Planning a UK trip from India in 2026? You need to budget for more than just flights and hotels — the UK visa fees for Indians went up across every category from April 8, 2026, with the Home Office hiking most immigration fees by 6 to 7 percent. The standard Visitor visa is now £135 (~₹14,580), the Student visa is £558 (~₹60,264), and Skilled Worker visas start at £827 (~₹89,316). On top of that, students and workers must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which often costs more than the visa itself.
This complete 2026 guide breaks down every UK visa fee in INR, including hidden costs like the IHS, biometrics, priority processing, and TB tests. Whether you’re going for a 6-month holiday, a Master’s degree, or a Skilled Worker job, this is the only UK visa fees guide you’ll need before you apply.
UK Visitor Visa Fees for Indians (2026)
The Standard Visitor visa is the most common UK visa for Indians and covers tourism, family visits, business meetings, and short medical trips. Fees as of April 8, 2026:
| Visa Type | Validity | Fee (GBP) | Fee (INR @ ₹108/£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor (6 months) | 6 months | £135 | ₹14,580 |
| Long-term Visitor (2 years) | 2 years | £513 | ₹55,404 |
| Long-term Visitor (5 years) | 5 years | £932 | ₹1,00,656 |
| Long-term Visitor (10 years) | 10 years | £1,165 | ₹1,25,820 |
| Marriage Visitor visa | 6 months | £135 | ₹14,580 |
| Transit visa (Direct Airside) | 24 hours | £35 | ₹3,780 |
| Transit visa (Visitor in Transit) | 48 hours | £64 | ₹6,912 |
For a complete walk-through of the application, see our UK Tourist Visa for Indians guide.
UK Student Visa Fees for Indians (2026)
| Component | Fee (GBP) | Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Student Visa application | £558 | ₹60,264 |
| Child Student Visa | £558 | ₹60,264 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (per year) | £776 | ₹83,808 |
| 3-year Bachelor’s IHS total | £2,328 | ₹2,51,424 |
| Priority service (5 working days) | £500 | ₹54,000 |
| Super Priority (next working day) | £1,000 | ₹1,08,000 |
Important: For a 3-year UK Bachelor’s degree, the visa + IHS combined is roughly ₹3,11,000 — and that’s before tuition or living expenses. See our complete UK Student Visa for Indians guide.
UK Work Visa Fees for Indians (2026)
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee (GBP) | Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker (up to 3 years) | ≤ 3 years | £827 | ₹89,316 |
| Skilled Worker (over 3 years) | > 3 years | £1,636 | ₹1,76,688 |
| Skilled Worker — Shortage Occupation (≤3 yr) | ≤ 3 years | £551 | ₹59,508 |
| Skilled Worker — Shortage Occupation (>3 yr) | > 3 years | £1,084 | ₹1,17,072 |
| Health & Care Worker (≤3 yr) | ≤ 3 years | £304 | ₹32,832 |
| Health & Care Worker (>3 yr) | > 3 years | £590 | ₹63,720 |
| Senior or Specialist Worker (Intra-Company) | ≤ 3 years | £827 | ₹89,316 |
| Global Talent | 5 years | £766 | ₹82,728 |
| Innovator Founder | 3 years | £1,290 | ₹1,39,320 |
Most UK work visa applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year (full rate, not the discounted student rate). For a 5-year Skilled Worker visa, the IHS alone is £5,175 (~₹5,58,900).
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Explained
The IHS is a mandatory charge that gives visa holders access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). It’s paid online during the visa application and covers the full duration of the visa. Current 2026 rates:
- Standard rate: £1,035 per year (workers, family visa, etc.)
- Discounted rate: £776 per year (students, Youth Mobility, dependants under 18)
- Visitors: no IHS — but you pay for any NHS care you use
The IHS is paid in full upfront for the entire visa duration. For a 5-year Skilled Worker visa: £5,175 = ₹5,58,900. For a 2-year Master’s degree: £1,552 (₹1,67,616).
