UK visa fee hike for visitors, students to be effective from Oct 4

Starting October 4, 2023 travelling to the United Kingdom for tourism, visiting, or studying purposes will incur higher expenses. The UK government has revealed that a Visit Visa for stays under six months will see an increase of Rs 1,543 (GBP 15), while Student Visas will become Rs 13,070 (GBP 127) more expensive for travellers from various countries, including India.

According to the UK Home Office, the adjustments will result in an increase in the fee for a UK Visit Visa for stays of less than six months, bringing it to Rs 11,835 (GBP 115). Additionally, the application fee for a UK Student Visa for those applying from outside the UK will rise to Rs 50,428 (GBP 490), aligning it with the cost for in-country applications.

The Home Office indicated a 15 per cent increase in the cost of most work and visit visas, and an increase of at least 20 per cent in the cost of priority visas, study visas and certificates of sponsorship.

The move comes after British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had announced in July that the fees and health surcharge paid towards the UK’s state-funded National Health Service by visa applicants are set to rise “significantly” to meet the country’s public sector wage increase.