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How do I track my UK visa status?

Tracking your visa status can be difficult to do. This guide outlines everything you need to know about how to check the progress of your application.

Do you need help applying for a UK visa or assistance with UK visa tracking? Our expert immigration lawyers are ready to assist you with your case, no matter how complex your case is.

Phone +44 (0) 333 4149 244 to speak to our advisers today.

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How can i track the progress of my uk visa status.

The process to track your UK visa status is different depending on whether you apply from inside or outside the UK.

 How to check UK visa status inside the United Kingdom

It is not possible to track your visa application online but it may be possible to contact the relevant department processing your application.

To check your status, you may contact UK Visas and Immigration ((UKVI) the Home Office body in charge of processing visas in the UK).

You can ask about the progress of your application but you cannot receive information or advice about your personal circumstances.

The phone number for UKVI is 0300 790 6268. The phone service is available from Monday to Thursday 9:00 – 16:45 and Fridays 09:00 – 16:30. Calls cost between 16p – £3.60 per minute.

Checking your status outside the United Kingdom

If you submit your visa application from outside the UK, you will be required to attend a visa application centre in the country where you are resident.

You will have to submit your biometric information at your local visa application centre, but UKVI will issue the decision on your application.

You can contact UKVI for a decision on your application but there are costs involved in checking this information.

If you wish to contact them by email, you can use this contact page to get in touch. You will be charged £2.74 for your initial email and any related follow-up emails.

Alternatively, you can phone an English-speaking helpline on +44 (0) 300 790 6268. You can phone the helpline Monday – Friday, and it is open for 24 hours a day. Calls cost 69p per minute.

uk tourist visa track

What do you need to track your UK visa status?

To track your status by contacting UKVI, you will need the provide the following information:

Your Case Identification Number or ‘CaseID’

This should be included on all letters you have received from the Home Office and should be an 8 digit number, for example, 12345678.

Payment Reference Number

After you have submitted payment for your application, you should receive a payment reference number that you can use to track the status of your UK visa application. It should follow this format: AG1234567890/123

Your Unique Application Number

This is a 16-digit number that will be on all letters and emails you receive from UKVI.

Your Biometric Residence Permit Number

This is a combination of letters and numbers and can be found on your biometric residence permit number.

Your Immigration Health Surcharge number

If you had to pay the NHS immigration health surcharge when making your application, you should receive a number after payment. It will be a combination of numbers and letters in the following format, for example: IHS123456789

Can I speed up my UK Visa Status?

If you have used any of the following forms, you may be able to get a decision on your visa within 5 working days. This service only applies to the following visas:

You will need to download and fill in these request and payment forms from the Home Office. Only the first 5 requests received each day between 8 am and midday between Monday and Thursday are accepted.

The cost for this service is £490 per person, in addition to the main application fee.

When individuals submit their UK visa application to the Home Office, one of the most frustrating parts is the waiting time.

A quick search online for the processing times for your particular visa will bring back very frustrating search results.

Reports from other applicants will vary, from those saying they received confirmation in a matter of weeks to other reports of visa applications taking months and months.

Contact us today to track your UK visa application status Contact Us

Typical Standard UK Visa Processing Times

The processing duration for your UK visa application is dependant on whether it’s for entering or remaining in the UK and the specific visa category you’re applying for. Typically, visas requested from abroad tend to have quicker processing times.

In cases where you’re seeking to stay in the UK, you can generally stay during the processing period, provided you’ve applied before your current visa expires. UKVI provides estimated processing times on its website.

Common Reasons For Visa Application Delays

For straightforward visa applications, processing occurs within standard timeframes set out by UKVI. However, complex cases may experience delays.

Delays can occur from processing backlogs due to global events such as the pandemic or busy holiday time-periods, outstanding document verification, interviews, or personal factors such as your immigration history or criminal record.

If there’s insufficient evidence or uncertainty about eligibility, further examination may be required. If requested to submit additional documents or if you’re concerned about an interview, seeking advice from an immigration specialist is advisable. Contact IAS today on +44 (0) 333 4149 244.

How can IAS help me with my UK visa application?

IAS is a firm of experienced immigration lawyers who have extensive experience in assisting clients with their visa applications. Every immigration case is different and complex, and we understand the importance of receiving a successful decision on your application.

Your dedicated immigration lawyer will work closely with you to understand your case and identify your goal. We work with you throughout each step of the process, from assessing your eligibility, to completing your application, to liaising with UKVI on your behalf and monitor UK visa tracking.

Our immigration lawyers can also help if you want to track your UK visa status. We work closely with you throughout the entire process, communicating with you regularly and giving you regular updates. For a confidential discussion, contact our friendly client care team to discuss your case. We look forward to helping you achieve your goal.

We have offices based in  London ,  Manchester , and  Birmingham , as well as in  many other locations  throughout the UK. We look forward to assisting with your case.

Phone +44 (0) 333 4149 244 to speak to us today about your visa.

You may be interested in reading about.

British citizenship, spouse visa application, indefinite leave to remain, spouse visa extension, skilled worker visa, sponsor licence application.

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UK Visa Processing Times (Latest from UKVI)

  • Anne Morris
  • 26 February 2024

processing times

IN THIS SECTION

The length of time it takes for your application to be processed can be an important factor in deciding when to apply and when to make travel arrangements. But UK visa processing times vary considerably, depending on factors such as the type of visa being applied for, the country or Embassy where the application is made and the applicant’s own individual circumstances and eligibility.

Visa applicants are advised to take guidance on the current processing timescales for their specific type of application.

UK visa processing times

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is the Home Office department responsible for the UK’s visa system.

The processing date is typically counted from when the applicant has attended their visa appointment and submitted their biometric information, or as soon as ID checks have been completed and the application is submitted using UKVI’s visa processing app.

Processing times for in-country applications are as follows (correct as at the date of publishing):

Priority & fast-track services

Priority service and super priority services for applications being made from outside the UK are available for work, business and family visa routes.

Where available, priority processing allows applicants for certain work and settlement routes such as the Skilled Worker visa to pay an additional fee for fast-tracked processing. Priority processing provides a decision within 5 working days, while super-priority is for a decision by the end of the next working day

Priority processing is only available to certain applicants, notably those proving their identity by attending an appointment at a UKVCAS centre or those using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app . If available to you, you will be notified when making your application and given the option to purchase faster processing.

The fees for priority and super-priority processing are as follows:

Priority processing times for Certificate of Sponsorship requests & Changes of Circumstances

Priority processing remains available to A’ rated sponsors for fast-tracked CoS allocation and other Change of Circumstances requests, for a fee of £200 per application. The priority requests are generally processed within 5 working days.

What is the difference between UKVCAS and Home Office processing?

One factor that may affect the UK visa processing time is whether the application has to be made through UKVCAS .

UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service) was introduced in November 2018 to handle certain UK visa, settlement and citizenship applications made be applicants already in the UK.

You will be advised when making your application if you must go through UKVCAS in order for your application to be processed.

How might the time of year and other factors affect your UK visa processing time?

There are other factors that may affect the processing time of your UK visa application. These include:

Caseload Summer is generally the busiest time for UKVI, and other factors such as Home Office priorities may impact processing.

Where you apply from The country that you apply for your UK visa from may affect the processing time for several reasons, including the relationship and arrangements between the UK and your country, the administrative systems within each country, current conditions within either country, endorsing documents from your country or finding their equivalent in the UK, whether that country is part of the EEA and so on.

It is always advised to check with the UK embassy or consulate in your country for any such issues that could lead to visa processing delays.

Insufficient or incorrect information If your application includes incorrect information or the documentation you supply is insufficient, the processing time may be longer than expected if UKVI suspend processing to request further information from you in order to make a decision.

The best way to avoid this is to check your application thoroughly and ensure that you have all the necessary documentation to hand before you apply.

What are the different types of UK visa applications?

The type of UK visa that you apply for will be the main deciding factor in how long it takes to process your UK visa application. The UK visa that you choose will depend on your reason for visiting the UK and how long you wish to stay.

Work in the UK

There are many types of short-term and long-term work visas including:

  • Skilled worker visa
  • Temporary worker visas
  • Global Business Mobility visas
  • Domestic workers in a private household visas
  • Sportsperson visa
  • Graduate route
  • High Potential Individual visa
  • Global Talent visa
  • Scale up visa
  • Innovator Founder visa

Each type of visa will carry its own eligibility, conditions and application requirements.

The Skilled Worker visa , for instance, is open to non-UK residents with a job offer from a licensed sponsor for skilled employment in the UK.

The processing time for the Skilled Worker visa is generally no longer than 3 weeks once the applicant has attended their appointment.

