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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UK Visitor Visa (Tourist Visa Advice!)

  • Anne Morris
  • 2 October 2022

IN THIS SECTION

There are many reasons why you might require a UK visitor visa to come to the UK, from seeing the sights to seeing friends or family.

If you’re from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, the Standard Visitor Visa allows you to visit the UK, usually for a period of up to 6 months.

The UK Visitor visa requires an application to be made from outside the UK, which will be assessed to assess whether you meet the requirements under the visitor rules and qualify as a genuine visitor. You will need to provide supporting documents that prove you qualify for a visitor visa. Failure to show that you meet the visa requirements will result in a refusal and loss of your application fee.

What is a UK visitor visa?

The UK Standard Visitor visa replaced a number of previous categories of visitor visas. It allows visitors to come to Britain for a short stay for a number of permissible reasons, including leisure (for tourism, visiting family and friends), for  business-related activities or sporting or creative events, and other reasons such as receiving private medical treatment.

It is not possible to switch into a different visa category from the visitor visa once you are in the UK; you would need to return to your home country and apply from there for a different visa.

How long does a UK visitor visa last?

The visitor visa generally lasts for 6 months.

You can apply to stay longer if you’re coming to the UK for private medical treatment (up to 11 months) or you’re an academic on sabbatical and coming to the UK for research (up to 12 months) but you will also need to apply for a biometric residence permit.

Under the Approved Destination Status (ADS) agreement, Chinese nationals are allowed to enter the UK with an approved tour group for up to 30 days.

Long term visitor visa 

The long-term visitor visa may be available if you are looking to make frequent visits over a longer period, such as 2, 5 or even 10 years, however you can only stay in the UK for up to 6 months at a time.

What are the permitted activities for visitors?

The visitor rules specify activities that are allowed under the route. The following are permissible activities:

  • Tourism, for example on a holiday
  • Visit family or friends
  • Volunteering for up to 30 days with a registered charity
  • Transiting through the UK to travel to another country
  • Certain business activities, for example attending a meeting or interview
  • Taking part in a school exchange programme
  • Undertake a recreational course of up to 30 days, for example a dance course
  • Study, do a placement or take an exam – this cannot be the main purpose of the visit and is limited to a maximum of 30 days
  • Visiting as an academic, senior doctor or dentist
  • For medical reasons

You are not allowed to do the following under a visitor visa:

  • Undertake paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person
  • Claim benefits or access public funds
  • Reside in the UK for long periods using frequent and/or successive visits
  • Get married or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership (instead, apply for the  Marriage Visitor Visa )

It may be that the visitor visa is not appropriate and alternative immigration options will need to be considered. For example, the permitted paid engagement visa may apply if a UK company is paying you to come to the UK as an expert in your profession.

Visitors should also prepare to travel with supporting documents as they may be asked to present proof of eligibility by UK border officials.

UK visitor visa requirements

The visitor visa is limited in its eligibility. Your stay must generally be for no longer than 6 months and you have to leave the UK by the expiry date.

Your reason for travel will also be critical to your eligibility and it will be important that you understand what is allowed under the UK visitor visa to ensure you do not breach these conditions for the duration of your stay in the UK.

Applying for the UK visitor visa

Applicants must ensure they comply with the regulations and evidence their eligibility through the visa application process.

To apply for the UK visitor visa, you will need to be outside the UK. You complete the online application form and provide supporting documents to evidence your status as a genuine visitor. You will be required to attend an appointment at a visa appointment centre in your country of residence, where you will be interviewed about your application and your biometric information will be taken.

As part of your visa application you will need to prove to the caseworker that you will not be staying for more than 6 months and that you have enough money to maintain yourself (and any dependants travelling with you) during your time in the UK and to fund your return travel.

Supporting documents

Your circumstances will dictate the exact documents to provide with your application to support your case. As a minimum, you will need to verify your identity with your current passport or other valid travel identification, valid for the whole of your stay in the UK and with a blank page for the visa.

Additional supporting documents should also be provided to prove:

  • Planned travel dates and itinerary including accommodation details
  • Personal information such as home address and parents’ names
  • Travel history (past 10 years)
  • Work information such as your employer’s name and address
  • Contact information of the people you will visit
  • You have a genuine relationship with the person you are visiting
  • Details of any convictions
  • Intention to leave the UK on visa expiry. Evidence could include proof of a job or studies in your home country, or family living in your home country.
  • Sufficient funds to support you and your dependants in the UK for the duration of your visit. This could be funded by you of the person you are visiting in the UK. You will not be allowed to access public funds. Proof should include recent bank statements and payslips. An estimate of the total cost of the trip should be provided, as well as details of your income.