Hidden / Add-On Costs You’ll Pay
- Biometrics fee — included in most visa fees, but VFS centres charge a small administrative fee on top (~₹600–800)
- VFS Premium Lounge — optional ₹6,000–₹9,000 for faster processing at the centre
- VFS Walk-in / Prime Time appointment — ₹4,500–₹7,000 for after-hours slot
- SMS / email tracking — ~₹400
- Courier passport return — ~₹1,500
- TB Test — ₹5,000–8,000 (mandatory for visas > 6 months)
- Document translation — ₹500–₹2,000 per document if needed
- Priority service — £500 (₹54,000) for 5-day decision
- Super Priority — £1,000 (₹1,08,000) for next-day decision
UK Family / Settlement Visa Fees (2026)
- Apply for the right duration — don’t pick a 5-year Visitor visa for a one-off trip; the standard 6-month is enough
- Skip Premium Lounge unless time-pressed — standard service is fine for most
- Use Super Priority only for genuine emergencies — it doubles your visa cost
- Get the TB test from an approved clinic — IOM-certified only; a non-approved one means re-doing the test
- Apply 3 weeks before travel — avoid Super Priority by simply being early
- Submit clean documents the first time — re-applications mean paying again
- Watch the GBP-INR exchange rate — if planning to apply soon, time your card payment for a stronger rupee day
UK Visa Application: Apply with VisaForTrip
UK visa fees are non-refundable if you’re rejected — so getting the application right the first time matters. VisaForTrip handles your UK visa end-to-end: document audit, IHS calculation, VFS slot booking, financial proof structuring, and cover letter drafting. Pay the right fee, submit a clean file, and avoid an expensive second attempt.
UK Visa Fees for Indians: FAQs
1. How much is the UK tourist visa fee for Indians in 2026?
The UK Standard Visitor (tourist) visa fee for Indians in 2026 is £135 (~₹14,580) for the standard 6-month visa. Long-term visitor visas cost £513 for 2 years, £932 for 5 years, and £1,165 for 10 years. Visitors do not pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.
2. What is the UK student visa fee for Indians in 2026?
The UK Student visa application fee for Indians in 2026 is £558 (~₹60,264). Students must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 per year. For a 3-year Bachelor’s degree, the total visa + IHS cost is roughly ₹3,11,000.
3. How much is the UK Skilled Worker visa fee for Indians?
The UK Skilled Worker visa fee in 2026 is £827 for visas up to 3 years and £1,636 for visas longer than 3 years. Shortage Occupation roles get a discount: £551 for ≤3 years and £1,084 for >3 years. The IHS is £1,035 per year on top.
4. Are UK visa fees refundable if rejected?
UK visa application fees are non-refundable if your visa is refused. However, the Immigration Health Surcharge is fully refundable if your visa is refused, withdrawn, or you do not enter the UK. The IHS refund is processed automatically and credited within 30–60 days.
5. What is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?
The IHS is a mandatory charge that gives UK visa holders access to the National Health Service (NHS). The standard rate is £1,035 per year. Students, dependants under 18, and Youth Mobility applicants pay a discounted £776 per year. It is paid in full upfront for the entire visa duration.
6. How can I pay UK visa fees from India?
UK visa fees are paid online at the GOV.UK application portal using a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express debit/credit card. The IHS is paid first, followed by the visa application fee. All charges are converted to INR at the prevailing exchange rate by your card issuer.
7. How much does UK Super Priority visa service cost?
UK Super Priority visa service costs £1,000 (~₹1,08,000) and delivers a decision within one working day. Standard Priority service costs £500 (~₹54,000) and delivers a decision within 5 working days. Both are optional add-ons and refundable if the service standard is not met.
- 2-week London holiday: Standard Visitor £135 = ₹14,580 (no IHS)
- 1-year Master’s degree: Student £558 + IHS £776 = £1,334 = ₹1,44,072
- 2-year Master’s degree: Student £558 + IHS £1,552 = £2,110 = ₹2,27,880
- 3-year Skilled Worker: £827 + IHS £3,105 + TB test = roughly ₹4,32,500
- 5-year Skilled Worker (over 3 yr): £1,636 + IHS £5,175 = £6,811 = ₹7,35,588
- Spouse visa: £1,938 + IHS £2,587.50 (2.5 yr) = £4,525.50 = ₹4,88,754
UK Visa Fee Refund Policy
UK visa application fees are non-refundable if your visa is refused. You will not get back the £135 visitor fee or the £558 student fee even if rejected. However, the IHS is fully refundable if your visa is refused, withdrawn, or you don’t enter the UK. The refund is automatic and credited within 30–60 days. Priority and Super Priority service fees are also refundable if the service standard is not met.
