I recently got my UK visitor visa and would like to give back to the community which has helped me in my process.

I filled the online application on 13.04.2026 and booked the slot at VFS Hyderabad for 15.04.2026. Free slots were not available until the 20th, and since my travel plan is in the second week of May, I paid for Premium Service which had a slot available on the 15th and cost INR 5,513/-

At the VFS centre, things went smooth. Document check and bio-metrics took around 30 mins. They scanned the documents and gave them all back to me including my passport. They did try to sell me a travel insurance saying it is a part of the process but I politely refused it since I already had one (which I did not include in my documents).

On the 16th, I got a mail saying that my application was received by UK Visas & Immigration. On the 20th, I got another mail saying that my application was still processing. And finally, on the 22nd around 7:30 PM, I got a mail confirming that my visa has been approved.

Every visa I had before started from the day of approval, but this time the visa was given from 05.05.2026 which is valid for 6 months.

The documents I submitted:

Visa application form

Cover letter

Passport

6 months bank statements (without sign and stamp from the bank)

6 months salary slips

3 years ITR

NOC from the employer

Leave approval copy

Invitation letter from my Indian friend who is working in the UK along with his share code and address proof

Feel free to ask if you have any questions

I just got my UK Visa approved from Delhi, it’s an evisa.

Biometrics at VFS Delhi - 12th May 2026 Application received at gov.uk - 13th May Still processing mail - 15th May Visa approved mail - 21st May 2026

I’m a solo traveler with prior travel history to Japan, Malaysia and Singapore. Honestly, this was my biggest anxiety, but proof of job, income, account details truly help!!

On YouTube I saw application fee was 16k, but for me it was 17.9 so almost 18k INR. I opted for self-document upload (free) at VFS. But, I paid 1950 for documents quality check and 1200 for getting a UKVI account setup for linking your evisa which ideally you should get after visa is approved, but it’s just VFS…. You can avoid all these charges at VFS by not choosing these optional services :)

All in all, it was a seamless process! Feel free to ask any questions.

Recently got my UK visitor visa (6 months) - Success, so thought of sharing my experience.

Persona: Salaried, Working in Mumbai, Married, Travelling Solo

Application Filed: 15th Apr 2026
VFS Mumbai BKC Slot: 23rd Apr 2026 (Free)

VFS Mumbai BKC Experience: Carried only VFS Appointment letter and Checklist from UKVI. Nothing else. 2:20PM slot, reached 2:10PM, security let me in, went to the ground floor desk and he said to come back on 2:15pm. Walked around and went on 2:15pm, sent me upstairs. Security check and UKVI reception gave me token and asked to sit. Fairly empty. All docs were uploaded already so directly called in for biometrics, no desk or document checking. 2 mins and biometrics done. Went in UKVI center at 2:21pm, application complete by 2:30pm. 9 mins. So I guess you really don't need premium lounge?

Post Biometrics Timeline

23rd Apr 2:31PM - Got invoice cum receipt email from VFS
23rd Apr 4:39PM - Got mail from VFS that application forwarded to UKVI
24th Apr 12:56PM - Got mail from UKVI that application has reached
29th Apr 12:07AM - Got application update email saying application still processing and will be delivered within committed timelines
30th Apr 4:28PM - Application Update - Visa Successful Decision from UKVI

Documents Uploaded: Form, Cover Letter, Passport (Color with all pages), 6 months bank statement non-stamped (salary account and did 5L transfer last minute), 4 months salary slip, 3 years ITR Ack, Leave NOC from Employer, Marriage Certificate, Mother, Father, Wife - Aadhar & Passport, PF Statement, NPS Statement, Hotels & Flights (dummy)

Solid process, fast VFS & fast decision. Hope this helps. :)

I am a Master’s student from India in the US. I am going back to US via LHR and have an 11 hour layover. I wanted to explore London a little before boarding my flight. My flight would land around 6:30 am and depart by 6:30 PM. Should I apply for a transit visa? I do qualify under the transiting without visa options. Would it be advisable to pass the border without getting this visa?