Any documents not in English or Welsh must be provided as certified translations.

After completing the form, you will need to attend a visa application centre overseas to have your fingerprints and photograph taken.

Visitor visa processing times

Under normal Home Office processing standards , visitor visa applications from overseas usually takes around 3 weeks. However, ongoing delays in processing services mean visit visa applications are currently taking 6 weeks, and in some cases longer.

You can apply up to three months before your intended date of travel. Fast tracked processing within 5 working days is available in some visa application centres for a premium fee.

How much does a visitor visa cost?

Currently, the UK visitor visa costs £100 for the standard 6 month stay. If you are travelling for medical reasons, the cost is £200 for six months, or £200 for academic visitors .

Longer-term visit visas cost £376 for the 2-year visit visa, £670 for the 5-year visit visa or £837 for the 10-year visit visa.

Can you stay in the UK for longer than six months? 

Generally speaking, all Standard UK visitor visas are short-term visas with a six-month maximum stay cap. Immigration regulations also prevent you from getting around this restriction by utilising a guest visa or making many, frequent, or consecutive trips, although you are free to enter and exit the UK whenever you like while your visa is still in effect.

However, citizens of China, Pakistan, India, and other non-EEA nations can apply for a long-term visit visa in order to go to the UK. These are chargeable extras that can be reserved for terms of two, five, or 10 years.

Be aware that you are still limited to a single visit lasting no longer than six months with these visas. You may, however, enter and exit the UK more than once throughout the permitted time. If you know you’ll need to visit the UK repeatedly over the course of a set amount of time, applying for a long-term visitor visa in the UK is a terrific option.

Academic visits from outside the EEA and people seeking private medical care in the UK do have another option for a longer stay. The Biometric Residence Permit is what it is called (BRP). You will need to provide biometric data about yourself, including your fingerprints, a photo, your immigration status, and more, but doing so will extend your stay in the UK over six months. This procedure, called biometric enrolment, still necessitates the presentation of proof of adequate financial support for your stay.

Visitor visa application refused?

If your UK visitor visa application. has been refused, your options could include reapplying and making a new application; submitting an appeal, where the grounds are on human rights; applying for a Judicial Review of the decision.

Your options will depend on your specific circumstances. Take professional advice to decide what you should do next.

Need assistance?

Travellers to the UK should note that even with a valid visitor visa in place, you may still be questioned at the UK border by immigration officials, to verify that you are a genuine visitor and will comply with the visitor visa rules. Where officials are concerned that you may stay longer than your visa date, or if your activities are prohibited under the visitor rules, you may be denied entry.

As a team of immigration lawyers and former Home Office employees, we have an established reputation for advising on the most appropriate immigration route for your needs, and supporting you with effective and efficient processing of your visa application. We also understand the stresses involved with making a visa application, and take great pride in playing a supportive role to ease the pressure.  Contact us  for advice.

Visitor visa FAQs

How much funds are required for uk visitor visa.

You will need to show you have sufficient funds to cover the cost of tickets, travelling, living and accommodation expenses while you are in the UK.

What documents do I need for UK visitor visa?

Your visitor visa application will need to include your current passport or other valid travel identification, as well as other documents that prove you meet the visa requirements, such as your intention to leave the UK and that your planned activities come within the visitor visa permissible activities.

Last updated: 2 October 2022

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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UK Visitor Visa Fees

UK Visitor Visa Fees & Requirements 

The UK visitor visa allows foreign nationals to visit the UK for a period of up to 6 months at a time for tourism, visiting friends and family, business, study, medical treatment, permitted paid engagements, as well as other purposes. There are several types of visitor visa and it is important to know which activities are permitted under each type. You must ensure to apply for the correct visa type depending on the purpose of your visit. 

How much does it UK Visitor Visa cost?

The Home Office increased the UK visitor visa fees on 4 October 2023.

Who needs to apply for a Visitor visa?

Anyone who is a national of a country listed in the Visa National list ( https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-visitor-visa-national-list ) must apply for a visitor visa before entering the UK. 

There are serval types of visitor visas:

  • Standard Visitor for tourism and family visits  
  • Marriage/Civil Partnership Visitor for those coming to marry or form a civil partnership
  • Permitted Paid Engagement Visitor for those coming to do a specific paid activity 
  • Transit visa is for those who want to transit the UK on route to another country outside of the Common Travel Area
  • Private Medical Treatment Visitor for those having private medical treatment for a condition or donating an organ

How long can you stay?

