uk visit visa from uk

Select language

What are you looking for, visa and immigration information.

Getty Images/SolStock

What documents will I need?

Planning a visit to Britain but not sure what documents you’ll need? Find key information on passport requirements, visas and Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) below. Detailed guidance can also be found on the official government website .

West Midlands Growth Company

EU, EEA and Swiss nationals

Some entry requirements changed for EU, EEA and Swiss nationals, post Brexit.

Most travellers from the EU, EEA and Switzerland will require a passport to enter Britain and Northern Ireland. Your passport will need to be valid for your entire stay here. 

Some, but not all visitors can use an EU, EEA or Swiss national ID to enter Britain and Northern Ireland until at least 31 December 2025. Check gov.uk website for who is eligible.

Common Travel Areas

For those in the Common Travel Areas (known as Britain and Northern Ireland, the rest of Ireland, and Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man), please see here for the  different document requirements .

The rest of the world

You must have a valid passport to enter Britain and Northern Ireland, and it should be valid for the whole duration of your stay.

Most people coming to visit Britain and Northern Ireland will need a visa. To discover whether you need one or not depends on why you’re visiting and your nationality. 

You’ll have to either:

Apply for a standard Visitor Visa. There is a cost for this, and it must be applied for three months before travel.

Be able to visit Britain and Northern Ireland for six months without needing a visa.

You can check which applies to you .

More information on short-stay visas can be found on the official government website.

Electronic Travel Authorisation

By the end of 2024, Electronic Travel Authorisation will be a requirement worldwide for visitors who do not currently need a visa for short stays. More information on the ETA scheme can be found on the official government website.

Until the introduction of the ETA, most travellers from the EU, EEA and Switzerland won’t require a visa but will still need their passport to enter Britain and Northern Ireland. Your passport will need to be valid for your entire stay.

VisitBritain/Tomo Brejc

If you’re an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you can find the most up-to-date information on visiting Britain and Northern Ireland on the official government website .

American, Canadian and Australian tourists, and citizens of certain Commonwealth countries, can travel visa-free throughout Britain and Northern Ireland, providing you have a valid passport and your reason for visiting meets the immigration rules .

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme started to replace the electronic visa waiver from late 2023:

• From 15 November 2023, nationals of Qatar require an ETA to travel to the UK.
• From 22 February 2024, nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE require an ETA to travel to the UK. The ETA scheme is now open for applications from nationals of these countries.
• More countries will be added to the scheme at a later date.

An ETA will cost £10 per application when the scheme opens, will permit multiple journeys and be valid for two years or until the holder’s passport expires - whichever is sooner.

More information on the new ETA scheme can be found via the official government website.

For nationals of all other countries, you can check if you need a UK visa here.

Immigration applications

Please note that www.GOV.UK is the only official UK immigration website and provides all of the information necessary to successfully complete an application.

We have received reports of customers using non-GOV.UK websites to support their UK immigration applications. If you have made use of these websites, please be aware of the following:

• Some non-GOV.UK websites deliberately attempt to deceive customers by making it appear as though they are an official part of the application process.
• These websites can pose a risk to a customer’s security and data.
• They will often charge applicants extra, unnecessary fees in addition to any fees related to the official immigration application.
• The information included on these websites is not moderated by the Home Office and may be inaccurate or misleading.

If you think you may have been a victim of a non-GOV.UK website seeking your data and/or money, please report this to Reporting fraud and cyber crime | Action Fraud .

Do you need a visa to go to the United Kingdom?

Jun 25, 2022 • 3 min read

Here's the visa info you need for a visit to Scotland, Wales, England and Northern Ireland © Andrew Merry / Getty Images

Traveling between England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland reveals both the shared culture and distinct local flavors that contribute to the UK . Save for the occasional inconvenience of long lines at passport control and security, entering and leaving the UK was fairly straightforward in the past. Now, due to Brexit, information on visa requirements has changed for EU citizens and immigration restrictions are often on the news in the UK. It's essential to check with your local British embassy, high commission or consulate before leaving home.

What you need to know about visas in the UK

The UK government has a handy online guide to help you check if you need a UK visa . Britain is not a member of the Schengen Zone, so you will need to show your passport when arriving and leaving from a UK border point.

Visas are generally not needed for stays of up to six months for tourism or visiting friends and family. This applies to citizens of the EEA (European Economic Area) nations, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Israel, and the USA.

Following Brexit, the EU Settlement Scheme is the system that EU citizens who are already living in the UK need to follow, but there is also a family permit you can apply for if you’re a family member of someone from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. ​​It lets you come to the UK for up to 6 months. You can work and study, and come and go as many times as you want before the permit expires.

Anyone wishing to work, do business or academic research in the UK will need to apply for a visa, as will students wishing to study for longer than six months. The Youth Mobility Scheme , for Australian, Canadian, Japanese, Hong Kong, Monégasque, New Zealand, Sammarinese and Icelandic citizens aged 18 to 30, allows working visits of up to two years, but must be applied for in advance. Those coming from Hong Kong (if you have a SAR passport), Japan, South Korea and Taiwan must be selected in the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot before they can apply.

