Visa requirements

United Kingdom

General visa requirements for travelling to United Kingdom. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Tourist visa (Visa-Free Entry with ETA (European and select countries))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Maximum stay
180 days
Processing time
Minutes (automatic decision)
Fee
£16 (ETA fee)
Validity
2 years or until passport expires
Entry
Multiple entry

From February 25, 2026, Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is mandatory for all eligible visitors. ETA allows multiple entries for up to 6 months per visit over 2 years. British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    EU/EEA nationals (except Ireland), plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and European microstates

    Eligible countries: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holy See, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland

  • Purpose of visit

    Tourism, visiting family/friends, business meetings, conferences. Not permitted to work or study long-term.

    Includes
    • Tourism
    • business visits
    • family visits
    • conferences
    • short-term study

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 0; Validity months: 0

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: UK ETA Application; Form url: https://www.gov.uk/eta/apply

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Apply for ETA online via UK ETA app or gov.uk website

  2. Fee payment

    Pay £16 ETA fee online via card payment

  3. Processing wait

    Most applicants receive automatic decision within minutes

Sign in to apply

Tourist visa (Visa-Free Entry with ETA (Non-European visa-free countries))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Maximum stay
180 days
Processing time
Minutes (automatic decision)
Fee
£16 (ETA fee)
Validity
2 years or until passport expires
Entry
Multiple entry

From February 25, 2026, Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is mandatory. Includes USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and other visa-exempt countries. ETA allows multiple entries for up to 6 months per visit.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Nationals of 48 non-European visa-exempt countries including US, Canada, Australia, NZ, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Latin American countries

    Eligible countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Korea (Republic of), Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States of), New Zealand, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Taiwan, Province of China, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, United States of America, Uruguay

  • Purpose of visit

    Tourism, business activities, visiting family/friends, short-term study up to 6 months

    Includes
    • Tourism
    • business meetings
    • family visits
    • short courses

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 0; Validity months: 0

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: UK ETA Application; Form url: https://www.gov.uk/eta/apply

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Apply for ETA via UK ETA smartphone app or gov.uk website

  2. Fee payment

    Pay £16 ETA fee via credit/debit card

  3. Processing wait

    Automatic decision typically within minutes

Sign in to apply

Tourist visa (Standard Visitor Visa (Tourist))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

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

  • Nationality

    Nationals of countries requiring UK visa (visa national list)

  • Purpose of visit

    Tourism, visiting family/friends, attending events, participating in recreational courses up to 30 days

    Includes
    • Tourism
    • leisure
    • family visits
    • recreation
  • 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

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 0

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: 35mm x 45mm, plain light-colored background, taken within last month

  • Bank statement

    Minimum balance: Sufficient to cover trip costs; Months required: 6

  • Proof of funds

    Accepted forms: Bank statements, payslips, sponsorship letter; Minimum amount: Sufficient for entire stay

  • 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

  • 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

  • Flight reservation

    Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

    Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes

  • 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

  • Biometrics appointment

    Booking url: https://www.gov.uk/ukvcas; Location: Visa Application Centre (VAC) in applicant's country

  • 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

  1. Online application

    Complete Standard Visitor visa application online

  2. Document gathering

    Gather passport, 6 months bank statements, employment letter, accommodation proof, flight bookings, and proof of ties to home country

  3. Fee payment

    Pay £127 visa application fee online

  4. Appointment booking

    Book appointment at Visa Application Centre for biometrics

  5. Biometrics

    Attend appointment to provide fingerprints and photograph

  6. Document submission

    Submit supporting documents at VAC or upload online

  7. Processing wait

    Wait for visa decision (standard processing)

  8. Visa collection

    Collect passport with visa vignette from VAC or receive via courier

Sign in to apply
This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.