UK eVisa for Indians 2026 — Digital Visa, New Fees & Application Guide

UK eVisa — What Changed in 2026

From February 2026, the UK has moved to a fully digital visa system. Physical visa stickers (vignettes) in your passport are being replaced by eVisas — digital records linked to your passport number. Indian travelers must now manage their visa through a UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) online account.

What is a UK eVisa?

• 1A digital visa record — no physical sticker in passport
• 2Linked to your biometric passport number
• 3Managed through your UKVI online account at gov.uk
• 4UK Border Force verifies it digitally when you travel
• 5You can share your visa status with airlines using a 'share code'

UK Tourist Visa Fees 2026 (From India)

• 16-month Standard Visitor Visa: ₹16,335 (~£115)
• 22-year Multiple Entry Visitor Visa: ₹44,700 (~£432)
• 35-year Multiple Entry Visitor Visa: ₹64,800 (~£771)
• 410-year Multiple Entry Visitor Visa: ₹83,600 (~£963)
• 5Student Visa: ₹67,400 (~£558) — increased 6.5% from April 2026

Documents Required for UK Tourist Visa

• 1Valid Indian passport (6 months validity minimum)
• 2Completed online visa application form
• 3Biometric enrollment at VFS Global centre
• 4Bank statements (last 6 months)
• 5Proof of employment / business / retirement
• 6Travel itinerary and hotel bookings
• 7Proof of strong ties to India (property, family, job)
• 8TB test certificate (for applications longer than 6 months)

How to Apply — Step by Step

• 1Create a UKVI account at gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk
• 2Complete the online application form
• 3Pay the visa fee online
• 4Book biometric appointment at nearest VFS Global in India
• 5Attend appointment and submit documents
• 6Wait for decision — usually 3–6 weeks
• 7Receive eVisa notification by email — no passport returned with sticker

Tips to Get UK Visa Approved

• 1Show strong ties to India — job, family, property
• 2Bank balance: Minimum ₹3–5 lakh recommended
• 3Apply well in advance — peak season takes longer
• 4Be honest on the application form
• 5Previous travel history to UK or other countries helps
• 6Multiple-entry visa is recommended for frequent visitors