Uk Standard Visa for Tourists & Visitors

You will need a Standard Visitor visa if you are traveling to the United Kingdom for tourism, leisure, or to visit family and friends, and you intend to stay for less than 6 months. In addition to the UK, you may visit other countries as part of your travels, but this visa applies specifically to the UK.

Overview

The visa’s validity and the number of entries depend on the UK embassy or consulate reviewing your application, and it can change on a case-by-case basis.

Who Needs a Standard Visitor Visa for the UK?

You need a Standard Visitor visa to travel to the UK for tourism or visiting family and friends if you are from a country that is not part of the UK’s visa-free program. This includes citizens of countries like India, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, South Africa, and more than 100 other countries.

If you are from a visa-free country, you can visit the UK for up to 6 months without needing a visa. This includes citizens of the United States, European Union countries, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and many other nations.

Check if you need a visa to visit the UK.

NOTE: If you are from one of the visa-free countries, remember that starting from April 2025, you will have to get an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before travelling to the UK, even for short trips.

Visa Application Process

You must apply for a Standard Visitor visa at the nearest UK embassy, consulate, or visa application center. Generally, you will follow these steps:

1. Fill out the online visa application form available on the UK Government website.
2. Schedule an appointment at the UK embassy, consulate, or visa center.
3. Collect the required documents for your application.
4. Submit your documents and pay the visa fee.

At the embassy or visa center, you will also submit biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) and may be asked a few questions about your upcoming trip.

Once your visa is issued, the embassy will affix it as a sticker on your passport. The sticker will specify the number of days you are permitted to stay in the UK and whether it is a single-, multiple-, or multiple-entry visa.

Most UK embassies and consulates work with visa application centers, such as VFS Global or TLS, for the visa process. These centers only collect documents, fees, fingerprints, and passport information and then forward it to the embassy for review.

See a detailed guide on how and where to apply for a UK visa for short stays.

Processing Time

It usually takes about 3 weeks to receive a decision on your Standard Visitor visa application. During peak periods, such as the holidays, it may take longer.

It can also take time to secure a visa appointment, so ensure that you begin the application process well in advance. You can apply up to 3 months before your trip, although most applicants submit their applications 1-2 months ahead of their planned departure.

Paying the Visa Fee

The visa fee for most applicants is £100, but there may be reduced fees for minors and certain nationalities (£95). Additionally, visa application centers may charge a service fee that varies depending on the services chosen.

Make sure to save the payment receipt and attach it with your documents when submitting your application.

See the full list of fees for uk visas.

6-Month Rule for Tourists and Visitors to the UK

The Standard Visitor visa for the UK allows you to stay for up to 6 months in total. If you have a multiple-entry visa, you can enter and exit the UK multiple times within the 6-month period. However, the total time spent in the UK cannot exceed 6 months in any 12-month period. If you are granted a single-entry visa, you can only enter once and stay for the duration mentioned on the visa sticker.

Understanding uk’s 180-Day Rule for Visitors.

Visa Documents Checklist

When applying for a Standard Visitor visa to the UK, you need to submit the following documents:

• Application form, signed and printed
• Valid passport
• Two passport-sized photos
• Hotel reservation (or other proof of accommodation)
• Round-trip flight ticket or flight itinerary. If you prefer not to pay the full price of a flight in advance, you can secure a flight reservation through services like VisaReservation.
• Travel health insurance, which should include coverage for emergency medical treatment with a minimum of £30,000. Make sure it is valid for all UK territories.
• Proof of financial means (such as bank statements or sponsorship letter)
• Visa fee payment receipt
• Letter of invitation (if visiting friends or family)
• Employment contract (if employed)
• Proof of enrollment in school (if a student)
• Proof of self-employment, such as business license and bank statements
• Pension statements (if retired)
• No-objection letter from school or employer
• Other documents as requested by the embassy or consulate

See more details on the required documents for a uk visa.

The document checklist may vary slightly depending on the embassy or consulate you are applying through, but these are typically the essential requirements.

Letter of Invitation When Visiting Family or Friends in the UK

If you are visiting family or friends in the UK, they must send you a letter of invitation. This letter should be addressed to the embassy or consulate and should include the following information:

• Your relationship to the host
• Duration of your stay
• Whether they will provide accommodation
• A general itinerary of your trip

See how to write a letter of invitation for visa application.

Declaration of Financial Support

If your host in the UK will be financially supporting you during your visit, they must send you a declaration of financial support (sponsorship letter), which they can obtain from UK immigration authorities.

Requirements for Minor Applicants

Minors applying for the Standard Visitor visa must submit the following additional documents:

• Original birth certificate
• Signed application form by both parents
• Consent document from the non-traveling parent (if traveling with one parent)
• Court order (if applicable, in case of sole custody)
• Certified copies of ID/passport of both parents

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work in the UK with a tourist visa?

You cannot work in the UK with a Standard Visitor visa under any circumstances. You may travel for business purposes, but working for a UK employer or earning money in the UK is prohibited.

Can I study in the UK with a Standard Visitor visa?

You can take short educational courses or training (such as a language course), but enrolling in full-time studies requires a different type of visa, such as a Student visa.

Is an invitation letter required for a tourist visa?

An invitation letter is only required if you are visiting a friend or family member in the UK. If you are traveling for tourism without a host, it is not necessary.

Do I need to show proof of travel insurance?

Yes, you are required to show proof of travel insurance when applying for a UK Standard Visitor visa. The insurance must cover medical emergencies and be valid throughout the UK.

Can I extend my UK tourist visa?

The UK tourist visa is typically issued for a fixed duration and is rarely extended. Extensions may only be granted in exceptional circumstances, such as illness or other unexpected situations that prevent you from leaving the UK.

What happens if my visa is denied?

If your visa application is denied, you can appeal the decision or reapply by addressing the reasons for the rejection.

Do I need a separate visa for other countries in the UK Common Travel Area?

No, you do not need a separate visa for countries in the UK Common Travel Area (such as Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and the Channel Islands) if your UK visa is valid.

Can children apply for a UK tourist visa?

Yes, children can apply for a UK tourist visa, but they must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, who must also sign their application form.