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UK Tourist Visa from India: Fees, Application & Requirements

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.

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Why apply for a UK Visit Visa?

The UK has magnificent gardens, more than 50,000 species of plants
The best Restaurants are there in the UK
Has the first-class restaurants
International music festivals will be held
You will get to see Breath-taking views
UK Visitor Visa

UK visitor visa permits individuals to visit the UK for a variety of activities for up to 6 months. The visa allows individuals to do a range of things in the UK such as visiting family or friends, tourism purposes, business purposes, and other permitted activities.

UK Tourist Visa from India

The UK visit visa permits Indians to visit the UK for 6 months for tourism, business, study, or other permitted activities. The UK has diverse culture and stunning landscapes and you can explore vibrant cities like Glasgow, Liverpool, and London’s Brick Lane.

Indian individuals are required to ensure that all the necessary documents are available and that they meet all the requirements.

The UK provides with a wide range of visit visas including the Marriage visitor visa, UK Visitor Visa, Tier 4 visa, Short-term study visa, and Permitted paid engagement visa. The type of visa you chose depends on your requirement.

Benefits of a UK Tourist Visa

You can stay for 6 months with a Visit visa in the UK
Visa can be extended if you wish to stay
Attend conferences or meeting
Meet family or friends
Explore the authentic British cuisine

Types of UK Visit Visas

Marriage Visa
Tier 4 Visa
Permitted Paid Engagement Visa
Short-term Study Visa

Eligibility for a UK Visit Visa

Should have a valid Passport and 6 months of validity, and the passport should have two blank pages.
Sufficient bank balance should be present for themselves and their family.
Should not intend to seek a job
No criminal records.

UK Visit Visa Requirements

The documentation required for the UK visit visa includes:

Personal details
Salary and financial details
Travel itinerary and travel history
Proof that you can fund your stay adequately
Proof that you can pay for your air travel to and from the UK
Proof that you will leave the UK at the end of the visit

Steps to apply for a UK Tourist Visa from India

Y-Axis is one of the world’s leading visa and immigration companies. Our experience and expertise in the UK immigration process make us your partner of choice for your visa application. Our teams will help you with:

Immigration documents checklist
Complete application processing
Forms, documentation & application filing
Updates & Follow-up

UK Visit Visa Fees

The UK Visit Visa Cost per person is listed below:

UK Tourist Visa Processing Time

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Frequently Asked Questions

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UK tourist visa: How to apply from India, application process and other essential things

Times of India TIMESOFINDIA.COM / TRAVEL NEWS , UNITED KINGDOM / Created : Oct 13, 2023, 09:00 IST

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If you have upcoming plans to travel to the United Kingdom, this comprehensive guide provides all the necessary information about the UK tourist visa for Indian citizens. From the application procedure and all relevant details, th … Read more

UK tourist visa: How to apply from India, application process and other essential things

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All about UK Tourist Visa from India

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Apply for a UK Tourist Visa from India in 2024

Consisting of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Sales – the United Kingdom (UK) has long been Europe’s most popular tourist destination. With diverse scenery and rich heritage culture, and everything from beautifully preserved castles to world-class art galleries – is all a testament to the fact that close to 40 million people visit the United Kingdom every year.

Indian nationals wanting to explore the United Kingdom as a visitor are mandated to apply for UK Tourist Visa from India. The UK Tourist Visa allows you to come to the United Kingdom as a visitor – as well as study for a short time or attend an interview.

Top reasons to visit UK

Great Views and Terrific Scenery
Urban Adventures in Great Cities and Towns
The Multi-Layered Great British History
The Great British Pub
Great World Class Festivals and Events
Great Traditions and Eccentricities
Great Storybook Architecture
The Rise of the Great British Chefs
The World's Greatest Gardens and Gardeners
The Great British Royals

Types of UK Tourist Visa

Who is eligible for a uk tourist visa.

You must have a valid passport or travel document to enter the UK.
You must intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit.
You must be able to support yourself and your dependents during your trip.
You must be able to pay for your return or onward journey.
You must not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits – or make the UK your main home.
You may need to meet other eligibility criteria, if you’re visiting the UK to study, as an academic, or for medical reasons.

