Visa Guide
UK Visa Checklist for Indian Applicants (September 2026)
What you actually need for a UK visitor visa from India — and it genuinely differs depending on whether you're salaried, self-employed, or being sponsored by someone else. Here's the real breakdown, current as of September 2026.
Visa rules and financial thresholds change — this reflects our research as of September 2026. Message us before you apply and we'll confirm nothing's shifted for your exact situation.
Required for Every Applicant
Valid Indian passport with at least one blank page, valid for your entire intended stay
Completed online visa application form (via the UK's official visa application system)
One recent passport-size photograph meeting UK specifications
Bank statements for the last 6 months showing sufficient funds
Travel itinerary — flight bookings and accommodation details
Proof of ties to India — property, family, ongoing commitments — showing intent to return
Any document not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation
Then It Depends on Your Situation
This is the part most generic checklists skip — what you need next depends entirely on how you fund your trip.
Salaried Applicants
Salary slips for the last 3–6 months
Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the last 2–3 years
Employment letter on company letterhead — exact salary, position, approved leave dates, and confirmation you're expected back
Leave approval letter from your employer
Self-Employed Applicants
Business registration certificate
GST returns for the business
Business bank statements (in addition to personal statements)
ITR for the last 2–3 years, filed as a business owner/proprietor
Sponsored Visits
Sponsorship letter from whoever is funding the trip
Sponsor's own financial documents (bank statements, proof of income)
Invitation letter from your UK-based host
Proof of the host's UK residency or citizenship status
A Practical Financial Guideline
As a rough benchmark, maintaining at least ₹5–6 lakhs in your account for a 10–15 day visit — with a consistent transaction history over the preceding 6 months, not a lump sum deposited right before applying — tends to read as genuine to visa officers. This isn't an official minimum, just a practical pattern worth knowing.