for cultural or religious reasons (but face must not be covered). The visa fee cannot be refunded and you must normally pay it in the local currency of the country where you are applying.
Supporting documents relevant to your application
To apply for the UK visitor visa the following eligibility criteria should be met:
- Proof of sufficient funds to support themselves and their family during their entire visit.
- Applicants must not undertake any job.
- Applicants must not have any criminal background and they should strictly comply with the laws of the country.
- Applicants may need to undergo a medical examination.
- An invitation letter is required from the applicants who intend to stay with their relatives or friends.