Standard Visitor visa holders can stay for a maximum period of 6 months at a time . Those who apply for the 2-year, 5-year or 10-year visa are only permitted to stay for a maximum period of 6 months during each stay. 

Transit Visitor is permitted to stay for up to 48 hours.

Marriage Visitor, Permitted Paid Engagement Visitor and Private Medical Treatment can stay up to 6 months, although those receiving medical treatment have the option of extending their stay within the UK if their treatment will last longer than 6 months. The fee for an extension is £1,000 . 

Eligibility Requirements

To successfully apply for a Visitor visa , you must show that you meet certain eligibility requirements, including that you are genuinely seeking entry as a visitor and that you intend to leave the UK after your visit. The requirements to be met are: 

  • Must be genuinely seeking entry as a Visitor. You must declare the intention of the visit, for example, to visit family
  • Must have sufficient funds to cover the costs of the visit without recourse to public funds (sufficient funds may be provided by a third party).
  • Must intend to leave the UK at the end of the visit. 
  • Must not intend to live in the UK for an extended period of time If the third party is providing evidence of sufficient funds, such as a family member, they must have a genuine relationship with the applicant, not be in breach of immigration laws and be willing to provide support to the visitor for the duration of their stay. 

Documents required for a Visitor Visa

Whilst there is no standard set of documents required for the visitor visa, you must submit sufficient evidence to show you meet the eligibility requirements as above. The documents should be directly related to your purpose of visiting the UK. Usual documents to be submitted are:

  • Passport and/or BRP copies for sponsor/children/relatives in the UK
  • Documents proving ties to country of origin, such as birth certificate, marriage certificate, letters and photos from family, proof of ownership of assets and property, employment letter and wage slips from employer, bank statements, evidence of pension.
  • Financial documents that prove the applicant has sufficient funds available to support themselves, for example bank statements, wage slips, proof of earnings, investments.
  • Invitation letter from the UK based sponsor 
  • Previous refusal letters
  • Travel history 

Permitted Activities on a Visitor Visa

  • Tourism such as a holiday or vacation 
  • Visit family or friends
  • Volunteer for a registered charity in the UK for up to a maximum of 30 days
  • Carry out certain business activities such as attending a meeting or interview
  • Carry out a permitted paid engagement, such as giving a lecture or performance 
  • Take part in a school exchange program
  • Recreational courses of up to a maximum of 30 days
  • Study a short course up to 6 months
  • Complete a placement
  • Take an exam
  • As an academic to take part in research 
  • As a senior doctor or dentist to undertake clinical practice or teach
  • Receive medical treatment

From 31 st January 2024, the Home Office has expanded the permitted activities that visitors can carry out whilst in the UK. These include:

  • Visitors can work remotely for their overseas employer, provided it is not their main purpose of visit 
  • Visitors can carry out client-facing activity as long as it is in relation to their overseas employment
  • Flight crews arriving in the UK as part of a Civil Aviation Authority-approved wet lease arrangement between the months of March and October will be granted permission to enter as a visitor
  • Permitted Paid Engagement Visitors are now allowed to be paid for speaking at conferences
  • Legal professionals can provide services such as giving advice, appearing in arbitrations, acting as a mediator or expert witness, appearing in court, attending conferences, teaching, providing advocacy for a court or tribunal hearing, litigation and transactional legal services like drafting contracts.

Most common reasons for refusal:

Visit visas can be refused for many reasons, including:

  • Insufficient evidence of ties to home country
  • Insufficient evidence of the financial circumstances or source of funds declared
  • Insufficient evidence of the purpose of the visit 
  • Previous breaches of immigration rules or previous visa refusals

What to do if you get a refusal?

Visit visas do not generally have the right of appeal. This will be stated in the refusal letter. 

In most cases, it is advisable to make a fresh application that addresses the reasons for refusal. Further evidence should be submitted with the new application to strengthen the application and directly tackle the reasons for refusal in the previous application. 

If the Home Office has made an error in deciding the application, for example they did not consider valuable evidence that was submitted with the application, you can challenge the decision by Judicial review.  The first step of seeking Judicial Review proceedings is to send a Pre-action Protocol Letter, also known as a Letter Before Claim, to set out the arguments against the Home Office. In most cases, with a successful Pre-action Protocol Letter, the Home Office can agree to reconsider the application, and lead to a subsequent grant of the Visit Visa.

How we can help

The team at A Y & J Solicitors are experienced in dealing with Visitor Visas and we can help you with your new application to ensure it meets the requirements for a successful outcome. 