Tips to Avoid Wasting Money on UK Visa Fees
- Apply for the right duration — don’t pick a 5-year Visitor visa for a one-off trip; the standard 6-month is enough
- Skip Premium Lounge unless time-pressed — standard service is fine for most
- Use Super Priority only for genuine emergencies — it doubles your visa cost
- Get the TB test from an approved clinic — IOM-certified only; a non-approved one means re-doing the test
- Apply 3 weeks before travel — avoid Super Priority by simply being early
- Submit clean documents the first time — re-applications mean paying again
- Watch the GBP-INR exchange rate — if planning to apply soon, time your card payment for a stronger rupee day
UK Visa Application: Apply with VisaForTrip
UK visa fees are non-refundable if you’re rejected — so getting the application right the first time matters. VisaForTrip handles your UK visa end-to-end: document audit, IHS calculation, VFS slot booking, financial proof structuring, and cover letter drafting. Pay the right fee, submit a clean file, and avoid an expensive second attempt.
UK Visa Fees for Indians: FAQs
1. How much is the UK tourist visa fee for Indians in 2026?
The UK Standard Visitor (tourist) visa fee for Indians in 2026 is £135 (~₹14,580) for the standard 6-month visa. Long-term visitor visas cost £513 for 2 years, £932 for 5 years, and £1,165 for 10 years. Visitors do not pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.
2. What is the UK student visa fee for Indians in 2026?
The UK Student visa application fee for Indians in 2026 is £558 (~₹60,264). Students must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 per year. For a 3-year Bachelor’s degree, the total visa + IHS cost is roughly ₹3,11,000.
3. How much is the UK Skilled Worker visa fee for Indians?
The UK Skilled Worker visa fee in 2026 is £827 for visas up to 3 years and £1,636 for visas longer than 3 years. Shortage Occupation roles get a discount: £551 for ≤3 years and £1,084 for >3 years. The IHS is £1,035 per year on top.
4. Are UK visa fees refundable if rejected?
UK visa application fees are non-refundable if your visa is refused. However, the Immigration Health Surcharge is fully refundable if your visa is refused, withdrawn, or you do not enter the UK. The IHS refund is processed automatically and credited within 30–60 days.
5. What is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?
The IHS is a mandatory charge that gives UK visa holders access to the National Health Service (NHS). The standard rate is £1,035 per year. Students, dependants under 18, and Youth Mobility applicants pay a discounted £776 per year. It is paid in full upfront for the entire visa duration.
6. How can I pay UK visa fees from India?
UK visa fees are paid online at the GOV.UK application portal using a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express debit/credit card. The IHS is paid first, followed by the visa application fee. All charges are converted to INR at the prevailing exchange rate by your card issuer.
7. How much does UK Super Priority visa service cost?
UK Super Priority visa service costs £1,000 (~₹1,08,000) and delivers a decision within one working day. Standard Priority service costs £500 (~₹54,000) and delivers a decision within 5 working days. Both are optional add-ons and refundable if the service standard is not met.
- Apply online at GOV.UK — fees are calculated automatically based on visa type and duration
- Pay the IHS first — the system prompts you before completing the application
- Pay the visa application fee — supports Visa, MasterCard (debit/credit), American Express
- Pay any optional add-ons — priority service, premium lounge, courier
- Book the VFS biometric appointment — at one of 13 VFS UK Visa Application Centres in India
- Pay VFS service charges — at the centre or online
Charges are paid in INR via your Indian card. The conversion is done by the payment processor at the prevailing rate.
Total Cost Examples for Indians (2026)
- 2-week London holiday: Standard Visitor £135 = ₹14,580 (no IHS)
- 1-year Master’s degree: Student £558 + IHS £776 = £1,334 = ₹1,44,072
- 2-year Master’s degree: Student £558 + IHS £1,552 = £2,110 = ₹2,27,880
- 3-year Skilled Worker: £827 + IHS £3,105 + TB test = roughly ₹4,32,500
- 5-year Skilled Worker (over 3 yr): £1,636 + IHS £5,175 = £6,811 = ₹7,35,588
- Spouse visa: £1,938 + IHS £2,587.50 (2.5 yr) = £4,525.50 = ₹4,88,754
UK Visa Fee Refund Policy
UK visa application fees are non-refundable if your visa is refused. You will not get back the £135 visitor fee or the £558 student fee even if rejected. However, the IHS is fully refundable if your visa is refused, withdrawn, or you don’t enter the UK. The refund is automatic and credited within 30–60 days. Priority and Super Priority service fees are also refundable if the service standard is not met.