Holiday, family visit or business trip

The Standard Visitor visa is generally suitable for tourism, holidays, visiting and to receive short-term medical treatment. It replaces:

  • Business visitor and prospective entrepreneur visas
  • Family visitor visa
  • Child visitor visa
  • Sports and entertainer visitor visas
  • Private medical treatment visitor visa
  • Approved destination status visa
  • General visitor visa

Under the standard visitor visa, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months.

Your application for a Standard Visitor visa should be made no earlier than 3 months before you intend to enter the UK, and it will generally take no more than 3 weeks for the visa application to be processed and a decision made after your appointment.

Under current processing times, visitor visa applications from outside the UK are taking six weeks instead of the usual three.

Studying in the UK

Should you wish to study in the UK, there are 3 visas available for this purpose, depending on your individual situation:

  • A short-term study visa is suitable for a 6 month stay in the UK to attend a course. For students over 16 who wish to attend an English language course, it may be possible to use a Short-term study visa for a stay of up to 11 months.
  • A general study visa is suitable for a longer course of study in the UK as long as the student has a confirmed place on a course and is sponsored by a licensed university or college.
  • 4 to 17 years old wishing to study at an independent school should apply for a child student visa .

Apply for the appropriate student visa no earlier than 3 months before you intend to enter the UK. Once you have attended your appointment, it will generally take no more than 3 weeks to receive a decision.

Entrepreneurs & investors

The primary route for people coming to the UK to set up or run a business is the Innovator Founder visa.  While no up-front investment is required under this route, there are many eligibility criteria that will need to be satisfied by both the applicant and the business. Endorsement will also be required before the visa application can be made.

Processing for business visas can take longer than other categories due to the complexity of the application documentation and evidence. Again, the earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel.

Joining family in the UK

The Family visa will generally allow you to join certain family members who already live in the UK if you wish to remain in the country for more than 6 months, such as spouses. You may also consider a dependant visa .

If the visa application is made from outside the UK, the processing time will generally take up to 24 weeks.

To get married in the UK

If you intend to visit the UK to get married, you should generally apply for a Marriage Visitor visa . This visa is also suitable for civil partnership ceremonies in the UK.

This visa doesn’t allow you to remain or settle in the UK after the marriage or civil partnership ceremony.

Processing, once an appointment has been attended, should ordinarily take no more than 3 weeks.

Travelling through the UK

There are two types of Transit visa . If you will be passing through UK border control and staying in the UK no more than 48 hours, then you should apply for a Visitor in Transit visa. If you will not pass through UK border control, then you should apply for a Direct Airside Transit visa.

If you will be staying in the UK for longer than 48 hours, it will be necessary to apply for a Standard Visitor visa.

Need assistance?

At DavidsonMorris we have the experience to advise you on the most appropriate UK visa for your circumstances and have the insight to make the process as smooth as possible.

As a team of immigration lawyers and former Home Office employees, we have an established reputation for effective and efficient management and processing of visa applications, and for providing expert visa-related advice to suit your needs. Contact us for advice.

Last updated: 26 February 2024

About DavidsonMorris

As employer solutions lawyers, DavidsonMorris offers a complete and cost-effective capability to meet employers’ needs across UK immigration and employment law, HR and global mobility .

Led by Anne Morris, one of the UK’s preeminent immigration lawyers, and with rankings in The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners , we’re a multi-disciplinary team helping organisations to meet their people objectives, while reducing legal risk and nurturing workforce relations.

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How To Track Your UK Visa Application - An Informative Guide

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Comprehensive Guide For UK Visa Tracking

Visiting the Brits!

VISA is an abbreviation for Visitors International Stay Admission. A visa is an approval added to a passport that gives the bearer formal authorisation to enter, depart from, or remain in a country for a predetermined time. If you are applying for a student or work visa, applying at least 90 days before your travel date is essential. It usually takes 7-10 working days for your visa to be approved and delivered to your home.

In this blog, We will review how to track UK visa applications and provide step-by-step instructions on everything from online UK visa tracking to how to accomplish UK visa tracking GWF numbers. This blog will also go over how to use your passport number to verify the status of your UK visa. By adhering to these steps, you can stay informed about the UK visa monitoring procedure and guarantee a smooth voyage.

How To Check UK Visa Status?

Your UK visa tracking can be done in three ways. Usually, people do it online independently, but one can check UK visa status via SMS and Mail. Below are the instructions for checking your visa application status;

Online Visa Status Check

  • Official Government Websites : You can visit the British Consulate's official website for this UK student visa tracking process. These websites have a dedicated section to check visa status and to track UK visa applications where an applicant enters the details to check UK visa status.
  • VFS Global or Visa Processing Centers : If you have submitted your application through a visa processing centre such as VFS Global, they typically provide a portal that allows you to track the status of your visa. You can access this portal by logging in with your application reference number.
  • SMS : Please ensure you've provided your active mobile number during your UK visa application. The consulate will send updates via email and SMS, offering insights into your application progress. You can also check your status by texting 7333 from your mobile. ‍
  • Email Updates : This option will be your last resort to check your UK visa status if you cannot use the online tracking system. Search the British Consulate's official website for the correct email address. In the email, ask for an update on the status of your UK visa. Make it quite clear that you want to know how your application for a UK visa is going. The British Consulate normally answers enquiries on the status of visas in 3 working days. 

Offline Visa Status Check

  • Through Embassy or Consulate Visits : You can visit the nearest embassy or consulate of the country you're applying to and inquire about your visa status in person. Make sure to carry your application reference number and identification.
  • Phone Lines : Many consulates offer dedicated phone hotlines that you can call to check your visa status. Prepare your application details and identification before making the call. ‍
  • Authorized Agents : If you used an authorized visa agent or consultant for your application, you can contact them to check your visa status. They often have direct access to visa processing updates.

What Are The Causes Of UK Visa Application Delay?

Many factors contribute to the causes of UK visa application delays, but understanding these reasons can help applicants in a faster and smoother application process. Here are some of the UK visa application delays you need to consider:

  • Document Verification : In some cases, you might encounter issues with the documents you have submitted for the verification process. To avoid this, ensure that all your documents are sorted and meet the specific criteria outlined by UK authorities.
  • High Demand for Visas : During peak seasons or when there's a surge in visa applications, the processing time may naturally increase. Be mindful of application deadlines and apply well in advance.
  • Health Issues : If there is any health check-up that needs to be done, do it on a priority basis. If not, then the delay in obtaining medical reports might slow down the UK visa application process.
  • Interview Requirements : In this application process, applicants are sometimes also requested to attend an interview. Scheduling and conducting these interviews can also add up to the UK visa application delay list. ‍
  • Administrative Errors : The administration should properly rectify all the mistakes that might occur during the verification process, such as incorrect information or any type of missing details. If not rectified properly, it might lead to further UK visa application delays.

How To Check Your UK Visa Application Status For In-Country Applications?

Most of the UK visa applications flow through the UK visa citizenship application services (UKVCAS). Though the UKVCAS process aims to speed up the process of in-country applications, it cannot answer any queries about the status of your application. If you need to find more information about your submitted UK visa application, then you can hear the feedback by visiting the GOV.UK website for more updates. 

To track the UK visa application status for in-country applications, you need to use an online tool to obtain information about the right department to contact for your particular application. These online tools will ask you a series of questions, such as the case reference number assigned at the time of applying. 

They will provide you with contact information about different departments at UKVI. If you require any help, you can reach out to the contact centre of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) at 0300 790 6268 . To inquire about citizenship you can get in touch with the Citizenship and Nationality Enquiries team via email at [email protected] .

How To Check UK Visa Application Status For Out Of Country Applications?

For out-of-country applications, you need to visit the visa application centre of your country. During your appointment, you will be required to provide your information and submit all the required documents to support your application. Below are a few methods which will help you to check UK visa application status for out-of-country applications.

  • Using the UKVI Website : For all out-of-country applications, visit the UKVI website. They offer a 'General Enquiry' service for a fee of £2.74 per application. This fee covers the cost of the email and any follow-up correspondence. You will need to provide payment using a credit or debit card, but don't worry; you will only be charged once your message is successfully sent. 
  • Using TLScontact Website : You can also visit the TLScontact website and log in to your account. Select 'Track' to get real-time updates on your application status.
  • Using VFS Global Website : On the VFS Global website, choose the visa centre where you have submitted your biometrics. Choose 'Track your application.' If this option isn't available, you can try the UKVI website.

