tourist visa documents uk

Getting a visitor visa for family and friends

This advice applies to England. See advice for See advice for Northern Ireland , See advice for Scotland , See advice for Wales

Your friend or family member can apply for a visitor visa so they can visit you in the UK. Visitor visas are usually for up to 6 months.

Bringing your partner to the UK to get married or register a civil partnership

Your partner can’t use a standard visitor visa to come to the UK to get married or register a civil partnership.

If you and your partner want to live in the UK after you get married or register a civil partnership, check if they can apply for a partner visa .

If you and your partner don’t want to stay in the UK together, your partner can come to the UK on a marriage visitor visa. This means they’ll have to leave the UK within 6 months. Check how to get a marriage visitor visa on GOV.UK .

Check if your visitor needs a visa

You’ll need to check if they need a visitor visa on GOV.UK if you don’t already know - it depends on their nationality.

If your visitor doesn't need a visa, they might need to get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before they travel to the UK. You can check if your visitor needs an ETA on GOV.UK .

Some visitors can scan their own passport at an ‘eGate’ instead of speaking to an immigration officer. Check who can use the eGates on GOV.UK .

If they can't use an eGate, they should still be prepared to explain why they’re visiting when they get to the border. If the Border Force thinks they might try to stay longer, they can refuse them entry

If you’re helping your visitor apply for a visitor visa

They’ll have to apply online .

Make sure your visitor puts their information in where it asks for the applicant’s details .

After you fill in the form, the visitor will need to have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre. Check where their nearest visa application centre is before you apply, because it might be in a different country.

The online form asks you some questions to get to the visa you need.

If you need more support with your application

You should consider getting specialist advice if you’re unsure about the application. It might cost you money but it can save you time and hassle. Your local Citizens Advice can either help you or let you know where to get expert advice.

Documents you’ll need to include

You’ll need to include documents that support their application when you send it off. The online form will give you guidance on what to include, but here are some things to keep in mind.

If your documents aren’t in English or Welsh, you’ll need to provide certified English translations of your documents with the originals. Each translation has to include:

confirmation from the translator that it’s an accurate translation of the original

the date of the translation

the translator's full name and signature

the translator's contact details

Prove they’ll be returning to their country after their visit

You could show proof your visitor has a job or studies to go back to in their home country. You can also show they have family who depend on them in their home country.

Prove there’s enough money for the trip

You’ll have to provide evidence to show that the visitor’s trip can be afforded, whether it’s being paid for by them or by you.

If the visitor is paying for themselves, they’ll have to include documents proving that they can afford it, for example bank statements or payslips.

If you’re paying for their visit (eg for their flights and accommodation), you’ll need to prove that you can afford the visitor’s trip as well as your own costs - for example your rent, mortgage and general expenses.

an estimate of how much the trip will cost - this needs to be as accurate as possible

proof of your income and where you work, for example payslips or an employment contract

proof that you have enough money to pay for the visitor’s stay, for example recent bank statements

proof that you’re in the UK legally, for example a copy of your passport or visa

Prove you have a genuine relationship

You’ll have to show how you’re connected to the person visiting you.

If the person visiting you is a friend, boyfriend or girlfriend, you might need to give stronger proof they’ll be returning to their country after their visit.

If your visa is refused

You can read the government’s guidance on reasons for refusing visas on GOV.UK, if you're concerned the visa you're applying for might be refused.

You can’t usually appeal if the visitor visa is refused. It's quicker and easier to apply again. Make sure you deal with the reasons your first application was refused.

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Page last reviewed on 13 May 2019

Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

UK tourist visa: Requirements and application procedure

Updated: September 9, 2023

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

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

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 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.

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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What are the documents required for a UK Visitor Visa? (2019 Document Checklist)

This article will discuss:

General UK visitor visa document rules
Mandatory documents that you must submit
Optional (but recommended) documents that you can submit

Visa-specific documents

General visitor visa document requirements.

Before we can give you an idea of what a typical visitor visa document checklist looks like, it would be sensible to remind ourselves of three very important rules that applies all documentation:

All documents must be in English or Welsh . If not, you must provide a translation by a translator who can be verified by the Home Office.

The translated documents must include:

The date the document was translated
The contact details of the translator
The correct name and signature of the translator
A declaration from the translator that the translation is correct and an accurate depiction of the original document.

All documents included must be verifiable.

If a document submitted cannot be substantiated by an independent person or organisations, then your application and your credibility may be doubted .

The most sensible view to take when considering which documents to submit is to presume that Home Office caseworker will be suspicious of any documents included which are not verifiable .

It is your responsibility to ensure that you provide the right documentation

It is your job to make sure you submit supporting evidence that meets the criteria. It is not the Home Office’s job or responsibility.

One thing to bear in mind is that the Home Office caseworker is more likely to refuse you to contact you in order to ask for the missing information.

Mandatory documents that you MUST submit

#1 A valid passport

You require to submit a passport which is not expired and is valid .

The passport should have at least one blank page that does not have any stamps or vignettes on either side.

You should also submit copies of all pages in the passport.

If you do not have a passport, then you must another type of acceptable travel document that you can submit.

Optional documents that you should probably submit

Whilst they are officially classed as ‘ optional ’ documents, many of the below documents really are a must if you want to prove you are a genuine and credible visitor .

Home Office caseworkers are generally suspicious creatures – you should do everything possible to allay their fears!

So, although the following documents are optional, they are highly recommended .

#2 Previous passport/travel document

The purpose of these is to evidence your past travels, both to the UK and elsewhere .

If you have not breached the terms of any previous visas, then this is one factor that will suggest that you have a good immigration history (which is certainly helpful!).

You should also include copies of your previous passport or travel document(s).

#3 Evidence of legal residence

If you are applying from a country of which you are a resident , (but not a not a national of that country), then you are required to provide evidence that you are residing there legally (i.e. a visa of some sort).

Of course, if you have breached the immigration rules of the country you are applying from, then the Home Office caseworker will have good reason to believe you would not abide by the immigration rules in the UK.

The implication of this is that your UK visitor visa application is more likely to be refused .

#4 Evidence as a student

If you are a student , then you should provide the supporting documentation to prove this .

This is because being a student in your country would be beneficial to your application as it shows a link to your country .

As we discussed in our helpful UK visitor visa guide , showing links or ties to your home country is incredibly important as it suggests that you are less likely to overstay your UK visa .

The type of evidence most regularly submitted to prove this would be a signed letter from your educational institution that:

i) confirms you attend that educational institution; and

ii) you are authorised to be absent.

The letter should be an original document on official paper and contain contact details of the educational institution.

If the letter is not in English or Welsh , it should be translated .

#5 Evidence required if the applicant is a child

If you are travelling without an adult, then you should provide evidence that evidences the consent of the parents or guardians.

This should be in the form of:

i) Evidence to establish who the parents or legal guardians are (such as a birth certificate);

ii) Evidence from the parents or legal guardians in the form of an original and signed letter detailing how you will be maintained and accommodated during your stay in the UK; and

iii) Copies of the parents or legal guardian’s bio page from their passport ( or other national ID documents ).

#6 Evidence of any business-related activities in the UK

This would be a good time to mention that there are permitted and forbidden activities when someone comes to the UK on a UK visitor visa .

You should absolutely be aware of these when coming to the UK for business activities.

The type of evidence you will need to produce will depend on the business reason you are in the UK.

Generally, a letter from your employer explaining why you are visiting the UK or any other reason you are making the trip is one commonly submitted document that is relevant.

On the other hand, if an invitation has been extended to you by an organisation in the UK, then you should include this letter.

#7 Evidence of maintenance and accommodation

This will certainly be one the most crucial pieces of evidence that you should submit to the Home Office.

There is not a list of specific documents which must be submitted, but in general you should consider submitting the documents listed below.

#8 A letter of employment (if applicable)

If you are in employment then you should submit a letter from your employe r with:

i) details of your earnings;

ii) how long you have been employed; and

iii) your role in the company.

The letter should be on official company paper , not be a copy and be signed .

It should also be either in English or Welsh. If it is not , it should be translated.

#9 Bank statements

These are one the most important documents you will submit in relation to your finances , as they can show the Home Office caseworker a history of your finances over a substantial period.

These bank statements should prove that you can finance and accommodate yourself during your trip to the UK.

You should provide 6 – 12 month’s worth of statements in order to show an accurate overview of your finances.

If someone is sponsoring you, then you should also include their bank statements .

Bank statements, similar to if you were applying for a UK spouse visa , should be issued by the bank on official paper (or alternatively they can be online printouts which have been stamped by the bank on every single page ).

#10 Any other relevant financial documentation

You should also provide other documents which are relevant to your specific financial circumstances (and your sponsor’s , if you have one).

For instance, if you or your sponsor own a limited company , you should provide proof of this by way of company accounts and business bank statements .

On the other hand, if you or your sponsor are self-employed , then documents such as tax returns or any o ther evidence that you are trading should be provided.

#11 Evidence of purchased flight tickets

Including evidence of purchasing a return flight greatly increases your chances of a successful visa.

We would recommend this even though the Home Office guidance recommends against this.

#12 An explanatory covering letter

Providing a strong covering letter for a visit visa is highly recommended . It is in the supporting letter that you will be able to explain:

You are a genuine visitor
You are a truthful visitor
That your intentions fall within the permitted activities in the UK (e.g. tourism)

As we discussed in our sample letter for a UK tourist visa application article (where we provide a free template that you can use), the main goal of this letter is to persuade the Home Office that you will not illegally overstay your UK visitor visa.

Your letter should discuss:

i) What your intentions are for visiting the UK

What are your plans in the UK? With whom do you intend to meet and who do you intend to stay with ?

You should also be clear about the activities you have planned and reiterate that they are not prohibited activities .

You should provide supporting evidenc e for anything you say about your reasons for being in the UK. For instance, if you state that you wish to visit the UK to attend a relative’s university graduation – you should provide a letter from your relative and a letter from the university with the date of the graduation.

ii) The financial ties you have to your own country

The reason why this should be mentioned in your covering letter is because if the Home Office caseworker believes that you have financial ties to your own country, it would suggest to him or her that you are more likely to return there .

You should mention the significance of these ties, such as the monetary value of any assets you own and how much income you receive . You should also state if the income would still be available to you in the UK, or if it requires your presence in your own home country.

iii) The family ties you have to your own country

Family ties should also be mentioned in your covering letter, particularly if you have close family members or those that rely on your presence in your own country for financial, emotional and physical reasons.

You should explain how these family members are dependent on you (if they are) and why such familial obligations would require you to return to your own country.

iv) Your good immigration history (if applicable)

If you have a good immigration history, this should most certainly be mentioned in your covering letter and brought to the caseworker’s attention.

