Virgin Atlantic seeks cut in 10-year Visit Visa Fee for Indian Travellers

NEW DELHI: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UK, premier carrier Virgin Atlantic has sought an almost 90 percent cut in the 10-year visit visa fee for Indian travellers to Britain.

The 10-year visit visa cost for the Indian travellers needs to be reduced to Rs 8,500 from the current Rs 73,700, in order to unlock the business and cultural potential between the two countries, according to a Virgin Atlantic statement.

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit the UK on November 13-14.

"Virgin Atlantic has called on the UK Government to slash the price of a 10 year visit visa for Indian nationals travelling to the UK to be reduced in price to the cost of a six month visa.

This would cut the cost of a 10 year visit visa from £737 (RS. 73,700) to £85 (8,500)," the airline said.

According to airline's head of India and Middle East Nick Parker, Virgin Atlantic has been working with the UK Government on a range of proposals to reduce the cost and complexity of visit visas for Indian and Chinese customers.

"We were delighted with the recently announced visa changes for Chinese visitors. Now is the time to extend the same courtesy to Indian nationals," he said.

Significant visa reform is essential to unlocking the full potential of the vast exciting business and cultural opportunities that exist between the UK and India, he said adding, "If the UK is serious about further strengthening the economic and cultural relationship with India, this visa change should be delivered next week."

During Chinese President Xi Jinping's UK visit last month, the British Government had announced that the standard Chinese visitor visa to the UK would be extended from six months to years multiple entry, with plans to introduce a new 10-year multiple entry visit visa for the same price, £85.

The British carrier currently operates a daily service between London Heathrow and Delhi on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
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