Documents Needed To Track UK Visa Application

Below are the documents needed to track the status of your UK visa application:

  • Payment Reference Number : This special number can be used as documentation or proof that application fees have been paid. You can simultaneously use the payment reference number to look up the status of your UK visa.
  • Unique Application Number : A unique 16-digit number that may be found on all emails and letters that the immigration office sends to you.
  • Case Identifying Number : You can UK visa application using this number as well, an additional 8-digit special identifying number that the visa office provides in its correspondence.
  • Immigration Health Surcharge Reference Number : You receive an IHS alphanumeric number when you pay the national health surcharge. This number will help you in checking the status of your UK visa application. 
  • Passport Number : You may quickly follow the status of your visa application using the passport number that your government has issued to track your UK visa application
  • GWF Reference Number : When you initially apply for a UK visa, you are given a GWF (Global Web Form) number. Your UK visa tracking GWF number is a special serial or reference number. You can see it in emails and letters about your UK visa application tracking that you receive from the Home Office or the UK Embassy.

Here is a comprehensive guide to understand more about UK visas for Indians . Know about it and get familiar with the process, fees and deadlines for the UK visa.

Types of UK Visa Applications And Their Processing Time

One can issue numerous types of visas, depending on the reason for visiting the UK and the time period. Three visa types stand out, popularly pursued by people travelling to the UK.

1. UK Standard Visitor Visa

Validity: 6 months

Applicable: Everyone

Visa Processing Time: 3-4 weeks

Application Fee: 10,000-15,000 INR

This sort of visa would be appropriate for someone travelling to the UK for a short visit, to attend your graduation, or to stay in the UK temporarily. Standard visitors can stay in the UK for up to six months in any 12 months of the year. Additionally, one can apply for a priority or super priority visa service ( extra charges applicable) if available in the country where it is applied. One can check the UK visa status in their mail to be updated on the process.

2. Student Visa

Validity: 2-4 years

Applicable: Students

Visa Processing Time: 3 weeks

Application Fee: 20,000-40,000 INR

The student visa is reasonably valid for the duration of your academic programme. For instance, if your course duration is two years, your student visa validity will also be two years. Similarly, a graduation visa will permit you to stay an additional two years after graduation to find a suitable job. Students can check their UK visa status online or verify their identity at a visa application centre to speed up the process. As soon as you get a student visa, you can look into the best student discounts in the UK to make your student journey more seamless.

3. Work Visa

Applicable: Employee or potential employee

Application fee: 20,000-60,000 INR

You can apply for a skilled worker or general work visa if you anticipate a new job or transfer to the UK. Work visas can be renewed because you still have the same job. You could also be updated on your UK visa application tracking on the UK immigration ID check app. Your chances of getting a work visa approved can be increased if you have a job offer in hand and the occupation comes under the skill shortage list. 

Up until now, you must have understood everything about the UK visa application status, but you should also be prepared in case your UK visa gets rejected . There might be many reasons behind it; just follow a proper verification process and provide everything that is needed at the visa application center.

How To Contact The UK Visa And Immigration Department?

If you are outside the UK and you are facing problems with UK visa application tracking, in such cases, you can reach the UK Visa and Immigration Department at + 44 (0)844 8920232 . Please be mindful that calls to this number will be charged at a rate of £0.04 per minute in addition to the access fee from your carrier. From 9:00 to 17:30 on Monday through Friday, the helpline is available. You could ask questions, and address UK visa tracking information through this process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does priority and super priority visa mean, where are the visa centres in india, how much does a visa application cost, what is vfs, how long will it take for my visa to arrive.

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How to Check Your UK Visa Application Status

Paul Richmond

If you’ve applied for a UK visa, waiting for a decision can be a stressful experience, particularly if you have a travel deadline or other important plans. Fortunately, the UK visa application process allows applicants to track the progress of their UK visa application and check their UK visa application status. 

In this post, we’ll walk you through the various ways you can check your UK visa application status, so that you can stay informed and up-to-date throughout the UK visa application process.  

We also provide some useful additional information for anyone who is looking to track the status of a UK visa application, including Home Office service standards for deciding a UK visa application, how to find out current UK visa processing times, the factors that can delay a decision on a UK visa application, how to speed up a decision on a UK visa application and how to chase a delayed decision on a UK visa application.

The Importance of Checking Your UK Visa Application Status

Checking your UK visa application status is an important step in the application process. It allows you to stay informed and can give you an idea of how much longer you may have to wait for a decision. By checking your UK visa application status regularly, you can ensure that your application is moving through the process as expected and that there are no issues or delays. 

Additionally, tracking your UK visa application status can help you identify any errors or omissions in your application and allow you to correct them before it’s too late. For example, if you notice that your application has been pending for longer than the average processing time , you may want to contact UKVI to enquire about the status of your application and ensure that there are no issues that need to be addressed. 

By checking your UK visa application status, you can plan ahead and make any necessary arrangements. For example, if you receive a notification that your application has been approved, you can start making travel plans or booking accommodation. Alternatively, if you receive a notification that your UK visa application has been refused, you may need to consider reapplying or seeking legal advice regarding an immigration appeal , administrative review or judicial review .

Therefore, it is highly recommended that you regularly check your UK visa application status to stay informed and ensure a smooth UK visa application process.

What Information Do You Need to Check Your UK Visa Application Status?

To check your UK visa application status, you will need certain information about your application. Here are the key pieces of information that you may need:

Personal and contact details: You may need to provide your first name, last name, nationality, date of birth and the email address used on your application form. These details may be used to verify your identity and ensure that you are authorised to access the status of your application.

Passport number: You may need to provide the passport number that you used when you applied for your UK visa. This is another way to verify your identity and ensure that you are authorised to access the status of your application.

Type of visa applied for: As part of the process to track the progress on your immigration application, you may need to confirm the category of UK visa or immigration route that you applied for.

Date of application or biometrics: You may need to provide the date of your visa or immigration application, as well as the date when you provided your biometric information.

Place of application: If you wish to check the status of a UK visa application that was submitted overseas, you may need to provide the location of the visa application centre.

GWF reference number: This is a 9 digit (GWFxxxxxxxxx) unique reference number that may have been assigned to your application when you submitted it. You may need to enter this number in order to check your application status.

Application reference number: Depending on the type of visa you applied for, you may also have been given a 16 digit (xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx) unique application reference number. If you have been given an application reference number, you may need to enter it when you track your UK visa application status.

Immigration Health Surcharge reference number (if applicable): If you paid the Immigration Health Surcharge then you may be asked to provide your IHS number when tracking the decision on your UK visa application.

It’s important to ensure that you have all of the necessary information and documents at hand before attempting to check your UK visa application status. This will help you avoid any unnecessary delays or complications, and ensure that you are able to access the information you need as quickly and easily as possible.

How to Check the Status of Your UK Visa Application Outside the UK

1. using the vfs global website, step-by-step instructions for checking your uk visa application status on the vfs global website:.

You can track the progress of your out-of-country UK visa application on the VFS Global website:

  • Go to the VFS Global website: Start by visiting the VFS Global website at https://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/ in your web browser.
  • Select your VAC location: Select the location of the visa application centre where you provided your biometric information.
  • Click on ‘Track your application’:   At the top of the page for your VFS Global visa application centre, you may see a section called ‘Track your application’. If so, click on this section to begin the process of tracking your application status (If you cannot see a section called ‘Track your application’ then proceed to ‘3. Using the UKVI website’ below.).
  • Click on ‘Track your visa application status online’: You will see ‘track your visa application status online’ highlighted in orange.  Click on this to be taken to a login page.  
  • Enter your reference number: The reference number may be your GWF number or your VAC reference number, depending on the type of visa you applied for.  Enter the number in the appropriate field.
  • Enter your last name: You will also need to enter your last name in the appropriate field.
  • Click ‘Submit’: Once you have entered all of the required information, confirm that you are not a robot and click the ‘Submit’ button to view your application status.
  • View your application status: You should now be able to view the status of your UK visa application. The status may indicate that your application is being processed, or that a decision has been made. If a decision has been made, you may also be able to view the details of the decision, such as whether your application has been approved or refused.

If you have any questions or concerns about your UK visa application status, you can contact VFS Global customer service for assistance. Their contact details can be found on the ‘Contact us’ page of the VFS Global website.

2. Using the TLScontact website

Step-by-step instructions for checking your uk visa application status on the tlscontact website:.

You can track the progress of your out-of-country UK visa application on the TLScontact website:

  • Open your confirmation email from UK Visas and Immigration: Start by locating the confirmation email that you received from UK Visas and Immigration when you set up your visa application form.  
  • Sign into your application: Next, click on the link in the email and sign into your application on the GOV.UK website by entering your password and clicking ‘Sign in’.
  • Navigate to the TLScontact website: Once signed in, click on ‘Provide Documents and Biometrics’ and then on ‘Continue’.  You will now be redirected to your account on the TLScontact website.
  • Select ‘Track’ : Select ‘Track’ to view the status of your application in real-time.
  • View your application status: You should now be able to view the status of your UK visa application. The status should indicate whether biometric enrolment has been completed, whether your application has been transferred to and received by the decision-making centre (DMC), whether the decided application has been transferred to and received by the visa application centre (VAC) and whether you have picked your passport up from the VAC.