You should not assume that the Home Office will have access to your immigration history and that they will check it – make sure you mention it.

If you have previously been issued a visit visa to the UK and have complied with all the terms of that visa, again this should be made clear on the letter .

Also, if you have ever been issued visas from other countries and you have complied with these, then you should also mention this on the letter.

The Home Office is particularly interested if you have complied with visas from Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand or any of the Schengen countries.

v) Your bad immigration history (if applicable)

You could be forgiven if you thought it is best not to mention any bad immigration history. But believe me, you are much better off mentioning this in your cover letter to address any reasons why you may have broken any rules.

If you do not mention such weaknesses in your application, it may just confirm any doubts the Home Office caseworker may have about your genuineness as a visitor.

If you have ever overstayed on a visa in the UK, you should explain why it happened and why it would not happen again .

If you ever breached any immigration rules, such as working whilst on a visit visa, you should explain why history will not repeat itself.

If you have previously been refused a visit visa to the UK, then this may affect your application and result in more examination of your application.

You should include a copy of the reasons for refusal and discuss why the concerns outlined in this letter do not apply to you .

vi) Any other doubts the Home Office caseworker may have

It is a well known and unfortunate fact that the Home Office blacklist some countries, which means that some applicants start at a disadvantag e.

If you think you are from a country which is classed as a ‘high risk’ country , then it would be wise to address what makes you different from the average UK visitor visa applicant from your country .

For example, if you earn a substantially higher amount than the typical wage in your country or have more assets than a typical person, then you should emphasise this.

vii) Your previous visits to the UK

As mentioned above, you should not use UK visit visas as a means of living in the UK and making it your main home. This should be explained within your covering letter.

There is no limit on the times you can visit the UK, or even a specific time that must pass between visits – however, you should always explain why you will not live in the UK or make it your main home .

viii) How you intend to maintain and accommodate yourself and any dependents in the UK

It should also be mentioned in your letter how you intend to maintain and accommodate yourself in the UK.

In this part of the article, we are going to discuss documents that should also be submitted if you are visiting the UK for a particular purpose as listed below.

#1 Prospective Entrepreneur

In these circumstances, you would typically be issued a 6 months standard UK visit visa .

As well as all the general documents required for a UK visit visa, you should also provide a letter of support from:

A registered venture capitalist firm regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), or more than one.
An endorsed UK entrepreneurial seed funding competition, or more than one
A UK government department, or more than one.

#2 Marriage/Civil Partnership (or giving notice of such)

If you intend to visit the UK and marry or give notice to marry, then you will have to apply for a marriage visitor visa , which is different to a standard UK visitor visa . This visa will usually be issued for up to 6 months.

In addition to the documents above, you should also submit:

A divorce certificate, if applicable
Proof that you intend to marry or form a civil partnership, such as a letter from the registry office.

#3 Private Medical Treatment

A visitor will normally be given a standard UK visitor visa that is valid for up to 11 month s, if they satisfy the medical inspector that they are not a danger to public health if they suffer from a communicable disease.

In order to qualify as a visitor for private medical treatment, you must provide a letter from a medical professional in the UK, which states:

The condition for which you require medical treatment in the UK,
The approximate cost and length of treatment in the UK, and
The place your medical treatment will take place.

If you are the national of a country listed in Paragraph 39 of Part 1 of the Immigration Rules, and you are applying for an 11 month visa, you need to provide a valid medical certificate issued by a medical professional listed in Appendix T of the Immigration Rules.

If you require to apply for an extension of stay to your 11 months as a visitor for private medical, then you need to provide:

A letter from a registered medical professional , who holds an NHS consultant post or whose name is in the Specialist Register of the General Medical Council, describing the medical treatment required and confirming you have met the costs of any treatment already received.

#4 Organ Donation

A visitor who intends to come to the UK as an organ donor will usually be given a 6 month standard UK visitor visa as long as they genuinely intend to donate an organ or be assessed as a donor to an identified recipient here to whom they have a genetic or close personal relationship.

Organ donors also need to provide a letter detailing:

That there is a genuine intention to donate an organ to a named person to whom you have a familial or personal connection with, and that it has been confirmed you are either a match to the recipient or are having tests to confirm it, and
The time and place of the planned transplant.

The letter must be provided by:

The lead nurse/coordinator of an NHS Trust’s living kidney donor transplant team, or
A registered medical professional who is an NHS consultant, or who is in the Specialist Register of the General Medical Council (GMC).

Organ donors also require evidence proving that the potential recipient is a legal resident in the UK, such as a British passport or residence permit. If they are applying for a visa at the same time, you should provide their name, nationality and date of birth.

#5 Visitor in Transit

In addition to the above documents, you should submit the following:

Email or ticket copy for travel booking confirmation,
Confirmation from your travel agent.
Proof that your entry into the next country has been accepted. Proof can include:
An approved and up to date visa,
A residence permit,
A ‘green card.
Confirmation of holiday accommodation.

#6 Performer at a Permit-Free Festival

In addition to the standard documentation listed above, a visitor who intends to perform at a permit-free festival should also include a letter of invitation from the organisers of each event , setting out dates required and details of any payments that they will receive for taking part.

#7 Academic (for research purposes)

An academic coming to undertake research will usually be granted a 12-month standard UK visitor visa , if:

The academic is highly qualified within their own field of expertise
The academic is currently working in that field at an academic institution or institution of higher education overseas
Satisfy the Tuberculosis (TB) screening requirement

Academics coming to undertake research should also include the following documents:

An official letter from your employer on headed paper, describing the length of your sabbatical, exchange or detailing the research to be done in the UK,
An official letter from a UK organisation hosting you, which confirms the arrangements for your research or exchange.

If you are the national of a country listed in Paragraph 39 of Part 1 of the Immigration Rules, you need to provide a valid medical certificate issued by a medical professional listed in Appendix T of the Immigration Rules.

#8 Permitted Paid Engagements

A visitor who is visiting the UK in order to undertake permitted paid engagement will normally be issued a one-month visitor visa .

In addition to the documents listed above, they should also include an invitation letter from a relevant UK-based organisation , such as:

A Higher Education establishment,
A creative arts or entertainment company,
A sports company,
A research company,
An aviation training company regulated by the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority

They must also provide evidence of professional status in their home country , depending on the engagement they are participating in.

#9 Lecturers/examiners

You should also include:

Any articles published in your specific field of expertise,
Any evidence of lectures given in the past in your specific field of expertise,
An employer’s letter stating your place of work and your field of expertise.

#10 Entertainers/artists/sports people

You should also or include:

Any advertising material for performances, concerts, talks, readings and exhibitions,
Any proof of awards/qualifications
Any media articles
Any evidence of recent performances

#11 Air pilot examiners

Any evidence to show membership of your own country’s national aviation authority.

#12 Lawyers

A practicing certificate or certificate of being a fit person (or its equivalent)

Sample Letter for UK Tourist Visa Application (2019 Cover Letter Template)

UK Visitor Visa Fee 2020 [Including HIDDEN Costs]

UK Visitor Visa Requirements in 2020

Long Term Visitor Visa 2019 and 2020 Guidance

Standard Visitor Visa UK: Apply With Ease So You Can Enjoy Your Time Abroad

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Ensure You Meet All Standard Visitor Visa UK Requirements

Holiday, visiting family, studying — there are many reasons why you might want to spend time in the UK. Unfortunately, the refusal rate for a Visitor Visa UK is high. And if your application is refused, you risk having to cancel your plans to visit. That's where our team can help. We'll ensure your application is error-free, helping you gather all documentation required for UK Visitor Visa submissions. You can continue to plan your trip, knowing your application isn't riddled with mistakes.

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What is the Standard Visitor Visa?

The Standard Visitor visa has replaced the Business Visitor Visa, Family Visitor Visa, Child Visitor visa, Student Visitor Visa (up to 6 months), Sports Visitor visa, Entertainer Visitor Visa, Prospective Entrepreneur visa, Private Medical Treatment Visitor visa. This visa permits you to conduct permitted business activities in the UK and activities you may need to undertake as a part of an overseas job role for a period of up to six months. If your business requires you to visit the UK regularly over a longer period, you can apply for a visa that lasts two, five, or ten years. However, you can only stay for a maximum of six months on each visit. Academics coming to the UK on a sabbatical or exchange arrangement can apply for either 6 months or 12 months, subject to meeting the requirements. Please see FAQs below for more details.

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We’ve Spent 10+ Years Navigating the UK’s Complex Immigration Processes

At A Y & J Solicitors in London, we’ve helped many clients secure a Standard Visitor Visa UK. We understand your desire to spend time in the United Kingdom and are well-versed in ensuring our clients have everything together that they need to meet all Standard Visitor Visa UK requirements. Our immigration associates will work with you to learn more about your specific needs, helping you submit a successful application.

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We are specialists in immigration law and have supported more than 4,000 business owners and professionals around the globe to successfully navigate the UK system. We work quickly, always responding to any queries within 24 working hours. And we work closely with the Home Office to pre-empt issues before they jeopardise sponsorship applications or breach compliance. We manage all United Kingdom immigration matters including visa applications under the new points-based immigration system, Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), Spouse Visa s, nationality and more. We also handle complex cases of appeal, administrative reviews, judicial reviews and the many immigration challenges involving European Union law and human rights.

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How we helped a client secure a standard visitor visa uk after an initial refusal.

Our client, Ms. O, wished to apply for a Visitor Visa UK from the Czech Republic so she could visit the UK for a month for business. Unfortunately, her previous application was refused on the basis of her employment -- the UKVI noted that the documents she provided referred to her as an independent contractor rather than an actual employee. After a full assessment of the situation, our team helped Ms. O:

Gather the appropriate documents to confirm her employment
Prepare a detailed statement in support of her application
Clarify the initial mistake made on her first application
Collect all additional documents required for UK Visitor Visa applications

In just one week, Ms. O was granted a Visitor Visa for the UK and was able to come to the country to help her company develop its brand, despite her initial application being refused.

