uk tourist visa from india multiple entry

Mar 19, 2018 By visaandmigration.com

UK Multiple Entry Visa Rules

You may require a visa to enter the UK for a wide variety of different purposes – from travel and leisure to business and study. In terms of types of visas, there is a short term visitor visa which allows you to enter the UK for up to 6 months. Aside from this, there are also 2, 5 and 10 year UK multiple entry visas available for those who want to visit the UK on a regular basis.

New UK standard visitor visa

A visitor visa allows you to travel to the UK for up to 6 months – after this period, you must leave the UK. A standard visitor visa allows you travel for:

• Leisure purposes, like visiting for a holiday or to see your family and friends in the UK
• Business purposes or to take part in sports or creative events
• Other reasons, like receiving private medical treatment in the UK

Previously, there were separate visitor visas for particular purposes. These have now been replaced by one single visa known as the UK standard visitor visa. This acts as a UK multiple entry visa, and has replaced the following types of visitor visas:

• Family Visitor visa
• Child Visitor
• General Visitor visa
• Sport Visitor visa
• Business Visitor visa
• Entertainer Visitor visa
• Prospective Entrepreneur visa
• Private Medical Treatment Visitor visa
• Approved Destination Status (ADS) visa

UK multiple entry visitor visa rules

As mentioned, one standard visitor visa has replaced previous visas for different purposes. However, rules vary according to the purpose of your coming to the UK, although the eligibility rules remain the same. When you apply for a multiple entry standard visitor visa, you must show the following:

• You will leave UK once your visit is completed
• You are able to support yourself and dependents (if any) for the complete duration of your trip
• You can pay for your return trip or onward journey and all the other costs related to your visit
• You present the proof of your business activities - or any other activities - you want to undertake in the UK

There are also activities that are not permitted when you enter the UK under a standard visitor visa. For example, you cannot do any work (whether this is paid or unpaid), you cannot have access to public funds (like benefits) and you can’t marry or register a civil partnership.

How to apply for a multiple entry visa?

You can apply for a visit visa by making an application from outside the UK. You must do the following when applying:

• You must complete the online application process
• You must pay any fee that applies
• You must provide your biometric information (if required to do so)
• You must also provide a valid travel document

If there is no online application process available, you must follow the instructions provided by the local visa post or application centre on how you can make an application. 

Other types of visit visas

Other than the new standard visitor visa, there are other types of visitor visa routes depending upon the purpose of your visit. For example, a marriage or civil partnership visa allows you to enter the UK for 6 months, a permitted paid engagement visa allows you to enter the UK for 1 month, and a UK transit visa is valid for up to 48 hours. Within the period for which the visit visa is valid, you – as a visitor – may enter and leave the UK multiple times, unless the visit visa is endorsed as a single- or dual-entry visa. For more information of UK multiple entry visa rules or to apply for a UK visa, get in touch with us today.

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Ultimate Guide to UK Multiple Entry Visas: Rules and Application Process Explained

The UK’s rich history, iconic landmarks, thriving cities, and captivating countryside have always been irresistible for global travellers. Whether you’re exploring business opportunities in London, reconnecting with family in Manchester, or soaking in the arts in Edinburgh, the UK has countless experiences to offer.

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However, before setting foot on British soil, one must navigate the visa process. For frequent travellers, the UK multiple entry visa stands out as a flexible and cost-efficient option, providing unmatched convenience.

This detailed blog post explores the details of this visa type, offering insights into its benefits, application process, and more.

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What is the UK Multiple Entry Visa?

The UK Multi-Entry Visa, often referred to as the UK long-term Standard Visitor visa, allows foreign nationals to visit the UK for extended periods or multiple times over a set period without re-applying each time. 

Designed as a UK immigration path that offers flexibility to genuine visitors, the UK multiple entry visa ensures that frequent travellers, whether for business, family, or tourism, don’t have to go through the lengthy application process every time they intend to visit the UK. It serves as a stamp of trust, meaning the holder has been considered trustworthy enough to enter and leave the UK multiple times.

Benefits of holding a Multi-Entry Visa include:

• Flexibility : The main advantage is the ability to travel to the UK multiple times on a single visa without the need to apply for a new visa each time.
• Cost-effective : Over time, frequent travellers will find it cost-efficient, as they save on repeated visa application fees.
• Convenience : Avoid the wait time associated with visa processing for each trip, allowing for spontaneous trips or emergency visits.
• Enhanced Credibility : Holding a long-term standard visitor visa can often be viewed as a mark of credibility, showcasing that the visa holder has maintained a clean record during previous visits to the UK.

Eligibility and Requirements for a UK Multi-Entry Visit Visa

Every visa category has its set of criteria, and the UK’s long-term standard visitor visa is no exception. While the flexibility of the visa is appealing, there are some stringent requirements that applicants must adhere to.

Some criteria must be fulfilled for the Visa, including :

• Genuine Visitor Status : The applicant must prove their genuine intent to visit the UK without making it their main place of residence.
• Financial Stability : An applicant must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to spend in the UK without recourse to public funds or seeking employment in the UK.
• Purpose of Visit : The motive for the travel (business, tourism, family, etc.) should be clear and credible.
• Previous Travel History : Compliance with the visa rules of other countries, especially countries like the USA, Canada, and the Schengen countries, can act as a positive indicator. Conversely, non-compliance could lead to a refusal.
• Links to Home Country : Applicants must demonstrate strong connections to their native country and the intent to go back following their visit.

Applying for UK Multiple Entry Visa

The visa application is a complex process, and it’s crucial to stick to all requirements. Any discrepancy or lack of documentation can cause delays or even refusals. Ensuring that the application aligns with the UK visa rules and demonstrates the applicant’s genuine visitor status can significantly enhance the chances of approval.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Multi-Entry Visa :

• Online Application : Begin by filling out the respective online visa application form .
• Documentation : Gather all necessary documents that prove your eligibility.
• Visa Application Fee : Pay the application fee, which varies based on the length of the visa.
• Appointment Booking : Schedule an appointment at a visa application centre to submit biometrics.
• Interview : Depending on individual circumstances, a UK visa interview might be required at a nearby UK visa centre.
• Decision : Once all steps are completed, UK Visas and Immigration will start processing the application and communicate the decision.

Required Documentation Checklist

When applying for a Standard Visitor visa to the UK, it’s vital to ensure all your documents are in order. Incomplete or inaccurate documentation can result in unnecessary holds or even application denials. Here’s a basic checklist of documents required for the visa:

Essential Documents :

Passport/Travel Document : Must be valid throughout your stay in the UK, with a blank page reserved for the visa stamp.

Online Application Details : Ensure you’ve furnished the following information:

• Planned travel dates to the UK.
• Your accommodation details during the visit.
• An estimated budget for your trip.
• Current residential address and its duration.
• Parental details, including names and birth dates.
• Annual income, if applicable.
• Any illegal, civil, or immigration violations you might have been involved in.

Additional Documentation (If Applicable) :

• A decade-long travel history.
• Employer’s contact details.
• Details about your partner: name, date of birth, and passport number.
• Information on the sponsor of your trip, if someone else is bearing your expenses: name, birth date, and passport information.
• Details of any UK-based family members: name, address, and passport number.
• If your visit exceeds 6 months, a tuberculosis (TB) test certification may be mandatory.

Specific Visit Purposes :

• If you’re heading to the United Kingdom for educational or medical purposes, expect to provide specialised documentation corresponding to your intent.

Language Requirement :

• If the documents are non-English/Welsh, you must offer certified translations to ensure clarity and transparency in your application.

Remember, the above list is a basic guide. Based on individual circumstances and the specific nature of your visit, additional documents might be required.

Processing Time and Decision 

After you’ve submitted your visitor visa application at a visa application centre, the typical wait time is around 3 weeks. However, it’s wise to apply well in advance of your planned travel schedule to account for any unexpected delays. Some centres might offer expedited services, but this comes at an additional fee.

While the above gives a general timeframe, the exact processing time can vary based on:

• Volume of Applications : Peak travel seasons or large events in the UK can lead to an influx of applications, potentially slowing down processing times.
• Application Completeness : Insufficient applications or missing documentation can lead to delays and denials.
• Additional Verifications : Sometimes, the consulate might require additional checks, especially if there’s something amiss or if they need further clarification on certain aspects of your application.

