The British High Commission in New Delhi used its social-media channels on 18 November to alert applicants that standard UK visitor visas are still facing “significant delays” because of exceptional global demand. Although priority and super-priority services remain within target, standard applications can exceed the advertised three-week service standard.
The post advised travellers not to commit to non-refundable flights or accommodation until they receive a visa decision, echoing long-standing Foreign Office guidance. Officials apologised for the inconvenience but did not provide a timeline for clearing the backlog.
![British High Commission warns of ongoing visitor-visa backlogs for India]()
The warning matters for UK corporates because India is by far the largest non-EU source market for business visitors; delays can derail deal-closing trips and urgent technical assignments. Mobility teams should build in at least six weeks for visa lead-times, use priority processing when critical and explore remote-work alternatives where appropriate.
Stakeholders continue to call for the reopening of local VAC appointments and redeployment of case-workers from lower-volume regions to India until demand normalises.
The post advised travellers not to commit to non-refundable flights or accommodation until they receive a visa decision, echoing long-standing Foreign Office guidance. Officials apologised for the inconvenience but did not provide a timeline for clearing the backlog.
The warning matters for UK corporates because India is by far the largest non-EU source market for business visitors; delays can derail deal-closing trips and urgent technical assignments. Mobility teams should build in at least six weeks for visa lead-times, use priority processing when critical and explore remote-work alternatives where appropriate.
Stakeholders continue to call for the reopening of local VAC appointments and redeployment of case-workers from lower-volume regions to India until demand normalises.