Past Travel History: I have a valid visa for Australia, USA and New Zealand. I also had the UK visa and the Schengen Visa ( 3 approvals) earlier.

Hey guys,

I submitted my UK visitor visa application on 25th Feb, literally the same day the UK announced the eVisa thing.

Now I'm confused :))))

Will I get a physical visa sticker in my passport like usual, or will it be an eVisa?

Also slight stress situation I'm flying to Saudi on April 1, so I obviously need my passport back before that. My biometrics appointment is on March 9.

Hi

I am applying for UK study visa i got offer letter but main concern is i was born in Yangon,Myanmar.

According to citizenship law of pakistan i am only citizen of pakistan i dont have any ties with myanmar.

My father was embassy staff i was born there and we lived only 3 years there.

But my both parents are Pakistani so I am Pakistani and in my passport the place of birth is Yangon,MMR

Will this effect in every visa i am currently applying for uk study visa ..

I am really worries about this for Future as everywhere you have to put place of birth.

PLEASE HELP

So, I went through existing posts but my situation is a little different. I got my Schengan visa in January. My transit is in UK. The people at VFS office checked my application and they told me no transit visa is needed.

Now I am receiving mixed responses as to whether a transit visa is needed. The website GOV.UK says the same but there are people who say the info is outdated. I am unclear as to which is the right information now.

A little help would be appreciated. Thanks!

I had held a 6 month visitor visa for tourism back in 2023 (mentioned on application tourism only) I had visited the UK for tourism and to also see my (friend at the time) brit girlfriend used it once. then I got a 2 year visitor visa in 2024 april for the same purpose as the last visa, used it 4 times in total. I have got into a relationship towards the end of 2024 with my girlfriend, which then I stayed for a month in the UK to see her per visit (twice a year).

my circumstances really are the same, sponsored by my mother in my home country plus my student status. (assuming I were approved a 2 year visa, my graduation date would be 2-3 months after the visa expires)

however, since I am now in a relationship I will have to mention that I’m coming for tourism and also visiting my girlfriend on the application. so I want to know if there’s any additional evidence I need to add in? like relationship proof etc… my girlfriend is not financially supporting me nor accommodating me.

I also would like to know if the fact im mentioning my girlfriend will damage my application credibility in anyway.. or cause my application to be likely rejected.

and is my visa likely to be approved or rejected?

thanks!

Applied through Atlys, had the appointment on 8th of May, Got my approved visitor visa by 18th.

The initial process with Atlys was a little annoying as they were being slow in checking the documents and getting back to me. I had to chase them over email A LOT.

But other than that it was quite a smooth process. They checked all my documents and asked to me re upload whatever could be flagged and even gave me advice on why it could be flagged so what should be done.

My visa appointment was barely 20 minutes because the Atlys team had already uploaded my documents and everything for me. Super smooth in that.

- I also had a prior UK visa so that could have been beneficial to the application as well.

So I received 2 youth cautions at the age of 16 (arson and assault) but was never sentenced and was placed on youth offenders programme.can I still get an esta or is that just me noy being able to travel to America as my mates birthday is in feburary 2027. I am currently 17 almost 18 if that matters. Any help is massively appreciated :)

Timeline:

• Applications submitted: 10 April 2026

• Biometrics at VFS: 17 April 2026

• Application reached UKVI: 21 April 2026 (Monday)

• First decision (mine): 28 April 2026 -- Approved

• Remaining 3 family members: Approved over the next few hours

Sharing our experience for anyone in a similar boat.

Our profile:

• First-time applicants -- zero travel history, completely blank passports for all four

• Visiting a family member who's a British citizen

• Short trip (~11 days)

Caveats we worried about:

• No prior international travel for any of us

• One of us is a student, fully sponsored by a parent

• One large amount was credited to a bank account just days before the application

What we did:

• Detailed individual cover letters for each applicant explaining finances, ties to home, and the trip

• Documented every single line item -- bank statements, salary slips, ITRs, employer NOCs, host invitation, host's documents, council tax bill

Takeaway: Strong documentation and a clear, consistent narrative across all family members can offset weaknesses like zero travel history.

