The UK government has announced an increase in visa fees for Indian visitors, effective from October 4. The cost of a visit visa for a stay of less than six months will rise by £15, to £115.
This means that Indian visitors to the UK will now have to pay ₹11,845 for a visit visa, up from ₹10,301 currently.
The new fee structure will apply to all applicants, regardless of nationality. The UK Home Office said the changes were necessary to ensure that the visa system is self-funded and to meet the costs of processing applications.
The announcement of the visa fee increase has been met with criticism from some quarters, who argue that it will make it more difficult and expensive for people to visit the UK. However, the UK government has defended the move, saying that it is necessary to ensure the security and integrity of the visa system.
The new visa fee structure will apply to all applications submitted from October 4 onwards. Applicants who have already submitted applications will not be affected by the increase.
Impact on Indian travelers
The visa fee increase is likely to have a significant impact on Indian travelers who are planning to visit the UK. India is the third-largest source of foreign tourists to the UK, after the US and France.
For families and groups, the cost of visas can add up quickly. The increase is also likely to deter some people from visiting the UK altogether.
The Indian tourism industry has expressed concern about the impact of the visa fee increase. The industry has warned that the increase could lead to a decrease in the number of Indian tourists visiting the UK, which would damage the economy.
The UK government has said that it is committed to supporting the tourism industry and that it will continue to monitor the impact of the visa fee increase.
What to do if you are planning to visit the UK from India
If you are planning to visit the UK from India, you should apply for your visa as soon as possible. You can apply online through the UK government website.
You will need to provide a number of documents to support your visa application, including a passport, proof of address, and proof of funds. You may also need to attend an interview at a UK visa application center.
The UK government website has more information on the visa application process.
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