Answers to Your Questions Concerning Standard Visitor Visa UK Requirements

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A Y & J Solicitors has more than 1,200 positive client reviews across Google and Trustpilot and is listed in The Legal top 500 best UK law firms, so you can rest assured your immigration challenges are in safe hands when you take these three simple steps:

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Everything You Need to Know About the Standard Visitor Visa UK Process

You can apply for a Standard Visitor Visa UK if you are:

Travelling to the UK for a holiday or vacation
Travelling to the UK to see your family or friends
Volunteering with a registered charity for up to 30 days
Transiting to another country via the UK
Coming to the UK to attend a conference, meeting, training, seminar, or interview
Negotiating and signing deals and contracts
Attending trade fairs to promote your business (though you cannot sell things)
Carrying out site visits and inspections
Overseeing the delivery of goods and services provided by a UK company to your overseas company or organisation
Coming to the UK to install, dismantle, repair, service, or advise on equipment, computer software, and hardware (if your overseas company has a contract with a UK company or organisation)
Seeking to obtain funding or investments to start or take over a business in the UK
Delivering training or sharing knowledge internally with UK employees of the company you work for overseas
Giving a one-off or short series of talks if it is not a commercial event and not for profit (you cannot accept payment)
Coming to the UK as an artist, entertainer, or musician to perform for a one-off or specific event
Attending work-related training if you are employed overseas, and the training is not available in your home country (for example, training for the merchant navy professionals)
Studying the English language or a short course at an accredited institution
Doing short research which is relevant to your overseas course or doing an elective if you are studying medicine, veterinary medicine and science, nursing, or dentistry
Sitting an entrance exam, retaking an exam or course module, or attending a Ph.D. viva
Doing a placement or taking an exam (for example, taking the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) test, the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) for qualified foreign doctors and nurses, the Bar Transfer Test (BTT) to become a barrister, or the Qualifying Law Transfer Scheme (QLTS) to become a solicitor for qualified foreign lawyers
Coming to the UK as an academic, senior doctor, or dentist on an exchange agreement with UK counterparts
Conducting research during a sabbatical
Accompanying students in a study abroad programme
Teaching or undertaking clinical practice
Coming to the UK as a doctor or dentist to take an unpaid clinical attachment or observer post
Coming to the UK to have private medical treatment at a private hospital or at an NHS hospital as long as the treatment is paid for by your government under a healthcare agreement
Donating an organ to a family member or a close friend subject to a donor match

You cannot do the following activities if you are on a Standard Visitor Visa UK:

Work (paid or unpaid) for a UK company or as a self-employed person
Claim benefits
Live in the UK for long periods with regular visits
Marry or register a civil partnership or give notice of marriage or civil partnership (if you would like to marry or register a civil partnership, you will need to apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa)

To apply for a Standard Visitor Visa UK, you need to prove the following:

Your intentions of coming to the UK, such as visiting for business purposes, visiting family, or leisure
Evidence that you have planned to leave the UK after this time, which should not exceed six months
You have money to support and accommodate yourself and your dependents without relying on any public funds in the UK
You can pay for your return or onward journey
In the event you will be coming for business reasons, you must ensure that you will be conducting permitted business activities only
You will not live in the UK for extended periods through regular or successive visits or make the UK your main home
In the case of a Long-Term Standard Visitor Visa UK, reasons that you are required to frequently visit the UK for permitted purposes (for example, frequent business trips).

Please note that there are additional requirements if you are applying to study or take an exam, applying as an academic, doctor, or dentist, or applying for medical reasons. For example, if you are a doctor taking the PLAB exam, you will need to provide a letter from the General Medical Council confirming your PLAB test registration.

If you are visiting the UK for medical reasons, you will be required to provide evidence to show that you:

Have made arrangements for consultations or treatment
Have enough money to pay for your treatment
Will leave the UK once your treatment is completed or when your visa expires
Are not a danger to public health

Failure to submit the correct documentation is one of the most common reasons for a Standard Visitor Visa UK being refused . Our immigration lawyers can assist you with collating and submitting the required documents, which include:

A valid passport or travel document
Bank statements confirming that you can support yourself and your return journey
Evidence of your purpose for the visit
Evidence that you will leave the UK at the end of your proposed visit

Note: This list is not exhaustive. Our team will help you gather any additional documents required for UK Visitor Visa applications depending on your specific circumstances.

It is possible to apply for a Long-Term Standard Visitor Visa UK if you would like to visit the UK regularly. A Long-Term Standard Visitor Visa UK can be issued for 2, 5, or 10 years. However, you can only stay for a maximum of 6 months on each visit. Please note that you may be given a shorter visa than requested if you cannot meet the eligibility requirements for the duration of the visa you have applied for. In such a case, you will not get a refund of the application fee if you get a shorter visa.

Further, if your travel history shows you are repeatedly visiting the UK and staying for long periods, your visa may be cancelled.

Please find below the current application fees for the UK Visitor Visa. These fees are subject to change. You can find the up-to-date visa application fees by visiting the official website .

One of the main reasons for Standard Visitor Visa UK refusals is providing incorrect or inconsistent information in the visa application or providing such documents in support of your application. If, upon submission of your application but before attending the biometric appointment, you realise or it is revealed that you have provided incorrect or inconsistent information, depending on the severity, you can either cancel the application by logging into your online application portal (this link is provided when you start the application and also upon submission) and complete a new application form, or you can write a cover letter providing the correct information and explaining the reason for the mistake or oversight.

If such a mistake or inconsistency is revealed after attending your biometric appointment, depending on the severity, you can either contact UK Visas and Immigration by visiting Contact UK Visas and Immigration for help – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) and provide the correct information, or cancel the application by visiting Cancel your Visa, immigration, or citizenship application – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) .

It is possible to make an in-country application to extend the Standard Visitor Visa UK. However, you have to prove that there are compelling and compassionate circumstances for which you are unable to return before the expiry of your Standard Visitor Visa UK. For example, you become severely ill during your stay in the UK, and you have been receiving treatment privately to recover. Also, if you have entered the UK for medical reasons and your treatment was completed as planned.

If you are an academic requiring extension for your research, you will need to prove that you still meet the eligibility requirements as an academic.

It is also possible to extend your Standard Visit Visa UK if you are a graduate retaking the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) test or doing a clinical attachment. For retaking the PLAB test, you will be required to provide written confirmation of retaking the test from the General Medical Council. You can get six months extension for this purpose.

Also, after passing the PLAB test, you can apply to stay longer for the purpose of doing an unpaid clinical attachment or dental observer post. You can stay up to 18 months in the UK in total if you apply for such an extension. You will be required to provide written confirmation of your clinical attachment offer and confirmation that you have not done a clinical attachment in the UK previously. One of the conditions of such an extension would be that you do not treat patients.

In the majority of cases, the only option left to challenge the refusal decision is through Judicial Review . An appeal for a refusal of a Standard Visitor Visa UK can only be made on human rights grounds (if applicable). Our solicitors are happy to help you navigate a refusal.

At A Y & J Solicitors, our team has an in-depth understanding of Standard Visitor Visa UK requirements and achieves an incredibly high success rate for our clients. In each case, we provide clients with excellent customer service and a transparent fee structure with no hidden charges or extra costs. We offer caring service throughout the entire process, from your initial consultation until your indefinite leave to remain decision.We can accommodate our clients in a variety of ways, including in-house consultations at our central London office or online/telephone/Skype meetings. Our lawyers also know a handful of international languages, including Hindi & Gujarati, Romanian, Albanian and Italian.

Confidently Apply for a Standard Visitor Visa UK

The immigration solicitors at A Y & J Solicitors are here to help you navigate the complex Standard Visitor Visa UK application process. Schedule a call with us today so we can ensure you don't have to cancel or reschedule your plans to visit.

Learn about How to appeal a UK visitor visa refusal and what to do if your UK visit visa is refused. We discuss reasons for refusals, the reapplication process, and how to challenge a decision. Don't panic if your visa is refused; we provide valuable insights to help you navigate the process. 1) REASONS FOR UK VISITOR VISA REFUSALS 2) WHAT TO DO IF YOUR UK VISITOR VISA REFUSED? 3) CAN YOU REAPPLY AFTER UK VISITOR VISA REFUSAL? 4) HOW TO CHALLENGE A UK VISITOR VISA REFUSAL? Subscribe for the more helpful content. Thank you for watching! Learn more about UK Visit Visa: https://bit.ly/3I4NuLY. Download the brochure for UK Visit Visa: http://bit.ly/3Z8a6jQ. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER: THIS INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR a Professional Legal Advice. PLEASE CONSULT A Professional Legal Adviser FOR GUIDANCE SPECIFIC TO YOUR CASE. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Need Help with Your ✈️UK Visa application? Get in touch now—click on the link to connect with us on Whatsapp https://bit.ly/3WiVWeq. Drop your inquiry now at http://bit.ly/3JjSPzQ. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Immigration Lawyers In London We are a 13+ years experienced, multi-award-winning, Legal 500 regulated UK immigration law firm based in London. We helped 4000+ clients with their UK immigration matter and received 1000+ reviews at Trustpilot, Google and via emails. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If this video was helpful, share it with your friends! Stay tuned! Subscribe to our channel for more such videos. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #ukvisitvisarefusal #ukvisarefusal #HowtoappealaUKvisitorvisarefusal

How to appeal a UK visitor visa refusal ?

A Y & J Solicitors April 30, 2023 7:30 am

This video will cover everything you need to know about UK visas. We will go over the different types of visas. We will discuss the requirements, the eligibility criteria, and the maximum duration of stay for each visa type. We will also provide information on how to get started on your UK visa application process and what kind of legal assistance you can receive. Whether planning a short visit, studying in the UK or setting up a business, this video has everything you need to know about UK visas. Temporary UK Visa Categories 1)Visit Visa - https://bit.ly/3I4NuLY 2)Global Business Mobility Expansion Worker - http://bit.ly/40yFjyR 3)Youth Mobility Visa - http://bit.ly/3jNwQHc 4)Student Visa - https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/apply Permanent UK Visa Categories 1) Spouse Visa - https://bit.ly/3DMJflC 2) Global Talent Visa - http://bit.ly/3ld8IOB 3) Innovator visa - http://bit.ly/3xb2XUg 4) Skilled Worker Visa - http://bit.ly/3DfBynB Learn more about the Self-Sponsorship Route - http://bit.ly/3JQMsV3 Learn more about Sponsor Licence - https://bit.ly/3XlurSE ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER: THIS INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR a Professional Legal Advice. PLEASE CONSULT A Professional Legal Adviser FOR GUIDANCE SPECIFIC TO YOUR CASE. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Need Help with Your ✈️UK Visa application? Get in touch now—click on the link to connect with us on Whatsapp https://bit.ly/3WiVWeq. Drop your inquiry now at http://bit.ly/3JjSPzQ. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Immigration Lawyers In London We are a 13+ years experienced, multi-award-winning, Legal 500 regulated UK immigration law firm based in London. We helped 4000+ clients with their UK immigration matter and received 1000+ reviews at Trustpilot, Google and via emails. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If this video was helpful, share it with your friends! Stay tuned! Subscribe to our channel for more such videos. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #ukvisa #ukvisaapplication #ukimmigration #ukimmigrationprocess #ukimmigrationandvisa