What is the process to apply for UK Tourist Visa from India?

STEP 1: Find out if you need to apply – If you want to undertake UK Immigration as a visitor, you may need to apply for a UK Tourist Visa.

STEP 2: Choose how to apply – There are two ways to apply for a UK Tourist Visa from India – online and paper-based. Paper-based applications take longer to process.

STEP 3: Fill out the application – Visit the official UK Visas and Immigration website – and complete your application form. Make sure that all the details are correct.

STEP 4: Gather documents for your application – Get hold of the document checklist for the UK Tourist Visa. If you don’t provide all the documents you are asked for – your application will be rejected.

STEP 5: Attend the interview – You will be asked to attend a mandatory interview at the UK Embassy/Consulate.

STEP 6: Receive your visa - If your visa application is approved, you’ll get a label in your passport or a letter.

What are the documents required for UK Tourist Visa?

Valid passport
Passport-size photographs
Old travel documentation
Proof of residence
Proof of employment
Proof of educational enrolment
Business registration documents
Proof of intended business activities
Birth Certificate
A copy of your parent(s) or legal guardian's details page of their passport
The name and date of birth of the person you will be staying with
Address of where you will be staying
Relationship details to the person who is hosting you

What is the cost to apply for UK Tourist Visa?

What is the processing time to apply for uk tourist visa from india, best places to visit in uk.

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Dunluce Castle - Bushmills, Northern Ireland
Trafford Centre - Manchester, England
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Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK Government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in India set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the High Commission of India in London or another Indian consulate in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering India.

Passport validity requirements

Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into India.

Your passport must also: - have 2 blank pages for your visa

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

Apply for the right type of visa for the purpose of your travel.

You need a visa to travel to India unless you are an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder.

India has a number of visa categories. Make sure you get the right visa for the purpose and duration of your travel.

Penalties for having the wrong visa can include refusal of entry or deportation. This may also include not being allowed to enter India in the future.

For latest information on Indian visas and immigration requirements, see the e-FRRO online portal (part of the Indian Foreigners Registration Office), the Bureau of Indian Immigration website and Indian Ministry of External Affairs website .

Applying for a visa or e-visa

Find out how to apply for a visa from the Indian Bureau of Immigration Depending on your requirements you may be able to apply for:

regular (paper) visa
e-visa (make sure to check the website’s ‘FAQs’ for restrictions on airports and seaports of entry)

Check your eligibility and any restrictions before you apply and allow plenty of time for your application to be processed.

More information is available from the website of High Commission of India in London .

Applicants of Pakistani origin

If you are of Pakistani origin, a British-Pakistan dual national, or holding a National Identity Card for overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), the visa processing time will be substantially longer than other visa applications. More information is available from the High Commission of India in London .

If you are a British-Pakistan dual national, you must apply for an Indian visa on your Pakistani passport. If you have renounced your Pakistani nationality or cancelled your Pakistani passport, you will need to submit documentary proof of this.

Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders

If you hold a valid Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card, you can use this, along with your valid British passport to visit India. You do not need a visa. If you have a Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) card, you will need to convert it to an OCI card. More information is available from the High Commission of India in London and the Indian Bureau of Immigration .

Arrival, registration, and extensions

If you plan to stay in India for more than 180 days and do not hold an OCI card, register within 14 days of arrival with the Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO) . You could be denied permission to leave if you do not do this. Check if you are required to register your arrival .

Overstaying in India on a visa is an offence. Make sure you leave the country before your visa expires or get an official extension if needed. More information is available on the Indian Bureau of Immigration website.

If you’re hospitalised

If you or someone you’re travelling with has a short-term Tourist Visa and is hospitalised, you may be able to extend or ‘convert’ to a Medical Visa .

Exit requirements

You will pass through immigration as you depart India. Officials will check when you entered the country. If you do not have an entry stamp, for example if you have a newly issued passport, you will need to apply for special exit visa before you travel. This must be done online and can take between five and fifteen working days for straightforward applications. Factor this into your timeframe to leave India when you are booking flights. For further information see the e-FRRO online portal (part of the Indian Foreigners Registration Office).

