Kamal Ghorui
For those planning a trip to the United Kingdom, be ready to pay more for the UK visa. Not only travellers but as per recent update from UK government, even international students, and skilled workers will also have to shell more. As of April 8, 2026, the government has decided to increase visa fees across categories which will have a significant impact on people, especially for Indian applicants. The update was shared by the UK Home Office. It said that the visa fees have been raised by about 6–7% across most categories. It is a strategy to modernise the country’s immigration system and fund digital transformation initiatives.Impact on travellersIt will impact travellers from India planning a vacation in cities like London, Edinburgh or any other country in the UK. The cost of a standard six-month visitor visa has increased from £127 (INR 15,684) to £135 (INR 16,661), which is about £8 (INR 987) hike. The hike is much for longer-term visas. Those applying for a two-year visa will now have to pay £506 (INR 62,428). Earlier, this fee was £475 (INR 58,625). Those applying for a 10-year visa will now have to pay £1,128 (INR 1,39,178). Before, the fee £1,059 (INR 1,30,649).For a Transit visa (direct airside transit), travellers used to pay £39 (INR 4,812). But from April 8 onwards, travellers will have to pay £41.50 (INR 5,121). Impact on students
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The UK is one of the most preferred destinations for Indian students. But from April 8, 2026, Indian students will have to pay £558 (INR 68,875). Earlier, the fee was £524 (INR 64,684).This hike might seem low, but the U.K is already an expensive country with high living costs and tuition fees. The accommodation charges and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) are also on top. It is an overall financial burden.Impact on workers The UK is also a choice of professionals and skilled workers from India. But the visa fee hike applications up to three years have been raised from £769 (INR 94,918) to £819 (INR 1,01,090). For those planning a longer-duration visa, the new fee is £1,618 (INR 1,99,684).Similarly, Temporary Work visas such as Seasonal Worker, Religious Worker, Charity Worker, Creative Worker, International Agreement, Government Authorised Exchange, Youth Mobility Scheme and India young professionals scheme visa – main applicant and dependants have gone up to £340 (INR 41,972) from £319 (INR 39,380).The fee hike comes as a significant upgrade. The UK government maintains that these fee hikes are important. It is important to sustain a “secure, efficient, and high-quality” immigration system. What travellers need to know
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For travellers, students, and workers, it is recommended to plan in advance. For those planning to travel, study or work in the UK, applying early and planning finances in advance is the key. As of now, the UK dream comes with a slightly higher price!Official sources: UK Home Office, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), GOV.UK, British High Commission India.