Duration and Limits of a Multi-Entry Visa

Irrespective of the UK visit visa’s lifespan, travellers are typically granted a maximum stay of up to 6 months on each entry. This makes the standard visitor visa perfect for tourists, business professionals, and others who don’t wish to live in the UK but visit it regularly.

Though there’s no strict limit on how many times one can enter the UK within a visa’s validity, it’s crucial not to make the UK your main home. If authorities find that you’re trying to live in the UK by repeated or successive visits, it can endanger future visa applications.

Visitor Visa Fees Breakdown

Just like any other UK visa, you must pay a specific fee to apply for a long-term visitor visa. The application fee varies based on the visa’s duration.

Breakdown of Visitor Visa Application fees:

• UK Standard Visitor Visa: If you want to apply for a standard visitor visa  UK for a single visit, this visa comes with a fee of £100 and permits a stay of up to 6 months.
• 2-year Long-term Standard Visitor Visa : Priced at £376, this visa allows multiple visits with a maximum stay duration of 6 months per visit.
• 5-year Long-term Standard Visitor Visa : For a fee of £670, you can enjoy multiple trips to the UK over five years, with each stay being limited to 6 months.
• 10-year Long-term Standard Visitor Visa : The most extensive of the options, for a fee of £837, grants you the freedom to visit the UK over a decade, sticking to the 6-month stay limit for each visit.

Pls note that all these prices are subject to change – the prices listed above are from August 2023

The process to apply for a multiple entry may be tricky, but the rewards of experiencing the vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes of the UK are well worth the effort. With a focused mindset, the right guidance, and proper preparation, anyone can turn their dream to come to the UK into a reality. 

If at any point you feel the need for legal advice or UK visa assistance for the long-term standard visa, Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors stand ready to help you guide the complexities of the UK visit visa application process. Speak with our specialist at +44 20 7269 9590 or fill out the form below.

The difficulty in obtaining a UK visitor visa depends on an applicant’s individual circumstances. Meeting the visa requirements, providing accurate documentation, and demonstrating genuine visitor intent will enhance the chances of approval.

A daily budget of about £100 to £150 per day per visitor is recommended. However, the exact amount varies based on the objective and duration of the visit.

If your UK Visitor Visa application is denied, you’ll receive a refusal letter detailing the reasons. While there’s no formal appeal process, you can reapply by addressing the concerns raised or seek legal advice for better clarity.

A caseworker might doubt an applicant’s genuine visitor status based on factors like inconsistent travel history, insufficient funds, lack of ties to the home country, ambiguous travel purpose, or previous immigration violations.

No, IELTS is not required for a UK visit visa. It is typically necessary for study, work, or family visas where proof of English language proficiency is a criterion.

Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors specialises in UK immigration law, providing expert assistance in all UK visa applications, citizenship processes, 10 and 20-year-long  residence applications , indefinite leave to remain work permits, and asylum claims. Our team of committed lawyers offers clear, professional advice, ensuring a smooth navigation through the immigration process for our clients.

Ask our Expert Legal Team

At Gulbenkian Andonian, we pride ourselves on “Excellence, Experience and Efficiency”. With over 35 years of experience on your side, our team of London based lawyers and solicitors have a wealth of experience advising individuals, families and businesses of all sizes to find clarity on UK law.

Call us on +44 (0) 207 269 9590 or fill out the form below. We usually reply within a few hours.

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Neither Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors ltd, nor their employees, agents, consultants or assignees, accept any liability based on the contents of written articles which are meant for guidance only and not as legal advice. We advise all readers to take professional advice before acting. If you would like to consult with a professional lawyer or solicitor to discuss your case, please do not hesitate to contact us directly. This site uses reCAPTCHA and is protected by the Google privacy policy and  terms of service .

Dr Bernard Andonian – the Co-Founder of Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors, is an experienced Immigration Solicitor, former Judge, and recipient of a PhD in Law from the University of West London. He has over four decades of experience practising UK Immigration, Human Rights and Civil Litigation Law. He has served on the Law Society  Immigration Law Panel, achieved numerous groundbreaking decisions in higher courts and is featured in the  Legal 500’s Hall of Fame . 

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Is There a UK Visitor Visa 180 Days Rule?

Anne morris.

• 11 January 2023

IN THIS SECTION

It’s a common misconception that overseas visitors can only spend up to 6 months in any 12-month period in the UK. That is not to say that a 180-day rule does not exist, it does, but only insofar as the maximum length of stay for each standard visit is limited to 6 months.

In this guide, we look at the so-called ‘UK visitor visa 180 days rule’, dispelling the myth that visitors cannot stay in the UK for more than 180 days in total in any given year.

What is the misconception when it comes to the 180-day rule?

The 180 day visitor rule is commonly misunderstood as meaning that any person who enters the UK with a visitor visa cannot stay more than 180 days in any single 12-month period. This common misconception has also taken the shape of the 6 month time-limit set out under the rules being misinterpreted as a rule that visitors can spend no more than 6 months out of any 12 months inside the UK. In reality, the ‘UK visitor visa 180 days rule’ does not exist in this way. For example, it is not the case that if an overseas national comes to the UK with a visitor visa and stays between January to May and, having returned to their home country, comes back to the UK under a new visa for a further stay in October of the same year, they would only be able to stay for an additional month. Similarly, if that same person initially came to the UK on a long-term visitor visa, spent 5 months in the UK and then sought to re-visit later in the year, it is not the case that they would only be allowed to stay for a further four weeks. As such, the 180-day rule is misconceived.

How long can visitors stay in the UK?

Under the UK’s Immigration Rules for visitors, or otherwise under immigration law in the UK, there is no such thing as the ‘UK visitor visa 180 days rule’. The true position, when it comes to a standard visitor visa, is as follows: for those seeking to visit the UK to undertake the activities as permitted under the rules, for example, for the purposes of tourism, visiting friends and family, or for short business trips, a visa will be granted for ‘up to 6 months’.

The maximum 6-month rule essentially means that an overseas national, when coming to the UK as a standard visitor to take a holiday, spend time with loved ones or to do business, will be able to stay for no more than 6 months at a time. In some cases, depending on the reason for their visit, a visa may only be granted for the time required for their specified purpose. However, with the grant of a new visa, or with a multiple entry visa valid over several years, there is no limit as to how long someone can spend in the UK during the course of any 12-month period, such as ‘6 months in 12’. This means that, at least in theory, an overseas national can leave the UK following a full 6-month visit, re-apply for a visa from overseas and subsequently return to the UK, even if this is just a few short weeks later.

Multiple entry rules for UK visitors

For regular visitors to the UK, it is possible to apply for a multiple-entry visa over 2, 5 or 10 years, where there is again no specified time limit over which a long-term visa-holder can spend in the UK in any given period — provided each visit does not exceed the maximum period for that stay, typically 6 months. As such, even though a multiple-entry visa will not allow an overseas national to come to the UK for more than 6 months at any one time, it will enable the visa-holder to enjoy multiple UK trips over prolonged periods. In this way, the visa-holder will not be required to re-apply for a visa every time they decide to visit the UK, but can use the same visa a number of times over its’ specified period of validity.

Equally, a standard visitor visa, provided that this is not endorsed as ‘single’ or ‘dual-entry’, can be used multiple times. This means that the visa-holder can depart and re-enter the UK as many times as they want within the visa’s validity period, up to a maximum of 6 months.

If a visitor holds a multiple-entry visa and they want to stay for longer than their visa expiry date, it is also possible for them to apply to extend their permission for up to the maximum 6 months permitted for standard visitors. For example, if a visitor arrives in the January and their long-term visitor visa is due to expire in the March, provided they continue to meet the visitor rules, they can extend for up to 6 months as a standard visitor, until the June.

An in-country application can also be made to extend a standard visa, so as to complete the full 6 months in the UK as a visitor where a shorter period has initially been granted, although an application must be made before the original permission expires.

What are the risks for visitors of multiple prolonged stays?

Under the visitor rules, provided each stay in the UK does not exceed the permitted length of stay endorsed on the visa, this does not, of itself, prevent a visitor from using their visa for multiple stays in quick succession. However, this is where the rules become tricky.

To be eligible for a visa, visitors must meet a genuine visitor requirement. Under this requirement, amongst other things, they must not use their visa to live in the UK for extended periods through frequent and successive visits, or make the UK their main home. As such, where a long-term visitor visa is used for multiple prolonged stays over a short timeframe, this may raise suspicions that the visa-holder’s intentions are not genuine.