If you have any questions or concerns about your UK visa application status, you can contact TLScontact support by clicking on the ‘Contact us’ page on the TLScontact website. 

3. Using the UKVI website

Step-by-step instructions for checking the status of your uk visa application on the ukvi website:.

You can track the progress of your out-of-country UK visa application on the UKVI website.  Please note that this is a paid-for service. Queries about the progress of a UK visa application cost £2.74. This cost includes an initial email enquiry plus any follow-up emails that you send relating to the same enquiry:

  • Go to the UKVI website: Start by visiting the UKVI website at https://ukvi.mysecurepay.co.uk/Home in your web browser.
  • Click on ‘Start’: You will see ‘Start’ highlighted in green.  Click on this to be taken to the next page.  
  • Click on ‘General Enquiry’: You will see ‘General Enquiry’ highlighted in green.  Click on this to be taken to an online form.  
  • Complete the online form: Complete all the fields on the online form.  In the ‘Enquiry’ box you should make clear that you are enquiring about the status of your application. If the standard processing time has been exceeded then you should mention this.
  • Click on ‘Continue’: You should now be able to proceed to enter your payment details and confirm.
  • Click on ‘Submit’: If you do not select ‘Submit’ then your enquiry will not be completed and you will not be charged.  You should receive a reply to your query within 5 days, except on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and UK public holidays.

4. Contacting UKVI by telephone

Instructions for checking the status of your uk visa application with ukvi by telephone:.

You can track the progress of your out-of-country UK visa application by calling UKVI on +44 (0)300 790 6268 and selecting option 1.

The telephone line is open 24 hours a day, Monday to Friday.

Calls cost 69 pence per minute on top of your standard network charges.

If you cannot contact UK 0300 numbers, then use +44 (0)203 875 4669.

How to Track the Status of Your UK Visa Application Inside the UK

1. using the ukvcas website.

Unfortunately, UKVCAS does not provide any application status updates on its website. 

If you have any questions or concerns about the application status of an in-country immigration application, you should contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) instead (proceed to ‘4. Contacting UKVI by telephone’ below).

2. Contacting UKVCAS by telephone

It is also not possible to telephone UKVCAS to check the progress of an immigration application.

Unfortunately, UKVI does not provide any application status updates on its website (proceed to ‘4. Contacting UKVI by telephone’ below).

Instructions for checking the status of your in-country UK immigration application with UKVI by telephone:

You can track the progress of your in-country immigration application by calling the UKVI contact centre on 0300 790 6268 and selecting option 2.

The telephone line is open 9am to 4:45pm on Monday to Thursday (excluding bank holidays) and 9am to 4:30pm on Friday (excluding bank holidays).

Information on call charges can be found here . 

Frequently Asked Questions About Checking UK Visa Application Status

Does ukvi have standard processing times for uk visa applications.

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has published service standards for waiting times for decisions on visa and immigration applications.  If you want to track the status of a UK visa application then it is useful to refer to these.

If a UK visa application includes all relevant information and supporting documents (and the Home Office does not need to request further evidence or explanation) then the following waiting time customer service standards should apply:

  • Non-settlement visa applications submitted outside the UK: 90% to be decided within 3 weeks; 98% within 6 weeks and 100% within 12 weeks of the application date (where 1 week is 5 working days);
  • Settlement visa applications submitted outside the UK: 98.5% of settlement applications to be decided within 12 weeks of the application date and 100% within 24 weeks of the application date (where 1 week is 5 working days);
  • Applications for leave to remain submitted within the UK, including as spouses, workers and students: 8 weeks to be decided;
  • Applications for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) submitted within the UK: 6 months to be decided;
  • Applications for no time limit (NTL) submitted within the UK: 6 months to be decided;
  • Organisations seeking to sponsor a worker: 8 weeks;
  • Organisations updating their sponsor licence details: 18 weeks.

These service standards are the visa processing times that UKVI aims to deliver on for the processing of straightforward, complete applications, based on its customer charter .  Actual UK visa processing times can vary considerably.  However, if the service standard has been exceeded then this is a factor that can be raised as part of any attempt to chase a delayed decision .

What Are the Current Home Office UK Visa Processing Times?

Aside from its customer service standards for visa processing, the Home Office also publishes up-to-date information on current processing times for visa and immigration applications submitted both within the UK and outside the UK.  

Up-to-date information on current UK Visa processing times for all the main immigration routes can be found in our post:

  • UK Visa Processing & Decision Waiting Times

If you wish to track the status of your UK visa application then, in addition to referring to the customer service standard, it may be helpful to refer to these published current processing times in order to ascertain approximately how long it should take for your pending UK visa application to be decided.

What Factors Can Delay UK Visa Processing Times?

When you check the status of your UK visa application you should be aware that there are a number of factors which can delay UK visa processing times and cause the customer service standard and/or the current processing time to be exceeded, including: 

  • The complexity of the case, for example if it involves an assessment of Article 8 ECHR rights or derivative rights of EEA extended family members; 
  • Concerns regarding suitability requirements such as criminality; 
  • Consideration of any adverse immigration history; 
  • Any concerns regarding the authenticity of documents; 
  • The volume of documents provided; 
  • Whether further investigations are required or an interview scheduled; 
  • The capacity of caseworkers; and 
  • The time of the year.

If you are looking to check your UK visa application status then it is worth keeping in mind that there is no published service standard for waiting times for more complex applications and UKVI has a wide margin of appreciation with regard to the timing of their decisions.

How Can I Get a Faster Decision on a UK Visa Application?

UK Visas & Immigration offers a ‘priority service’ and a ‘super priority service’ for applicants who, for an additional fee, wish to receive a faster decision on their UK visa application.  Selecting one of these premium services at the point of application will ensure that an application is placed at the front of the queue at every stage of the decision-making process. 

In our comprehensive guide to UK Visa Premium and Priority Services, we look at the Priority Service and Super Priority Service in detail, covering everything from processing times, to current availability, costs and whether an application is likely to be suitable for an expedited decision:  

  • A Guide to UK Visa Premium and Priority Services

How Can I Chase a Delayed UK Visa Application?

It is deeply frustrating when the Home Office takes longer than stated on its website to process a visa or immigration application. If the processing of your UK visa application has been delayed then, as well as tracking the progress on your UK visa application, you may wish to consider taking additional steps to chase a decision on your UK visa application.

We explain how to chase a delayed UK Visa or immigration decision in 6 steps in our post:

  • How to Chase a Delayed UK Visa Application

In conclusion, checking your UK visa application status is a crucial step in the application process, as it will allow you to stay informed and up-to-date on the progress of your application. 

Whether you use the VFS Global website, the TLScontact website, the UKVI website or the UKVI telephone enquiry lines, it’s important to ensure that you have all the necessary information to hand before checking your status. 

Remember to be patient, as processing times can vary depending on the type of visa you have applied for and the nature of your application.  

By following the steps outlined in this post, you’ll be able to check your UK visa application status with ease and plan your next steps accordingly. Good luck with your application!

Contact Our Immigration Lawyers

For expert advice and assistance in relation to a UK visa application or immigration appeal, contact our immigration barristers on 0203 617 9173 or complete the online enquiry form below.

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How to Track your UK Visa Application Status

How to Track your UK Visa Application Status

Amar Ali Immigration Solicitors

By Amar Ali, Immigration Solicitor

Note: If we are not your lawyers who represented your case or applied for your visa, we cannot help you to check your visa application status unfortunately. Please contact UKVI (Home Office) for your visa status enquiries. For more information, please find in this content.

Having worked with thousands of UK immigration clients from around the world over many years, we know just how nerve-wracking it can be to wait for the outcome of a visa application. In this article, we are going to discuss how to check the progress of your application, what to expect when a decision is made, why some applications can be delayed, and what you can do if you receive a rejection of your application.

How will you know if your visa is approved?

You will receive a communication from UK Visas and Immigration regarding whether your visa has been approved or denied, typically in the form of a letter, a text message, and/or email.

If you are outside of the UK, you will receive a sticker (called a “vignette”) that allows you to travel to the UK. Your vignette will contain:

  • The type of visa you have been issued
  • The start and end dates of your visa
  • The conditions of your visa (e.g. whether you can work).

If you submitted your passport during your application process, you will receive it back with the vignette inside, or if you kept your passport after application, you will need to return to your local immigration centre to receive your vignette. The vignette needs to go into your passport, and you will need to present it on your arrival in the UK. For those planning to stay in the UK for longer than six months, you will have 10 days to collect your Biometric Residence Permit. Where you collect your Biometric Residence Permit from will depend on where you specified in your application.