Tourists from China, India, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and many other destinations , will need to apply for the Standard Visitor visa . It lasts six months, costs £100 and must be applied for online in advance of travel. A decision is usually provided within three weeks. Applications to extend your stay must be made before your visa runs out, but there are strict limitations. If you know you want to be in the UK beyond six months, it's best to apply for the more costly long-term Standard Visitor visa, which lasts for two (£376), five (£670) or ten (£837) years.

Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born parent may be eligible for Right of Abode , which entitles them to live and work in the UK. You can only get the right to abode through marriage if you’re a female Commonwealth citizen. Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent could qualify for a UK Ancestry visa, allowing them to work full-time for up to five years in the UK. You should get a decision on your visa within three weeks when applying from outside the UK and the fee is £531.

British immigration authorities have always been tough; you may be required to demonstrate proof of onward travel or an outbound departure date (for example, a flight booking home), and possibly evidence that you have sufficient funds to support yourself while in Britain.

This article was first published March 2021 and updated June 2022

Explore related stories

Family Travel

Mar 28, 2024 • 6 min read

With its bounty of natural attractions, outdoor adventures and cultural sites, Ireland is packed with family-friendly activities. Here are our top picks,

Mar 22, 2024 • 9 min read

Mar 2, 2024 • 7 min read

Feb 8, 2024 • 7 min read

Jan 31, 2024 • 6 min read

Jan 30, 2024 • 9 min read

Jan 19, 2024 • 11 min read

Jan 11, 2024 • 4 min read

Jan 5, 2024 • 20 min read

Jan 2, 2024 • 8 min read

• 02074940118
• [email protected]

Explore the UK: Your Guide to UK Visit Visa

Anne morris.

• 8 April 2024

IN THIS SECTION

Whether embarking on a sightseeing adventure, exploring business opportunities, celebrating a milestone, or simply passing through, selecting the correct type of UK visit visa is critical to a hassle-free and memorable experience.

There is no specific ‘visit visa’ for the UK; it’s a general term used colloquially to refer to a number of routes, each designed to accommodate the diverse needs and circumstances of international visitors. Understanding the nuances of each of these visas is paramount to ensure you select the best option for your travel needs.

In this comprehensive guide, we explore the various pathways to visit the UK – from the flexibility of the Standard Visitor Visa and the brief passage permitted by Transit Visas to the special provisions of the Marriage Visitor Visa, the streamlined process of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for visa-exempt nationals and the group-oriented ADS Agreement specifically tailored for Chinese tourists – to help you choose the most appropriate route.

Section A: Standard Visitor Visa

The UK Standard Visitor Visa is a versatile route catering to visa-nationals who wish to enter the United Kingdom for short stays for tourism, business engagements, or short-term study.

1. What is the Standard Visitor Visa

Travellers from designated visa-national countries need a visa to visit the UK for up to six months.

The Standard Visitor Visa accommodates several purposes:

a. Tourism:  For those visiting the UK for leisure, sightseeing, or to see family and friends.

b. Business:  Business-related activities include attending meetings, conferences, seminars, or interviews.

c. Short-term Study:  This visa allows for short educational courses lasting up to 6 months.

d. Medical Treatment:  Visitors may come to the UK to receive certain types of medical treatment.

e. Academic Visitors:  Scientists, researchers, academics, senior doctors, and dentists can participate in specific work-related activities as visitors.

f. Paid Engagements:  Visitors who are experts in their field can carry out specific paid engagements or events at the invitation of a UK-based client.

The Standard Visitor visa allows stays of up to 6 months, with multiple visits permissible within the visa’s validity period.

2. Eligibility and Application Process

To be eligible for a Standard Visitor Visa, applicants must prove that they:

a. Plan to leave the UK at the end of their visit.

b. Can support themselves and any dependents for the duration of the trip.

c. Can pay for their return or onward journey and any other costs related to their visit.

d. Have a genuine reason for their visit and will not undertake any prohibited activities, such as receiving public funds, marrying, or entering into a civil partnership.

3. Application Process

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Ensure your trip falls under the activities permitted by the Standard Visitor Visa. Familiarise yourself with the eligibility criteria, such as proving you’ll leave the UK at the end of your visit and can support yourself during your stay.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

Visit the official UK government website to complete the visa application form (VAF) for the Standard Visitor Visa.

The application fee must be paid online as part of your application process. Ensure you receive a confirmation of payment.

Step 3: Book and Attend Your Biometric Appointment

After submitting your online application, you must book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph).

Bring your passport, a printout of your appointment confirmation, and all the required supporting documents to your appointment.

Step 4: Wait for a Decision

Once your application is processed, you will be informed about the decision. Depending on the service options available in your country, your passport will either be returned to you by mail, or you’ll need to pick it up from the VAC.

Step 5: Prepare for Your Trip

If your visa is approved, check the visa vignette in your passport for any errors and understand the conditions of your visa.

Once you have your visa, you can travel to the UK.