UK Visa: Everything you need to know

A Y & J Solicitors February 9, 2023 7:30 am

If you believe the UK Visit Visa refusal is unlawful and irrational, you can challenge that decision through Judicial review proceedings. Watch the full video to learn more about UK Visit Visa. A Common Reason for UK Visit Visa Refusal- https://bit.ly/3e6Ug7n Subject Access Request ( SAR ) - https://bit.ly/3cBLZrG Learn more about UK Visit Visa: https://bit.ly/3I4NuLY. Download the brochure for UK Visit Visa: http://bit.ly/3Z8a6jQ. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER: THIS INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR a Professional Legal Advice. PLEASE CONSULT A Professional Legal Adviser FOR GUIDANCE SPECIFIC TO YOUR CASE. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Need Help with Your ✈️UK Visa application? Get in touch now—click on the link to connect with us on Whatsapp https://bit.ly/3WiVWeq. Drop your inquiry now at http://bit.ly/3JjSPzQ. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Immigration Lawyers In London We are a 13+ years experienced, multi-award-winning, Legal 500 regulated UK immigration law firm based in London. We helped 4000+ clients with their UK immigration matter and received 1000+ reviews at Trustpilot, Google and via emails. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If this video was helpful, share it with your friends! Stay tuned! Subscribe to our channel for more such videos. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #ukvisitvisa #visitvisaprocess #ukimmigration #ukvisa #ukvisaprocessingtime #ukvisitorvisa #uktouristvisa #familyvisitorvisauk #ukvisitorvisaextension #uktouristvisafromindia #ukvisitorvisafromindia #standardvisitorvisauk #ukvisitorvisarequirements #applyforvisitorvisauk #ukvisitorvisaapplication #applyforuktouristvisa

UK Visit Visa FAQs | UK Immigration

A Y & J Solicitors August 31, 2022 3:30 pm

One of the main reasons for UK Visit Visa refusals is providing incorrect or inconsistent information in the visa application or providing such documents in support of your application. Watch the full video to learn more. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Learn more about UK Visit Visa: https://bit.ly/3I4NuLY. Download the brochure for UK Visit Visa: http://bit.ly/3Z8a6jQ. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER: THIS INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR a Professional Legal Advice. PLEASE CONSULT A Professional Legal Adviser FOR GUIDANCE SPECIFIC TO YOUR CASE. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Need Help with Your ✈️UK Visa application? Get in touch now—click on the link to connect with us on Whatsapp https://bit.ly/3WiVWeq. Drop your inquiry now at http://bit.ly/3JjSPzQ. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Immigration Lawyers In London We are a 13+ years experienced, multi-award-winning, Legal 500 regulated UK immigration law firm based in London. We helped 4000+ clients with their UK immigration matter and received 1000+ reviews at Trustpilot, Google and via emails. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If this video was helpful, share it with your friends! Stay tuned! Subscribe to our channel for more such videos. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #ukvisitvisa #ukvisitvisarefusal #ukvisarefusal #ukvisitorvisa #ukvisitvisa #uktouristvisa #familyvisitorvisauk #ukvisitorvisaextension #uktouristvisafromindia #ukvisitorvisafromindia #standardvisitorvisauk #ukvisitorvisarequirements #applyforvisitorvisauk #ukvisitorvisaapplication #applyforuktouristvisa

UK Visit Visa Entry Refusal | UK Immigration

A Y & J Solicitors April 30, 2022 3:30 pm

If you overstay your Visit Visa, you might invite a mandatory ban on getting a positive outcome on your future UK immigration application. watch the full video to learn more. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Learn more about UK Visit Visa: https://bit.ly/3I4NuLY. Download the brochure for UK Visit Visa: http://bit.ly/3Z8a6jQ. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER: THIS INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR a Professional Legal Advice. PLEASE CONSULT A Professional Legal Adviser FOR GUIDANCE SPECIFIC TO YOUR CASE. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Need Help with Your ✈️UK Visa application? Get in touch now—click on the link to connect with us on Whatsapp https://bit.ly/3WiVWeq. Drop your inquiry now at http://bit.ly/3JjSPzQ. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Immigration Lawyers In London We are a 13+ years experienced, multi-award-winning, Legal 500 regulated UK immigration law firm based in London. We helped 4000+ clients with their UK immigration matter and received 1000+ reviews at Trustpilot, Google and via emails. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If this video was helpful, share it with your friends! Stay tuned! Subscribe to our channel for more such videos. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #ukvisitvisa #ukvisa #ukvisarefusal

What if you overstay on your UK Visit Visa?

A Y & J Solicitors March 19, 2022 3:30 pm

Mohammed Rami Saifullah, Account manager at Akuma Technologies, shares his experience with A Y & J Solicitors. Happy client! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Learn more about UK Visit Visa: https://bit.ly/3I4NuLY. Download the brochure for UK Visit Visa: http://bit.ly/3Z8a6jQ. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER: THIS INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR a Professional Legal Advice. PLEASE CONSULT A Professional Legal Adviser FOR GUIDANCE SPECIFIC TO YOUR CASE. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Need Help with Your ✈️UK Visa application? Get in touch now—click on the link to connect with us on Whatsapp https://bit.ly/3WiVWeq. Drop your inquiry now at http://bit.ly/3JjSPzQ. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Immigration Lawyers In London We are a 13+ years experienced, multi-award-winning, Legal 500 regulated UK immigration law firm based in London. We helped 4000+ clients with their UK immigration matter and received 1000+ reviews at Trustpilot, Google and via emails. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If this video was helpful, share it with your friends! Stay tuned! Subscribe to our channel for more such videos. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #ukvisitorvisa #ukvisitvisa #uktouristvisa #familyvisitorvisauk #ukvisitorvisaextension #uktouristvisafromindia #ukvisitorvisafromindia #standardvisitorvisauk #ukvisitorvisarequirements #applyforvisitorvisauk #ukvisitorvisaapplication #applyforuktouristvisa

Client testimonial - Successful UK Visit visa application

A Y & J Solicitors February 26, 2022 3:30 pm

A common reason for the UK visit visa refusal is not having a genuine intention. If Home Office says they don't believe you will leave the UK after completing your visit. How would you prove that? And here is the solution. Watch the full video to know how can you avoid your visit visa refusal. Learn more about UK Visit Visa: https://bit.ly/3I4NuLY. Download the brochure for UK Visit Visa: http://bit.ly/3Z8a6jQ. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER: THIS INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR a Professional Legal Advice. PLEASE CONSULT A Professional Legal Adviser FOR GUIDANCE SPECIFIC TO YOUR CASE. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Need Help with Your ✈️UK Visa application? Get in touch now—click on the link to connect with us on Whatsapp https://bit.ly/3WiVWeq. Drop your inquiry now at http://bit.ly/3JjSPzQ. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Immigration Lawyers In London We are a 13+ years experienced, multi-award-winning, Legal 500 regulated UK immigration law firm based in London. We helped 4000+ clients with their UK immigration matter and received 1000+ reviews at Trustpilot, Google and via emails. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If this video was helpful, share it with your friends! Stay tuned! Subscribe to our channel for more such videos. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #ukvisitorvisa #ukvisitvisa #uktouristvisa #familyvisitorvisauk #ukvisitorvisaextension #uktouristvisafromindia #ukvisitorvisafromindia #standardvisitorvisauk #ukvisitorvisarequirements #applyforvisitorvisauk #ukvisitorvisaapplication #applyforuktouristvisa

How to avoid UK visit visa refusal? | UK travel visa | UK immigration

A Y & J Solicitors January 29, 2022 4:00 pm

How to avoid UK visit visa refusal Trailer video

A Y & J Solicitors January 27, 2022 11:38 am

UK visit visa applications get refused for different reasons. And not having enough finance to support your trip to the UK is one common reason for the UK visit visa refusal. But you do not need to have hundreds of thousands of pounds in your bank account to prove you have enough funds to support your trip to the UK. Watch the full video to learn more. Learn more about UK Visit Visa: https://bit.ly/3I4NuLY. Download the brochure for UK Visit Visa: http://bit.ly/3Z8a6jQ. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER: THIS INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR a Professional Legal Advice. PLEASE CONSULT A Professional Legal Adviser FOR GUIDANCE SPECIFIC TO YOUR CASE. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Need Help with Your ✈️UK Visa application? Get in touch now—click on the link to connect with us on Whatsapp https://bit.ly/3WiVWeq. Drop your inquiry now at http://bit.ly/3JjSPzQ. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Immigration Lawyers In London We are a 13+ years experienced, multi-award-winning, Legal 500 regulated UK immigration law firm based in London. We helped 4000+ clients with their UK immigration matter and received 1000+ reviews at Trustpilot, Google and via emails. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If this video was helpful, share it with your friends! Stay tuned! Subscribe to our channel for more such videos. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #ukvisitorvisa #ukvisitvisa #uktouristvisa #familyvisitorvisauk #ukvisitorvisaextension #uktouristvisafromindia #ukvisitorvisafromindia #standardvisitorvisauk #ukvisitorvisarequirements #applyforvisitorvisauk #ukvisitorvisaapplication #applyforuktouristvisa

A Common Reason for UK Visit Visa Refusal | UK Travel

A Y & J Solicitors January 8, 2022 3:30 pm

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Contact our immigration advisors to deal with your Visit visa application from start to finish

OUR SIX TOP TIPS TO AVOID UK IMMIGRATION APPLICATION REFUSAL

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We’re a married couple from the Philippines who have gone through the process of immigrating and settling in the United Kingdom. Here you will find what our 6-year journey looked like; we hope that what we’re sharing here can guide you in yours.

ImmigrationStory.uk The costs and process of moving to the UK

Inviting friends and family to come visit you in the uk.

In this chapter I’ll detail:

Standard Visitor visa

Valid reasons for visiting the uk, proper and appropriate accommodations, access to sufficient funds to support themselves, strong ties to their home country, genuine relationship with you.

Your friends and family might wish to visit you in the UK so that you can spend time together as well as see and experience the various attractions around the country. If they are not exempt (this depends on their nationality), then they will need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa.

The full requirements are available on the official UK Government page for Standard Visitor visas which also details what the visitors can and cannot do in the UK. The documents they will need to provide is extensive, as they will have to prove that (among other things) they have:

Access to sufficient funds (either self-funded or by a third-party, such as you) to support themselves
Strong ties to their home country where they will return to after their UK visit (i.e. they will not illegally over-stay in the UK)
A genuine relationship with you

As a supporting document you should provide them a letter of invitation that they will include as part of their application. This is important especially if you’re helping them apply, as it establishes your relationship with them and makes clear what kind of support you will be providing them during their visit. A letter of invitation will strengthen their application, giving it a better case for approval.

I’m sharing the template I use; download the letter of invitation in support of a visitor visa application here . The template has placeholders for all the information noted above, and guidance on how to fill-out and print the document. Edit it accordingly, and send it (along with other required evidence from you) to the visitor so they can include it when they submit their application.