A Y & J Solicitors is a specialist immigration law firm with extensive experience with Visitor Visas. We have an in-depth understanding of immigration law and are professional and results-focused. For assistance with your visa application or any other UK immigration law concerns, please contact us on +44 20 7404 7933 or contact us today . We’re here to help!

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Diana serves as the Head of Operations and Senior Immigration Associate at A Y & J Solicitors, specializing in Sponsor Licence, Global Talent Visa, Appeals, and Judicial Review, with notable experience in Skilled Worker Suspension and Revocation. Her legal expertise is underpinned by a law degree with a concentration in International Law. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and positive work ethic, Diana is recognised in the Legal 500 as a key figure at A Y & J Solicitors.

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UK Visitor Visa Fees

Introduction.

At Conroy Baker Ltd., we understand that keeping up with visa regulations and fees can be overwhelming. Our team of experienced solicitors is here to guide you through the process, offering expert advice tailored to your specific needs. We ensure that you have the most accurate and up-to-date information, helping you make informed decisions and submit a successful visa application.

According to data, foreign tourists returned to the United Kingdom in 2022 following a dramatic decline in the two years prior as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic. According to estimates, over 20 million more people travelled from outside to the UK in 2022 than in 2021, and that figure is expected to reach 35 million in 2023.

Visitors come to the UK for a variety of reasons, including travel, business, brief academic courses, reunions with family and friends, meetings, and any other activities that are permissible. Typically, visitors are permitted by law to remain in the UK for up to six months or until their visas expire. Let’s compare the previous and present fees for various categories of UK Visitor visas.

Revised UK Tourist Visa Fees for 2023

With effect from April 13, 2023, the UK Home Office has altered the costs for UK visitor visas. At Conroy Baker, we are dedicated to providing reliable and comprehensive services to individuals seeking UK Visitor Visas.

Get in touch with Conroy Baker Ltd

We offer reliable and tailored UK immigration visa services as we have over 30 years of combined experience and panel of qualified solicitors. With over 30 years of experience, clientele in 88+ countries, and a team of professional solicitors, we provide consultations to help you achieve your UK Visitor visa goals.

Get in touch with our UK Visitor visa experts now for professional advice catered to your unique needs.

You can contact us on +44 203 773 2948 or [email protected] to book a consultation.

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How much does a UK visa cost?

Visa and immigration charges can change frequently. This page contains a table with the most up-to-date visa costs for the UK (January 2023).

Call 0333 363 8577 for a discussion about how we can support you with your immigration case. We are available to speak over the phone or by online call.

Request a call back from our immigration experts

Uk visa fees 2023.

If you wish to come to the UK and you need a visa, you will be required to pay an application fee as part of the process.

The cost of the total fee depends on the type of visa, where you are applying from, and whether you are required to pay additional costs (such as the immigration healthcare surcharge, biometric residence permits, and any visa application centre costs).

The list of visa application costs is current and includes some of the most popular visa categories, as well as sponsor licence and citizenship fees.

If you need a trusted legal expert to assist with your application, contact us for a confidential discussion about how we can help you.

This table lists the most common visa fees and the application costs (made inside or outside the UK).

uk tourist visa fee for 2 years

UK Visa Costs 2023

The following is a summary of the cost of the main immigration categories to obtain a UK visa.

Immigration healthcare surcharge fees

Some people may be required to pay the immigration healthcare surcharge (IHS) as part of their immigration application.

The IHS is a fee that immigrants pay to cover the cost of use of the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.

There are still additional costs for some services, including prescriptions, dental treatment, and eye tests.

In general, those who are applying for a stay in the UK of longer than 6 months (or, alternatively, if a person is extending their stay while in the UK) will be required to pay the surcharge, even if they hold private medical insurance .

A full list of who must pay the IHS is available on the Gov.uk website . If you hold a visitor visa and you intend to enter the UK, you will not need to pay the charge.

The cost of the immigration healthcare surcharge is as follows:

In most cases, dependents will pay the same fee as the main applicant. The exact fee depends on the length of leave you are granted.

You must pay the fee as part of your application. If you fail to pay, your application may be denied.

Sponsorship costs

Since the changes to the UK immigration system, employers must now apply for sponsor licences if they wish to hire employees from the EU (as well as non-EEA employees).

The sponsor licence application is a complex process and it is vital that employers follow all the guidelines to ensure that their application is accepted.

The fee for a sponsor licence depends on whether the applicant is a small or large organisation, and what category of organisation it is.

