Planning your travel to London? Look no further, we have got you covered by detailing the best Kolkata to London tour packages. From Visa application to your London tour tickets. We have got it covered here. Indians love travelling places, Especially during the peak summer months of July to September. More than 50% of the Kolkata tourist when they go outside India, would like to travel to London, UK. One-third of Kolkata residents visit the UK to visit friends and relatives, higher than the all-market average; over half of Indian visitor nights are spent staying with friends or relatives. Another amazing statistic worth mentioning is that “The UK was the second most visited market in Europe for Indian travellers in 2019.” as per the report published by “Visit Britain“. Even though the travel market went downhill due to COVID-19.
UK Visa Requirements for Kolkata Travellers
All Indian citizens require a visa before travelling to the UK. There are various types of Visa options available for travelling to the UK. We are focusing on the tourist visa in this article as the main aim of this article is to cover anything and everything related to travelling to the UK for tourism purposes.
UK Visa application process
To apply for a UK visa from Kolkata following steps are to be taken:
1. Identifying UK Visa Type
Going to the UK for the first time? Short term tourist visa is a perfect option for you. A short-term tourist visa allows you to stay up to 6 months in the UK.
2. Online application
Once you have identified the type of visa you need you will have to apply for the UK visa online via the Gov.UK website. You must apply online before you travel to the UK and attend an appointment at a visa application centre. The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel.
3. Pay Visa Fees
UK visa fees vary on the type of standard visa you have applied for. The fees changes without notice, please see below:
UK Standard Visa types |
Visa application fee (INR) |
| Short-term (up to 6 months, single or multiple entry) | 10,388 INR |
| Longer-term (valid for up to 2 years) | 39,057 INR |
| Longer-term (valid for up to 5 years) | 69,597 INR |
| Longer-term (valid for up to 10 years) | 86,944 INR |
| Visiting academic – more than 6 months up to 12 months | 20,775 INR |
| Marriage visitor visa | 10,388 INR |
| Permitted paid engagement visa | 10,388 INR |
| Private medical treatment – more than six months up to 11 months | 20,775 INR |
| Visit the UK in a Chinese tour group (UK only) | 10,388 INR |
Once you’ve paid your fees, you’ll be given a reference number that starts with GWF. Please make a note of this, as it will be helpful should you need to make any amendments to your visa application or appointment.
4. Book an Appointment
Once you’ve completed and paid for your visa application on GOV.UK, you’ll be directed to the VFS Global website to book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre, so your biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) can be captured. You’ll also have the opportunity to select additional, optional services from VFS Global, designed to make your application process faster, easier or simply more relaxed.
5. Upload your supporting documents
You can submit all the documents required to support your application online, from the comfort of your home, school or office; meaning you can keep valuable documents with you. Read our guidelines for supporting documents. If you don’t have a scanner available or would just like some help with this, we can scan your documents at the Visa Application Centre with our Document Scanning Assistance option. In most cases, a fee applies for this service.
6. Visit the Visa Application Centre
You must attend the appointment for your visa application. You cannot send someone to your place. Following is the address of the VFS Kolkata UK Visa application centre: VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. UK Visa Application Centre, Fifth floor, RENE tower, Plot No. AA-I, 1842, Rajdanga Main Road, Kasba, Kolkata 700107 View on Google Maps below
7. Track your application
You’ll receive an email update when your decision has been returned to the Visa Application Centre. If you can’t access email easily or would like more detailed tracking information, you can also choose to get updates by SMS directly to your phone. You’ll have to check whether this service is available at the Visa Application Centre you are visiting. You’ll need to pay a fee for this service.
8. Collect your passport
After a visa application decision has been made, you will be contacted by VFS when you can pick up your documents/ passport from the Visa Application Centre or have your documents returned to you by courier for an additional fee. Please do not attend the Visa Application Centre until you have been contacted to do so as you won’t be able to collect your passport until it is ready. Collecting your documents in person; bring the receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre and a form of Government identification. Please check with the Visa Application Centre at the time of appointment for the options available to collect your documents. Once you got your visa and have collected your passport. You are all set to take the next step of booking the flights. 🙂
You can also apply for the UK Visa from our partner iVisa by clicking below:
Flight tickets from Kolkata to London
Once you have taken care of the Visa formalities, you will have to search for the best Kolkata to London flights. The distance between the two cities is a whopping 9,200 km or 5,700 miles. So taking a flight definitely makes sense. There are many airlines that operate Kolkata to London flights. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights between the two destinations. London has 5 airports and the busiest of them all the London Heathrow (LHR). There are no Direct/non-stop flights from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) to London Heathrow (LHR).
