The United Kingdom – home to some of the world’s greatest kings, queens, and literary figures. A land where medieval architecture and picturesque landscapes co-exist with modern-day science and technology. A land also often confused with just England, when in fact it is a geographical collaboration, which includes three other countries – Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Every year thousands of Visa Applications from India are processed for trips to the UK. And why not? UK encourages tourism, studies, immigration, and business, and that is why perhaps the visa application process for UK is so visitor-friendly and convenient.

Applicable Covid Restrictions

Entry into UK is subject to regulations if you have been to any of the red-flagged countries in the preceding 10 days, even if you are a resident/citizen of India, which falls in the amber zone. These regulations are described briefly below.

England: Take two Covid-19 tests after arrival. These have to be booked in advance, that is before leaving India. After undergoing the first test, self-quarantine in your place of stay or in an externally managed quarantine hotel. At the end of the 10-day period, undergo another Covid-19 test to confirm that you are negative. 

Scotland: Self-quarantine for 10 days in a Managed Quarantine Facility. The facility should be booked prior to leaving India. Also book two Covid-19 tests per person to be done on Day #2 and Day #8 of the managed quarantine.

Wales: Self-isolation for 10 days at the place of accommodation or managed quarantine facility. Undergo the Covid-19 test on the 8^th day.

Northern Ireland: Show negative COVID-19 test results not more than 3 days’ old from the date of departure from India. After arrival into UK, use the Online Passenger Locator Form to register your journey and contact details. This should be followed by self-isolation for 10 days.

For all the above ports of entry, it is not mandatory for children under 11 years to get tested.

Types of UK Visas

UK offers different types of visas depending upon your purpose of travel. These are:

• Standard Visitor Visa for holidaying, visiting family/friends, business, or medical treatment. The SVV includes Single Entry Visa and Multiple Entry Visa, which allows you to enter UK once or several times respectively within the visa dates.
• Marriage Visitor Visa for the purpose of getting married.
• Permitted Paid Engagement Visa to engage in paid work.
• Parent of a Tier 4 Child Visa if your child studies in an independent school.
• Transit Visa for traveling through UK into another country.
• Visit the Official Website to check which visas you are eligible for

Applying for a UK Visa from India

You can apply for a UK Visa between 3 and 6 months of your planned travel dates. Six months is usually recommended for students before the start date of their academic program.

1. To initiate the Visa Application Process, visit Official Website. The page contains detailed information on choosing the right visa type and how to proceed. Remember each visa type – be it a Standard Visitor Visa, Transit Visa, Marriage Visitor Visa, or any other – has its own unique application process and documentation requirements. So, take special care to define your purpose clearly to avoid glitches and delays in your Visa Application Process.
2. Next, prepare your Visa Application. Currently, application submission as well as visa fee payment are being managed online.
3. Next, prove your identity either by visiting the Visa Application Centre at the UK Consulate of India or by using the UK Immigration: ID Check app. In both cases you have to submit your biometrics and documentation to prove your travel eligibility and intent.

Documentation:

• National Passport (both current and previous)
• Proof of sufficient funds via bank statements, etc.;
• Employment letter or business registration documents (self-employed only)
• Proof of legal residence
• Flight ticket itinerary for visa and hotel reservation
• International travel insurance

There might be additional proofs required depending on your Visa Type, such as: letter from the doctor in case you are visiting the UK for medical treatment, or Parent Authority Letter for under-18-year-olds., etc.