Below is a table of the 2023 sponsorship application costs:

Approximately 80% of applications will be decided within eight weeks. As part of the decision-making process, UK Visas and Immigration may conduct on-site visits to your business.

In some cases, it may be possible to pay an extra £500 for an expedited decision (within ten working days).

It is important to submit a thorough and comprehensive application that is error-free to comply with the Home Office’s guidance. If not, your application could be refused or rejected.

Take the first step. Request a Fact Finding + Expert Consultation Contact Us

Citizenship costs

Applying for British citizenship is one of the most important choices a person can make. In many cases, people will make the decision if they have held indefinite leave to remain for at least one year, and they fulfil the other requirements (including the minimum years of residency requirement).

It currently costs £1,330 to apply for the naturalisation process that leads to British citizenship. However, there are a number of other associated costs.

If you are submitting your citizenship application to the Home Office, you should ensure that you are fully aware of all the costs involved.

Below are the current British citizenship fees for 2023:

How can IAS help with your visa application?

When it comes to making immigration applications, IAS is well-positioned to help you throughout the whole process.

One of our experienced immigration lawyers will work directly with you to outline all the costs involved in your application. As each case is different, we will explain exactly what is involved based on your individual circumstances.

Some of the additional costs include providing your biometric information, proving your English language levels (where relevant), or the Life in the UK test (where relevant).

We also ensure that your documents are accompanied by certified translations so that you can be confident in submitting your application and meeting the eligibility requirements.

If you have any doubts about the process, reach out to our friendly advisers for a discussion about your specific needs.

Many of these applications will have a number of routes that may suit your circumstances more and will therefore come with a slightly different cost.

For an accurate price on Home Office fees for your intended application for a visa UK, contact one of our expert immigration lawyers, located in areas across the UK, including London , Birmingham and Manchester , today on 0333 363 8577.

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The Economic Times

UK visas to cost you more from today

S tarting February 6, the United Kingdom will introduce a significant hike in its immigration health surcharge (IHS). This surge will increase the cost for the visa from £624 per year to £1,035 per annum.

Similarly, for students or applicants under 18, the surcharge will be hiked from £470 per year to £776 per year. The immigration health surcharge, a mandatory upfront payment, is required when submitting an application for entry or residency in the UK.

The implementation date of the fee increase was originally scheduled for January 16, 2024, but due to parliamentary delays, it was moved to February 6, 2024.

Applications submitted before January 6 will not be subject to the higher surcharge. Skilled worker and global business mobility visa applications hold the flexibility to be submitted up to three months in advance of the individual's proposed start date.

The Sunak government, in October, also raised visa fees for tourists, students, and foreign workers. The visit visa now incurs an additional £15 for stays under six months, bringing the total to £115. Student visas experienced an increase of £127 for applicants from outside the UK, resulting in a total fee of £490, aligning it with the amount charged for in-country student visa applications.

The Sunak government also announced in December of last year that the minimum pay for skilled work visas will increase by 47%, from the original £29,000 to £38,700 ($49,100), which was previously at £18,600. The incremental changes will total the intended £38,700, and a schedule should be revealed by spring.

For more news like this visit The Economic Times .

UK visas to cost you more from today

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  • Entering and staying in the UK
  • Border control
  • Immigration system statistics, year ending December 2023
  • Home Office

How many people come to the UK each year (including visitors)?

Published 29 February 2024

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/immigration-system-statistics-year-ending-december-2023/how-many-people-come-to-the-uk-each-year-including-visitors

Back to ‘Immigration system statistics, year ending December 2023’ content page .

Data relates to 2023 and all comparisons are with 2022 (unless indicated otherwise). All data includes dependants, unless indicated otherwise.

1. Passenger arrivals to the UK

Passenger arrival data includes all arrivals at the UK border through legal routes. Many of those arrivals (such as British nationals, Non-visa nationals coming to visit, and persons with indefinite leave to remain) do not require prior permission (such as a visa) to enter the UK. Others will require permission to enter, such as a visa.

There were an estimated 132 million passenger arrivals from outside the Common Travel Area (CTA) in 2023 (including foreign tourists and returning UK residents). This was 23% more than 2022 (109 million), which reflects an increase in global travel after restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic were removed in early 2022. However, numbers remain 10% lower than in 2019, before the pandemic.

Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic the Home Office published additional detailed statistics on air arrivals to the UK over a period when travel was severely reduced. A full account of the pattern in air passenger arrivals over the pandemic period can be found in the last edition of the report ‘Statistics relating to passenger arrivals since the COVID-19 outbreak’ (Home Office, August 2022).