Tips to Avoid Wasting Money on UK Visa Fees
- Apply for the right duration — don’t pick a 5-year Visitor visa for a one-off trip; the standard 6-month is enough
- Skip Premium Lounge unless time-pressed — standard service is fine for most
- Use Super Priority only for genuine emergencies — it doubles your visa cost
- Get the TB test from an approved clinic — IOM-certified only; a non-approved one means re-doing the test
- Apply 3 weeks before travel — avoid Super Priority by simply being early
- Submit clean documents the first time — re-applications mean paying again
- Watch the GBP-INR exchange rate — if planning to apply soon, time your card payment for a stronger rupee day
UK Visa Application: Apply with VisaForTrip
UK visa fees are non-refundable if you’re rejected — so getting the application right the first time matters. VisaForTrip handles your UK visa end-to-end: document audit, IHS calculation, VFS slot booking, financial proof structuring, and cover letter drafting. Pay the right fee, submit a clean file, and avoid an expensive second attempt.
UK Visa Fees for Indians: FAQs
1. How much is the UK tourist visa fee for Indians in 2026?
The UK Standard Visitor (tourist) visa fee for Indians in 2026 is £135 (~₹14,580) for the standard 6-month visa. Long-term visitor visas cost £513 for 2 years, £932 for 5 years, and £1,165 for 10 years. Visitors do not pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.
2. What is the UK student visa fee for Indians in 2026?
The UK Student visa application fee for Indians in 2026 is £558 (~₹60,264). Students must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 per year. For a 3-year Bachelor’s degree, the total visa + IHS cost is roughly ₹3,11,000.
3. How much is the UK Skilled Worker visa fee for Indians?
The UK Skilled Worker visa fee in 2026 is £827 for visas up to 3 years and £1,636 for visas longer than 3 years. Shortage Occupation roles get a discount: £551 for ≤3 years and £1,084 for >3 years. The IHS is £1,035 per year on top.
4. Are UK visa fees refundable if rejected?
UK visa application fees are non-refundable if your visa is refused. However, the Immigration Health Surcharge is fully refundable if your visa is refused, withdrawn, or you do not enter the UK. The IHS refund is processed automatically and credited within 30–60 days.
5. What is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?
The IHS is a mandatory charge that gives UK visa holders access to the National Health Service (NHS). The standard rate is £1,035 per year. Students, dependants under 18, and Youth Mobility applicants pay a discounted £776 per year. It is paid in full upfront for the entire visa duration.
6. How can I pay UK visa fees from India?
UK visa fees are paid online at the GOV.UK application portal using a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express debit/credit card. The IHS is paid first, followed by the visa application fee. All charges are converted to INR at the prevailing exchange rate by your card issuer.
7. How much does UK Super Priority visa service cost?
UK Super Priority visa service costs £1,000 (~₹1,08,000) and delivers a decision within one working day. Standard Priority service costs £500 (~₹54,000) and delivers a decision within 5 working days. Both are optional add-ons and refundable if the service standard is not met.
| Visa Type | Fee (GBP) | Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse / Partner Visa (out of UK) | £1,938 | ₹2,09,304 |
| Spouse / Partner (in UK extension) | £1,321 | ₹1,42,668 |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) | £3,029 | ₹3,27,132 |
| British Citizenship (Naturalisation) | £1,735 | ₹1,87,380 |
| Dependant of Skilled Worker (≤3 yr) | £827 | ₹89,316 |
| Dependant of Student | £558 | ₹60,264 |
How to Pay UK Visa Fees from India
- Apply online at GOV.UK — fees are calculated automatically based on visa type and duration
- Pay the IHS first — the system prompts you before completing the application
- Pay the visa application fee — supports Visa, MasterCard (debit/credit), American Express
- Pay any optional add-ons — priority service, premium lounge, courier
- Book the VFS biometric appointment — at one of 13 VFS UK Visa Application Centres in India
- Pay VFS service charges — at the centre or online
Charges are paid in INR via your Indian card. The conversion is done by the payment processor at the prevailing rate.