Got 6-month visas. eVisa system -- no stickers, all digital.

Anyone who has travelled recently to Canada through London Heathrow Airport?

I have valid Canadian Work permit and I am going via London. Will I need Transit Visa?

Hi my wife is Indian national living in uk on spouse visa until end of 2027 I’m uk British citizen what special requirements is for her to go to Mexico ? We want to go as a holiday thanks she has a job here in uk too

Indian

UAE resident

Having valid type C Schengen visa

i’ve read a ton of things all over the place. i’m going to malta this week from america (usa citizen). and in a week i will be coming home to usa from malta but i have a layover in Heathrow (3hrs). i do not plan on leaving the airport. just maybe getting some food and seeing the shops in the terminal.

can someone please tell me if i need the visa? i will be changing terminals and checking a bag if that helps! i’m just not understanding it.

also! if there are any tips on malta i will take them! i have no plans just staying in st julian’s! im leaving this week for like a weekend 4 day trip!

I’m sharing my experience to help anyone facing issues with the Saudi eVisa application process.

I am an Indian national and a UK resident, so I am eligible for both:
a) eVisa
b) Visa on Arrival (VOA)

I strongly recommend applying for the eVisa in advance. While VOA is technically allowed, airlines often hesitate to board passengers without a visa, which can create unnecessary stress at departure.

Where to Apply

1. Primary portal: visitsaudi
This is the best portal—if your nationality is listed. Unfortunately, some nationalities, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, do not appear in the dropdown menu.

2. Alternative portal (for unsupported nationalities): ksavisa
Since India is not listed on the main portal, I used this one for my own application.

Tips for Filling Out the Application

1) Use Firefox

The ksavisa portal loads poorly on Chrome and Edge (broken pages, stuck navigation). Firefox worked smoothly throughout my application.

2) Apply within 1 month of travel

The issued eVisa is valid for entry only within one month.
If you apply too early, there is a high chance of rejection.

3) File formats and size

You’ll need to upload:

• A passport-sized photo
• Passport bio
• UK visa

Use JPEG or PNG only (PDFs are not accepted).
Even though the portal states up to 5MB is allowed, anything above ~1–1.5MB can prevent the page from advancing. Compress your files before uploading.

4) UK Visa preparation

I created a single landscape JPEG combining:

• UK immigration status (left)
• Share code screenshot (right)

This uploaded without issues.

5) Avoid navigating backwards

Going back can remove uploaded files or wipe fields, causing page errors.
Prepare all required documents beforehand to complete the form in one flow.

6) Note your application number before payment

Sometimes, after payment, the application does not appear in your profile.
If that happens, you can retrieve it by calling the customer service number on the portal—but having the number saves time.

My Application Experience

• My own eVisa application disappeared from my profile after payment. I retrieved it by calling support and received the visa within 1.5 working days.
• When applying for my wife, the system initially asked if I had previously applied. I entered my own granted visa number + passport number, and her application then appeared correctly in my profile.
• Her status showed “Sent to Embassy” by default, but the visa was approved within 3 hours.

Name formatting issue (important for some applicants)

My wife has only a first name consisting of two words (e.g., A B) and no surname.
I split it as:

• First Name: A
• Surname: B This was accepted without problems.

I hope this guide helps anyone applying for a Saudi eVisa, especially through the ksavisa portal.

I’ve a business trip from India to Spain in May. My company booked flight tickets of British Airways with layover in Heathrow -London to avoid middle Easter countries. Yesterday I got to know that even if I have a valid Schengen Visa, I should have a UK DATV visa to transit through Heathrow airport.

I just want to know is it true or is there any other way. I hold Indian passport btw.