If you are applying from the UK, then you should receive a letter or email that confirms that your application is approved. Once approved, your Biometric Residence Permit should arrive with you by courier within 7 - 10 days of receiving your decision letter. If your Biometric Residence Permit does not arrive, you must report it lost to UKVI, so they may issue another permit.

In all cases, when waiting for a visa decision, we highly recommend checking your email “spam” folder for any emails from the Home Office. We have seen many cases whereby applicants have received a decision, but they were unaware because the email was not showing in their “inbox” folder.

The process of checking the progress of your UK visa application will depend on whether you applied from inside or outside the UK, as we explain below.

Checking UK visa applications made outside the UK

If you applied for your UK visa from outside the UK, you will not be able to check the progress of your application online, but you can contact UKVI for an update.

The UKVI contact centre in the UK can assist with any of the following types of queries:

  • General queries about applying for a visa to come to the UK
  • Questions about the progress of your application
  • Technical problems with your application
  • Made a mistake in your online application
  • Problems logging into your account or with your password
  • Problems with making a payment to UKVI online or pending payments

There are two main methods of contacting the UKVI contact centre: 1) submitting an online query or 2) phoning UKVI.

  • Submitting an online query outside the UK

You can email your enquiry to the UKVI contact centre 1 , however, to do so, you will first need to pay a small fee of £2.74 online 2 . This fee covers your initial email and any following emails on the same matter. UKVI explains that you will need a credit or debit card to use this service and that you will need to enter your payment details before sending your message.

Responses to email enquiries should be received from UKVI within 5 working days.

  • Telephone: +44 (0)300 790 6268 (or +44 (0)203 875 4669 if you cannot dial 0300 numbers) and select option 1
  • Monday to Friday, 24 hours
  • Calls cost 69 pence per minute on top of your standard network charges

Checking UK visa applications made inside the UK

For an update on an application made inside the UK, you can phone UKVI using the following details:

  • Telephone: 0300 790 6268 - select option 1, then option 2
  • Monday to Thursday (excluding bank holidays), 9am to 4:45pm
  • Friday (excluding bank holidays), 9am to 4:30pm

What do you need to provide to track your UK visa status?

To track your visa status with UKVI, you may be asked for some or all of the following information:

  • Your case reference number or case ID (this is a number provided when you submitted your application)
  • Payment Reference Number – you will have received this when paying your application fee
  • Unique application number – this is provided on correspondence from UKVI
  • Your Biometric Residence Permit Number – if you have one.

All of this information will be included in your correspondence or emails from UKVI.

Reasons for a UK visa decision delay

The Home Office publishes average processing times 3 for each type of visa they handle. Applications that are straightforward and where all information and payments have been provided will typically be processed within this standard timescale (or within the 1 or 5 working day timescale if you use the priority or super-priority / premium services)

Applications may be delayed for a number of reasons, including:

  • Due to the complexity of the application
  • Where more information or supporting documentation is required before a decision can be made
  • A large backlog of applications at the UKVI process centre
  • You are required to attend an interview to verify supporting documents or to provide more details before a decision can be made
  • Due to certain aspects of your history (e.g. criminality).
  • Where there is a discrepancy found in the details provided (e.g. where you have declared a certain income, but this differs from the information held by HMRC).

Can I speed up my visa application decision process?

In many cases, delays can be avoided by engaging the services of an immigration solicitor who is well versed in spotting issues that may give rise to problems and which need to be dealt with in the initial application submission.

If you need a faster decision on your visa application than the standard processing time, it is always best to use one of UKVI’s enhanced services. Depending on the type of visa application and where you are located, you may have the option of using the priority application service, which provides a decision within 5 working days for an additional cost of £500. You may also be able to use the super-priority service, which provides a decision within 1 working day for an additional cost of £800.

Details on these services and whether these can be used for your visa type and location can be found on the UKVI website 4 .

What to do if your UK visa application is rejected?

If your application is refused, the letter or email you receive will explain the reasons why and the options now available to you, including whether you can appeal or bring an Administrative Review if you believe an error has been made by UKVI.

In any event, we recommend speaking to a specialist immigration lawyer if you receive a refusal on your application. Depending on your circumstances, instead of appealing or lodging an Administrative Review, they may recommend submitting a new application, applying for a different type of visa or immigration status (such as Indefinite Leave to Remain ), or even applying for a Judicial Review (challenging the legal basis for decision in court).

How can Reiss Edwards help?

Reiss Edwards have a wealth of experience in guiding individuals and businesses, including some of the world’s largest multinationals, through the end-to-end process of gaining UK visas – whether for work, family, business, investment, or for any other purpose. Our team of specialist immigration Solicitors can:

  • Secure the immigration status of you and your children
  • For businesses, advise on work visa and sponsor licence strategy
  • Quickly review your case and explain all of your options
  • Deal with the Home Office throughout the application process
  • Review your visa application prior to submission
  • Handle your visa application on your behalf
  • Handle appeals, Administrative Reviews and Judicial Reviews on your behalf, ensuring you have the very best chance of success.

References:

1 GOV.UK: Help with your visa application or other problems

2 GOV.UK: Contact UK Visas and Immigration from outside the UK

3 GOV.UK: Visa decision waiting times: applications outside the UK

4 GOV.UK: Get a faster decision on your visa or settlement application

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The United Kingdom is amongst the most frequently visited destinations for travellers in the world. What adds to UK’s allure is its proximity with the Schengen region that opens up seamless tourism opportunities for travellers if they combine their UK travel with a visit to continental Europe, to behold its many brilliant landscapes and landmarks. In order to make your UK visa application process hassle-free and convenient, UK Visas and Immigration and VFS Global offer you an exclusive array of value-added services.

This is in addition to the Premium Lounge facility and the On Demand Mobile Visa services available at the UK visa application centres.

Choose from any of these time-saving services:

Keep Your Passport When Applying

If you need to apply for multiple visas, such as a UK / Schengen combination, or wish to make a short trip while waiting for your UK visa to be processed,

you will find the ‘Keep My Passport When Applying’ service at the UK Visa Application Centre very helpful. After enrolling your biometrics and submitting your visa application at the UK visa application centre, if you have opted for this service, your passport is handed back to you.

This is extremely useful if you want to carry on with another country’s visa application formalities, as this service allows you to keep your passport with you.

You can keep your passport with you until the UK embassy makes a decision regarding your visa, one way or the other.

Once the decision is made, you will be called once again to complete the procedures as required by the embassy.

The visa application centres of UK and Schengen countries are often conveniently located next to each other at the VFS Global centres. This facility enables applicants to finish the visa formalities of multiple countries along with that of UK in a single day.

Super Priority and Priority Visas

Need a visa at short notice? The Super Priority and Priority Visa services are options for those who need to travel urgently.

For Priority Visa applicants, the process takes 3–5 days, while for Super Priority Visa applicants, this speeds up to a single business day. Super Priority Visa Service is available at VFS Global’s UK visa application centres in New Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai. Do note that the eligibility for application for either of these services may vary.

Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

UK tourist visa: Requirements and application procedure

Updated: September 9, 2023

United Kingdom UK Tourist Visa Image

The UK tourist visa requirements are clear and easy to understand. UK tourist visa application is online but the rest of the process requires an in-person appointment for biometrics.

The UK or the United Kingdom is comprised of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. To visit any of these four countries, you would need a UK tourist visa. UK tourist visas are valid for 6 months and you can stay up to 180 days in the UK.

The UK tourist visa application process is long and there is no status tracking. Make sure to start your UK visa process at least two months from your intended date of travel to the UK.

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UK TOURIST VISA REQUIREMENTS BY NATIONALITY

United Kingdom Tourist Visa Requirements by Nationality

Minimum passport validity required to enter the UK

  • Passport must be valid for the entire stay in the UK

Visa EXEMPT nationalities

Unlimited entry.