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and vaccination certificates you may need on TravelHealthPro (from the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Centre).

Depending on your circumstances, these may include:

yellow fever

The Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare also provides vaccination guidance and data .

Accommodation

By law, hotels, hostels and other accommodation providers must register the stay of foreign guests with the Foreigners’ Regional Registration Office (FRRO) using a “C Form”. Please ask your accommodation provider to ensure they have done so.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of India . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Satellite phones and listening devices

It is illegal to possess and operate satellite phones in India without a licence. British nationals have been arrested for bringing them into the country without prior permission. You can contact the Indian Department of Telecommunication to request a licence .

You may also need prior permission from the Indian authorities to bring equipment like listening or recording devices, radio transmitters, powerful cameras, or binoculars into India. You can ask the High Commission of India in London for advice.

Taking money into India

There are restrictions on bringing Indian rupees into India.

Visitors, including tourists, must not bring any amount of Indian currency into the country. If you’re resident in India, you can bring up to 25,000 rupees into the country.

If you’re visiting India, you can bring cash, travellers’ cheques (in pounds sterling or another foreign currency) or a bank card with you and exchange or withdraw rupees once in India.

You must declare any amount above 5,000 US dollars in notes, or 10,000 US dollars in notes and travellers’ cheques combined.

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UK Standard Visitor Visa for Indian citizens: Complete application guide

Exploring the United Kingdom, steeped in history and culture, is a dream that beckons countless Indian citizens. To embark on this remarkable journey, Indian citizens must first apply for a United Kingdom Standard Visitor Visa .

From understanding the eligibility criteria to navigating the application process, this article assists Indian travelers with the necessary knowledge to streamline their visa application journey. Let’s get started!

Do Indian citizens need the UK Standard Visa?

Yes, Indian travelers need a UK Visitor Visa (also called a tourist visa) to enter the country .

The UK Visa holder can visit the United Kingdom for tourism, business, medical treatment, short studies, stopovers, volunteering, or visiting family and friends.

Applicants from India who are under 18 years old must also apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa . You can add your family members to your visa application by clicking “Add another person” during the application process on our platform.

Types of UK visas available for Indian citizens

Several types of visas are available for Indian citizens wanting to travel to the United Kingdom. Here are some of the most common ones to help you apply for the UK Visa that suits you best:

Standard Visitor Visa : This visa allows Indian citizens to visit the UK for tourism, business meetings, or to see friends and family. It is typically granted for a short duration, usually up to six months.

Student Visa: This visa is for Indian students who wish to pursue higher education in the UK. It’s applicable for courses longer than six months and requires a confirmed admission from a recognized UK educational institution.

Work Visa: This visa is for skilled Indian professionals with a job offer from a UK employer. It is typically granted for a specific job and requires sponsorship from the employer.

Temporary Worker Visa: This visa category includes various subcategories, such as the Government Authorized Exchange Visa, Creative and Sporting Visa, Charity Worker Visa, and more. These visas suit Indian citizens coming to the UK for short-term work opportunities.

Investor Visa: This visa is for Indian citizens who wish to invest a substantial amount in the UK. It requires a minimum investment threshold and offers residency rights in the UK.

Spouse Visa: This visa is for Indian citizens married to a UK citizen or a person with settled status in the UK. It allows them to join their spouse in the UK and eventually apply for settlement.

Note that immigration policies and visa categories can change over time. If you need a UK work visa, student visa, spousal visa, or other long-term UK visas, please find more information on the UK government website .

How to apply online for a UK Visa for Indian citizens

There are a few ways to apply:

Government process: Go to the official government website and follow the steps. The process includes answering questions, paying the visa fee, making an appointment, and dropping off documents.

Via iVisa: It's also possible to get our guidance for this application. This means a shorter application form and an expert review, and we'll make an appointment at the earliest available date on your behalf!

To apply for the United Kingdom Standard Visitor Visa with us, follow the below steps:

Step 1: Fill out your basic details on our website or handy app. Double-check all information carefully.

Step 2: Pay the iVisa processing fee online on our secure platform.

After the payment, you’ll receive a step-by-step guide on how to complete the rest of the application, which documents to gather, and how to prepare for your appointment.