In those cases where an individuals’ recent travel history reveals back-to-back visits, each one up to the maximum 6-month time limit, this is likely to be construed by immigration officials as a breach of the rules. This means that, on arrival in the UK, a visa-holder may be refused entry . They also run the risk of having their visitor visa curtailed , presenting potentially insurmountable difficulties when re-applying for entry clearance at a later date.

Equally, for those citizens of countries that qualify for visa-free travel to the UK, known as non-visa nationals, in circumstances where their travel history reveals excessive visits within a short space of time, they may also find themselves being refused entry on arrival. Having been refused entry, these individuals would be well-advised to apply for a visa in advance before seeking to re-enter the UK although, as with non-visa nationals subject to immigration control, any adverse immigration history may still work against them.

Ironically, therefore, the mythical 180-day rule can still be applied in practice. This is because visiting the UK for more than 180 days in a 12-month period could lead to a finding by both immigration officials at a UK port of entry, and Home Office caseworkers tasked with making a visa decision, that an individual is a non-genuine visitor.

Importantly, in the official Home Office ‘Visit guidance’ on how to assess if an applicant is making the UK their main home, caseworkers are advised to check a visitor’s travel history, including how long they are spending in the UK and how frequently they are returning. Specifically, caseworkers are advised to look at the number of visits made over the course of the past 12 months, including the length of stay on each occasion, the time elapsed since the last visit and if this amounts to them spending more time in the UK than in their home country. So whilst the ‘UK visitor visa 180 days rule’ is not in any way codified, adherents to this myth do tend to have less trouble being granted entry to the UK as visitors.

What are the immigration options for longer term stays?

Notwithstanding the potential risks for regular visitors to the UK around long-term visitor visas, provided this type of visa is not used excessively, they can still be an ideal way to visit the UK a number of times over several years. Importantly, if a person holds a multiple-entry visa, it is likely that their reasons for visiting the UK will differ over time and should not, of itself, cast any doubt on their genuineness and credibility. This is permissible, provided the via-holder continues to intend to undertake one or more of the permitted visitor activities.

However, for overseas nationals who would like a more reliable option for longer term stays, the type of visa potentially available will very much depend on the reason for them coming to the UK. Under the UK’s Immigration Rules, there are various long-term visa options for those looking to come to the UK to work, to study or to join immediate relatives.

There are various different work visas under the rules, each with their own route-specific requirements, such as having the offer of a job that meets the minimum skill and salary requirements from a UK-licensed sponsor for the skilled worker visa. There are also certain unsponsored longer term work routes, including the global talent visa and the graduate visa, plus the scale up visa, sponsored only for the first 6 months of work in the UK.

The conditions of stay and length of time granted under a work visa can vary, depending on the chosen route, although many work visas will provide the successful visa-holder with a path to settlement. This means that, provided the visa-holder meets a continuous residence requirement, they can eventually apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK.

Study visas

Even though a foreign visitor can study for up to 6 months in the UK under a long-term visitor visa, provided certain eligibility requirements are met, for overseas nationals looking to undertake a lengthy course of study in the UK, they will need a student visa .

An applicant can apply for a student visa to undertake a course of study in the UK if they have been offered a place on a course by a UK-licensed sponsor and have enough money to support themselves. The student visa-holder will then be permitted to stay in the UK for the full duration of their course. On successful completion of their studies, the visa-holder will also have the option of applying for an unsponsored graduate visa to look for work.

Family visas

There are various long-term family visas available to allow an overseas national to live with their immediate family in the UK, including a spouse visa, a visa for parents of children living in the UK and a visa for adult dependent relatives. These visas are specifically aimed at overseas nationals coming to live with someone already settled in the UK. As such, the successful visa-holder, provided they continue to meet the eligibility requirements, will eventually be able to apply for ILR to be able to settle in the UK themselves.

It is also possible for immediate relatives of overseas nationals to apply for a visa as the dependant of someone currently in the UK with permission as either a migrant worker or student. This may represent a more suitable long-term alternative to a visitor visa, allowing overseas couples and their children to live together in the UK until the permission of the primary visa-holder comes to an end and they are required to return to their home country.

Importantly, however, before deciding on the right visa, it is always best to seek expert immigration advice, exploring all available options to help decide which one works best.

180 day rule FAQs

Is the uk 180 day rule per visit or per year.

The 180-day rule for UK visitors applies per visit, not per year. Under the visitor rules, an overseas national can cumulatively stay for more than 180 days in any 12-month period over the course of two or more separate trips.

Can I leave the UK after 6 months and come back?

It is possible to stay in the UK for up to 6 months under a long-term visitor visa, and then depart and return shortly after, provided the visa is not being used to live in the UK for extended periods.

How many times can you visit UK in a year?

Under a multiple-entry visa, you can visit the UK several times over a 12-month period, limited to 6 months each stay, where the rule that a person cannot stay more than 180 days in any given year is a myth.

Can I leave and reenter UK on visitor visa?

You can leave and re-enter the UK under a multiple-entry visitor visa, although you must not use your visa to live in the UK for extended periods through frequent and successive visits, or to make the UK your main home.

Last updated: 11 January 2023

Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.

She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.

Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator , and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals

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• United Kingdom Visa
• United Kingdom Tourist Visa

What is a UK Tourist Visa?

How to apply for uk tourist visa, eligibility for uk tourist visa, uk tourist visa documents required, photo specification, uk tourist visa fees, how to check uk tourist visa status, when you have this visa, uk tourist visa for indian - definitive guide.

The Stonehenge, The London Eye, The tower bridge, The Roman Baths, The magnificent castles of Edinburgh, these are just a few of the numerous tourist attractions in the United Kingdom. The kingdom can attract the widest variety of people. To witness the beauty of the UK, you would require a UK Tourist Visa for Indians .

To visit Britain for citizens other than from the EU, and other visa exempt countries would require something technically referred as the UK Visitor Visa . The visitor visa is issued for people who want to enter the country for a short period of time. Based on the purposes, these were further classified into several types. If your purpose is solely tourism, the visa used to be known as UK Tourist Visa , now commonly called as Standard Visitor Visa .  The visa is issued for a duration and validity of 6 months. If you require to travel to the country regularly, you may be issued with a visa that has a validity of up to 2,5 or 10 years.

The procedure for UK Tourist Visa application is fairly straight forward. However, before starting the application, it is necessary to ensure that you are applying for the right type of permit and that you have all the documents required for the process. The application for the UK Tourist Visa for Indian citizens can be explained as below - 

• Create an account portal of the UK visa and immigration service, or on Visa4UK . Both are portals by the UK government and can be used for the online application for UK Tourist Visa from India .
• Fill in your details in the UK Tourist visa application form online . 
• Proceed to pay the fees for the application. 
• Book an appointment for the document submission and biometrics at a VAC. 
• Print out the confirmation mail you receive of the appointment, and carry it with your documents to the appointment. 
• Submit the documents at the VAC, along with your biometrics. 

In certain special cases, you may be required to submit to an interview. Please note that you ensure all the documents submitted are original and genuine. Any wrong information or fake documents can lead to your application being rejected. A visa rejection is considered as a black mark in your travel history.

As per the UK Tourist Visa requirements for Indian citizens , you must meet the following criteria to apply for the permit.

• You must hold an Indian passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
• Your sole purpose must be to take part in tourism-related activities.
• You must have sufficient funds to support your stay in the UK. 
• You must also be able to prove that you have ties in the home country that will ensure that you return back to your home country after the permit expires.

Every type of UK Visitor Visa has certain mandatory documents to be submitted with the application. The documents required for UK Tourist Visa from India are as follows  -

• A valid passport
• 2 photographs, as per regulations
• Proof of legal residence - ID card, passport
• Proof of previous travel history - copy of visa
• Complete travel itinerary
• Proof of accommodation - hotel bookings, Invitation letter from the host
• Employment contract copy or Employee ID card copy
• Letter from employer stating sanction of leave for the travel period
• NOC (No objection certificate) from the company
• A copy of the business license
• Copy in the commerce register or as a partner in a company
• Letter granting leave for the travel period, or NOC 
• Proof of admission
• Pension statement of the latest 6 months
• Copy of Retirement letter/relieving letter
• Proof of funds to support the stay -  Bank Statements for the last 6 months/ Passbook

• Recently taken
• Dimensions- 35mm X 45mm
• Clear basic cream or light grey background
• Glasses - allowed only for medical reasons
• Eyes - directly gazing at the lens
• Headgear - not permitted except in religious cases
• Facial expression - neutral
• No “Red-eye effect” from the camera flash

The fees for the permit depends on several factors such as the duration of the visa, the number of entries, as well as any priority visa fees, biometric charges, and other service charges. It is necessary to convert the amount to Rupees while paying the UK Tourist Visa fees from India . 