  • This requirement will change from 01 Jan 2021 when UK will no longer be part of the EU
  • Czech Republic
  • Liechtenstein
  • Netherlands
  • Switzerland

6-month entry

  • You must carry all documents needed for a visitor visa to show at the port of entry if asked
  • Visa is REQUIRED if you have a criminal record or refused entry into the UK before
  • Anguilla (British territory)
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Bermuda (British territory)
  • Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba (Dutch territory)
  • British Virgin Islands (British territory)
  • Cayman Islands (British territory)
  • Costa Rica
  • El Salvador
  • Falkland Islands (British territory)
  • Hong Kong
  • Marshall Islands
  • Montserrat (British territory)
  • New Zealand
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Pitcairn Island (British territory)
  • San Marino
  • Solomon Islands
  • South Korea
  • St Kitts and Nevis
  • St Lucia
  • St Maarten
  • St Vincent and The Grenadines
  • Timor Leste
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Turks and Caicos Islands (British territory)
  • United States of America
  • Vatican City

Visa REQUIRED nationalities

  • Afghanistan
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Burkina Faso
  • Cape Verde
  • Central African Republic
  • Congo, Dem. Rep. of
  • Congo, Rep. of
  • Cote d’Ivoire
  • Dominican Republic
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • North Korea
  • North Macedonia
  • Palestinian Territories
  • Philippines
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Sierra Leone
  • South Africa
  • South Sudan
  • Sri Lanka
  • São Tomé and Principe
  • Turkmenistan

Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) required nationalities

  • United Arab Emirates

24-hour VISA-FREE entry at Heathrow airport

  • Eligible to request a 24-hour VISA-FREE entry at London’s Heathrow airport if holding a valid visa from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or any EU/Schengen country
  • Must be in transit to/from the country of visa (Ex: if holding a Canada visa, you must be in transit to/from Canada only)
  • Onward flight must be within 24 hours (on the same day or next day before midnight)
  • Granting the 24-hour entry is at the sole discretion of the immigration officer
  • Applies to all nationalities

BONUS (FREE eBook Download): Travel 56 countries VISA-FREE with a visa from the US, Canada, Schengen, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan or Singapore

UK TOURIST VISA APPLICATION PROCESS

United Kingdom UK Tourist Visa Requirements - Visa Application

First, check if you need a visitor visa to travel to the UK in the “UK tourist visa requirements by nationality” section above.

Alternatively, you can check your eligibility and requirements on the UK gov website .

Validity of UK tourist visa

UK tourist visas are valid for 6 months from the date of visa issue.

Example: If your UK visa was issued on January 15, the visa will be valid until July 15. 

NOTE There have been instances where visas were issued with validity starting from the date of travel mentioned in the visa application. 

When to apply for UK visa

You can apply for a UK visa up to 3 months in advance.

Example: If you plan to visit the UK on April 15, you can apply for your UK visa on or after January 16.

Also, keep in mind that you must apply for your UK visa at least 3 weeks prior to your travel, otherwise, you may not receive your visa on time. There are no refunds if you receive your visa after your travel date. 

IMPORTANT The UK visa process can take up to 3 weeks and even longer in some cases. I strongly recommend applying for your UK visa at least 2 months in advance.

How long can you stay in the UK?

The UK tourist visa allows you to stay up to 180 days in the UK. But if you stay that long continuously in the UK on a tourist visa, you will have serious trouble getting another UK visa in the future or entering the UK next time.

Here is my advice. Stick to the days you have mentioned in your UK visa application. A few days more or less is fine. But staying months on your UK tourist visa will pretty much look like you “live in the UK” rather than “vacation/holiday”. 

Application procedure

The UK visa application is online. You must apply for the visa online at the UK Visas and Immigration website

Below are the steps you will go through for your UK tourist visa application

  • Go to the UK Visas and Immigration website
  • Select your preferred language, type of visa, your country, nearest visa application center, etc
  • Create a login using email and password
  • Complete in the application form
  • Sign the declaration
  • Pay visa fee
  • Submit the application
  • Download and print the submitted visa application form
  • Make an appointment at your nearest UK visa application center
  • Attend the appointment at your nearest UK visa application center
  • Submit your passport, visa application and supporting documents at the visa application center
  • If applying from the US, Australia or New Zealand, mail your passport, visa application and biometrics receipt to your nearest visa application center
  • Pickup/receive the passport when the visa decision is made

Below are some of the information you will provide in the application form

  • Your travel dates to the UK
  • Your hotel address and telephone number in the UK
  • Your total estimated cost for the trip
  • Your present home address and how many years you’ve lived there
  • Your parents’ names and their dates of birth
  • Your annual income
  • Your travel history for the past 10 years
  • Your employer details including the address and telephone number

Templates for UK visa by Visa Traveler

Documents required

The following are the documents required for UK visitor visa application 

  • Completed online visa application form with GWF number
  • A passport-size photo (optional)
  • If employed – an employment letter on company letterhead indicating your length of employment, salary, role, etc.
  • If self-employed – a business registration document indicating your business name, date of business, etc.
  • If student – a letter from the school/university on the letterhead indicating your enrollment, leave of absence, etc.
  • Proof of funds ( bank statements or payslips for the last 6 months)
  • Proof of legal residence (if applying from a 3rd country. you must submit a copy of your visa or residence permit of that country)

Do you need flight tickets and hotel bookings for the UK visa application?

UKVI has stopped asking for flight tickets and hotel bookings for UK visa applications. But some nationalities are still being asked to submit flight tickets and hotel bookings.

When you complete your online UK visa application, you will see a checklist of documents to be uploaded. Check if you are asked to submit flight tickets and hotel bookings.

Even if you are asked to submit your flight tickets and hotel bookings, you should not book any flights/hotel until your UK visa is approved.

For flights, get a price quote from British Airways which can be used as a flight itinerary for your UK visa application. Visa ticket booking agencies such as DummyTicket offer flight itineraries for the UK visa for $19, valid for 2-3 weeks.

For hotel, book a refundable or pay at check-in hotel on booking.com or Expedia . Cancel the booking after your visa is approved.

For more options, check out my detailed flight itinerary and hotel reservation articles.

Photo requirements

A passport-size photo is only required if are exempt from biometrics. All tourist visa applicants MUST give their biometrics. Your fingerprints and digital photos are taken during your biometrics appointment.

Since all tourist visa applicants MUST give their biometrics, a passport-size photo is not required. But, I suggest bringing one with you on the day of your biometrics appointment just in case.

Visa application fee

The UK tourist visa application fee is £95 GBP. You will pay this fee in your local currency. Due to exchange rates, you may end up paying about £2 – £5 GBP more.

You can use the UK home office visa fee wizard to find out the exact visa fee that you would need to pay in your local currency. 

If you are applying for a long-term UK tourist visa, below is the visa fee for 2, 5 and 10-year tourist visas. 

  • 2 years: £361 GBP
  • 5 years: £655 GBP
  • 10 years: £822 GBP

Visa appointment

As part of the online application process, you will be prompted to make a visa appointment at your nearest UK Visa Application Center . Visa Application Centers are run by either VFSGlobal or TLSContact in conjunction with UK Visas and Immigration.

On the day of the appointment, you will give your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) and submit your original documents. You must bring all your original documents along with one photocopy of each including your passport.

Applicants from the USA, Australia (Adelaide and Hobart only) and New Zealand

You must give your biometrics at your nearest Biometric Enrollment Center and later send/post your documents to the nearest UK Visa Application Center.

During your online UK visa application, you will be prompted to make a biometrics appointment at your nearest Biometric enrollment center.

  • Biometric enrollment centers in the USA are run by the US Homeland Security.
  • Biometric enrollment centers in Australia are run by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.
  • Biometric enrollment centers in New Zealand are run by Immigration New Zealand.

The biometrics appointment takes about 10-15 minutes. You will give your fingerprints and photo. You will receive an acknowledgment stamp on the biometric appointment confirmation.

You must then mail your original passport, visa application, biometric confirmation with the stamp, supporting documents and return postage to the UK Visa Application Center you have selected during your online visa application.

You will be notified via email when the UK Visa Application Center receives your documents.

Visa processing time

The UK tourist visa processing takes up to 3 weeks. There have been incidents where UKVI has taken over 2 months to process, especially when the visa applications are “not straightforward”.

UKVI considers a visa application “not straightforward” if additional information is required to process the visa. Additional information can be, verifying information, background check or requesting additional documents. UKVI usually notifies you in such cases and requests any additional documentation necessary.

Keeping such incidents in mind, ALWAYS apply for your UK visa at least 2 months prior to your travel.

If you have to travel sooner, you should purchase the “Priority Visa Service” while applying online. Or at least before you mail/submit your documents. This way your visa application will be processed within 5 working days.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE When I applied for my UK visa, the visa processing time was about 2 weeks. I had a planned trip to Canada before my trip to the UK. My trip to Canada was in 4 weeks, so I thought I had enough time to apply for my UK visa. However after I submitted my passport, the email confirmation said the visa process would take up to 4 weeks. I panicked. I went ahead and paid for the priority visa service. I panicked again. Then I emailed a formal visa withdrawal request, so I could at least get my passport back and make my trip to Canada. However, my visa was processed within 2 days of paying the priority visa service fee. Please do not make the same mistake as I did. Apply for your UK visa at least 2 months prior to your travel.