Total Cost Examples for Indians (2026)
- 2-week London holiday: Standard Visitor £135 = ₹14,580 (no IHS)
- 1-year Master’s degree: Student £558 + IHS £776 = £1,334 = ₹1,44,072
- 2-year Master’s degree: Student £558 + IHS £1,552 = £2,110 = ₹2,27,880
- 3-year Skilled Worker: £827 + IHS £3,105 + TB test = roughly ₹4,32,500
- 5-year Skilled Worker (over 3 yr): £1,636 + IHS £5,175 = £6,811 = ₹7,35,588
- Spouse visa: £1,938 + IHS £2,587.50 (2.5 yr) = £4,525.50 = ₹4,88,754
UK Visa Fee Refund Policy
UK visa application fees are non-refundable if your visa is refused. You will not get back the £135 visitor fee or the £558 student fee even if rejected. However, the IHS is fully refundable if your visa is refused, withdrawn, or you don’t enter the UK. The refund is automatic and credited within 30–60 days. Priority and Super Priority service fees are also refundable if the service standard is not met.
Tips to Avoid Wasting Money on UK Visa Fees
- Apply for the right duration — don’t pick a 5-year Visitor visa for a one-off trip; the standard 6-month is enough
- Skip Premium Lounge unless time-pressed — standard service is fine for most
- Use Super Priority only for genuine emergencies — it doubles your visa cost
- Get the TB test from an approved clinic — IOM-certified only; a non-approved one means re-doing the test
- Apply 3 weeks before travel — avoid Super Priority by simply being early
- Submit clean documents the first time — re-applications mean paying again
- Watch the GBP-INR exchange rate — if planning to apply soon, time your card payment for a stronger rupee day
UK Visa Application: Apply with VisaForTrip
UK visa fees are non-refundable if you’re rejected — so getting the application right the first time matters. VisaForTrip handles your UK visa end-to-end: document audit, IHS calculation, VFS slot booking, financial proof structuring, and cover letter drafting. Pay the right fee, submit a clean file, and avoid an expensive second attempt.
UK Visa Fees for Indians: FAQs
1. How much is the UK tourist visa fee for Indians in 2026?
The UK Standard Visitor (tourist) visa fee for Indians in 2026 is £135 (~₹14,580) for the standard 6-month visa. Long-term visitor visas cost £513 for 2 years, £932 for 5 years, and £1,165 for 10 years. Visitors do not pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.
2. What is the UK student visa fee for Indians in 2026?
The UK Student visa application fee for Indians in 2026 is £558 (~₹60,264). Students must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 per year. For a 3-year Bachelor’s degree, the total visa + IHS cost is roughly ₹3,11,000.
3. How much is the UK Skilled Worker visa fee for Indians?
The UK Skilled Worker visa fee in 2026 is £827 for visas up to 3 years and £1,636 for visas longer than 3 years. Shortage Occupation roles get a discount: £551 for ≤3 years and £1,084 for >3 years. The IHS is £1,035 per year on top.
4. Are UK visa fees refundable if rejected?
UK visa application fees are non-refundable if your visa is refused. However, the Immigration Health Surcharge is fully refundable if your visa is refused, withdrawn, or you do not enter the UK. The IHS refund is processed automatically and credited within 30–60 days.
5. What is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?
The IHS is a mandatory charge that gives UK visa holders access to the National Health Service (NHS). The standard rate is £1,035 per year. Students, dependants under 18, and Youth Mobility applicants pay a discounted £776 per year. It is paid in full upfront for the entire visa duration.
6. How can I pay UK visa fees from India?
UK visa fees are paid online at the GOV.UK application portal using a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express debit/credit card. The IHS is paid first, followed by the visa application fee. All charges are converted to INR at the prevailing exchange rate by your card issuer.
7. How much does UK Super Priority visa service cost?
UK Super Priority visa service costs £1,000 (~₹1,08,000) and delivers a decision within one working day. Standard Priority service costs £500 (~₹54,000) and delivers a decision within 5 working days. Both are optional add-ons and refundable if the service standard is not met.