Step 3: Upload the required documents and attend the mandatory visa interview at the UK Visa Application Center near you.

After your interview, the UK immigration authorities will make a decision. When approved, the visa will be placed in your passport.

Costs and processing time of the UK Standard Visitor Visa

The UK Visa fees and processing time consist of two parts:

iVisa processing: The online process of the UK Visit Visa through us takes up to 30 days for a processing fee of USD $209.99 .

Government processing: The government UK Visa fee is ** USD $127.00 , excluding the iVisa processing fee. The processing time depends on the workload and your circumstances. We recommend applying at least two months in advance.

Where can I learn more?

If you have more questions about the UK Standard Visitor Visa application as an Indian citizen or any other travel document, contact our customer support team online or WhatsApp *.

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iVisa is NOT affiliated with any government agency. This site does not provide legal advice and we are not a law firm. None of our customer service representatives are lawyers and they also do not provide legal advice. We are a private, internet-based travel and immigration consultancy provider dedicated to helping individuals travel around the world. You may apply by yourself directly on the various government websites. The source of information: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration

New Schengen Visa Rules for Indian Visitors: Key Questions Answered

Peden Doma Bhutia , Skift

April 23rd, 2024 at 5:39 AM EDT

Destinations value Indian travelers, but lengthy visa processing times lasting months act as significant deterrents. The adoption of these new regulations by European authorities reflects a proactive effort to tackle these concerns, aiming to boost tourism flow.

Peden Doma Bhutia

The European Commission has introduced a new visa “cascade” regime for Indian nationals applying for Schengen visas in India. This regime looks to offer longer-term, multi-entry Schengen visas, based on the applicant’s travel history.

Indian travel agents had been complaining of Schengen visa delays as a major challenge to the summer travel rush from India.

How does one qualify for the longer duration visas?

The European Commission can issue a two-year multiple-entry visa after a traveler “has obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years.” This demonstrates a positive travel history and compliance with previous visa regulations.

Subsequently, after granting the two-year visa, authorities may issue a five-year visa if the passport has has adequate validity remaining.

What benefits do holders of these extended visas enjoy?

During the validity period of these visas, holders can enjoy travel rights equivalent to visa-free nationals within the Schengen area, allowing for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Which countries are part of the Schengen area?

The Schengen area comprises 29 European countries, including 25 European Union member states: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, and Sweden. Additionally, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are also part of the Schengen area.

Are there any restrictions or conditions to these visas?

Schengen visas do not grant the right to work within the Schengen area and are for short stays only. Additionally, the visas are not purpose-bound, providing flexibility for travel within the specified period.

Industry Take

Skift also spoke to players in the Indian outbound travel industry to understand what has changed in the new Schengen visa rules.

How is this different from the earlier visas that Schengen countries offered? Don’t they already offer multi-entry visas with longer duration to Indians?

Mahendra Vakharia, managing director of Pathfinders Holidays, said there was no standard policy of Schengen states for issuing these long-term visas earlier. Switzerland, France, Netherlands, Italy and Spain usually issued long-term visa, but it was all subjective. “With this new policy it should be a standard rule now,” Vakharia said.

Travelers mainly complain of longer processing times, has that changed?

Here too, there is no standard processing time as it varies from country to country, according to Vakharia. “France and Spain have been processing visas within four days, and then there’s Croatia, which takes 60 days,” he said.

Processing time will not change as of now, it will take time for the visa rules to be enforced, said an industry source, while highlighting that the visa would be especially useful for corporate travelers.

What Promoted The Move?

Speaking on the possible motivations, Vakharia acknowledged various reasons, including administrative capacity constraints at embassies to cater to the huge inflow of applications.

“As there is an overwhelming demand from Indian travelers, the process of securing visa appointments has posed significant challenges , especially for travelers residing in cities lacking VFS Global centers,” he said.

The European Commission said in an statement that the decision reflects the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, aimed at fostering comprehensive cooperation on migration policy. Facilitating people-to-people contacts is a key aspect of this agenda, acknowledging India’s importance as an EU partner.