Visa application status tracking

Online visa application tracking is NOT AVAILABLE on the UK Visas and Immigration website. To track your UK visa application status, you must use UK Visas and Immigration’s email or phone option, which unfortunately is NOT FREE.

UKVI charges for all phone and email inquiries. 

Below are UK Visa and Immigration phone, email details and charges.

PHONE Telephone: +44 2034811736 Available 24 hours from Monday to Friday Calls cost £1.37 per minute plus any international call charges

EMAIL Email communication must be initiated via Email UK Visas and Immigration Email inquiries cost £5.48. Follow-up emails after that are not charged. You will receive a response to your email within 2 working days.

You must give out your credit card information for billing when you start the phone inquiry. For email, you must fill out the payment form and then you can submit your email inquiry.

PERSONAL OPINION Email inquiries generally receive a standard response saying that your application is “in process”. Phone inquiries are slightly better and cheaper.

Priority visa service

If you would need to travel to the UK urgently, you can opt for the “Priority Visa Service”.  This service is expensive and may not be available in all countries. If available, you will see the option in your online UK visa application. 

  • Priority visa service fee: £220 GBP
  • Visa processing time: Guaranteed in 5 working days

Priority visa service must be purchased during your online visa application. This will ensure your visa is processed within 5 days.

Purchasing this service after you have submitted/mailed your documents will take much longer than 5 working days. You must first pay the fee on the Visa Application Center (VAC) website and then email the receipt to the Visa Application Center where you have submitted/sent your documents. It can take more than a day for the VAC staff to locate your packet and push it into the priority queue

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE I purchased my priority service after I had mailed my documents. My visa application was approved within two days of buying the priority visa service.

Super priority visa service

If you would need to travel to the UK immediately, you can opt for “Super Priority Visa Service”. This service comes with a hefty price tag, so purchase this service only in super urgent, emergency cases. 

  • Super priority visa service fee: £956 GBP
  • Visa processing time: Guaranteed in 24 hours

Cancel your UK visa application

If you haven’t given your biometrics at the visa application center yet, you can cancel your UK visa application and get a full refund of your visa fee. The procedure to cancel your UK visa application depends on at what stage your application is in.

Application not submitted and fee not paid : If you haven’t paid your fee and haven’t submitted your application, there is a “Delete Application” option that will delete your current visa application.

Application not submitted but fee already paid : If you have already paid your fee and have not yet submitted your application, you can still delete your application but you may have to send a formal refund request in writing to the visa application center.

Application submitted, fee paid but haven’t given your biometrics : If you haven’t given your biometrics at VFS/BLS, you can cancel your application and request for a refund. The refunds take 4 weeks. 

Application submitted, fee paid, biometric given , and documents/passport already submitted: If you have already given your biometrics and submitted your documents/passport, you CANNOT cancel your visa application anymore. You can only WITHDRAW your visa application. You must email the visa application center a formal withdrawal request. Upon receipt of the withdrawal request, the visa application center will return/mail your passport back. Any visa fee and priority service fee paid are not refundable. 

IMPORTANT Even though UKVI says the refunds are processed in 4 weeks, it usually takes 8 weeks or even longer. There have been instances where applicants waited several weeks and some even gave up on their refunds. However, I have seen applicants having success in getting their refunds by reminding UKVI with phone calls or emails. It costs about $5 USD to email them, but it helps in getting your refund eventually. 

Withdraw your UK visa application

The UK visa application center keeps the passport for the entirety of the visa process, which could be 3 weeks or more. There may be emergencies where you need to have your passport with you. The only way to request your passport back is by formally withdrawing your visa application. 

If you withdraw your application, the visa fee and any priority service fee you have paid are NOT refundable.

To withdraw a visa application, you must submit a withdrawal request along with the reason for the withdrawal to the visa application center via email. It might take up to 72 hours for the consulate to locate your packet and send it back to you.

You must first call/email the UK Visas and Immigration mentioning your intention to withdraw your application. They will guide you through the process of withdrawing your application. Usually, the UK visa application withdrawal request should be a signed document with personal information including the GWF number. This document must be printed and signed. It must be scanned and emailed to the visa application center. Below is a sample withdrawal request letter.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I hereby request to withdraw my UK visa application. I understand that the visa fee is non-refundable. I also understand that my package may not be shipped for up to 72 hours.

Full Name of the Applicant: <name> GWF Number: <GWF number> Date of Birth: <date of birth> Nationality: <Nationality> Country of Residence: <Country of residence> Passport number: <Passport number> Type of Visa Applied: General Visit (up to 6 months) Biometric taken date:  <biometric date> Visa application centre’s address:  <address of the visa application center where you have submitted your documents> Contact number of the applicant: <Your phone number>

Priority Service Paid: <YES/NO> Priority Service Paid On: <Priority service purchased date>

Reason for Withdrawal: Emergency international travel has been scheduled. I need to have my passport in order to travel. Please return my passport as soon as possible. Thank you!

<Your signature here> Signed: <Your full name> Date: <date>

IMPORTANT Cancellation or withdrawal is NOT a refusal. It WILL NOT affect your future UK visa applications. You don’t need to mention it in your future UK visa applications either.

ENTERING AND LEAVING THE UK

United Kingdom UK Tourist Visa Requirements - UK Currency

Entering the UK by air

At the immigration, the officers may ask you questions about your trip, how long you plan to stay, your next destination, etc. You may be asked to show your return/onward ticket and your hotel booking. If you are traveling on a one-way ticket, you can use OnwardTicket to get proof of your onward ticket. 

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: The immigration officer at Heathrow Airport asked me to show my return/onward ticket. I had a print of my onward ticket, so quickly took it out and gave it to the immigration officer.

Get a proof of onward ticket for your trip from OnwardTicket

Leaving the UK by air

If you are flying out of Heathrow Airport, make sure to arrive early. The airport is huge and you may have to take a bus from the gate to the flight.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GWF number in UK visa application ?

GWF reference number is the unique visa application number that was provided to you on your visa application submission. You must provide your GWF number when calling or emailing UK Visas and Immigration. Without the GWF number, UK Visas and Immigration will not be able to provide you with a status update on your visa application.

What to do if my UK visa application is refused?

If your UK visa application is refused, the first thing is to understand the  reasons for your UK visa refusal . If the reason is due to missing information, proof of funds or documentation, make sure to fix these the next time you apply for your UK visa.

Write a detailed cover letter explaining the reasons for your previous visa refusal, missing information/documentation and any additional information/documentation that you have provided in the new application. This will help the ECOs cut to the chase and focus on the new information/documentation.

There is no “appeal” for UK visa. So, re-apply for your UK visa by making sure you have the new information, proofs and documents that were lacking previously. You must pay the visa fee again as the fee paid for your previous application was non-refundable.

If you do not know the reason for your visa refusal/denial, give at least 6 months before you apply for the visa again. 

Can I get my UK visa application fee refund if denied?

No. The visa fee and any priority service fee paid are non-refundable if your visa application is denied. The visa fee is also non-refundable in incidents where the visa is approved for less number of days than requested.

I’m planning to visit the UK and Schengen countries on a single trip. Should I apply for my UK visa first or Schengen visa first?

If you plan to visit the UK and Schengen countries on a single trip, ALWAYS apply for your UK visa first. 

UKVI keeps the passport for the entirety of the visa process and there is no visa status tracking. Calls and emails to customer service are charged. Even if you pay and contact, you will usually get a canned response. If your UK visa is refused, there is no “appeal”. You can only re-apply, which means you have to repeat the entire process again.

On the other hand, the Schengen visa application process is much streamlined. There is application tracking, customer service and appeal. 

I highly recommend applying for your UK visa first and get done with it. After that, apply for your Schengen visa. 

When applying for your UK visa, show a “UK-only” itinerary for your UK visa. This eliminates the need for submitting your Schengen visa, flights in/out of the Schengen region, etc. 

United Kingdom UK Tourist Visa Requirements - London Tower Bridge

The UK tourist visa requirements are clear and easy to understand. But, the visa application process is long and expensive. Apply at least 2 months in advance, and follow all the proper steps and documentation. Tourist visas are usually multiple-entry with 6 months validity.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

06. Get your zero-fee ATM card

You can manage money internationally in over 70 currencies using  Wise . With a Wise card, you can store and withdraw cash in 40 currencies with zero ATM fees. 

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

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China to Offer Visa-Free Travel to Travellers From Six Countries

Reuters

People wait in line to go through the security check at an airport in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, China January 8, 2024. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang/File Photo

(Corrects to list Austria, and not Australia as one of the six countries)

BEIJING (Reuters) - China will offer visa-free travel to nationals from Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg from March 14, foreign minister Wang Yi said on Thursday.