Visitors generally can perform tourist activities as well as business-related (not work – this is different) activities as outlined in the UK Government’s Visitor Rules . What they cannot do are:

Do paid work
Do unpaid work
Live in the UK for long periods of time through frequent visits
Get public funds
Marry or enter into a civil partnership, or provide notice of marriage or civil partnership

A detailed guidance for visitors can be found at the official Visit Guidance by the UK Government.

You must ensure that the invitation letter clearly indicates the reasons the visitor is coming to UK, and that those reasons are valid.

If you are accommodating the visitors in your home then you’ll need to prove that:

You legally live where you claim to live: this can be your lease agreement or your council tax bill
Your residence is physically sufficient to house you and your guests: this can be your lease agreement showing the number of bedrooms your residence has, or a letter from your agent or landlord

If your visitors will be staying in paid accommodations then they will need to show that they can afford this on top of the other expenditures for their trip as well as their other expenditures in their home country while they are away.

Your visitors will need to show they have enough liquid funds to support themselves during their visit, and that they have had access to these funds for some time.

As the cost of living varies wildly in the UK depending on location, it is not prescribed how much these funds should be. The visitor should demonstrate that they understand what the costs are for where they are going and what they are planning to do, and that they have funds in excess of this, on top of the money set aside for regular expenditures (such as mortgage) in their home country. Additionally, they should be able to show that this money has been available in their account for some time; this duration is not prescribed but six months is a safe figure to use.

If you are paying for their visit then you’ll need to show that you can afford this on top of your own day-to-day costs of living in the UK.

The UK wants certainty that visitors will go back to their home country after their visit, and not stay in the UK illegally. Visitors thus will need to provide evidence that they have strong ties to their home country. This can be shown in a number of ways:

The visitor has a stable job in their home country
The visitor owns properties or businesses in their home country
The visitor has other relatives that depend on them, living in their home country

All of these will have to be evidenced and included as part of their application. You should reiterate in your support letter that the visitor will return to their home country after they visit you in the UK.

You need to show how you are connected to the visitor. If you are friends or colleagues, you need to provide more detail (as opposed to if you were family); for instance, how you first met, or how long you have known each other.

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How do I Sponsor a Visitor to the UK?

The UK Visit Visa or Standard Visitor Visa makes the visitor eligible to stay in the UK for a maximum period of 6 months. UK Visit Visa can be issued for shorter periods also. The UK Visit Visa is meant for those who travel to the UK for tourism, to visit members of a family who are in the UK, or for medical treatment or professional purposes.

For more information on how to sponsor a visitor to the UK, including what you need to do to be eligible for it, how to apply, and expert advice for your application, reach out to us today on 0333 305 9375 or contact us online.

Overview of the UK Visit Visa

As a prospective visitor to the UK, there are several requirements you will need to meet before you are permitted entry into the country. Primarily, Home Office entry clearance officers are most concerned with ensuring that only those who are genuine and credible visitors are given entry. Another aspect of the checks carried out by the Home Office on visitors to the UK is to ensure that they have both accommodation and sufficient money while they are here.

This category of visitors may qualify for any of several visa types which include: General Visitor Visa, Family Visitor Visa, Child Visitor Visa, Business Visitor Visa including Visas for doctors, dentists and academics, Sports Visitor Visa, Entertainer Visitor Visa, Prospective Entrepreneur Visa, Private Medical Treatment Visa and Approved Destination Status (ADS) Visa are replaced with the UK Visit Visa.

In this article, we will outline the evidence required to show that a third party can sponsor a visitor to the UK.

Eligibility Requirements to Sponsor a Visitor to the UK

Third-parties who wish to invite their friends and relatives to the UK on a visit visa are required to:

have a genuine professional or personal relationship with the visitor.
Ensure that their visitors are not, or will not be, in breach of UK immigration laws at the time of decision or the visitor’s entry to the UK.
To provide support to the visitor for the intended duration of their stay
Note that the sponsor does not have to be based in the UK, they can be outside (in which case the second of the three requirements above does not apply).
To prove that they have enough funds available to adequately support themselves and anyone normally dependent on them, as well as the visitor.

Supporting Documents to Sponsor a Visitor to the UK

The documents required to sponsor UK Visitor Visa include:

Proof of accommodation and the sponsor’s bank balance.
Also, the sponsor should provide a letter of invitation for the trip to be undertaken by the visa applicant.
The letter of invitation should be following Paragraph 35 Part I of the Immigration Rules.
As proof of accommodation, the sponsor is required to furnish evidence of the residential property where the visitor will be staying during his UK visit.
The sponsor may also provide the latest bank statement to prove that he/she can maintain the visitor during his/her stay in the UK.

Main Legal Aspects of the UK Visit Visa

Those who want to visit a family member in the UK can apply for a UK family visitor visa. The applicant for a UK family visitor visa should be outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. The applicant should also meet all other eligibility requirements. Those who have a UK family visitor visa can stay in the UK for up to 6 months.

Don’t let the process of sponsoring a visitor to the UK overwhelm you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get started on your journey.

UK Visit Visa Application Procedure

If the applicant is a visa national or they have chosen to apply for a Standard Visitor visa before travelling to the UK, they must:

Pay to submit a Standard Visitor visa application online; and
Attend an appointment at a Visa Application Centre to provide their biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) and documents.
They should upload their documents online before attending the Visa Application Centre to avoid added fees.

The earliest they can apply is 3 months before their intended date of travel.

Standard applications take 15 working days (3 weeks) from when they attend their appointment at a Visa Application Centre. They should also allow an extra week for their passport to be endorsed with an entry clearance vignette (visa sticker).

They may be able to pay extra to upgrade their application to the priority service (5 working days) or super priority service (end of the next working day). Please check what services are available directly with the Visa Application Centre they apply through.

UK Visit Visa Application Requirements

The visa applicant should meet the following requirements:

The visitor should be able to understand English.
The UK Visit Visa applicant should produce proof of his/her confirmed return ticket as well as confirmed hotel booking.
The applicant should show a clear reason for his/her visit to the UK and should also show his capability to support his/her dependents along with himself/herself.
The applicant should keep ready all the documents that are necessary to apply for UK Visit Visa.

Supporting Documents Required to Acquire a Visit Visa to the UK

Those who apply for UK Visit Visa are required to submit the following documents:

Filled up a manual application form or the completed online Form from the Visa4UK website
Two colour photographs taken within the last 6 months
A passport. Should be valid for 3 more months from the date the applicant plans to leave the UK after the visit. The passport must have one blank page for the Visa.
Bank statements or payslips for the last 6 months to prove that the applicant is financially sound to meet all expenses during his/her stay in the UK.
Document to show where the applicant will be staying during his/her visit to the UK
Detailed travel itinerary including how, when and what the applicant plans to do in the UK, dates of travel, places he/she will be visiting, details of booked tours, details of arranged meetings, festivals that he/she will be attending, etc.
Tuberculosis Test Results
If the applicant will be staying with a friend or family member during his/her visit to the UK, a letter of invitation should be submitted. The host must be either a UK national or a legal resident of the UK.
Receipt confirming payment of Visa fees
Certified translations of documents that are not in either English or Welsh
Applicants who are under the age of 18 should submit a birth certificate and adoption papers, if applicable. In case those under 18 are travelling alone or with somebody other than parent or parents they are required to produce a signed letter from the parent confirming details of the person who accompanies the minor and should also submit a copy of the biographical page of the passport of parent/legal guardian.

Financial Requirements To Sponsor a Visitor to the UK

Those who apply for UK Visit Visa should prove that they have sufficient funds to manage all reasonable expenses in connection with their UK visit without accessing public funds. The expenses include:

Their onward/return journey, expenses incurred by dependents and the costs of specified activities like private medical treatments.
In cases in which the visit is sponsored by a friend or family member, the sponsor documents should show that the travel expenses, living expenses and accommodation costs will be covered by the sponsor.
The supporting documents to be enclosed by the applicant include bank statements, pay slips, dividend vouchers and tax documents.
The applicant need not show that he/she has a prescribed level of funds to meet living expenses, travel expenses and costs of accommodation.

Who can Write a Sponsor Letter?

The consular office can consider a visa sponsorship letter in support of a visa application when the letter is written by a UK citizen. The letter can also be written by a lawful UK permanent resident. The resident is required to have a well-defined relationship with the visa applicant. They could be relatives or friends, or partners.

The UK resident should have a registered place of residence in the UK. They should also have enough room to accommodate the visitor to which they issue an invitation letter. They must cater for their visitor in terms of accommodation for the entire period of their visit. The only exception to this is when the visitor can provide clear evidence of alternative accommodation.

Our team of immigration experts has extensive experience in helping sponsors like you bring visitors to the UK.

How to Write a Sponsor Letter?

The process of writing a visit visa sponsor letter is not that complicated. Especially if you already have experience in writing sponsor letters, either for a visit visa or a visa to any other country.

The letter should be short and clear, giving all the necessary information on the sponsor’s identity as well as the expenses of the applicant that they will be covering, and their relationship. Do not give any information that you cannot support with documents, which you have to submit alongside the letter of sponsorship.

Structure of a Sponsor Letter

The letter should be addressed to the staff of the embassy with the opening salutation ‘Dear sir/madam’. Next, give your name and other personal details as to where you live and what you work, the reason why you are writing the letter and for whom.
Give information on the expenses you are going to cover and how you will be doing that. Give the dates when the trip of the applicant will take place, and if he/she will be staying over at your place in one of the Schengen states, mention that, giving the address of the place.
If you will be spending time with the applicant, while in Schengen, it would be nice if you wrote just a few words on the places you are planning to visit together, kind of like a short one-paragraph travel itinerary.
Do not forget to mention that you “have attached supporting documents” to the letter of support you are sending. Sign the letter at the end, under your name. Do not leave out details like the date when you wrote the letter.
Despite the guideline given above, you need to take into account some small pieces of advice when writing the letter. Below find the ultimate tips on how to write a sponsorship letter for a Schengen visa.
Do not make it too personal – it is one thing to explain in the letter your relationship with the applicant, and another to tell throughout the whole letter how much you have missed them, love them, and want to see them. The consular officer does not care about that, he just wants to make sure you will be paying the expenses of the applicant. Besides, such details will make the letter longer, which you are strongly advised not to do.
Do not give unnecessary details – above we advised you to explain why you are sponsoring the applicant, as well as to give details on the expenses you have to cover. However, do not go way too much into details giving unnecessary information such as, where you will be eating breakfast each day and how much each breakfast will cost you. The consular officer is not interested to hear that. Instead, just show the available amount of money that you are sponsoring the applicant with, and explain the expenses he or she will be able to cover with that money, i.e. accommodation and food.
Do not make it too long – as we said a few times now, try to avoid unnecessary information and keep your letter short and clear. The consular officers do not have the time, nor the wish to read a two-page letter, which could have instead been shortened to a few paragraphs.

