United Kingdom
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Tourist Visa (Standard Visitor Visa):
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Duration: Up to 6 months per visit; long-term options available for 2, 5, or 10‑year multiple-entry visas
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Processing time: ~3 weeks (90% decided within 3 weeks; 98% within 6 weeks; potential delays for complex cases)
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Priority & Super-Priority services: Next-day or 5‑day expedited processing available for an extra fee
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Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA):
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Launching April 2025. An ETA (£16) is required for eligible Indians transiting or visiting the UK, valid for multiple entries up to six months per entry and two years total
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Tip: Apply 3+ months in advance. Use priority services if you need a fast decision.
Australia
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Tourist Visa (Visitor Visa Subclass 600):
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Must be applied for in advance—no visa-on-arrival for Indians
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Purpose: tourism or visiting; cannot work or study.
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Eligibility: proof of intent to return, sufficient funds, strong ties to India
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Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462):
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Open to Indians aged 18–30 via a ballot system. Registration period: 24 June – 15 July 2025
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Selected applicants can holiday, work, and study short-term in Australia for up to 1 year.
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Processing Times:
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Australia doesn’t specify for Visitor visas, but temporary visas generally are a few days to weeks; skilled and permanent cases take longer
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New Zealand
Tourist Visa (Visitor Visa):
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Duration: Up to 6 months (multiple entry) or 9 months (single entry); extendable in specific scenarios
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Requirements: Apply in advance; visa-on-arrival not available for Indians
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Fee: Around NZD 341, plus the $100 International Visitor Conservation Levy (IVL)
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Processing time: Usually 3–4 weeks once documents are in order
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New for 2026: Up to 90 days of remote work allowed under the visitor visa (“digital nomad” provision), effective Jan 27, 2025
Dubai / UAE
Tourist Visas:
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Multiple options: 48-hr, 96-hr, 30-day, 60-day single or multiple-entry, extendable online twice
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From Feb 13, 2025, Indians with valid visas/residence from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea (plus EU/US/UK) can get a 14-day visa-on-arrival
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GCC unified tourist visa approved and rolling out soon—will cover travel across all six Gulf countries (UAE, Saudi, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait)
Quick Comparison Table
| Country | Validity | Key Changes 2025 | Timing / Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | 6 mo; multi-year options | ETA (£16) launched Apr 2025; priority service available | 3–6 wk (standard); fast-track optional |
| Australia | ≤3 mo per visit (Subclass 600) | WHM 462 ballot open Jun–Jul; must apply in advance | Few days–weeks; AU$ small fee |
| New Zealand | 6–9 mo | 90-day remote work allowed; ~NZD 341 + NZD 100 IVL | ~3–4 wk |
| UAE / Dubai | 48 hr–60 day; extendable | 14-day VOA for Indians with select visas; GCC unified visa upcoming | Visa fees vary; VOA based on eligibility |
Your Planning Tips
- Begin early: Apply at least 2–3 months prior to travel.
- Gather documents: Proof of funds, itinerary, connection to India, travel insurance.
- Monitor visa ballots: Australia Working Holiday and Australia/New Zealand eVisas tend to have narrow windows.
- Take advantage of VOA: Dubai’s 14-day facility is handy if you already possess eligible visas.
- Stay informed: Monitor the GCC unified visa implementation—it should soon make multi-country travel across the Gulf region hassle-free.