Once you have submitted your application, you will have to wait before your visa is processed. It usually takes about 15 days, and depend on several factors. In the meanwhile, you will receive updates regarding your application via email. Alternately, you can opt for SMS notifications. You can also do this by contacting the High Commission, or VAC via email or phone and telling them the application number. Once your visa has been approved, and you have chosen for them to deliver it to you, you can track the status using the GWF application number and entering it on the courier company’s website.

While you are on this permit, you will have to keep in mind the following key points to ensure that you have a hassle-free experience.

• Ensure that you carry all your travel documents along with your passport, visa. You will be required to show this at the border officers at the port of entry. 
• Make a note of the expiry date in the vignette. You will have to exit the country before that date. Staying back after the expiry is a criminal offense.
• While on a tourist permit, you cannot work or be employed. You may be able to take part in voluntary and unpaid work.
• You cannot use public funds in the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you do when you have a uk tourist visa.

Since the tourist visa is a nothing but UK Visitor visa , you can perform activities that are covered under this. These include sightseeing, visit friends/family, medical treatment, take part in charity/voluntary unpaid work provided that it does not last more than 30 days, business-related activities such as attending meetings, training, as well as sports-related activities.

What are the reasons for a UK tourist visa to be rejected in India?

Normally, the visa applications are rejected for the following reasons - 

• Wrong information in the application form / fake documents submitted
• Insufficient funds to support the stay
• Irrelevant or unconvincing travel itinerary
• Criminal history in the past
• Previous visa rejections from the UK or any other countries
• Passport nearing expiry/invalid
• Incomplete application form

How many funds do I need to show for a UK tourist visa if I have a sponsor there to accommodate me?

There is no exact amount you will need to show for obtaining the visa. The purpose of the financial documents is to prove that you can support your stay, as well to show your stability and expense patterns. As a result, if you have a sponsor, you do not need to show funds except for your basic expenses. You will, however, require an invitation letter from the sponsor showing that you will be staying with them and that he will be sponsoring you and the funds.

Can I get a UK tourist visa after a family visit visa was refused?

This totally depends on a few factors such as the reason why you were rejected the first time, the integrity of your new application, etc. If your previous application was refused due to technical reasons such as insufficient funds, insufficient proof, etc, as long as your situation has changed, and you have enough funds, and correct documentation, etc, you will have limited problems in the application. However, if you had been rejected due to criminal history, or other major reasons, chances are that you will be rejected again.

Do I need an invitation letter to apply for a UK tourist visa?

No, you do not need an invitation letter to get a UK tourist permit. Unless you are being sponsored by a family member or friend, you will not require this. However, if you are applying for a UK visitor visa for a friend or a family visit, you will need an invitation letter. Alternately, even if you are applying to take part in tourism, submitting an invitation letter may help your application.

Does a UK tourist visa need medical insurance?

No, you will not need medical insurance to travel to the UK on a tourist permit. Since the visa is for less than 6 months, it is not mandatory. However, since healthcare can be expensive in the UK, it is suggested that you obtain insurance before traveling.

Can I apply for a UK tourist visa along with a schengen tourist visa?

No. The Schengen and UK have different types of permit. The United Kingdom is no longer a part of the Schengen region. Also, if you apply for the two visas at the same time, you will have to submit the passport for stamping. This will not be physically possible. As a result, you will have to apply for one of them first, and then apply for the other one after that. If you have aUK stamp, your chances of getting a Schengen visa will be higher, and vice versa.

What is the eligibility condition for a 2,5,or 10 year UK tourist visa?

To get the 10-year tourist permit, you will have to apply for the Long term visitor visa. This can be given for 2,5, or up to 10 years. Unlike the short term type, these are harder to get. You will need to provide sufficient proof that you have a need to visit the UK multiple times over the years. Also, you’ll have to convince them that your motive of visit over the years will not be changed. Also, you will need to submit proof that you will return to your home country after each visit. 

Will a US visit visa help in getting a UK tourist visa?

Not directly. You will not receive a UK permit just because you possess a B1/B2 visa. However, if you have been stamped with US permit, your travel history becomes stronger and your credibility is higher as long as you have not overstayed in the US, or have been charged with other offenses. The US permit can then be a factor in convincing the consular officer processing your UK application. 

What is important to include in a cover letter for a UK tourist visa?

As per the requirements, you will not need a covering letter for the UK tourist permit. It has been clearly mentioned that you should not attach documents that are not required in the application. However, for visa types that require a covering letter, they would usually require your basic details, the purpose of the visit, duration and other details of the visit, as well as the source of funds.

When can I reapply for a UK tourist visa?

There is no official waiting time to reapply for a UK tourist visa. When your application has been refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reason behind it. Depending on this, you will have to make sure that you have corrected the faults in the previous application and apply for a new one. It is suggested that you wait for a sufficient time to prove that your situations or documents have been improved for the new application. 

Are criminal checks carried out on all UK tourist visa applicants?

Criminal checks are not usually done for a tourist visa. However, it is important to mention it in the application form if you have had criminal convictions in the past. The UK have the right to check your criminal record if required. If you have lied in the application form about any convictions, your application will be rejected, and you may even be banned for up to 10 years.

Can I get the UK tourist visa even if I am unemployed?

Yes, you can get a UK tourist visa even if you don’t have a job. Employment is not a requirement for the permit. However, you will need to prove that you have sufficient funds to support your stay in the UK. You will also have to show that you have some ties in your country that will ensure that you return back to it. These can be proof of any property, or education, etc.

Can you apply for a UK tourist visa after a month once you leave the UK?

Yes, you can apply for another tourist permit after you leave the UK post your visa expiry. There is no rule on waiting time to reapply for the visa. However, keep in mind that your chances of it getting approved depend on the application, genuinity, as well as your previous stay in the UK. Now that you have already visited the UK on a tourist visa, the visa officers will look into your stay and the period. If you had failed to follow any of your visa regulations, you will be rejected.

How can I extend my UK tourist visa?

Normally, you cannot extend your UK tourist visa. You will have to leave the country and then reapply for another visa. However, under extreme circumstances such as unforeseeable emergency reasons, you will be permitted to have an additional 14 day stay in the country. These include medical reasons, issues where your home country is not safe, etc. Once this is done, you will have to leave the country no matter what. 

What are the chances of denial of UK tourist visa if you have no travel history and are travelling for the first time?

The chances of denial are solely dependant on your application and the documents. Since you are traveling for the first time, you do not have any history of visa rejections. As a result, you are free from that. However, the rest of the factors still affect you such as the authenticity of the documents, solid purpose, funds, correct information, etc

Is it necessary to submit my UK tourist visa application online?

Yes, for applications for the UK permit from outside the UK, it has to be made online. The offline application is not followed anymore. For the online application, you will have to create an account on the visa and immigration services website, or on the beta Visa4Uk website. You can then proceed with the application based on the instructions.

What are the documents required from a sponsor for a UK tourist visa and how much bank balance is required?

If you are being sponsored by someone for your UK tourist permit, they will have to submit a few documents. They will have to submit an invitation letter stating their details, and also confirm that you will be staying with them and that they will be supporting your stay. For the bank balance, there is no specific amount to be shown. The UK government requires that you have sufficient funds to support your stay. This includes food, accommodation, travel, and other basic necessities.

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UK Tourist Visa from India: Fees, Application & Requirements

The United Kingdom is one of the most popular overseas destinations for Indians for tourism, study, employment, or even medical treatment. Irrespective of the reason for a visit to the United Kingdom, Indian passport holders must obtain a UK visa to go to the UK. To travel to the UK for tourism, you need to apply for a UK tourist visa from India. 

UK tourist visa from India 

The United Kingdom has a wide range of attractive tourist spots including the city of London, countryside of Scotland and Wales. A UK tourist visa for Indians is referred to as a UK Standard Visitor Visa which allows its holder to enter and stay in the UK for up to 60 months. You can stay for longer in certain circumstances, such as medical treatment. A UK tourist visa allows Indians to travel to the United Kingdom for the purpose of:

• Meeting family members
• Medical treatment
• Certain business activities i.e. meeting, interview, etc.  
• To pass through the UK to another country (‘in transit’)
• School exchange programs

UK visitor visa term

Based on your requirements, you can apply for two types of tourist visas to the UK:

• Short-stay visa: Generally valid for up to 6 months.
• Long term standard visitor visa: If you visit the UK regularly, you can apply for a long-term Standard Visitor Visa valid for 2, 5 and 10 years. With this visa, you can stay in the UK for a maximum of 6 months on each visit.

