UK Visa Fee Hike From April Onwards, 6-Month Visa Now Priced at Rs 13,400

If you are thinking to visit the United Kingdom and you are from India, then you must know that from April 1, 2025, your visa fee will be priced more than usual, as the fee for the Standard Visitor visa has increased from £115, to £127 (Approximately Rs.12,190 to approximately Rs.13,462 in indian currency). An increment has also been seen in the long-term visitor’s visa fee. Starting in April, the cost of a 6-month UK visa for Indians will increase to Rs.14,000, up from £432 (Approximately Rs.45,792).

The UK is expanding its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for travellers from visa-free countries. The price of the ETA, which was £10 (approximately Rs.1,060 in Indian Currency), has now increased to £16 (approximately Rs.1,696 in Indian Currency).

Changes in Visa Fees

Standard Visitor visa (up to 6 months)

• Previous fee: £115 (Approximately Rs. 12,190 in Indian Currency)
• New fee: £127 (Approximately Rs. 13,462 in Indian Currency)
• Increase: £12 (Approximately Rs. 1,272 in Indian Currency)

Long-Term Visitor Visas

• Two-year visa: £475 (Approximately Rs. 50,350 in Indian Currency), up from £432 (Approximately Rs. 45,792 in Indian Currency)
• Five-year visa: £848 (Approximately Rs. 89,888 in Indian Currency), up from £771 (Approximately Rs. 81,726 in Indian Currency)
• Ten-year visa: £1,059 (Approximately Rs. 1,12,254 in Indian Currency), up from £963 (Approximately Rs. 1,02,078 in Indian Currency)

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

• Previous fee: £10 (Approximately Rs. 1,060 in Indian Currency)
• New fee: £16 (Approximately Rs. 1,696 in Indian Currency)
• Increase: £6 (Approximately Rs. 636 in Indian Currency)

Who uses Long-Term Visitor Visas?

A long-term Standard Visitor visa is used for those people who travel to the UK regularly. It is offered in 2, 5, or 10-year options, with each visit restricted to a 6-month stay.

Common Users Included

• Family visitors: Those who visit the UK multiple times for meeting their
  relatives.
• Business travellers: Those who visit the UK to attend recurring meetings or events.
• Tourists: Those who plan to repeat holidays in the UK

Applicants need to demonstrate a consistent travel history, financial stability, and strong connections to their home country. This visa cannot be used for permanent residence in the UK.

Person from Visa-Required Countries (Like India, Pakistan, or Nigeria)

• You must apply for a Standard Visitor visa.
• The fee is £127 (Rs.13,462) for stays of up to 6 months.
• Whether you get a single or multiple-entry visa is decided by the officer.
• Apply online, then visit a visa center for biometric data collection.
• Required documents include your passport, proof of funds, travel plan, and accommodation information.
• Processing generally takes 3 weeks, but it may take longer during peak times.
• An interview could be necessary.

Person from Visa-Free Countries (Like the United States, EU countries, Australia, and Japan)

• You must apply for an ETA prior to travelling.
• The cost is £16 (Rs.1,696), and it remains valid for 2 years or until your passport expires.
• You can make multiple visits, but each stay is limited to 6 months.
• Apply online or through the mobile app — no need for biometrics or supporting documents.
• Most ETAs are processed within 3 working days.
• No interview or appointment is necessary.
• Starting April 1, 2025, the ETA will be available for Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan.
• Additional visa-exempt countries will be included throughout 2024 and 2025.