2. Visitors and Short term stay

Only certain nationalities (‘visa-nationals’) are required to obtain an entry clearance visa before coming to visit the UK, which is one reason why there are considerably more passenger arrivals than visas granted. Additionally, passenger arrivals will include British nationals. Many nationalities, including US nationals do not normally require a visa to visit the UK; consequently, there are considerably fewer visitor visas granted than visitor arrivals.

There are several ways a non-British national may get permission to visit the UK for a short, temporary period, (usually up to 6 months), for purposes such as tourism, visiting friends or family, carrying out a business activity, or undertaking a short course of study.

  • visa nationals must apply online for an entry clearance visa in advance of travel
  • non-visa nationals can be granted leave to enter on arrival at the UK border
  • people with existing immigration status do not need additional documents
  • the electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme is for visitors who do not need a visa for short stays to the UK, or who do not already have a UK immigration status prior to travelling; further information can be found on the Electronic travel authorisation (ETA) guidance page.

There were 1,956,526 visitor visas granted in 2023, 40% higher than 2022 and 19% lower than prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Visitor visa grants have continued to increase post-pandemic but are still below the peak in 2019 (2,413,461).

In 2023, Indian nationals accounted for more than a quarter (26%) of Visitor visas granted, with Chinese nationals accounting for another fifth (21%). The next largest visa nationality were Turkish nationals (6%).

The increase in the latest year was due to 349,045 more visitor visas for Chinese nationals, over 6 times the amount in 2022 but 36% fewer than in the year ending 2019. Visitor visas for Indian nationals increased in the latest year by 22%.

The ETA scheme opened to Qatari nationals on 15 October 2023. In 2023 quarter 4 (October to December) , there were 12,190 applications for ETA and 12,076 grants, all applications were for Qatar nationals. From 1 February 2024, the scheme opened to nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.

Additional information on visitors to the UK is published by the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) in its publication ‘Leisure and tourism statistics’ .

3. Other grants of Entry clearance visas

There were 1,440,611 other grants of entry clearance in 2023, similar to 2022. This is made up of Work (616,371), Study (605,504), Family (98,998) 1 and ‘Other’, which includes the Ukraine schemes (119,738).

Figure 1: Entry clearance visas granted by route (main applicants and dependents) between 2014 and 2023 1

Source: Entry clearance visa applications and outcomes – Vis_D02

  • Family includes EEA and EUSS Permits.

Total visa numbers are now higher than pre-pandemic levels with almost 3.4 million visas granted in 2023. The increase within the last year is primarily due to 560,365 more visitor visas, which now make up over half (58%) of total entry clearance visas granted in 2023 although this visitor number is 19% fewer than in 2019, prior to the pandemic. In contrast, there are now more work and study visas granted in 2023 (36%) than in 2019 (19%). There were also 119,738 visas granted for other reasons in 2023, including grants of leave on the Ukraine Schemes and the British National (overseas) route), which is down 183,180 (-60%) to 119,738 in the last year. Family visas have continued to remain stable within this period.

4. About these statistics

The statistics in this section provide an indication of the number of people who enter the UK.

The data does not show whether, or when, an individual arrived in the UK, what they did on arrival to the UK or how long they stayed in the UK.

Many nationalities do not normally require a visa to visit the UK. As a result, they will be counted in the passenger arrivals data but not in the visa data. A list of designated nationalities referred to as ‘visa nationals’ who do require a visa to visit the UK can be found in Immigration Rules Appendix V: visitor rules .

For several reasons, data on passenger arrivals is not directly comparable with data on Entry clearance visas granted. A summary of what each dataset counts is provided in section 4.1 below and section 4.2 .

4.1 Passenger arrivals

Data on passenger arrivals relates to the number of arrivals into the UK. The data includes British, EEA and Swiss nationals, as well as non- EEA nationals. For non- EEA nationals who are subject to immigration controls, more detailed information is available on their nationality and purpose of their journey up until 2018.

Passenger arrivals are counted each time an individual enters the UK. Where an individual enters the UK more than once in a period, they will be counted each time they enter (but if they arrive each time on the same visa, they will be counted once in the visas data).

Visitor arrivals data included in this topic is based on landing cards completed as people cross the border. In light of the introduction of new digital systems at the border, the use of landing cards was reviewed. The review resulted in the decision to remove the need for non- EEA nationals to complete a landing card on arrival into the UK. Further data relating to visitor arrivals will not be available until an alternative method of collection is developed.

