Planning a vacation abroad consumes time and money and applying for a visa can get complicated. It would be beneficial if you are aware of the right path to take and avoid mistakes that might lead to rejection. This brief article guides you on how to apply for a U.K tourist visa if you’re an Indian residing in U.A.E.
To visit the U.K, an Indian passport holder needs to apply for a Standard Visitor visa.
A Standard Visitor visa is usually applied for
a) Tourism purpose, for example, to go on a holiday or to visit your family or friends.
b) Business – Attend meetings or conferences or take part in business-related activities.
c) Sports or creative events, academic research purposes.
d) Also to receive private medical treatment.
British Irish Visa Scheme
Apart from the standard visitor visa, the British Irish visa scheme allows Chinese and Indian nationals to visit the UK and Ireland using a single visa when traveling on a certain short stay and visitor visas.
All Indian and Chinese nationals who hold an eligible UK visitor visa (except ‘visitor in transit’ and ‘visitor for marriage or civil partnership’) are covered by the scheme.
Eligibility
• Financial Subsistence - Must able to cover all your travel expenses- how much you think your trip will cost, must be able to support yourself and any dependents for the duration of your trip
• Strong ties to your country - Letter from the employer or sponsor, confirmation of legal address from the country you’re applying.
• No criminal record.
Duration of application
Apply at least 3 months before the date of travel.
Validity
The validity of a Standard Visitor visa is up to 6 months. However, you can extend this visa for:
• For private medical treatment - up to 11 months
• For academic research, while you are on sabbatical- you, your spouse or civil partner may be able to stay for up to 12 months
Documents required for U.K visa
One recent photograph as per specifications
Valid Passport with at least a blank page on both sides and a minimum of 6 months validity from your date of travel.
Previous travel documents to verify any travel experience for the past 10 years (as per your passport.)
Documents that prove your legal residence in the country (Since you are an Indian expatriate.) such as letter from your employer, your Resident card copy or Emirates ID. For more info on documents, click here
Online Application
You must apply for your tourist visa online. All the documents should be uploaded online. Even the travel assistance team can guide you through the process. You will be provided with a reference number and a convenient appointment at the visa application center in Dubai or Abu Dhabi or Sharjah. Attend the appointment with the necessary documents. You will have to submit your biometrics (digital photo and fingerprint.) You will be asked to collect you’re from the travel document when your visa is approved and stamped. U.K visa will not be processed without biometrics.
Airports
Things to do in U.K
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