Standard Visitor Visa (Tourist)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 180 days
- Processing time
- 3 weeks
- Fee
- £127
- Validity
- 6 months
- Entry
- Multiple entry
For nationals requiring a visa to visit the UK. Applicants must apply online and attend biometric appointment. Multi-year visas available: 2 years (£475), 5 years (£848), 10 years (£1,059). Standard Visitors do not pay Immigration Health Surcharge.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Nationals of countries requiring UK visa (visa national list)
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Purpose of visit
Tourism, visiting family/friends, attending events, participating in recreational courses up to 30 days
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Financial
Must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover entire stay without working or accessing public funds
Minimum funds: Sufficient for accommodation, subsistence, and return journey
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 0
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Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: 35mm x 45mm, plain light-colored background, taken within last month
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Bank statement
Minimum balance: Sufficient to cover trip costs; Months required: 6
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements, payslips, sponsorship letter; Minimum amount: Sufficient for entire stay
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Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.
Must include leave approval: Yes; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes
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Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: Hotel bookings, invitation letter with host address, rental agreements; Must cover full stay: Yes
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Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Standard Visitor Visa Application; Form url: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor/apply-standard-visitor-visa
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Biometrics appointment
Booking url: https://www.gov.uk/ukvcas; Location: Visa Application Centre (VAC) in applicant's country
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Proof of ties
Provide evidence that you have reasons to leave before the permitted stay ends, such as work, study, family or property ties.
Accepted evidence types: Property ownership, employment contract, family ties, educational enrollment
How to apply
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Online application
Complete Standard Visitor visa application online
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Document gathering
Gather passport, 6 months bank statements, employment letter, accommodation proof, flight bookings, and proof of ties to home country
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Fee payment
Pay £127 visa application fee online
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Appointment booking
Book appointment at Visa Application Centre for biometrics
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Biometrics
Attend appointment to provide fingerprints and photograph
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Document submission
Submit supporting documents at VAC or upload online
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Processing wait
Wait for visa decision (standard processing)
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Visa collection
Collect passport with visa vignette from VAC or receive via courier