UK tourist visa requirements

You need to fulfil the UK tourist visa requirements i.e. eligibility criteria and documentation to get a UK tourist visa from India. 

Eligibility criteria for UK tourist visa

• You will have to prove that you will leave the UK before the validity of your visa expires.
• You have sufficient funds to support your trip to the United Kingdom and your return.
• You will not live in the UK for extended periods during your recurrent visits.
• For a long-term visa, the purpose of those visits would remain the same over its duration. 
• You need to submit proof of any activities you will participate in, which should be in compliance with the framework of the permitted activities.
• To study, take an exam or do placement.
• To visit as an academic, senior doctor or dentist.
• For medical treatments.

Documents required for a UK tourist visa application

Here is the list of documents required for a UK tourist visa application:

• Filled UK tourist visa application form VAF1A.
• Two recent photographs meeting the UK visa photo requirement guidelines. 
• Passport valid for three months beyond the date of your departure from the UK, with at least one blank page.
• Financial statement to prove you have sufficient funds to cover your trip and living cost in the UK. 
• ID information and living address of the person paying your travel costs.
• ID and passport number of any friend or relative living in the UK. 
• Detailed travel itinerary that contains your travel plan such as onward and backward dates, places you will be visiting, meeting agenda, festival agenda, etc. 
• Biometric information, your fingerprints and digital photograph.
• Letter or invitation from the host.
• Recognized certificate of English language. 

Based on the purpose of your visit, you will have to submit additional documents to apply for a UK tourist visa from India.

How to apply for UK tourist visa from India

You can apply for a UK visa online and in person. Follow the steps mentioned below:

• Fill the application form: Visit the gov.uk and complete your UK tourist/ visit visa application form. Make sure the information you provide is correct. You will have to visit a visa application centre (VAC) at an allotted date and time to submit your biometric information.
• Pay the application fee: After completing the application form, you have to pay the UK visa fees using a valid debit or credit card. 
• Book your interview appointment: You have to book an appointment for a UK visa interview. Book a date when you will be available. Before attending the interview, you must practice the UK visa interview question and answers .
• Collect your documents: Collect your documents including a printed copy of your appointment letter, your UK visa fee receipt and your passport for visa interview.
• Attend the interview: Interview will be the final step of your UK visa application. Reach the interview center before time and carry all necessary documents.

You need to submit the UK tourist visa application to the UK High Commission or a UK Visa Application Center in India. You can apply for the visa online or in person. 

UK tourist visa fees for Indians

Here is the checklist of UK tourist visa fees in Indian Rupees based on visa type:

Indians living in the UK can easily compare exchange rates offered by various operators and send money from the United Kingdom to India to their loved ones with a few clicks.

UK tourist visa processing time

The earliest you can apply for a UK standard visitor visa is 3 months before you travel.

After you have successfully applied for a UK tourist visa online, you will usually get a decision on your visa application within 3 weeks. In the meantime, you can track your UK visa status online . 

You will get an email or a letter related to the decision on your application and instructions on what you need to do further. 

NRIs living in the UK may have several India-related queries. To ask any questions related to the rights of NRIs, PIOs, and OCIs, you can download SBNRI App from the Google Play Store or App Store.

You can also use the SBNRI app for investment in stock market/ mutual funds, NRI account opening, tax filing, etc. To ask any questions, click on the button below. Also, visit our blog and YouTube channel for more details. 

Ask Indian Friend Now

Yes, Indian passport holders have to compulsorily get a tourist visa to travel to the UK. You need to fulfill the UK visa requirements to apply for the same. You can apply for a UK visa online or in person. 

No, the UK government doesn’t provide a visa on arrival facility to applicants applying for a UK tourist visa from India. Hence, you need to apply for a UK standard visitor visa. 

Related posts:

• Germany Tourist Visa from India: Requirements, Application & Fee
• Hong Kong Visa for Indians: Requirements, Application, Fees
• U.S. Visitor Visa Extension: Requirements, Application & Fees
• US Visa Photo Requirements for Visa Application
• uk standard visitor visa
• uk tourist visa from india
• uk visa for indians

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UK Visitor Visa (Tourism or Leisure) - Top 10 FAQs

Most visitors to the UK will need to make an application for a UK visit visa from their country of residence, before travelling. In this post we answer some of the questions that are most frequently asked by individuals who wish to visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for the purpose of tourism or leisure .

What are the eligibility requirements for a UK Visitor Visa application?

In making an application for a UK Visitor Visa you will be required to prove:

• You will leave the UK at the end of your visit;
• You will not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your main home;
• You’re able to support yourself and your dependants during your trip (or have funding from someone else to support you);
• You are able to pay for your return or onward journey (or have funding from someone else to pay for the journey);
• You have proof of any business or other activities you want to do in the UK, as allowed by the Visitor Rules .

What can I do as a Standard Visitor in the UK?

As a visitor to the UK for the purpose of tourism or leisure, you will be permitted to:

• Visit friends and family and/or come to the UK for a holiday; 
• Take part in educational exchanges programmes;
• Attend recreational courses for a maximum of 30 days;
• Volunteer with a registered charity for a maximum of 30 days.

What does it mean to be a “Genuine Visitor”?

In order to succeed with an application for a UK Visit Visa, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that you are a genuine visitor. This means that you will need to show you are genuinely seeking entry to the UK for a purpose permitted by the visitor routes, will not undertake any prohibited activities during your stay in the UK, will not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits and will not make the UK your home

The Visit guidance lists factors which will be considered by a Caseworker in assessing whether an applicant is a genuine visitor. Theses include your:

• Previous immigration history to the UK and other countries;
• Financial circumstances as well as your family, social and economic background;
• Personal and economic ties to the UK.

In assessing your genuineness, the Caseworker will also consider the cumulative period of time you have spent in the UK over the last 12 months and the duration of your previous visits compared to what was stated on your visa application form or on arrival to the UK. 

If you intend to visit the UK for any other reason including to marry or form a civil partnership , to receive private medical treatment , or to undertake business activities , you must apply for the specific visit corresponding to the purpose of your visit.  

What reasons could a Caseworker have for doubting that I am applying as a Genuine Visitor?

The Visit Guidance provides a non-exhaustive list of reasons a Caseworker may doubt whether you are a Genuine Visitor. This includes whether or if:

• There are discrepancies between the statements made by you and your sponsor in your application; 
• You, your sponsor or other immediate family member has, or has attempted to, deceive or mislead the Home Office in a previous application to enter the UK;
• It has not been possible to verify the information you have provided. 

Although the existence of any of the above reasons will not result in the automatic refusal of your application, it will be essential to address each of these circumstances in your application. 

How much funds do I need to show for a UK Visitor Visa?  

You must have access to sufficient resources to maintain yourself adequately for the duration of your visit to the UK. There is no set level of funds you need to show this.

Some thought should be given to the activities you intend to undertake, and your living expenses, in the UK. This is because, when assessing your application, a Caseworker will consider the likely cost of your stay and assess any source of revenue that will continue to be available to you whilst visiting the UK. A Caseworker will take into consideration your income or savings against any financial commitments you have in your country of residence in deciding whether you are able to support yourself financially during your visit. 

What does it mean to make “frequent or successive visits” to the UK?

Although there is no specific maximum period of time which you can spend in the UK in any period, as long as each visit does not exceed 6 months, your application for a Standard Visitor Visa will be refused if a caseworker has reason to believe that you are living in the UK through frequent or successive visits. In assessing your application a Caseworker will consider your travel history including, how long you spend in the UK on each visit and how frequently you are returning to the UK. 

How do I make an application for a UK Visitor Visa?

An application for a UK Visitor Visa must be made online . A Standard Visitor may apply for a visit visa of 6 months, 2.5 years or 10 years validity. This allows multiple visits to the UK within the period of validity, unless the visa is endorsed as single or dual-entry), but if it is a ‘multiple entry’ visa, you still cannot remain in the UK as a visitor for more than 6 months on any individual visit. 