The decision also reflects a realization of the strong economic benefits derived through the spending power of Indian tourists. As Vakharia aptly puts it, “Why let go of the Golden Indian Goodie Bag?”

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Tags: asia monthly , europe , european commission , European summer travel , european union , india , india outbound , schengen , visa , visas

Photo credit: Park Guell in Spain. Unlike many Schengen countries, Spain has been processing visas within four days for Indian travelers. Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz / Pexels

Authorized Portal for Visa Application to India Indianvisaonline.gov.in

All foreign nationals entering India are required to possess a valid international travel document in the form of a national passport with a valid visa from an Indian Mission/Post or eVisa (Limited Categories) from Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs.

Visa on Arrival for the nationals of Japan, South Korea and UAE (only for such UAE nationals who had earlier obtained e-Visa or regular/paper visa for India) Available at selected Airports

Advisory: Government of India has not authorized any agent or intermediary to charge any fee for facilitation of emergency / express Visa/eVisa. For travel to India a regular/eVisa along with passport is mandatory. Only categories exempted under bilateral arrangments may not need a visa. For persons of Indian origin (all categories), OCI card is mandatory.

e-Visa - Only Ordinary Passport holders may apply for eVisa application online. Select Visa Service as G20 eConference Visa and purpose as "To Attend G20 Conference/Meeting" .

Regular Visa - Diplomatic/Official/Ordinary Passport holders may fill online application and submit at concerned Indian Embassy/Mission in their country. Select Visa Service as Conference Visa and purpose as "To Attend G20 Conference/Meeting" .

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King Charles to visit cancer centre as he resumes public duties today

King Charles will visit a cancer treatment centre on Tuesday on his return to public duties after the British monarch himself was diagnosed with the disease in February.

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Buckingham Palace announced on Friday that doctors were sufficiently pleased with the 75-year-old king's response to treatment for the unspecified form of cancer that he would be able to resume some public-facing engagements.

The first of these will be Tuesday's visit to a cancer treatment centre to meet patients and medical specialists.

The Palace has also announced Charles and his wife Queen Camilla will host a state visit by the Japanese Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako in late June.

Charles' health issues began in January when it was revealed that he would be admitted to hospital to have a corrective procedure for a benign enlarged prostate.

The following month, the palace said tests had uncovered the presence of a "form of cancer", but gave no further details beyond saying it did not involve his prostate.

He has rested and undergone treatment for the disease since then, continuing with official state duties in private. He was well enough to greet well-wishers after an Easter church service at the end of March.

Although his diary will be carefully managed to minimise any risks to his health, the palace said he might attend some annual events such as 'Trooping the Colour' military parade in June, as well as commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of the World War Two D-Day landings, also in June.

Charles' illness came less than 18 months after he succeeded his mother Queen Elizabeth. His nephew Peter Phillips has said the monarch, who is renowned for hard work, had found the limitation imposed by his treatment frustrating.

European Union adopts more favourable Schengen visa rules for Indians

Indian Nationals can now apply for a multiple entry Schengen visa with longer validity

On 18 April 2024, the European Commission adopted specific rules on the issuing of multiple entry visas to Indian nationals, which are more favourable than the standard rules of the Visa Code that applied to date. This new visa ‘cascade’ regime for Indian nationals residing in India who apply for Schengen (short-stay) visas in India will provide easier access to visas with multi-year validity for travellers with an established travel history, if the passport validity allows.

According to the newly adopted visa “cascade” regime for India, Indian nationals can now be issued long-term, multi-entry Schengen visas valid for two years after having obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years. The two-year visa will normally be followed by a five-year visa, if the passport has sufficient validity remaining. During the validity period of these visas, holders enjoy travel rights equivalent to visa-free nationals.

This decision comes in the context of strengthened relations under the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, which seeks comprehensive cooperation on migration policy between the EU and India, with facilitation of people-to-people contacts being of key aspect due to the importance of India as a partner for the EU.

Schengen visas allow the holder to travel freely in the Schengen area for short stays of a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period. The visas are not purpose-bound, but they do not grant the right to work. The Schengen area consists of 29 European countries (of which 25 are EU states): Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland and Sweden, along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

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