Another important thing you shall not forget, aside from your name, occupation and home address, take care to also submit your phone number and email, so in case of need, the embassy will be able to contact you and you will have the chance to clarify any of the information if needed.

Supporting Documents for the Sponsor Letter

There are no general rules guiding what documents sponsors providing an invitation letter should submit. Inviting someone to live with you in the UK may require the following documents:

A scanned copy of your passport or ID to confirm your identification
Evidence of your immigration status in the UK, such as a visa
Proof of your residence in the UK, such as a mortgage statement or tenancy agreement
Proof of funds where you undertake to financially support the applicant during their stay in the UK, such as bank statements or pay slips
If you are arranging accommodation for the applicant, you will need to provide evidence of this in the form of a letter from the landlord/agent, or confirmation of a bed and breakfast/hotel booking
If the visit is for a special family occasion, for example, celebrating a wedding, birth or important anniversary, consider including an invitation giving details of the event, as well as when and where it is to take place
Any other document that you believe will help the applicant in getting their visa, for example, a short travel itinerary of the places you plan to visit together in the UK.

If you’re looking to sponsor a visitor to the UK, our team of immigration advisors is here to assist you.

How IAS Can Help

Sponsoring a visitor to the UK or acquiring a UK visit visa can be a reasonably daunting procedure. There are a handful of documentation submissions to be done which may prove time-consuming as you progress.

If you require any assistance with your visit visa application such as if you’re unsure or uncertain about the application method and what you need to do to be granted a visit, IAS can help.

We are a formidable team of professional and knowledgeable immigration lawyers who have years’ worth of experience working in UK immigration law. We have helped countless people overcome hurdles to come and settle in the UK, and we can help you to do the same, too.

For more information about how to sponsor a visitor to the UK, including what you need to do to be eligible for it, how to apply for a visit visa, and expert advice for the application, reach out to us today on 0333 305 9375 or contact us online.

We offer immigration advice sessions as face to face appointments at all of our UK offices, or via the phone.

Table of Contents

Need help with an immigration issue? Book a one-to-one advice session with one of our legal caseworkers.

We can complete your visa application on your behalf, taking the stress and hassle out of the process.

Need to submit an application quickly? We can help you complete and send it off in as little as 24 hours.

Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal with our legal support and guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the visitor visa valid.

It is usually valid for 6 months. i.e you are allowed to stay up to 6 months at a time.

What is the processing time for a UK visit visa?

This can take up to a month. It usually depends on the time and place of application.

Can I work on a visitor visa?

No. This is not permitted.

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15 Documents Required for UK Visitor Visa in 2024

What are the types of uk visitor visas.

The UK offers a range of visitor visas tailored to different purposes of visit. While the general requirements might be similar, it’s essential to apply for the right category:

Tourist Visa: For those visiting the UK for leisure, holidays, or sightseeing.
Business Visa: Designed for individuals attending business meetings, conferences, or seminars.
Family Visitor Visa: For visitors who intend to stay with family members residing in the UK.
Child Visitor Visa: Specifically for children under 18 visiting the UK.

Remember to ensure your activities in the UK align with the visa category you’ve applied for to avoid any legal complications.

UK Visitor Visa Documents Check-List

1. visa application form vaf1a.

This is the primary application form for all visitors to the UK. It must be correctly filled out, detailing the purpose of your visit, personal details, and other relevant information.

2. Valid Passport

Must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the UK.
At least one blank page on both sides for the visa stamp.

3. Two Passport-Sized Photographs

Adhering to the UK visa photo specifications: 45mm high x 35mm wide, not framed, with a light grey or plain cream background.

4. Proof of Accommodation

Hotel booking confirmation.
If staying with a family or friend: a letter of invitation with their address and contact details. It’s helpful if they also provide a copy of their passport and proof of address, such as a utility bill.

5. Proof of Funds

This is to show that you can support yourself during your visit without accessing public funds.

Recent bank statements (typically covering the last six months).
Pay slips from your employer.
Proof of earnings through tax returns, business bank statements, or business accounts if self-employed.

6. Details of Employment or Studies

If employed: A letter from your employer granting leave of absence. The letter should also confirm how long you have been employed with the company and the date you are expected to return to work.
If self-employed: Business registration documents and tax returns.
If a student: A letter from your educational institution confirming your enrolment and granting leave of absence.

7. Travel Itinerary

Detailed travel plans, including the date of entry and exit from the UK.
Confirmed flight ticket bookings.

8. Travel Insurance

A comprehensive travel insurance policy that covers the entirety of your stay in the UK. It should include coverage for medical emergencies.

9. Additional Documents Depending on the Purpose of Visit

Business: Invitation letter from the UK company, details of the company’s activities, and evidence of business activities in your home country.
Medical Treatment: Letter from a doctor or consultant detailing the medical condition and treatment required, along with proof of pre-arranged services at the medical facility.
Academic Visit: Invitation from the UK academic institution, details of the course/research, and evidence of academic qualifications.
Marriage: Proof of wedding arrangements, like booking confirmations of the venue.

10. Proof of Ties to Home Country

This is to demonstrate your intention to return after your visit.

Property deeds or mortgage statements.
A detailed letter explaining any other personal or financial circumstances that indicate your ties to your home country.

11. Previous Travel History

If you have them, provide your old passports to demonstrate your travel history. This often works in your favor, showing you have returned from other trips abroad, implying you are less of a risk to overstay.

12. Tuberculosis (TB) Test Results

If you’re from a country where taking a TB test is mandatory before coming to the UK for more than six months, you must include these results.

13. Payment Receipt of Visa Fee

Ensure you provide proof of the visa application fee payment.

14. Criminal Record Certificate

If you have been convicted of any crimes, you must provide a certificate from the country in which you were convicted.

15. Translation of Non-English Documents

Any document that isn’t in English or Welsh needs to be accompanied by a certified translation. This includes the details of the translator or translation company.

4 Tips for a Successful Application

Applying for a UK visitor visa can seem daunting. But with the right preparation and understanding of the process, you can improve your chances of success. Here are some tips to help you through:

Stay Organized: Compile all necessary documents in a neat and systematic manner. Use clear folders and label them accordingly. An organized application is easier to process and leaves a positive impression.
Read Carefully: Make sure to thoroughly read and understand the visa guidelines. This can prevent common mistakes, such as missing documents or incorrect information.
Write a Clear Cover Letter: Your cover letter should succinctly explain the purpose of your visit, ensuring it aligns with the category of visa you’re applying for.
Authenticity is Key: Always provide genuine documents. Fabricated or misleading information can lead to immediate rejection and possibly further complications in future applications.

What Is The Duration and Extension Policy of the Visitor Visa?

The standard UK visitor visa typically allows travelers to stay in the UK for up to 6 months. However, it’s crucial to note the following:

Multiple Visits: If you have a multiple entry visa, you can leave and come back to the UK multiple times within the validity period, but your total stay shouldn’t exceed 6 months.
Extensions: In exceptional circumstances, one might need to extend their stay beyond the allotted time. Extensions are usually given for medical reasons or if there’s a compelling reason related to a business visit. You should apply for an extension before your current visa expires.

What Is The UK Visitor Visa Processing Time?

Understanding how long it might take to process your visa application can help you plan your trip better. Here’s what you should know:

Standard Time: Typically, the UK visitor visa application is processed within 3 weeks of submission. However, during peak travel times or due to unforeseen circumstances, it might take longer.
Expedited Services: For those in a hurry, the UK does offer priority and super-priority services for an additional fee. The priority service aims to process your visa within 5 working days, while the super-priority service offers a next-day decision.

What Are The Rights and Restrictions on a Visitor Visa?

Having a UK visitor visa allows you certain privileges and also comes with restrictions:

Rights: You can generally participate in tourist activities, attend meetings or conferences, undergo elective medical treatments, and even partake in short recreational courses.
Restrictions: Visitor visa holders are typically prohibited from taking on employment in the UK, accessing public funds, or staying beyond the duration stipulated on their visa. Additionally, engaging in activities not covered by your visa category could result in penalties or deportation.

Understanding these rights and restrictions ensures that you stay compliant with UK immigration laws during your visit.

How Long Can I Stay in the UK on a Visitor Visa?

On a UK visitor visa, you can typically stay in the UK for up to 6 months. However, there are specific circumstances to consider:

Standard Duration : Most visitor visas are granted for a period of 6 months.
Long-term Visitor Visas : For frequent travelers, long-term visitor visas are available, allowing multiple entries over 2, 5, or 10 years. Each stay, however, should not exceed 6 months.
Specific Visas : Some specific types of visitor visas, like medical treatment or academic visitor visas, may have different durations.

It’s important to adhere strictly to the duration of stay granted on your visa to avoid overstaying and potential future entry issues.

Can I Switch to Another Visa Category While on a Visitor Visa in the UK?

Switching to another visa category while on a visitor visa in the UK is typically not permitted. Considerations include:

Return Requirement : You are usually required to leave the UK and apply for a different visa from your home country or country of residence.
Exceptions : Very few exceptions exist, and these are subject to strict criteria.
Compliance : Staying in the UK beyond the terms of your visitor visa or attempting to switch to a different visa category without leaving the country can result in immigration violations.

If you believe your circumstances warrant a different visa type, it’s advisable to consult with UK immigration services or a legal expert.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can i attend job interviews on a visitor visa.

Yes, attending job interviews is permissible under a visitor visa, but you cannot undertake employment in the UK with it.

Is it possible to extend my visitor visa from within the UK?

In most circumstances, a visitor visa cannot be extended beyond the 6-month limit. However, there can be exceptional cases, such as medical emergencies, where a short extension might be granted.

Are there any restrictions on multiple entries to the UK on a visitor visa?

The standard UK visitor visa is multi-entry, meaning you can leave and re-enter the UK multiple times during its validity. But remember, the total stay should not exceed the duration granted, usually 6 months.

Ireland Work Permit Without a Job Offer in 2024

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How to apply

Additional changes to entry, testing and quarantine requirements in response to the Omicron variant

There are temporary changes for all travellers, including Canadian citizens, regardless of their vaccination status.

Additional restrictions and requirements now apply to these countries:

Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe

News release

Changes to border measures

New border measures include

rules for re-entering Canada, if leaving for 72 hours or less
who is considered fully vaccinated
rules for travelling within Canada

Starting January 15, 2022, there will be new rules for who can enter Canada as an unvaccinated or partially vaccinated traveller.

Learn more about the new measures

Venezuelan passport holders

You may need to complete extra steps when you fill out your application .

