UK Standard Visitor Visa Requirements
Complete guide to UK Standard Visitor Visa requirements for tourism, family visits, and business trips up to 6 months.
What This Means for You
You will need to apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa before travelling. The process involves completing an online application, paying the fee, and attending an appointment at a visa application centre to provide your biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
Plan to apply at least 4-6 weeks before your intended travel date. The visa fee is £115 for a standard 6-month visa, and processing typically takes 3 weeks. Priority services are available for faster decisions at additional cost.
Your total costs will include the visa fee, any priority services, and the visa application centre fee. Budget approximately £150-200 for a standard application, or up to £500 if you need super priority processing.
Overview
The UK Standard Visitor Visa is the most common visa for tourists, family visitors, and business travelers. It allows stays of up to 6 months and can be used for various purposes including tourism, visiting family, attending business meetings or conferences, and receiving private medical treatment.
This visa does NOT permit work or study longer than 30 days. If you're planning to work or study in the UK, you'll need a different visa category.
Eligibility Requirements
- Valid passport for the duration of your stay
- Genuine intention to visit for permitted purpose
- Sufficient funds to support yourself without working
- Accommodation arranged for your stay
- Able to pay for return journey
- Will leave UK at end of visit
- Strong ties to home country
Required Documents
Valid Passport
RequiredMust be valid for your entire stay in the UK
Should have at least one blank page
Passport Photo
RequiredRecent passport-sized photograph
Flight Itinerary
RequiredEvidence of travel arrangements to and from UK
Check UKVI guidance for accepted travel documentation
Accommodation Proof
RequiredHotel bookings or invitation letter from host
Include hotel confirmation or use our Sponsor Letter Generator for host invitations
Financial Evidence
RequiredBank statements showing sufficient funds (last 6 months)
Show regular income and stable balance
Employment Evidence
RequiredEmployment letter, payslips, or business documents
Cover Letter
OptionalLetter explaining purpose and plans for visit
Highly recommended - use our Cover Letter Generator Try it now
Invitation Letter (if applicable)
OptionalIf visiting family/friends, letter from UK host
Use our Sponsor Letter Generator Try it now
Previous Travel History
OptionalOld passports showing travel history
Helps demonstrate you return to home country
Application Steps
Complete Online Application
Fill out the visa application form on gov.uk
Pay Visa Fee
Pay the visa application fee online
Book Biometrics Appointment
Schedule appointment at a visa application center
Attend Appointment
Submit documents and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo)
Wait for Decision
Track application status online
Receive Passport
Collect passport with visa or receive by courier
Visa Fees
| Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor Visa (6 months) | £115 | - |
| Long-term (2 years) | £432 | - |
| Long-term (5 years) | £771 | - |
| Long-term (10 years) | £963 | - |
| Priority Service | £250 | Decision within 5 working days |
| Super Priority Service | £956 | Decision by next working day |
Common Reasons for Refusal
Understanding these can help you strengthen your application
- 1Insufficient evidence of ties to home country (employment, property, family)
- 2Inadequate financial documentation or unclear source of funds
- 3Inconsistencies between application and supporting documents
- 4Previous immigration violations or overstays in any country
- 5Failure to demonstrate genuine purpose of visit
- 6Spending more time in the UK than home country on previous visits
- 7Vague or unconvincing travel plans
If your application is refused: You will receive a letter explaining the reason. In most cases, you can reapply immediately with a stronger application addressing the concerns raised.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in the UK with a Standard Visitor Visa?
Can I extend my UK visitor visa?
Do I need confirmed flight tickets for UK visa?
How much money do I need to show for UK visa?
Can I work or study on a UK visitor visa?
Generate Your Documents
Create all required documents for your Standard Visitor Visa application
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Important
Requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate website before applying.
Official Sources
This information is based on the following official sources. Always verify with these sources before submitting applications.
Access the official government portal to securely complete and submit your electronic visa application form.
Immigration rules for visitors
A verified compilation of current consular application fees to help you budget accurately for processing.
Check current processing times
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