The Ultimate Guide to Applying for a UK Visitor Visa from India (2025) – Free Templates Included!
Hello fellow travellers!
So, you’re dreaming of walking across Tower Bridge, exploring the Scottish Highlands, or finding charming villages in the Cotswolds. The UK is a dream destination, but before the scones and castles comes the one step that often feels daunting: the visa application.
When I was planning my trip, the process seemed so complex that I hired an agent, costing me around ₹18,000. But having gone through it, I’m here to tell you a secret: you can absolutely do it yourself!
This guide is designed to demystify the entire UK visa process for Indian citizens. I’ll walk you through every step, compare the costs, and provide you with the exact tools I’ve created to make your Do-It-Yourself (DIY) application a success.
Your Complete DIY UK Visa Document Checklist
Getting your documents in order is the most crucial step. Here is a comprehensive list of what you’ll likely need.
(Mandatory Documents)
Valid Passport with at least one blank page.
Printed copy of your VFS appointment confirmation.
Printed copy of your completed online application form.
(Financial Documents)
Last 6 months of bank statements (showing sufficient funds 3-4lacs).
Last 3-6 months of salary slips.
Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the last 3 years.
Investments or Other assets Proof.
Rental Receipts if any.
(If Self-employed)
Last 6 months of bank statements.
Company Registration.
Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the last 3 years.
- GST Certificate.
- Company Pan Card.
(Employment / Supporting Documents)
Letter from your employer (NOC) stating your role, salary, and approved leave dates.
For students: A letter from your school/college.
For self-employed: Business registration documents, company bank statements.
(Itinerary & Accommodation)
Flight reservations not mandatory. (DO NOT book confirmed tickets, just the reservation/itinerary).
Hotel bookings for your stay not mandatory.
A day-by-day itinerary.
- Sudden deposit letter
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Spouse (If wife travelling solo)
- Non-travelers details
- Non-Accompanying Family Details
To make this foolproof, I’ve compiled everything into a single, easy-to-use checklist.
The 7-Step DIY Application Process
Ready to apply? Here’s exactly what to do.
Get Your Documents Ready: Use the checklist above to gather everything before you begin.
Fill the Online Form: Go to the official UK Government website (gov.uk) and fill out the Standard Visitor Visa application. Be honest and accurate.
Pay the Visa Fee Online: After completing the form, you’ll pay the fee on the portal.
Book VFS Appointment & Upload Documents: You’ll be redirected to the VFS Global site to book your biometrics appointment. Crucially, this is where you will upload your scanned documents. Do this from home to avoid extra fees.
Visit the VFS Centre for Biometrics: This is your in-person appointment for fingerprints and a photo. Just bring your passport, application form, and appointment letter.
Track Your Application: You can track the status online. Standard processing takes about 3 weeks.
Collect Your Passport: You’ll be notified when a decision is made. You can then collect your passport from the VFS Centre or have it couriered.
The Cover Letter: Your Secret Weapon
A cover letter is your chance to speak directly to the visa officer. It ties all your documents together and explains the story of your trip.
A strong cover letter should include:
Your purpose of travel (tourism).
A brief summary of your itinerary.
A summary of your finances and who is sponsoring the trip.
A clear statement of your intention to return to India, highlighting your ties (job, family, property).
Writing from scratch can be tough, so I’ve created a template based on my own successful applications.
[Date: [Date of Application]]
To, The Visa Officer, British Deputy High Commission, New Delhi
Subject: Application for UK Tourism/Visiting Visa
Dear Sir/Madam,
I, [Your Full Name], holding Indian Passport No. [Your Passport Number], am writing to request a tourist visa for my upcoming trip to the UK.
Attached are my latest six-month bank statements, income tax returns for the past three years, and the same for my company, which collectively show my financial sufficiency to support myself during my stay in the UK. I will be staying in hotels throughout the duration of my trip, as per my planned itinerary. I assure you that all travel arrangements will be made in line with my travel plan.
I have previously traveled to several countries with strict visa requirements, including [Country 1, Country 2, and Country 3], which shows my compliance with international travel norms.
- Bank Statements (last six months)
- Income Tax Returns (last three years)
- Company’s Bank Statements & ITR
- Flight Tickets with Return
Thank you for considering my application.
UK Travel Itinerary Template
UNITED KINGDOM TRAVEL ITINERARY (FOR VISA PURPOSES)
Travel Dates: [Start Date of Trip] to [End Date of Trip] Accommodation: All nights will be in hotels/hostels. Transport: Combination of intercity trains, buses, and guided day tours.
Day 1: [Date] – Arrive in [City 1, e.g., London], check into accommodation. Rest and explore the local neighborhood.
Day 2: [Date] – Explore [City 1]. Visit landmarks such as [Landmark 1], [Landmark 2], and [Landmark 3].
Day 3: [Date] – Full-day guided tour from [City 1] to [Location, e.g., Stonehenge & Bath].
- Day 4: [Date] – Take a train/bus to [City 2, e.g., Edinburgh]. Check into accommodation and explore the [Area, e.g., Royal Mile].