If the printed expiry date on your Venezuelan passport has passed

If the printed expiry date has passed and you’re applying for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit or to extend your stay as a temporary resident in Canada, follow these steps:

Add 5 years to the printed expiry date shown on your passport and enter it in the expiry date field of the application form.
Include a letter of explanation with your application stating: “I am a Venezuelan national with a Venezuelan passport, which has been extended for 5 years”.

Warning: If your passport is still expired after adding 5 years to the printed expiry date, your passport is considered expired. You’re not eligible to submit an application with that passport.

Prepare documents and apply

The reason you’re traveling to Canada determines the way you apply and the documents you need to submit with your visa application.

Why are you applying for a visitor visa?

To visit as a tourist
To visit for business
To visit your spouse or partner who has sponsored you for permanent residence

What is your family member’s status in Canada?

Canadian citizen
Person registered under Canada’s Indian Act
Canadian permanent resident
Temporary resident in Canada
For compassionate reasons
None of the above

Do you plan to visit your children or grandchildren for more than 6 months?

You may be eligible to apply for a Super Visa

A super visa lets you visit your children or grandchildren for 5 years at a time. It’s a visa that provides multiple entries for a period up to 10 years.

Find out how to apply for a Super Visa

Step 1 Gather documents

Gather these documents to submit with your visa application and bring when you travel.

About the documents listed

Not all documents listed below are required—some are optional.
This is not an exhaustive list of acceptable proof to support your visa application.
Only submit the recommended documents that prove you’re eligible for a visa.
Even if you submit all the documents listed, there is no guarantee that we’ll approve your application.
We may request more information from you in addition to what is listed here.

Documents we accept:

passports (regular, official or diplomatic) from most countries (see exceptions below)
alien’s passport for stateless persons
US Permit to Re-Enter (Form I-327)
US Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571)
other refugee travel documents for non-citizens

Documents we don’t accept:

any passport issued by Somalia
non-machine-readable passports issued by the Czech Republic
temporary passports issued by the Republic of South Africa
provisional passports issued by Venezuela

A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you’ll use to travel to Canada

If you have a passport, you must provide a copy of

the page that shows your birth date and country of origin
any pages with stamps, visas or markings

If you have a travel document, it must be issued by a government and include your

date of birth
document number
citizenship or residency status
expiry date (if applicable)

Submit this document with your visa application.

Family members or third parties who apply on behalf of the applicant need to complete this form.

Submit the completed form with your visa application.

Each applicant 18 years or older must complete this form.

Submit the completed form with your visa application

Documents needed depend on whether a child under 18 years of age will travel with only 1 parent, with a relative or friend or alone.

You may need to show

a letter that authorizes the minor child to travel to Canada
other documents, such as adoption papers or a custody decree, depending on if the minor child travels alone or not

Consult Minor children travelling to Canada .

Submit these with your visa application.

Show the border services officer when you arrive in Canada.

If you’ve travelled to Canada or to other countries, this can show that you’ve been able to get a visa in the past.

Proof of this includes copies of previous visas in your passport.

Include a clear copy of 1 or more of the following:

your previous passports and/or visas (used within the last 10 years to travel outside your country)
entry and exit stamps
study and/or work permits that indicate your duration outside of your country
expired or valid visas

Submit this document with your visa application

Documents that show how long you plan to stay and what you’ll do in Canada

Include copies of any of the following:

flight details
hotel reservations
registration for an event

This can help us understand if you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Canada.

Bank name and contact This allows us to contact your bank or financial institution with questions.

Proof it is your account Your name and address on the statement show that the account is yours.

Account details At least 6 months of account details, including balances, helps us understand your financial situation.

Use this form if you want to allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to release your personal information to someone you choose.

The person you choose will be able to get information on your case file, such as the status of your application.

Business visitor

A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you'll use to travel to Canada

Submit this with your visa application.

A clear copy of 1 or more of the following:

study and/or work permits that indicate your duration outside your country

Copies of any of the following:

A letter from your employer can confirm that you have a stable job and will return to it. It can also show that your employer supports your visit to Canada.

The letter should be printed on your employer’s official letterhead.

The letter should include the following:

date, no earlier than 3 months before you apply
confirmation that you have a job with the employer
your full name and date of birth
date you started the job
brief description of your job
current salary
contact information of your manager
phone number
email address
employer information
company name
state or province
Your manager or human resources contact should print their name and sign the letter.

A letter from a business or company in Canada

It can confirm that your purpose for visiting Canada is valid.

A copy of the letter from the business or company inviting you to Canada

The letter must be written to you from the business or company.

Consult the details to include in the letter .

Visit your spouse or partner who sponsored you for permanent residence

Proof of your relationship with the person or family member inviting you to Canada

This can include a copy of

a marriage certificate
Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM5409)
a birth certificate
an official document naming you as a parent

Each applicant 18 years and older must complete this form.

The documents needed depend on whether a child under 18 years of age will travel with only 1 parent, with a relative or friend, or alone.

other documents, such as adoption papers or a custody decree, depending on whether the minor child travels alone

Consult Minor children travelling to Canada

A letter written by your family member in Canada

A copy of the letter from the family member inviting you to Canada

The letter must be written to you from your family member.
current Salary

Complete the form that declares you and your partner are in a common-law relationship. Also provide proof that you and your common-law partner have combined your affairs and set up a household together.

What is a common-law partner?

Proof can include

joint bank accounts or credit cards
joint ownership of a home
joint residential leases
joint rental receipts
joint utilities (electricity, gas, telephone)
joint management of household expenses
proof of joint purchases, especially for household items
mail addressed to either person or both people at the same address

Faster visitor visa processing for spousal applicants

If you’re being sponsored for permanent residence (PR) by your spouse or partner, you could benefit from faster processing for a visitor visa.

You may be eligible if you

submitted an application to be sponsored for permanent residence
received an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) that confirms the application is in progress

Applications that need more information, for example custody documents for a child, will take longer to process.

When your sponsor receives the AOR for your permanent residence application, you can apply for a visitor visa. If you’re eligible, your visitor visa application will automatically receive faster processing. You don’t need to request it.

You must still meet all of the requirements to be eligible for a visitor visa .

Visit family (Canadian citizen, person registered under Canada’s Indian Act, or permanent resident of Canada)

Submit with visa application

Visit children or grandchildren Super visa option

Submit this with your visa or super visa application.

For super visa applicants only

Proof that medical insurance for at least $100,000 coverage has been purchased from a Canadian insurance company.

A copy of the insurance certificate or policy you received for medical insurance coverage for 1 year with a Canadian insurance company.

Submit this with your super visa application.

Documents that show that the super visa applicant’s child or grandchild meets the low income cut-off minimum.

Submit one of the following documents:

If the child or grandchild does not have a paper copy of their notice of assessment on file, they can view and print their tax returns as well as other personal tax information using the Canada Revenue Agency My Account online service.
a copy of the child’s or grandchild’s most recent T4 or T1
an original letter from the child’s or grandchild’s employer stating their job title, job description and salary
a letter from an accountant confirming the child’s or grandchild’s annual income, if they are self-employed.
proof of other sources of income (pension statement, investments, etc.)

A document confirming that you had an immigration medical exam (IME)

The exam must conducted by a panel physician authorized by IRCC.

Get complete details about how to get a medical exam with a panel physician.

Submit this with your super visa application, or wait for instructions from the visa office.

Visit family (temporary resident of Canada)

A letter written by your family in Canada

Documents that show how long you plan to stay and what you’ll do once in Canada

Visit for compassionate reasons

A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you'll use to travel to Canada.

Show the border services officer when you arrive in Canada

A letter written to you from a person or business inviting you to Canada

A copy of the letter from the person or business inviting you to Canada

registration for an event.

Step 2 Apply through the IRCC Portal

Step 2 apply.

To apply for a visitor visa to visit Canada on business, you need to qualify as a business visitor.

To qualify, you must show that:

you plan to stay for less than 6 months
you don’t plan to enter the Canadian labour market
your main place of business and source of income and profits is outside Canada

Business visitor activities include business meetings, special events or training for a few days or weeks.

If your meeting, event or conference is registered with us, include the event code in your application. You should get this code from the organizer.

Note: If you plan to stay for more than 6 months, or if you plan to work in Canada, you may be considered a temporary worker and have to apply for a work permit .

To apply online, you need a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents, and a valid credit or debit card.

Read the instruction guide before you complete your application. As an online applicant, you can ignore steps 3 and 4 of the guide (paying the fees and submitting your application).

If you’re applying for the first time , you must pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application (unless you’re exempt). Otherwise, you may experience delays.

Apply through the IRCC Secure account

Apply through the IRCC Portal

Only for tourists, visiting for business, family visits, compassionate reasons

Applying on paper for specific situations

If you need a visitor visa to travel to Canada, you must apply online for one. Only online applications will be accepted and processed. However, you can apply on paper if:

you can’t apply online because of a disability or
you’re travelling with an identity or travel document that was issued to a refugee, a stateless person or a non-citizen

The application package includes an instruction guide and all the forms you need to fill out.

Read the guide carefully before you complete your application . We will not refund your application fee, so make sure you need a visitor visa before you apply.

Each individual applicant must submit a completed application form. Applicants under the age of 18 must have this form signed by a parent or a guardian.

Download the application package .

Pay your application fees

In most cases, your fees will include processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application.

If you’re applying for the first time, you must pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application (unless you’re exempt). Otherwise, you may experience delays.

Third-party fees

Depending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties for

your medical exam
a police certificate

Our instruction guides (opens in a new tab) can help you understand which fees apply to you.

Submit your application

Families should send their individual applications in one package. The principal applicant must send this combined package to the location where their application will be processed.

Select the country/territory you’ll be applying from to find out where to submit your application. You can choose your country of nationality or the country or territory where you have been legally admitted:

Afghanistan
Antigua and Barbuda
Bosnia and Herzegovina
British Virgin Islands
Burkina Faso
Burma (Myanmar)
Cayman Islands
Central African Republic
China (People’s Republic of)
Comoros Island
Côte d’Ivoire
Czech Republic
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Dominican Republic
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Hong Kong SAR
Liechtenstein
Marshall Islands
Micronesia (Federated States of)
Netherlands
New Caledonia
New Zealand
North Korea
North Macedonia (Republic of)
Palestinian Authority (Gaza)
Palestinian Authority (West Bank)
Papua New Guinea
Philippines
Puerto Rico
Sao Tome and Principe
Saudi Arabia
Sierra Leone
Solomon Islands
South Africa
South Korea
South Sudan
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Switzerland
Timor-Leste (Timor oriental)
Trinidad and Tobago
Turkmenistan
Turks and Caicos Islands
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States of America
US Virgin Islands

If you need to give biometrics (fingerprints and photograph), and you’re applying on paper, submit your application in person . VAC staff will check that it is complete and will confirm that you have paid the correct fees before you can give your biometrics.

