Key Takeaways
The UK Visitor Visa, also known as the Tourist Visa, allows visitors to visit for tourism, family visits, business meetings, or short study courses, with a maximum stay of six months per visit. Employment or direct sales activities are not permitted under this visa.
Applicants must prove they intend to leave the UK at the end of their visit, demonstrate financial stability to support their stay, and meet specific requirements if visiting for purposes like medical treatment. Certain nationalities may not need a visa for visits up to six months.
Key documents include a valid passport, financial evidence, proof of intent to leave the UK, and, if applicable, a letter of invitation from UK-based family or friends. Certified translations must accompany all non-English/Welsh documents.
The application process involves submitting documents online, paying fees (starting from £115 for six months), and providing biometric information. Priority and Super Priority services are available for expedited processing.
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Table of contents
What is the UK Tourist Visa?
The UK Visitor Visa, also known as the Standard Visitor Visa, is a flexible option for those looking to visit the UK for various purposes, including:
- Tourism
- Visiting family or friends
- Business meetings
- Short study courses
The UK Visitor Visa, a specific subcategory of the Standard Visitor Visa, allows stays of up to six months per visit. It provides ample time to explore the UK’s attractions but does not permit employment or direct sales activities. Therefore, this visa suits individuals who intend to visit the UK for holidays and leisure time.
Before applying, you must check if you require a visitor visa, as some nationalities may visit the UK for up to six months without a visa. You must meet specific eligibility requirements, such as genuinely intending to leave the UK at the end of your stay and having enough funds to cover the duration of your visit.
Eligibility and Requirements
To apply for a UK Visitor Visa, applicants must meet several eligibility criteria, including proving their intention to leave the UK at the end of their visit. This can be demonstrated through ties to your home country, such as employment, property, or family responsibilities. Providing a letter from your employer stating your job title, salary, and approved leave can significantly strengthen your application.
Financial stability is another critical requirement. Applicants must show they can support themselves and any dependents during their stay in the UK. This includes providing bank statements, payslips, or other financial documents to verify your financial capability. Additionally, applicants should only plan to live in the UK for a short period of time through frequent or successive visits, as the visa is intended for temporary stays only.
Additional eligibility requirements may apply for those visiting the UK for specific reasons, such as study, medical treatment, or permitted paid engagements. For example, individuals coming for medical treatment must provide evidence of arrangements for consultations or treatment, proof of sufficient funds to pay for the treatment, and assurance that they will leave the UK once their treatment is completed.
Visa nationals must generally apply for a Visit Visa before travelling to the UK, while non-visa nationals, including EU citizens, can often seek entry as a Visitor upon arrival. However, all visitors must satisfy the UK immigration requirements, including demonstrating the purpose of their visit and how they will be maintained and accommodated during their stay.
Required Documentation
Successfully obtaining a UK visitor visa depends on providing comprehensive supporting documents. These documents verify your eligibility and help establish the legitimacy and intent of your visit. The required documentation includes:
- Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is current and valid for the entire duration of your stay in the UK.
- Recent Photograph: Provide a passport-sized photo that meets UK visa photo requirements.
- Evidence of Intent to Leave the UK: Provide documentation such as return flight tickets or a detailed itinerary that outlines your planned departure from the UK. You must demonstrate that you intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit and will stay within the terms of your visa.
- Financial Evidence: Submit documents demonstrating sufficient funds for your stay. This can include bank statements or building society books showing the source of funds and proof of earnings, such as a letter from your employer confirming your employment details (start date, salary, role, and company contact information).
- Evidence of Financial Support: If someone else, including foreign nationals, is funding your trip, such as a family member or friend, you must provide proof of their financial stability. This includes their bank statements and a commitment letter stating their willingness to sponsor your visit.
- Certified Translations: Any documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by an accredited translation.
- Invitation Letter: If a friend or family member is inviting you, their invitation letter, proof of address, and evidence of your relationship can further support your case.
- Additional Supporting Documents: Depending on your circumstances, additional documents may include:
- An immigration record and history of international travel.
- Details of any criminal, civil, or immigration offences.
- Contact details for the family members you are meeting.
- Your address and home contact details.
The specific documents required will depend on your circumstances. QC Immigration can assist you in gathering any additional documents necessary for your UK Visitor Visa application based on your specific situation.
Application Fees
The cost of a UK Visitor Visa depends on the duration of the visa and any additional services you select. Regardless of the visa type, each UK visit must be at least six months. The fees for different durations are as follows:
- 6-month visa: £115
- 2-year visa: £400
- 5-year visa: £771
- 10-year visa: £963
These options allow for multiple entries into the UK during the visa's validity period.
Processing Times
UK Visitor Visa applications generally take up to three weeks to process. It's advisable to apply well in advance to prevent any delays. If you have urgent travel needs, priority and super-priority services are available to expedite the process.