4.2 Entry clearance visas

Data on entry clearance visas in this section refers to the number of visas granted for all reasons within the period. References in the statistics to ‘visas’ will also include entry clearance ‘permits’, such as EEA and EU Settlement Scheme Family permits, or Frontier Worker permits. If an individual was granted multiple visas in a given period, this will be counted as multiple grants in the statistics. If an individual entered the UK multiple times within the period for which a visa was valid, this will be counted as one grant in the visa statistics, but multiple arrivals in the passenger arrivals data.

Year-on-year comparisons of the number of decisions can be affected by quarterly fluctuations in the data. Such fluctuations can be examined in more detail in the quarterly data that is available in the published tables.

Several known factors may have affected the number of applications and outcomes of visit-related visas over time. For example, the Home Office launched a 2-year Chinese visa pilot in January 2016 for Chinese nationals. The increase in longer-term Visitor visas may affect the number of subsequent re-applications by Chinese nationals.

More information on non-visitor arrival and visa data by category is included in ʻWhy do people come to the UK? To work’ , ʻWhy do people come to the UK? To study’ and ʻWhy do people come to the UK? For family reasons’ .

For more information on specific routes to the UK, including Ukraine Visa Schemes and British National (Overseas) ( BN(O) ) visas, see the ‘ Safe and legal (humanitarian) routes to the UK ’.

5. Data tables

  • Sponsorship summary tables
  • Detailed sponsorship datasets
  • Entry clearance visas summary tables
  • Detailed entry clearance visas datasets
  • Admissions summary tables

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We’re always looking to improve the accessibility of our documents. If you find any problems or have any feedback relating to accessibility, please email us.

See section 6 of the ‘ About this release ’ section for more details.

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IMAGES

  1. Latest UK Visa Fees 2023 Visit, Tourist, Work, Study, Spouse

    uk tourist visa fee for 2 years

  2. UK Visa Fees Standard Visitor Visa 6 Months, 2 Years, 5 Years, 10 Years 2020

    uk tourist visa fee for 2 years

  3. UK tourist visa: Requirements and application procedure

    uk tourist visa fee for 2 years

  4. Latest UK Visa Fees 2023 Visit, Tourist, Work, Study, Spouse

    uk tourist visa fee for 2 years

  5. Apply for UK Visa

    uk tourist visa fee for 2 years

  6. International Education News l The PIE News l UK: visa fees up only 4%

    uk tourist visa fee for 2 years

VIDEO

  1. UK Visitor Visa

  2. UK Visitor Visa New Rules Published: New Rules For Tourist Visa In The UK: UK Immigration News 2023

  3. UK Visa Fee Increased?? #ukvisa #ukvisafee #ukihsfee #visa #ukstudyvisa #ukpsw #ukvisaupdate

  4. A to Z about UK tourist visa 2024 । Fees

  5. No Spouse Visa

  6. Netherlands Visa Approval Ratio

COMMENTS

  1. Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor: Apply for a Standard Visitor visa

    You can choose to apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa if you visit the UK regularly. This visa lasts 2, 5 or 10 years. You can stay for a maximum of 6 months on each visit. If you're ...

  2. Visa fees

    Check how much your visa application costs in the country you're in

  3. Home Office immigration and nationality fees: 31 January 2024

    Fee from 31 January 2024. Fee Change. Visit visa - short up to 6 months. £115. £115. £0. Visit visa - long up to 2 years [footnote 1] £400. £400.

  4. Visa application fees

    Standard Visitor visa - for UK, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey. Visa types. Visa application fee (USD) Visa application guide. Short-term (up to 6 months, single or multiple entry) 151. Visa application guide. Longer-term (valid for up to 2 years) 524.

  5. UK Visa Fees

    UK Visa Fees. Information about all the fees that are required when applying for a UK visa from outside the UK and from inside the UK. ... Visit visa (up to 2 years) £376: Visit visa (up to 5 years) £670: Visit visa (up to 10 years) £837: Visiting academic (more than 6 months but not more than 12 months)

  6. Visa Application Fees

    Visa application fees. This tool will help you find out about UK visa application fees based on country, visa category and visa type. This tool only contains information about fees for UK visa applications made outside the UK. Start now.

  7. UK Tourist Visa: Requirements, Fees, Application & More *Updated

    UK tourist visa fees. A Standard Visitor visa for 6 months costs £115. The fee for a long-term Standard Visitor visa depends on its length: 2 years - £400; 5 years - £771; 10 years - £963; UK tourist visa application denial. Even the smallest mistake can lead to the rejection of your UK visa application by the UK Home Office.