As part of the application process you will be required to attend a Visa Centre to enrol your biometrics and have your passport scanned as part of the application process. Once your application form is submitted online, you will be able to upload your supporting documents online and book an appointment to enrol your biometrics.

How much does it cost to make a UK Visit Visa application?

The Home Office application fee for a Standard Visitor Visa is £95. You may need to pay an additional fee for a biometric appointment at a Visa Centre. 

How long will it take for my UK Visit Visa application to be decided?

An application for a UK Visitor Visa is typically decided within 3 weeks of making the application and attending a visa application centre. It may be possible to apply for a priority service to speed up the process depending on the country you are applying from. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there may be delays in processing your applications and priority services may be limited. 

What happens if my application for a UK Visitor Visa is refused?

You are unlikely to have a right of appeal if your application for a Standard Visitor Visa is refused.  If you need to challenge a refusal, it is likely you will have to do so by way of judicial review. 

You may wish to speak to our barristers for expert legal advice on making a fresh application following the refusal of your visitor visa. It will be essential for you to make a carefully prepared application which addresses each reason from your refusal to be addressed in order to succeed with a fresh application. 

Contact Our Immigration Barristers

For expert advice and assistance with an application for a UK Tourism and Leisure Visitor Visa , contact our Immigration Barristers on 0203 617 9173 or complete our enquiry form below.

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UK Multi Entry Visa Rules and How to Apply

By Amar Ali, Immigration Solicitor

The UK Multi-Entry Visitor Visa (also called Long-Term Standard Visitor Visa), is valid for 2 years, 5 years, or 10 years and enables holders to make multiple visits to the UK for up to 6 months each time. The Standard Visitor Visa (also called Type C Visitor Visa) differs from the Long-Term Visitor Visa as it is normally only issued for up to 6 months (or 12 months for academics). It is important to note that while there is no limit to the number of times you can enter and leave the UK on a Multi-Entry Visit Visa, you must not use this visa as a way of living permanently in the UK through frequent or successive visits.

UK Multi-Entry Visa Rules

As a UK Multi-Entry Visa holder, it is important to adhere to the immigration rules at all times, specifically:

• You must not intend to make the UK your permanent home by making frequent or successive visits. If the Home Office suspect that you are doing so, they may cancel your visa.
• Your entry as a visitor must be for a genuine and permitted purpose (e.g. tourism, to visit family or friends, or for medical reasons). Remember, you cannot use a visitor visa to do paid or unpaid work for a UK company, work as a self-employed person, claim benefits, or marry or register a civil partnership.
• You must leave the UK before you exceed the maximum duration of 6 months for each stay.
• You must have sufficient funds to support yourself and your dependants during your stay in the UK.

UK Multi-Entry Visa requirements

To make a successful application for a UK Multi-Entry Visa for 2 years, 5 years, or 10 years, you will need to demonstrate that you meet the following eligibility requirements:

• You must be at least 18 years
• As an academic, senior doctor or dentist
• Business activities – e.g. business meetings or interviews
• Medical treatment
• Recreational courses of up to 30 days
• School exchange programme
• Tourism (e.g. a holiday or vacation)
• Transiting through the UK to another country
• Visiting family or friends
• Volunteering for up to 30 days with a registered charity
• You must have a genuine need to make regular visits to the UK (e.g. if you are a parent of adult children living in the UK or if you need to come here for regular business-related visits)
• You must have sufficient funds to pay for your onward or return journey
• You must not meet any grounds for refusal (e.g. prior breaches of the immigration rules, certain criminal convictions)

Please note, the eligibility requirements are the same whether you are applying for a 2-year, 5-year, or 10-year multi-stay visitor visa. What matters is that you must have a genuine and valid reason for needing a long-term visa. The Home Office understands that it is likely that your reasons for visiting the UK will change over time, hence you can use your long-term visa for any valid purpose while your visa remains valid.

To ensure that your long-term visa application is approved for your preferred duration, please speak to our friendly professional immigration team in complete confidence on 020 3744 2797 or by email at [email protected] .

How to apply for a UK Multi-Entry Visa

To apply for a UK Multi-Entry visitor visa, you will need to complete the online application form 1 and pay the application fee as follows:

• 2-year multi-stay visitor visa: £400
• 5-year multi-stay visitor visa: £771
• 10-year multi-stay visitor visa: £963

You will also need to provide any documents and additional information requested by the Home Office; these may include:

• the exact dates you will be in the UK
• where you will stay
• how much your stay will cost
• your present home address and how long you have lived there
• the names and dates of birth (if known) of your parents
• your annual income
• details of any criminal, civil or immigration offences
• your travel history over the past 10 years
• your employer’s address and telephone number
• your partner’s name, date of birth and passport number
• the name and address of anyone paying for your trip
• the name, address and passport number of any family members you have in the UK

Alternatives to UK Multi Entry visa

If the multi-entry visa does meet your exact needs, you may be able to consider the standard visitor visa or the following visa alternatives:

Paid Permitted Engagement (PPE) visa

The PPE visa is for foreign nationals who have been invited as an expert in their profession by a UK organisation or client. This visa is aimed at certain professionals, including:

• Professional artists, entertainers and musicians
• Professional sportspersons
• Qualified lawyers representing a client in the UK
• Lecturers giving a series of lectures
• Academics in the role of student examiner or assessor
• Air pilot examiners

If granted a PPE visa, you will be able to visit the UK for a maximum of 1 month (this cannot be further extended).

Adult Dependant Relative visa

The Adult Dependant Relative visa is part of the family visa scheme and enables foreign nationals to come to the UK to be cared for by relatives here. The relative in the UK must be settled here and have sufficient funds to support themselves. In practice, it can be extremely difficult to make a successful application for an adult dependant relative visa given the strict requirements (i.e. applicants must be able to prove they cannot be cared for in their home country).

1 GOV.UK: Online visa application form

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UK Visa Multiple Entry Rules for Visitors

• Last Updated: 19 May 2023

IN THIS ARTICLE

Visitors to the UK have to ensure they follow strict rules on entry and permissible activities.

In this guide to the UK standard visitor visa , we explain how the UK visa multiple entry requirements work, including the express prohibition under the rules against living in the UK for extended periods through either frequent or successive visits. We also look at how to apply for a multiple entry visa, including the procedure, cost and wait time involved.

What is the UK multiple entry visitor visa?

The UK standard visitor visa is for visa nationals looking to visit the UK for the purposes of tourism, seeing friends and family, undertaking unpaid business trips, engaging in a short course of recreational study or other permitted activities under the visitor rules. Other permitted activities could include, for example, private medical treatment.

It is also possible to get married or form a civil partnership in the UK under a visitor visa, or give notice of a marriage or civil partnership, although this is treated as a separate visitor category in its own right. Other categories of visitor visa include the permitted paid engagement (PPE) visa and the transit visa. The PPE visa is for experts in their field coming to the UK to undertake specific paid engagements for up to one month, while the transit visa is for those wanting to transit the UK en route to another country for up to 48 hours.

A standard visitor visa will usually be granted for a maximum period of 6 months. However, visitors may apply for a visa with 2, 5 or 10 years validity, provided each stay in the UK does not exceed the permitted length of stay endorsed on the visa, usually 6 months. This is known as a multiple entry visa where, within the period of validity, you may enter and leave the UK multiple times. However, you can also depart and re-enter the UK multiple times under a standard 6-month visitor visa, unless the visa has been endorsed as either single or dual entry.

Who needs a multiple entry visitor visa?

If you plan to regularly visit the UK you can apply for a long-term visitor visa, allowing for multiple entries over several years, instead of a standard visitor visa over just 6 months. You may be looking to visit the UK on a regular basis for all sorts of permissible reasons.

When visiting the UK to see friends and family, especially loved ones who are living in the UK permanently, or temporarily working or studying in the UK under a visa themselves, a multiple entry visitor visa can be an ideal way to make a number of planned visits over the coming years. For example, you might have a spouse or partner working for their overseas employer in a UK branch, or studying for their degree at a UK university, where you have been unable to relocate at the same time, but still want to regularly visit and spend time with them. You might also have adult children, siblings or other relatives who have settled in the UK.

Equally, when visiting the UK for the purposes of business, the rules provide an extensive list of permitted activities, many of which will necessarily require visiting the UK on more than one occasion. This could include, for example, where you regularly need to visit the UK for business meetings, conferences and seminars. It could also be where you need to undergo work-related training in the UK or attend various different trade fairs, or you are involved in protracted business negotiations that are likely to require more than one attendance.