Hi everyone, I am planning to travel from New Delhi, India to Dublin, Ireland through British Airways. I have an Indian Passport but I'm studying in Ireland so I also have an Irish Residence Permit.

My transit will be at Heathrow, London and I just want to confirm if I would require a transit visa or will I be eligible for an exemption. I've went through the GovUK website at least five times now but I'm still a little confused. If anyone could let me know it would be a great help!

Hi! I have question about visa application. My company will send me to Ireland for few days work training. But I am worried about ky passport. It has light mould stain on first and last page. This stain was 3 yes ago. Do you think they will refuse because of this? Thank you

We are travelling to Zurich from Bengaluru with a short layover in London, Do I need to apply for transit visa if there is no terminal change?

Hi all,

I am travelling from Dubai to Iceland with British Airways. My route is Dubai → London → Iceland. I will not be changing terminals and will remain airside in London for approximately 1-2 hours between flights. I will not be exiting the airport or terminal.

On the way back, I will be travelling Berlin → London → Dubai, again with British Airways, and similarly remaining airside during the layover in London.

I am an Indian passport holder with a valid UAE residence visa and will also be holding a valid Schengen tourist visa.

In this situation (both onward and return journeys), would I require any kind of UK transit visa? I’ve checked online but the information seems unclear, so I’d really appreciate some clarification.

Thank you!

Hello everyone,

after a lot of saving, we are finally making our dream come true: New York! Travelling with the family during the holiday season is going to be a bit pricey, but that’s not the point here :)

Right now I’m suddenly panicking because I’m no longer sure whether my Thai wife (living in Germany

with permit) can simply transit through Heathrow.

According to Gov.uk and the information I’ve been able to find, it should still be the same in 2026, right? If you don’t leave the transit area and don’t go to Border Control, you can just go to your connecting flight without needing anything as a non‑EU citizen. She does of course have a US B2 tourist visa. Getting an extra UK transit visa now would be a bit late and also inconvenient for us (300 km trip).

We’re flying American Airlines, but the flights are British Airways codeshares. According to my research, everything should be at Terminal 5, which would be very good.

AA 7146 from Zurich to London and AA 6913 from London to New York.

AA 6941 from New York to London and AA 6899 back to Zurich.

We booked through Check24.de with a hotel included, it was the cheapest package. According to their chat AI, the tickets are booked as a through‑ticket, which would make sense. I haven’t received them yet — we’ll get them around March 20 after full payment. I’ve also contacted them again to confirm this.

What about the UK ETA for Europeans (Kids and I are German citizens)? German news articles are going crazy about it and say it will be mandatory from February 2026. Gov.uk also says yes, but also no for transit only? Getting the ETA for the kids and me would still be doable. I’m just really nervous now…

Thanks for your input.

Hi everyone, I need a help. I am applying for UK Visa. In my legal documents only first name is mentioned but while applying for visa it is mandatory to enter last name. What should be entered in that field? 1. Last name same as First Name. 2. LNU(Last Name Unknown) 3. Use "."

After months of back and fourth with the UK gov, I finally managed to get the most recent Certificates of Sponsorship data, up to Q3 2025. Thought I'd put together some quick insights and compare it to Q3 2024. Data is sourced directly from the Home Office and includes all CoS assigned for both time periods.

If anyone's interested, I've also compiled this into a tool where you can check the data for any company/role of your choice: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/uk-visa-sponsorship-check/jjdlecgjgcejnobmljdmjolnadeplapb

Just wondering if anyone here has recent experience flying AJET Airlines from London Stansted to Saudi Arabia and successfully getting a Visa on Arrival?

I’m an Indian passport holder with a UK residence visa (not ILR). Based on what I’ve heard, it should be possible to get a visa on arrival for Saudi if you hold a valid UK visa, but I’m unsure whether AJET allows boarding without an approved e‑Visa, as some budget airlines can be strict about this.

Jazakallah Khair.