(This story has been corrected to list Austria, and not Australia as one of the six countries)

(Reporting by Ethan Wang and Bernard Orr; Editing by Kim Coghill)

Photos You Should See

A Maka Indigenous woman puts on make-up before protesting for the recovery of ancestral lands in Asuncion, Paraguay, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024. Leader Mateo Martinez has denounced that the Paraguayan state has built a bridge on their land in El Chaco's Bartolome de las Casas, Presidente Hayes department. (AP Photo/Jorge Saenz)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

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uk tourist visa track

Visas and immigration

Apply to visit, work, study, settle or seek asylum in the UK

What you need to do

Check if you need a UK visa, how to apply, sign in, manage your application, biometric residence permits (BRPs), share codes

Visit the UK

Visit for tourism, business or a short stay (up to 6 months), airport transit visas

Work in the UK

Skilled Worker visa, Graduate visa, other work visas, right to work

Study in the UK

Student visas for courses, degrees and independent schools

Family in the UK

Partner, spouse, dependant and family member visas and permits

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens

Settled and pre-settled status, EU Settlement Scheme family permit, Frontier Worker permit

Ukrainians and their families

Find the right visa, Ukraine Family Scheme visa, Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme visa, Homes for Ukraine

Commonwealth citizens and British nationals (overseas)

BNO visa, right of abode, UK Ancestry visa

Live permanently in the UK

Ways to settle in the UK, indefinite leave to remain (ILR) and routes to British citizenship

Seek protection or asylum

Claiming asylum as a refugee, the asylum process and support

Immigration appeals and status problems

Appeal against a visa, settlement or asylum decision, immigration status problems

Travelling to the UK

Moving your belongings, going through customs and tax

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IMAGES

  1. Sample Itinerary for UK Visitor Visa Application

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  2. UK Visa Check 2024: How to Check Your UK Visa Status Online *Reviewed

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  3. UK tourist visa: Requirements and application procedure

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  4. NEW CHANGES TO THE UK VISITOR VISA ROUTE 2020 UPDATES

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  5. UK VISITOR VISA 2020

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  6. 9 Steps to Process UK Tourist Visa Application

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VIDEO

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  2. UK Tourist/Visitor Visa 2024|Latest Approved Visa|Get Your Visa in 10-15Days|Manju Sharma Hoshiarpur

  3. ਇਮੀਗ੍ਰੇਸ਼ਨ ਚ ਹੋਏ 3 ਵੱਡੇ ਬਦਲਾਅ

  4. Work on UK Tourist visa from 31 Jan 2024. Your Visa Mate. Youtube. UK Visa 2024

  5. UK tourist visa refusal overturned into Visa in Appeal

  6. How to Get UK Tourist Visa from Pakistan

COMMENTS

  1. How to track your UK Visa application status

    Visit the UK government's 'Visa and Immigration' webpage. Find and click on the section titled 'Check your Visa Application Status'. When prompted, enter your 16-digit application reference number. This is usually found on the acknowledgement emails or letters you received after submitting your application. January 4, 2024 at 11:04 pm.

  2. Visa processing times: applications outside the UK

    UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) starts processing your application once you either: verify your identity and submit your documents and application online using the UK Immigration: ID Check app. We ...

  3. Using your UK Visas and Immigration account

    Using an identity card to enter the UK. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens need a passport to enter the UK. You can also use your national identity card to enter the UK until at least 31 December 2025 if you:

  4. Online immigration status (eVisa)

    An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status and the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK. You need to register for a UKVI account to view and share relevant ...

  5. How to Check your UK Visa Application Status

    By telephone. You can call UKVI with a question about your application on +44 (0)300 790 6268 - select option 1, or +44 (0)203 875 4669. This service is open Monday to Friday, 24 hours, at a cost of 69p per minute on top of your standard network charges. Please note, if your message is urgent, you can phone the contact centre instead ...

  6. UK Visa Tracking: Here's How To Track Your Application

    To check your status, you may contact UK Visas and Immigration ( (UKVI) the Home Office body in charge of processing visas in the UK). You can ask about the progress of your application but you cannot receive information or advice about your personal circumstances. The phone number for UKVI is 0300 790 6268. The phone service is available from ...

  7. UK Visa Check 2024: How to Check your UK Visa ...

    For instance, visitors from the UAE who have applied for their UK visa from the VFS Global visa centre, can track their UK visa through the VFS Global website for UAE applicants. Inquiries via email. You can also use the UK Visas and Immigration online tool (UKVI) to obtain information regarding your visa application. The tool will ask you ...

  8. UK Visa Processing Times (Latest from UKVI)

    Priority & fast-track services. Priority service and super priority services for applications being made from outside the UK are available for work, business and family visa routes.. Where available, priority processing allows applicants for certain work and settlement routes such as the Skilled Worker visa to pay an additional fee for fast-tracked processing.

  9. Welcome to VFS Global

    VFS Global is the world's largest visa outsourcing and technology services provider, working with the UK government and other countries. Whether you need a tourist, student, work, or family visa, you can find all the information and guidance you need on their website. You can also apply online, book an appointment, and track your application status. Welcome to VFS Global, your one-stop ...

  10. How to Check Your UK Visa Application Status

    You can track the progress of your in-country immigration application by calling the UKVI contact centre on 0300 790 6268 and selecting option 2. The telephone line is open 9am to 4:45pm on Monday ...

  11. How To Track Your UK Visa Application

    If you are outside the UK and you are facing problems with UK visa application tracking, in such cases, you can reach the UK Visa and Immigration Department at +44 (0)844 8920232. Please be mindful that calls to this number will be charged at a rate of £0.04 per minute in addition to the access fee from your carrier.

  12. How to Check Your UK Visa Application Status

    You can track the progress of your in-country immigration application by calling the UKVI contact centre on 0300 790 6268 and selecting option 2. The telephone line is open 9am to 4:45pm on Monday to Thursday (excluding bank holidays) and 9am to 4:30pm on Friday (excluding bank holidays).

  13. How to apply for a visa to come to the UK

    If you want to visit the UK. Apply for a Standard Visitor visa to visit the UK for up to 6 months. For example: for a holiday or to see family and friends. for a business trip or meeting. to do a ...

  14. How to Track your UK Visa Application Status

    Checking UK visa applications made inside the UK. For an update on an application made inside the UK, you can phone UKVI using the following details: Telephone: 0300 790 6268 - select option 1, then option 2. Monday to Thursday (excluding bank holidays), 9am to 4:45pm. Friday (excluding bank holidays), 9am to 4:30pm.

  15. UK Visa Status Check Online

    Click on the "Check" or "Submit" button to initiate the visa status verification process. Wait for the system to retrieve and display your visa status. Review the information provided to determine the current status of your UK visa. If necessary, take note of the visa status or any reference numbers displayed for future reference or inquiries.

  16. | vfsglobal

    | vfsglobal - vfsglobal ... Loading... ...

  17. How to track my UK Visa Application Status?

    Their internal systems only have about 5 status's anyway. Your T2 sponsor, on the other hand has access to the UKVI Sponsor Management System and can query the database on your behalf. The only information that your sponsor is likely to get is what you already received via SMS.

  18. The VFS Global Guide to Applying for a UK Visa

    In order to make your UK visa application process hassle-free and convenient, UK Visas and Immigration and VFS Global offer you an exclusive array of value-added services. ... The Super Priority and Priority Visa services are options for those who need to travel urgently. For Priority Visa applicants, the process takes 3-5 days, while for ...

  19. Visit the UK

    Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor. Visa to pass through the UK in transit. Marriage Visitor visa. Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) Visit the UK in a Chinese tour group. Visit ...

  20. UK tourist visa: Requirements and application procedure

    To visit any of these four countries, you would need a UK tourist visa. UK tourist visas are valid for 6 months and you can stay up to 180 days in the UK. The UK tourist visa application process is long and there is no status tracking. Make sure to start your UK visa process at least two months from your intended date of travel to the UK.

  21. China to Offer Visa-Free Travel to Travellers From Six Countries

    BEIJING (Reuters) - China will offer visa-free travel to nationals from Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg from March 14, foreign minister Wang Yi said on Thursday.

  22. UK BLS Spain Visa: Welcome to the Official Website Spain Visa

    All prospective applicants from UK can follow the guidelines here to apply for a Schengen visa while visiting Spain as their main country of destination. Spain Visa to UK, Apply Spain Visa from UK, Spain Visa Application Centre in UK, Spain Visa from UK, UK Citizen Apply Spain Visa, Spain Visa Application, Spain Visa Application from UK, Spain Visa for UK Passport Holder, Tourist Visa to Spain ...

  23. Visas and immigration

    Visas and immigration Apply to visit, work, study, settle or seek asylum in the UK. What you need to do. Check if you need a UK visa, how to apply, sign in, manage your application, biometric ...