Best flights by service between Kolkata and London
There are many airlines which operate between Kolkata Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) to London Heathrow (LHR) to name a few below:
- Air India
- British Airways
- Emirates
- Etihad
- Indigo
- Qatar
- Singapore Airline
- Turkish Airlines
- Virgin Atlantic
- Vistara
The best service and fastest Kolkata (CCU) to London (LHR) flights are provided by Qatar, Emirates, Vistara and Etihad airlines. With any of these airlines, you can reach London within 13 to 14 hours including the 1-stop change.
You can also book your Kolkata to London Flights with our travel agent partner Cleartrip by clicking on the link below to get the best deal on your Kolkata to London flight.
Top 5 Budget Friendly hotels for Kolkata Tourists
When you are planning your London trip for the first time, you really want to make sure that you find the best hotel within your budget that you have for the trip. Knowing this, we have listed down the best hotels within everyone’s budget. We have partnered with Booking.com to share the best hotel deals you can get on your Kolkata to London tour below. In case you are looking for something which is not listed below you can search for the hotel as per your desire with the booking.com search widget below.
Radisson Blu Edwardian Vanderbilt Hotel, London
The Radisson Blu Edwardian, Vanderbilt is a 19th-century Grade II listed building combining historical features and modern style. It is situated less than five minutes walk from the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum. The hotel is 3 mins walk from Gloucester Road underground station. The rooms are well appointed and have many comfort features making your stay memorable in London.
Park Plaza London Park Royal – Western Avenue
Situated 3.2 km from Wembley Stadium in London, Park Plaza London, Park Royal welcomes guests with a restaurant, bar and gym. The hotel is 12 km from central London, Oxford street. The nearest underground station is Park Royal, which is situated across from the hotel.
Hotel Meridiana – Kings Cross
Just 150 m from King’s Cross Railway Station, Hotel Meridiana is a 5-minute walk from elegant Bloomsbury. The family-run hotel offers budget rooms, breakfast and free internet access. In case you want to live in central London, the location of Hotel Meridiana is perfect to explore London City.
The Montana Hotel – Kensington
The modern and clean 3-star Montana is very close to museums, the Royal Albert Hall and Hyde Park. It has a restaurant, bar and air-conditioned rooms. Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby. Very nice location of this hotel making sure to give you easy access to public transport.
The Corner London City – Tower Hamlets
The Corner London City is situated in the City of London within 5 minute walk of Aldgate East and Aldgate Tube stations with connections to the Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines. Free high-speed WiFi is available throughout the hotel. A very reasonably priced hotel makes sure tourists who are travelling on a budget, are able to book Corner London city hotel and enjoy their vacation in London.
In addition to the above-mentioned hand-picked hotels, if you are looking for other specific London hotels which are available during your stay in London you can search and book from below:
Best London Tour packages for Kolkata Tourists
Finally, when you are done with your hotel booking, we can help you book some London tours depending on your interest, individuals, groups, food tours etc. We have listed some of the most booked London tours for you to check out and book for travellers from Kolkata.
1. Big Bus Hop On Hop Off London Tour
For first-time tourists coming from Kolkata, Big Bus Hop on Hop off London Tour is a fantastic tour helping you explore the whole city without walking along the London streets. See the sights of London aboard an open-top, double-decker Big Bus as you admire 360-degree views of top attractions and listen to the captivating commentary. This is a perfect tour to see London in a day and you can hop off at places which you would like to see and experience.
2. London Eye Ticket with Fast-Track Option
When you are in London, you really want to take a spin on London Eye. It’s a must to visit when you are in London for the time. Fast track option for a perfect Lastminute London Eye experience are available! helping you save time. With fast-track entry for your standard flight in a shared pod, you get to skip the majority of the queue and straight go in the London Eye Pods.
3. Warner Bros. Studio: The Making of Harry Potter with Luxury Round-Trip Transport from London
Step into the mystical world of Harry Potter™ with a behind-the-scenes visit to Warner Bros. Studio London. Its a perfect family outing. The tour takes full day. With luxury round-trip transport from London Victoria to the north London studios included, this 7-hour experience enables you to discover the magic of the Harry Potter films without any hassle.
4. Royal High Tea at Kensington Palace Tour
Experience the original Royal High Tea at Kensington Palace. Enjoy traditional sandwiches, cakes & scones on the grounds of the Palace by the Diana Statue. The experience is enjoyed with family and friends and is set up in a very relaxing fashion. The service is top class, and you should add this into your weekend list.
In case you are unable to find the right tour package for yourself you can browse our tours section to see more existing London tour packages.