- Day 5: [Date] – Full-day guided tour to see [Scenic Area 1, e.g., Glencoe] and [Scenic Area 2, e.g., Glenfinnan Viaduct].
Day 6: [Date] – Explore [City 2]. Visit attractions like [Attraction 1, e.g., Edinburgh Castle] and [Attraction 2, e.g., Arthur’s Seat].
Final Day: [Date] – Check out from accommodation and head to the airport for the return flight to [Your Home City].
UK Visa Application Form General Details
This section contains the questions from the application form with placeholders instead of personal answers.
Personal Information
Given name(s): [Your Given Name(s)]
Family name: [Your Family Name]
Gender: [Female/Male/Unspecified]
Relationship status: [Single/Married/etc.]
Address: [Your Full Address]
How long have you lived at this address?: [Number] years
Ownership status of your home: [e.g., I own it, I rent, I live with my family]
Contact Details
Email address: [Your Email Address]
Telephone number: [Your Phone Number]
Passport Details
Passport number: [Your Passport Number]
Issuing authority: [e.g., Government of India]
Issue date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
Expiry date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
Nationality and Identity
National identity card number: [Your Aadhaar Number]
Country of nationality: [Your Nationality, e.g., Indian]
Country and Place of birth: [City, Country]
Date of birth: [DD/MM/YYYY]
Employment
Employment status: [e.g., Self-employed, Employed]
Employer’s name: [Your Company Name]
Employer’s address: [Your Company Address]
Date you started this job: [Month Year]
Your job title: [Your Job Title]
Monthly income after tax: [Amount in INR]
Income and Savings
Do you have other income or savings?: [Yes/No, with brief description]
How much money are you planning to spend on your UK visit?: [Amount in INR]
Total amount you spend each month: [Amount in INR]
Travel Plans
Date you plan to arrive in the UK: [DD/MM/YYYY]
Date you plan to leave the UK: [DD/MM/YYYY]
Main reason for your visit: [e.g., Tourism]
Details of your planned activities: [Brief summary, e.g., I plan to explore the UK for tourism; a detailed itinerary is attached.]
Travel History
Have you been to the UK in the past 10 years?: [Yes/No]
List visits to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, USA, Switzerland, or the EEA in the past 10 years.
List visits to any other countries in the past 10 years with dates.
Have you ever been refused a visa for any country?: [Yes/No]
Explanation of Recent Bank Deposits Template
Date: [Date of Application]
To, The Visa Officer, British Deputy High Commission, New Delhi
Sub: Explanation of Recent Bank Deposit for The UK Tourist Visa Application
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am [Your Full Name] holding an Indian Passport No. [Your Passport Number] traveling to the UK for tourism purposes. I have scheduled my travel to the UK from [Start Date of Trip] to [End Date of Trip] for a total of [Number] days.
The deposits detailed below into my personal account originate from my husband’s account where we actively manage our saving funds. This transfer was made to ensure sufficient funds are available for my planned expenses during my upcoming trip to the UK.
Here are the details of the recent deposits:
| Details | From (Source Account) | To (Your Account) |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Name | [Bank Name] | [Bank Name] |
| Account Holder Name | [Spouse's Full Name] | [Your Full Name] |
| Account Number | [Spouse's Account Number] | [Your Account Number] |
| Deposit Date | [Date of Deposit] | [Date of Deposit] |
| Deposit Amount | [Amount in INR] | [Amount in INR] |
| Transaction ID | [Transaction ID] | [Transaction ID] |
I assure you that the funds in my bank account are legitimate and solely dedicated to covering the costs of my trip. I understand the importance of demonstrating my financial capacity and am committed to abiding by all UK rules and regulations during my stay.
Please find the necessary bank statements enclosed with this letter to support my application.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Spouse Template
Date: [Date of Application]
To, The Visa Officer, British Deputy High Commission, New Delhi
Subject: No Objection Certificate (NOC)
Dear Sir/Madam,
I, Mr. [Spouse’s Full Name], holding an Indian passport no. [Spouse’s Passport Number], husband of Mrs. [Your Full Name], holding an Indian Passport no. [Your Passport Number], since [Date of Marriage], hereby state that I have no objection to my wife traveling to the UK for tourism from [Start Date of Trip] to [End Date of Trip].
She is a legitimate visitor and will not overstay her visit in the UK owing to her occupational responsibilities in India. I am fully aware of her travel plans and support her decision to visit.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at [Spouse’s Phone Number] or [Spouse’s Email Address] for any further clarification.
Sincerely,
Name: [Spouse’s Full Name]
Address: [Your Full Address]
Enclosed:
Passport copy
Marriage certificate
Residence Proof
Final Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
Apply in Advance: Start the process at least 6-8 weeks before your planned travel dates.
Don’t Lie: Be truthful about everything on your application.
Prove Your Ties to India: This is very important. Show strong reasons why you will return home after your trip.
Avoid Extra VFS Fees: Politely decline optional services like document scanning (~₹2,500) and the premium lounge unless you really need them.
I hope this guide has made the UK visa process feel much more achievable. It takes a bit of time, but the feeling of getting that visa sticker in your passport, knowing you did it yourself, is priceless!