UK visa multiple entry rules for visitors

The visitor route is described under the rules as for visa nationals wanting to temporarily stay in the UK, for periods of up to 6 months at a time, for things like tourism, visiting family and friends, carrying out a business activity or undertaking a short course of study. The visitor route is therefore clearly designed for, and typically limited to, short-term visits.

However, the rules recognise and make provision for the fact that many visa nationals will be looking to visit the UK on a regular basis for legitimate reasons. It is therefore possible to apply for a multiple entry visa, provided you can satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that you meet the eligibility requirements for the duration of visa that you are applying for. This means that you must be able to satisfy the UKVI caseworker dealing with your application that you are able to meet the ‘genuine visitor’ requirements for a multiple entry visa lasting either 2, 5 or 10 years. Under the visitor rules, to be classed as a genuine visitor, you must:

• be genuinely seeking entry or stay for a purpose that is permitted
• will not be undertaking any of the activities that are prohibited under the rules, such as accepting paid employment
• have enough funds to cover all of your reasonable costs in relation to your UK visit without either working or accessing public funds, including the cost of your return or onward journey
• be intending to leave the UK at the end of your stay
• not be living in the UK for extended periods of time through either frequent or successive visits, nor be planning to make the UK your main home.

What are ‘frequent or successive visits’ under the visitor rules?

To overcome the UK visa multiple entry rules, you must be able to show that you are a genuine visitor, despite the fact that you are planning to regularly visit the UK, potentially on several occasions over several years. In any application for a long-term visitor visa, the UKVI caseworker will be alert to the fact that the rules can be easily exploited by the visa-holder by living in the UK for extended periods through either frequent or successive visits. This is because it is not uncommon for applicants to look for loop-holes in the rules, including making the most of the UK visa multiple entry allowances to live in the UK on a long-term basis.

The phrase ‘frequent or successive visits’ has no definition within the rules, although the Home Office ‘Visit guidance’ (published 06 October 2021) advises UKVI caseworkers to check the visitor’s travel history, including how much time they have previously spent in the UK and how often they are returning. The caseworker must assess if you are, in effect, living in the UK through frequent or successive visits, or making the UK your main home, having regard to:

• the purpose of your visit(s) and intended length of stay stated
• the number of visits you have made over the past 12 months, including the length of stay on each occasion, the time elapsed since your last visit, and if this amounts to you spending more time in the UK than in your home country or country of residence
• the purpose of return trips to your home country or country of residence, and if these appear to be used only to quickly seek re-entry to the UK
• the long-term links you have with your home country or country of residence, such as being registered for tax purposes
• any evidence that the UK is your main place of residence, for example, if you have registered with a UK doctor or if you send your children to a UK school
• your history of any previous applications, for example, if you have recently been refused leave under the family rules, or any other immigration route, and subsequently want to enter the UK as a visitor on a multiple entry visa.

There is no specified maximum period of time that you will be allowed to spend in the UK in any period under a multiple entry visa, such as ‘6 months in 12 months’, provided each visit does not exceed the maximum period for that visit. However, if it is clear from your recent travel history that you are seeking to stay in the UK for extended periods, or making the UK your main home, your application for a multiple entry visa will be refused.

Coming to the UK as a visitor

In the case of first-time visitors, the use of frequent or successive visits to live in the UK for extended periods of time cannot easily be judged in advance. However, a number of factors will be used to assess if you are a genuine visitor, not only on your initial application but also each time you enter the UK. This is because the grant of a multiple entry visitor visa will not guarantee you being allowed into the UK on each and every occasion, where it will be for Border Force officers to make their own determination on your arrival at a port of entry.

In assessing if you are a genuine visitor, the following will be considered:

• your previous immigration history, including any visits to the UK and other countries
• the duration of previous visits to the UK compared to what was stated on your visa application form or on arrival in the UK
• your financial circumstances, as well as your social, economic and family background
• any personal and economic ties to your home country or country of residence
• the cumulative period of time that you have spent in the UK and your pattern of travel over the last 12 months, and whether this amounts to ‘de-facto’ residence in the UK
• whether, on the balance of probabilities, the information and reasons given for your visit are credible, and correspond to your social, economic, family and personal background.

As a visitor, you can undertake multiple permitted activities whilst you are in the UK, although you must be able to explain what your main reason for coming to the UK is at the visa application stage and on entry at a UK port. Equally, if you are granted a multiple entry visit visa valid for 2, 5 or 10 years, it is likely that your reason(s) for visiting will differ over time. This is permissible, provided you continue to intend to undertake one or more of the permitted visitor activities. This means that you can enter the UK to do different permitted activities, but you will still be expected to have a main reason or reasons for visiting, for example, for business purposes or visiting family, and be able to provide details on arrival.

Importantly, your visitor visa may cancelled if it becomes apparent from your travel history, following the grant of a multiple entry visitor visa, that you are exploiting the rules by living in the UK for extended periods through either frequent or successive visits.

How to apply for a UK multiple entry visa

An application for a UK multiple entry visa must be made online. As part of the application process you will be required to attend an overseas visa centre to enrol your biometric information. Once your application form has been submitted online, you will be able to upload your supporting documents and book an appointment. You must also pay the visa fee.

The cost of applying for a short-term standard visitor visa is £100 for up to 6 months. For a long-term standard visitor visa, with multiple entries, the cost is £376 for a 2-year visa, £670 for a 5-year visa and £837 for a 10-year visa. However, you may be given a shorter visa than requested if UKVI believe that you cannot meet the eligibility requirements for the duration of the visa that you have applied for. You will also not get a partial refund of the application fee.

It will usually take up to 3 weeks from the date of your appointment for a decision to be made, although you may be able to pay for a faster decision. If you are successfully granted a multiple entry visa over either 2, 5 or 10 years, you will be permitted to visit the UK over the validity period of the visa, but will only be able to stay for a maximum of 6 months on each visit.

UK Visa Multiple Entry Rules FAQs

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Legal disclaimer

The matters contained in this article are intended to be for general information purposes only. This article does not constitute legal advice, nor is it a complete or authoritative statement of the law, and should not be treated as such. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information is correct, no warranty, express or implied, is given as to its accuracy and no liability is accepted for any error or omission. Before acting on any of the information contained herein, expert legal advice should be sought.

Gill Laing is a qualified Legal Researcher & Analyst with niche specialisms in Law , Tax , Human Resources , Immigration & Employment Law .

Gill is a Multiple Business Owner and the Managing Director of Prof Services - a Marketing & Content Agency for the Professional Services Sector.

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How to apply for a multiple-entry UK visit visa?

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Table of Content

Can a visit visa be granted for longer than six months , who needs a multiple-entry visitor visa, what are the rules for a multiple-entry visitor visa, the multiple-entry visitor visa requirements are as follows:, do you have a way to calculate the visitor visa uk cost, how do i apply for a multiple-entry visitor visa, conclusion .

If you are looking to come to the UK for reasons of tourism, visiting friends and family, for a business trip or for a short course, you will need a UK standard visitor visa . This visa can also be used for other activities allowed under the visitor visa rules such as private medical treatment. 

Standard visitor visas are normally granted for up to 6 months. However, you can apply for a multiple-entry visitor visa for two, five or 10 years of validity; this type of visa will allow for multiple entries during the specified time period without needing to apply for a new visa for each trip. However, each stay in the UK must not exceed the stay specified on the visa; this is typically six months. Please note, you can also depart and re-enter the UK with a standard visitor visa as long as the visa does not specify that it is a single or dual entry. 

People wanting to undertake short-term visits to the UK on a more regular basis sometimes over several years, a 6-month validity does not suffice. For example, if you have grown-up children that have settled in the UK who you will visit regularly, or if you are a business-person who needs to undertake business visits in the UK over a longer period of time.

In order to apply for a UK multiple entry visa , you need to fulfil UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) ‘genuine visitor’ requirements; this will need to be for the duration of the visa length for which you are applying.