Credit cards and prepaid cards

We accept the following credit cards and prepaid cards:

MasterCard ®
American Express ®
UnionPay ® (for online applications only; debit cards not accepted)

If you use a prepaid credit card, keep it for at least 18 months after you pay to make refunds easier. Find more on prepaid cards .

We also accept all Visa Debit cards.

The card you use doesn’t have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.

Debit cards

be from a Canadian bank using INTERAC ® Online
be registered for online banking through your bank’s website

We also accept all Debit MasterCard ® and Visa ® Debit cards. If your card has the Visa Debit logo on it, alone or with the INTERAC ® Online logo, select Visa Debit as your payment method.

Page details

Spain holiday warning: Foreign Office warns UK holidaymakers they need 'two extra documents' to visit the country

UK tourists have been issued with a Spanish travel warning as two key documents are needed to enter the country

UK tourists have been issued a Spain travel warning as two key documents are needed to enter the country. Tourists will need to carry two bits of documentation with them if they're heading abroad to Spain on holiday.

Since Brexit, the rules for Brits travelling to countries in the Schengen area have changed. Now those coming from outside the zone, including the UK, may face extra checks at the border.

The warning comes from the Foreign Office, urging Brits to make sure they have “additional documents” on hand. Travellers might also need to show proof of where they're staying, like a hotel booking receipt or an address if they're visiting a second home or friends or family.

The UK Foreign Office stated: "If you enter the Schengen area as a tourist, you may need to provide additional documents at the border. As well as a valid return or onward ticket, when travelling to Spain you could be asked to show you have enough money for your stay; proof of accommodation for your stay, for example a hotel booking confirmation, proof of address if visiting your own property (such as second home) [or] an invitation or proof of address if staying with a third party, friends or family. A carta de invitation completed by your hosts is one of the options available."

Invitation letter (carta de invitación) is a document needed for NON-EU citizens to be able to travel to Spain without having booked commercial accommodation (hotel, AirBnb). If a NON-EU citizen needs a tourist visa to enter Spain, it might be required for the visa application. If a tourist visa is not required, it could still be requested at the border when entering Spain. The invitation letter is issued for a maximum of 90 days. Documents needed to acquire the document include a rental contract or property deed, copy of passport of the NON-EU person, DNI/NIE/TIE of the inviting person, application form and tax payment confirmation.

It is also important to make sure your passport is up to date for travel. It should be good for three months after you plan to leave the Schengen area and less than ten years old when you go in. These rules have changed since the UK left the European Union, and it is easy to get caught out.

Spain holiday warning: Foreign Office warns UK holidaymakers they need 'two extra documents' to visit the country

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Visas and immigration
Travelling to the UK

Entering the UK

Your identity document (for example your passport or identity card) will be checked when you arrive at a UK port or airport to make sure you’re allowed to come into the country. It should be valid for the whole of your stay.

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anything over your duty-free allowance
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Middle East latest: Israel 'preparing for any eventuality' after Iranian missile strikes - as Tehran threatens 'larger response' if attacked

Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said aircraft are still patrolling the skies. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden said the US military helped Israel "take down nearly all of the drones and missiles" fired by Iran.

Sunday 14 April 2024 10:58, UK

Israel-Hamas war

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More than 300 drones and missiles fired on Israel by Iran, says IDF
IDF says it needs to be prepared if new war front opens
Iran threatens US bases and larger attack on Israel if it retaliates
Danger in miscalculation 'setting whole region on fire', says expert
Explained: Everything we know so far about the attack
Sean Bell analysis: This could have been much worse - the challenge is now Netanyahu's reaction
Live reporting by Brad Young and (earlier) Lauren Russell

Iran's foreign ministry has summoned the British, French and German ambassadors, reports the Iranian Labour News Agency.

Israel said France was involved in patrolling its airspace last night, while the UK sent jets to Cyprus to free up US planes from a joint mission against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria so they could assist Israel.

The president of Iran has said the country's army "taught a lesson" to Israel last night.

"Any new adventure will be responded with a heavier and regrettable response," Ebrahim Raisi said, in a post on X released by the foreign ministry.

The ministry hailed its attack as an "historic, powerful, victorious operation".

Jordan's prime minister says the country's armed forces will confront any attempt by any party that sought to endanger the kingdom's security.

At the same time, Bisher Khasawneh told his cabinet that any escalation in the region would lead to "dangerous paths" and said there was a need to reduce it by all parties

The US ally's air defences intercepted and downed dozens of Iranian drones and missiles that flew over the country's airspace in the direction of Israeli targets, security sources said.

The United Arab Emirates has called for the "utmost restraint" to avoid the region "being dragged into new levels of instability".

Its foreign ministry said the UN and its Security Council must resolve the "chronic issues and conflicts" in the Middle East.

The Gulf Arab power, backed by its oil wealth, wields significant influence in regional affairs and serves as a security partner of the United States, hosting American forces.

"The UAE calls for the exercise of the utmost restraint, to avoid dangerous repercussions and the region being dragged into new levels of instability," read a statement.

Differences must be resolved "through dialogue and through diplomatic channels to adhere to the rule of law and respect for the Charter of the United Nations".

Escalation represented a threat to "global security and stability," it added.

That message was echoed by the Jordanian foreign ministry, which said escalation "could push whole region into abyss of war".

The first step towards de-escalation is "ending the Israeli aggression on Gaza and starting to implement the two-state solution", it said.

Key takeaways:

IDF "needs to be prepared" for new war front
"Handful" of ballistic missiles hit Israel
Seven-year-old girl in critical condition "fighting for her life"
No comment on attack on Iranian consulate in Syria

The IDF is "poised and prepared for further aggression", IDF spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner tells Sky News.

He calls last night's defence of Israel a "unity of reasonable players against the diabolical plan of Iran".

"This is a very, very serious act against Israel. What actually happened with Israel, our aerial defences, the abilities of the US military, the British military and air force and French air force - a very, very clear message to Iran that this just won't go. Together, united, we saved Israeli lives."

Will Israel respond?

Asked if Israel would respond, he says: "It's a very good question. We are looking towards the government today, the government will convene later today and they will make their decisions and instruct the military accordingly."

The IDF will be "preparing for any eventuality", he adds.

"We have to look very open-eyed to what can actually happen further and that is why the IDF is prepared and our aerial defences continue to be on high alert."

Asked if a new front has opened in Israel's war, he says: "I certainly hope not, I think we need to be prepared for that reality."

The spokesperson continues: "Their only intention was to kill Israelis. They failed. That's a good thing. We need to make sure that doesn’t happen again."

Girl 'fighting for her life'

No drones or cruise missiles reached Israel, and out of the 120 ballistic missiles, "only a handful of them reached any sort of destination", he says.

But a seven-year-old girl was critically injured and is "fighting for her life this morning".

Mr Lerner says: "We are facing now another development in the war effort, where Iran has clearly stepped up a notch against Israel."

Asked if the attack on Iran's consulate in Syria was provocative, Mr Lerner says: "I'm not going to comment on that."

Reactions to Iran's attack on Israel have been coming in at pace this morning, so if you're just joining us, here's where things stand.

Iran attacks: After seizing a ship linked to Israel, Iran went on to launch a missile and drone attack on the country overnight. Analysts have suggested the military action was relatively measured, given it was responding to a strike on its consulate in Damascus that killed Iranian Revolutionary Guards.

Israel defends: More than 300 drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles were fired at Israel, but the IDF claims 99% of them were shot down.

Military base hit: The salvo caused light damage to one Israeli military facility and shrapnel injured a seven-year-old child, said IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari.

Outside help: It emerged there was a coalition involved in defending Israel. The US shot down "dozens" of missiles and drones, said defence secretary Lloyd Austin. France helped patrol the airspace, said Israel. The UK deployed jets to Cyprus to free up US jets from their mission against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. Jordan, located between Iran and Israel, intercepted "flying objects" in its airspace.

Condemnation: The UK, US, France, Germany, Canada, Japan and Argentina lined up to condemn the attack, some calling it an escalation.

Israel reacts: "Iran pushed the Middle East towards escalation. We will do whatever is necessary," said Mr Hagari.

Iran threatens larger strikes: Top Iranian officials said any Israeli retaliation would be met with a larger attack, and warned the US its bases will be targeted if Washington backs Israel in such an offensive response.

Watch Middle East correspondent Alistair Bunkall explain more below...

The UK is a close supporter of Israel but has taken an "interesting stance" in the way it has described its role last night, says security and defence editor Deborah Haynes.

It said it had deployed additional jets and refuelling aircraft to an airbase in Cyprus, where the UK already has a deployment operating against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

Ostensibly, the increase in jets was part of the same mission, but the aircraft that were deployed were "clearly because of this know attack that was coming from Iran".

"They were given permission to shoot down any Iranian missiles or drones as part of that mission," said Haynes.

That would not relate to Israeli airspace, but Syrian or Iraqi airspace.

The UK said its jets were filling in for US planes that would otherwise have been taking part in the Iraq/Syria mission, so that American aircraft were freed up to focus on the Israeli mission.

"The UK has deliberately, it seems, chosen to be a little bit distant".

It is unclear if they did shoot anything down, Haynes added.

The UK Foreign Office has updated its Israel travel advice page in light of yesterday's attacks.

"On 13 April 2024 Iran launched an attack against Israel, using UAVs, ballistic and cruise missiles fired from Iran into Israel," it reads.

Here is the UK advice as it stands, which advises against all travel to areas of Israel close to the borders with Gaza or Lebanon, and against all but essential travel to the rest of the country.

"We recognise this a fast-moving situation that poses significant risks," the Foreign Office website reads.

"The situation has potential to deteriorate quickly and without warning.

"This could disrupt air and road links out of the country.

"If your reason to remain in Israel and the OPTs is not essential you should consider leaving if it is safe to do so."

After an extremely worrying night, the onus is now on diplomats to calm things down, says international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn.

"We've seen a shadow war between Israel and Iran for years, but this is the first direct attack by Iran on Israel.

"The pressure now is on Israel to show restraint."

Waghorn said Western diplomats will be "saying to the Israelis that 'we've got your back diplomatically and you don't need to take this further'".

"It is kind of a question of who has the last word here. It is down to the Israeli war cabinet - will they be reassured by the diplomatic activity or feel they have to do something now?"

Footage shows projectiles launched from Iran lighting up the sky over Israel last night.

What may be either drones or missiles - or attempts to intercept them - could be seen from Tel Aviv.

More than 300 weapons were fired, according to the IDF, including 170 drones, 120 ballistic missiles and 30 cruise missiles.

Several ballistic missiles reached Israeli territory, causing minor damage to an air base.

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