  8. Long Term Visitor Visa Guide

    The cost of your visa will depend on how long you apply for. To apply for a standard single or multiple-entry visa lasting up to 6 months, the cost is £100. For a 2-year long term visitor visa the cost is £376; for a 5-year long term visitor visa the cost is £670; and for a 10-year long term visitor visa the cost is £837.

  9. UK Visa Fees 2024

    UK visa applications made outside the UK Fee from 4 October 2023; Visit visa - short up to 6 months: £115: Visit visa - long up to 2 years: £400: Visit visa - long up to 5 years: £771: Visit visa - long up to 10 years: £963: Visiting academic - more than 6 months but no more than 12 months: £200

  10. UK tourist visa: Requirements and application procedure

    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.

  11. Long Term Visitor Visa UK 2024 for 2, 5, & 10-Year Terms

    The UK long-term standard visitor visa, available in 2, 5, or 10-year durations, is designed for individuals who require frequent visits. Each visit on a long-term visa is capped at 180 days, as outlined in Appendix V of the Immigration Rules. Initial Considerations Before Applying

  12. Visa application fees

    Visa application fees. 1 Select the country you are making your application from.

  13. UK Visitor Visa Requirements & Application Guide

    How much does a visitor visa cost? Currently, the UK visitor visa costs £100 for the standard 6 month stay. If you are travelling for medical reasons, the cost is £200 for six months, or £200 for academic visitors. Longer-term visit visas cost £376 for the 2-year visit visa, £670 for the 5-year visit visa or £837 for the 10-year visit visa.

  14. UK Visitor Visa Fees & Requirements

    The Home Office increased the UK visitor visa fees on 4 October 2023. Visa : Fees: Standard Visitor : £115: Standard Visitor - 2 years: £400: Standard Visitor - 5 years: £771: ... Those who apply for the 2-year, 5-year or 10-year visa are only permitted to stay for a maximum period of 6 months during each stay. ...

  15. Home Office immigration and nationality fees: 4 October 2023

    New fee from 4 October 2023 Fee Change; Visit visa - short up to 6 months: £100: £115: £15: Visit visa - long up to 2 years : £376: £400: £24: Visit visa - long up to 5 years: £670 ...

  16. UK Visitor Visa Revised Easy Fees Guide in 2023

    5 Year Long Term, Standard Visitor Visa. £670. £804. 10 Year Long Term Standard Visitor Visa. £837. £1004. With effect from April 13, 2023, the UK Home Office has altered the costs for UK visitor visas. At Conroy Baker, we are dedicated to providing reliable and comprehensive services to individuals seeking UK Visitor Visas.

  17. Home Office immigration and nationality fees: 1 July 2021

    Fees category Current Fee New fee from 1 July 2021 Fee Change; Visit visa < 6 months: £95: £95: £0: Visit visa < 2 years : £361: £361: £0: Visit visa < 5 years

  18. UK Visa Fees (Latest 2023 figures)

    Youth Mobility Scheme visa. £470. Visa and immigration applicants aged under 18. £470. All other visa and immigration applications. £624. In most cases, dependents will pay the same fee as the main applicant. The exact fee depends on the length of leave you are granted. You must pay the fee as part of your application.

  19. UK visa fees are going up: Here's what you need to know

    It means that the cost of a visit visa for less than six months, for example, will increase by £15 (€18) to £115 (€133). Fees for two, five and 10-year visit visas will also go up. Applying ...

  20. UK visa fees

    Use the visa fees tool to check the cost of your visa in the country you're in. Published 25 February 2014 Last updated 31 January 2024 + show all updates

  21. UK visas to cost you more from today

    IHS charge from 6 February 2024 for 3-year visa: IHS charge from 6 February 2024 of 5-year visa: 1 Adult: £3105: £5175: 1 Child: £2328: £3880: 2 Adults: £6210: £10,350: 2 Adults & 1 child ...

  22. Visa application fees

    Standard Visitor visa - for UK, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey. Visa types. Visa application fee (PKR) Visa application guide. Short-term (up to 6 months, single or multiple entry) 41803. Visa application guide. Longer-term (valid for up to 2 years) 145401.

  23. 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 ...

  24. Visa application fees

    Standard Visitor visa - for UK, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey. Visa types. Visa application fee (INR) Visa application guide. Short-term (up to 6 months, single or multiple entry) 12515. Visa application guide. Longer-term (valid for up to 2 years) 43532.

  25. How many people come to the UK each year (including visitors)?

    There were 1,956,526 visitor visas granted in 2023, 40% higher than 2022 and 19% lower than prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Visitor visa grants have continued to increase post ...