After submitting your application, you can expect a decision within three weeks. Occasionally, additional information or an interview may be requested. If your application is successful, you will receive a visa vignette in your passport, which allows you to enter the UK.
Priority Services
For faster processing, you can opt for premium services:
- Priority Service: This service costs an additional £500 on top of the standard application fee and typically provides a decision within five working days.
- Super Priority Service: For an extra £1000, the super-priority service aims to deliver a decision by the end of the next working day after your appointment, provided the appointment is on a weekday.
These expedited options benefit visitors who need to travel to the UK urgently.
Apply for a UK Visitor Visa
To complete a UK Tourist Visa application, you will need to visit the official UK visa application website. The entire process is conducted online.
1. Check Eligibility and Prepare Documents
First, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for a UK visitor visa. Gather all required documents, and remember to have any non-English or non-Welsh documents translated and certified.
2. Complete the Online Application
Go to the official UK government website and complete the online visa application form.
3. Submit Documentation
Submit all necessary documents along with your completed application form. You may also need to attend an interview at a visa application centre.
4. Sign the Declaration and Pay the Application Fee
During the application process, you will be required to sign a declaration and pay the application fee online.
5. Submit Biometric Information
Schedule an appointment at a visa application centre to provide biometric information, including fingerprints and a digital photograph.
Receiving Your Visa Decision
If your visa is approved, it will be issued as a vignette (sticker) in your passport, valid for up to 6 months. It’s essential to use the vignette to travel to the UK.
Restrictions
While this visa permits a range of activities, visitors are not allowed to work or engage in paid activities. The Permitted Paid Engagement Visa may be applicable for more specific business engagements.
Common Reasons for Visa Refusals
If your application is refused, you will receive a notice explaining why. Understanding these reasons can help address any issues in future applications. Whether approved or denied, knowing your application’s status and the next steps is crucial for planning your travel to the UK.
Failure to submit the correct documentation is a common reason for visa refusals, so thorough preparation and accurate submission are vital. Other common issues include having a criminal record or insufficient evidence of ties to your home country, such as a lack of employment or family responsibilities. This can raise concerns about your intent to return home after your visit. Previous visa refusals can also negatively impact your current application.
Our immigration lawyers can guide you through the process, help you understand the reasons for refusal, and advise you on the best next steps.
Additional Travel Visa Options & Considerations
For frequent travellers to the UK, applying for a long-term Standard Visitor Visa can be a practical choice. This option is particularly advantageous for travellers with family in the UK, as it reduces the need to apply for a visa each time you visit. However, it's important to note that the Standard Visitor Visa has specific restrictions; for example, you cannot use it to work or reside in the UK for extended periods through repeated short stays.
Different visa types are tailored to specific needs, and a travel visa may not be suitable for all situations. For instance, if you plan to marry your British citizen or settled status partner in the UK, a Fiancé Visa would be the appropriate option. It is crucial to understand the various UK visa types and select the one that best fits your travel purpose and eligibility.
Get Support With a UK Visit Visa
The UK Visit Visa is an excellent option for international visitors travelling to the UK to see sights, friends, and family. QC Immigration has helped many individuals and companies obtain these visas. Our team of immigration lawyers offers expert legal guidance to ensure your application is thorough and compliant with UK Visa and Immigration regulations.
We also provide detailed advice on permitted activities for each visa route, helping you and your family apply for the most suitable visa. Our expertise will save you time and reduce the risk of submitting an incomplete or non-compliant application.
Understanding the eligibility criteria, permitted activities, application process, rules, and financial requirements is essential for a successful application. With our guidance, we can help you avoid uncertainty and ensure that your visit to the UK is compliant, efficient, and stress-free.
FAQ
Author
Qiyin Chuah
Founder & Principal
Qiyin is a globally-recognised immigration law expert:
- Hong Kong iMoney Magazine interview on Business Immigration from High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI), 2016
- ITV News interview about the Tier 2 Work Visa quota and NHS staff shortages, 2018
- The LegalTech Book: The Legal Technology Handbook for Investors, Entrepreneurs and FinTech Visionaries on the subject of ‘Humanise with Lawtech Lawyering’ (publisher: Wiley, 2020)
- Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses UK National cohort alumni, 2021
Qiyin is an industry expert with more than 15 years of legal experience. She graduated from the University of Manchester with an LL.B (Hons) in Law and an LLM in International Business Law. Initially trained in Corporate Law, she was inspired to pursue Immigration Law following a personal Visa experience. In 2011, Qiyin founded QC Immigration from frustration of the quality of client service in the market, plus the desire to build a healthier company culture. As a highly-skilled migrant herself, Qiyin fully understands the complicated circumstances and high expectations of our clients. She has proven victories in defending our clients’ businesses, children’s best interests, women’s rights, LGBT rights and challenging Home Office refusals. Our returning clients typically stay with us for over 6 years from obtaining their very first visa until British citizenship. Qiyin regularly provides mentoring, training and supervision to other lawyers in their pursuit for similar successes.