• Your entry or stay is genuinely for a permitted purpose
• You will not be undertaking any prohibited activities such as paid employment
• You have the required funds for all of your costs related to your stay in the UK
• You intend to leave the UK at the end of your stay
• You do not plan to make the UK your main residence 

In addition to the above, the rules state that you cannot live in the UK for extended periods of time through frequent or successive visits. Although frequent or successive visits have not been defined, your caseworker, as advised by the UKVI, will check your travel history carefully looking at the time you have spent in the UK to assess whether you are using frequent or successive visits to in fact live in the UK. For this, they will look at:

• The reasons for your visits
• How many times you have visited in a 12-month period including the length of each stay
• Whether return trips to your home country suggest that they are being used to seek re-entry to the UK Long terms links you have with your country of residence
• If there is any evidence that the UK is your main home
• Previous visa application history – for example, have you been refused another type of visa

Some of the above may be difficult to assess for first-time visitors. However, not only will you be assessed on your initial application whether you are a genuine visitor, but also each time you enter the UK. This is because a multiple-entry visitor visa does not guarantee your entry into the UK for every visit; Border Force officers will determine your entry at each visit. For this, they will assess the following:

• Your previous immigration history both to the UK and other countries
• The duration of previous visits to the UK, if any, and how these compare to what you stated on your application 
• Details relating to your financial circumstances
• Your ties to your home country
• Your reasons for visiting are credible on the balance of probabilities

Please note, a multiple-entry visitor visa can be cancelled at any time if it becomes clear that you are exploiting the rules to use this type of visa to live in the UK for extended periods. 

In addition, if you are under 18 when you submit your visa and immigration application, your multiple-entry visa will only be valid for up to six months after you turn 18.

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An application must be made online on the gov.uk site. Once you have completed your application, you will be able to provide your supporting information and book an appointment with a visa centre in your home country in order to provide the required biometric information. 

A standard visitor visa for up to six months costs £100. A long-term visitor visa costs £376 for a 2-year visa, £670 for a 5-year visa and £837 for a 10-year visa. 

Please note, even if you apply for a longer-term visa, a shorter period will be issued if UKVI believe that the duration you have requested is not justifiable. A partial refund will not be provided in these instances. 

Applications are usually decided upon within three weeks, with priority services available in most locations.

If you have a genuine reason to visit the UK on multiple occasions, a multiple-entry visitor visa is a great option in order to avoid the inconvenience of applying for a standard visitor visa for each occasion. However, please note that these are not an alternative to a visa that allows you to reside in the UK as your main home of residence and they do not guarantee your entry each time you visit the UK. Your eligibility to apply for a multiple- entry visit visa, and your eligibility to enter the UK on each occasion with this visa will be determined by UKVI who will carefully consider your reasons for visiting and your background. In order to help ensure a successful application, it is paramount that you provide the correct supporting documentation.

A Y & J Solicitors is a specialist immigration law firm , with extensive experience with multiple-entry visitor visa applications. We have an in-depth understanding of immigration law and are professional and results-focused. For assistance with your application or any other UK immigration law concerns, please contact us on  +44 20 7404 7933 or at Contact Us today. We’re here to help!  

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Can an Indian eVisa be used for multiple entries?

India’s eVisa categories have varied entry allowances. The tourist eVisa can be double or multiple entries based on its validity, with the 30-day eVisa permitting double entries and the 1-year and 5-year versions allowing multiple entries. The business eVisa grants multiple entries with up to 180 days per visit. Medical and Medical Attendant eVisas permit three entries, while the Conference eVisa is a single-entry visa

India, a land where ancient traditions meld with modern hustle, offers an array of experiences that beckon travelers from across the globe. From the rhythmic chants of temples to the bustling markets and serene landscapes, India is a traveler’s dream. But before you get swept away by the charm, there’s an essential question lurking: Can an Indian eVisa be used for multiple entries? Well, dear traveler, if curiosity is lighting up your path, let this guide illuminate the way.

Understanding the Indian eVisa System

In the digital age, where convenience is king, India’s eVisa system stands as a testament to modernization. Introduced as a bridge between eager travelers and India’s rich heritage, the eVisa eradicates the traditional rigmarole of tiresome embassy visits and prolonged waiting times.

But what truly is this eVisa? In essence, it’s your online ticket, a permission slip, allowing you to step foot into this diverse land. With the introduction of this system, India has categorized its visas based on the purpose of your visit. From soaking in the culture on a holiday to medical treatments or diving deep into business ventures, there’s an eVisa tailored for every need.

Delving into the Multiple Entry Question

Now, to the heart of the matter. The concept of “multiple entries” in the visa realm is akin to a flexible travel pass. Instead of being restricted to a single journey, it permits the traveler to come and go, making the most of their visa’s validity.

But is this liberty granted to all eVisa holders? And if so, under what conditions? The answers lie in the intricate weave of the eVisa system, and understanding this can significantly shape and enhance your travel plans. Depending on the type of visa, the number of entries, and the validity varies. So, while you may be free as a bird on one visa type, another might have its gentle restraints.

Types of Indian eVisas and Their Entry Allowance

The Indian eVisa system, much like the country’s varied landscapes, offers a plethora of choices tailored to the traveler’s needs. Understanding them is the first step in ensuring seamless travels:

e-Tourist Visa: Tailored for those who want to experience India’s cultural, historical, and natural wonders. Depending on its subtype, it allows for double or even multiple entries. Whether you wish to marvel at the Taj Mahal, find serenity in Kerala’s backwaters, or celebrate Holi in Varanasi, this visa ensures you’re not bound by entry limits.

e-Business Visa: Designed for professionals and entrepreneurs, this visa recognises the burgeoning business opportunities in India. From attending seminars in Mumbai to forging partnerships in Bangalore’s Silicon Valley, the e-Business visa is usually your multiple-entry pass, ensuring flexibility in your business travels over the span of its one-year validity.

e-Medical Visa: Health and wellness travelers are not forgotten. With India being a hub for traditional treatments like Ayurveda and modern medical procedures, this visa offers a triple entry over 60 days. Whether it’s yoga retreats in Rishikesh or medical consultations in Chennai, your health journey is supported.

Benefits of Multiple Entry eVisas

The freedom to enter and exit a country multiple times on a single visa is akin to holding a golden ticket. But what are the tangible benefits?

Flexibility in Travel Plans: Maybe you want to explore the Himalayas, then jet off to a nearby country, only to return to the golden beaches of Goa. Multiple entries mean your itinerary is as flexible as you are.

Economical for Frequent Travelers: Instead of the hassle and cost of applying for a new visa every time you wish to return, one eVisa can cover multiple trips. Over time, this can be a significant saving both in terms of time and money.

Spontaneous Side-Trips: Heard of an exciting festival in Nepal or Bhutan? With a multiple entry eVisa, spontaneous side-trips to neighboring countries become feasible without the worry of re-entry issues.

Peace of Mind: No need to constantly watch the calendar. Come and go as you please, making the most of your travel experiences without the anxiety of visa constraints.

Things to Remember When Using a Multiple Entry eVisa

While a multiple entry eVisa grants you greater freedom, it comes with its own set of guidelines and responsibilities. To ensure smooth travels, keep these pointers in mind:

Respect the Duration and Validity: Always remember, a visa’s validity and the duration of stay aren’t the same. Validity indicates the time frame within which you can enter, while duration specifies how long you can stay per entry.

Approved Ports of Entry: Not all ports may accept eVisas. Ensure you’re entering and exiting through the designated airports or seaports that recognize electronic visas.

Maintain Documentation: Always have a copy of your eVisa and other relevant documents handy. Though it’s electronic, immigration officials might ask for a physical copy.

Entry and Exit Logs: Track your entries and exits, especially if you’re a frequent traveler. This will help avoid any unintentional overstay and potential legal complications.

Terms and Conditions: Like all official documents, your eVisa has terms and conditions. Make sure you’re familiar with them, as violations can lead to fines or bans on future travel to India.

Embarking on a journey to India, with its mesmerizing tapestry of cultures, landscapes, and traditions, is a dream many hold close to their hearts. And the eVisa system, with its various types and multiple entry provisions, is India’s way of saying, “Welcome, again and again!” Yes, an Indian eVisa can indeed be the key to multiple adventures within its borders. 

However, as with all privileges, it comes with its set of responsibilities. By being informed and diligent, travelers can truly make the most of what India has to offer, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Commonly Asked Questions

Is the eVisa extendable?

Typically, eVisas are non-extendable and non-convertible. If you wish to prolong your stay, you’d need to apply for a new visa. Always plan your travels to avoid overstays.

Can I work in India on an eTourist visa?

No, the eTourist visa strictly prohibits employment. If you intend to work, you’ll need to apply for an appropriate work or employment visa.

Want to know more on how to check the status of an Indian eVisa application, check our guide here. How to check the status of an Indian eVisa application?

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