4. Required Documents

Applicants must provide several documents, including:

a. A valid travel document or passport.

b. Evidence of the purpose of the visit (e.g., letter of invitation, travel itinerary).

c. Proof of accommodation and return travel.

d. Financial evidence showing enough funds to cover all expenses during the stay.

The specific documents will depend on the nature of your planned activities. For example, as an academic visitor, you may need to provide evidence from your employer outlining the research.

5. Processing Times

Visa processing times can vary, but applicants should generally receive a decision within three weeks of the visa application centre appointment. However, this timeframe may extend during peak travel seasons or due to individual circumstances requiring further scrutiny.

Section B: Transit Visa

When your travel plans require you to pass through the UK en route to another destination, you might need a Transit Visa.

1. What is the Transit Visa

The UK transit routes are designed for certain travellers who do not intend to stay in the UK but need to pass through its borders.

A Transit Visa is required if you are passing through the UK to another country, will not go through UK border control, and are from a country that does not have a visa exemption for transit.

You will also need a Transit Visa if you are going through UK border control but leaving the UK within 48 hours, even if you are from a country that normally does not require a visa for short stays. This includes changing airports or leaving the airport for any reason.

2. Types of Transit Visa

There are two types of Transit Visa, catering for different types of transiters: the Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) and the Visitor in Transit Visa.

a. Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV)  This visa is for those who don’t pass through UK border control and only need to change planes. The DATV is suitable for travellers whose layover does not involve leaving the airport’s international transit area. It’s valid for up to 24 hours.

b. Visitor in Transit Visa If your layover requires you to pass through UK border control—for example, to change airports or if you’re arriving and departing by different means (plane to train)—you’ll need this visa. It allows a stay of up to 48 hours and is the right choice if you need to enter the UK briefly.

3. Application and Required Documentation

For both types of Transit Visas, the application process involves:

a. Completing an online application Start this process well before your travel dates. Ensure you select the correct visa type based on your transit needs.

b. Scheduling an appointment You must book an appointment at a visa application centre to provide your biometric information.

c. Preparing your documents Essential documents include a current passport or other valid travel identification and proof of your onward journey. This could be a confirmed flight ticket showing your final destination after transiting through the UK.

d. Proof of visa for your onward destination If the country you are travelling to after your UK transit requires a visa, you must provide evidence that you have this visa.

Please read our detailed guide to UK Transit Visas here >>

Section C: Marriage Visitor Visa

If you plan to come to the UK to get married or enter into a civil partnership without intending to stay or settle afterwards, you’ll need a Marriage visitor Visa.

1. What is the Marriage Visitor Visa

The Marriage Visitor Visa is designed for those who wish to celebrate their marriage or civil partnership in the UK without intending to stay long-term.

The Marriage Visitor Visa is valid for 6 months, and you must leave the UK at the end of this period or before the visa expires.

This visa is for couples seeking to celebrate their union in the UK’s picturesque locales or historic venues.

This could include getting married or registering a civil partnership in the UK, holding a symbolic wedding ceremony in the UK, even if legally married elsewhere.

You cannot switch to another visa category from within the UK on this visa, and employment and access to public funds are not permitted during your stay.

The visa is also suitable for individuals attending a marriage or civil partnership as guests if they come from a country that requires a visa to enter the UK and do not plan to stay beyond six months.

2. Application Process

To apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa, you will need to follow these steps:

a. Online Application Start by filling out the visa application form on the UK government website. This form will ask about your travel plans, personal information, and details of your wedding or civil partnership.

b. Fee Payment The application fee for the Marriage Visitor Visa must be paid online during the application process.

c. Book and Attend an Appointment After submitting your online application, you must book an appointment at a visa application centre. Here, you’ll provide your fingerprints and photograph (biometric information) and submit your supporting documents.

3. Supporting Documents

You’ll need to provide several documents with your application, including:

a. A valid passport or travel document.

b. Provide proof of your relationship with your partner, such as communication records or photos.

c. Details of your wedding or civil partnership plans, including dates and venues.

d. Evidence of your financial ability to cover the trip and wedding expenses, such as bank statements.

e. information about where you will stay in the UK.

f. Proof that you intend to leave the UK after your visit, such as a letter from your employer or education institution.

Please read our detailed guide to the Marriage Visitor Visa here >>

Section D: Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

The UK is implementing an ETA scheme for travellers from countries that previously did not require a visa for short stays or transits through the UK.

1. What is Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for the UK

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital authorisation for visa-exempt visitors, allowing them to travel to and enter the UK. It’s designed to pre-screen travellers for security purposes before they arrive at the UK border.

The ETA is required for visiting and transiting passengers, ensuring that individuals without a visa can still be checked before travelling.

Travellers in the UK under the Creative Worker concession will also need an ETA.

The ETA represents a significant shift in the UK’s approach to managing the entry of visa-exempt visitors, aiming to simplify the entry process while maintaining high security and immigration standards akin to other global electronic travel authorisation systems such as the USA’s ESTA programme.

The rollout is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, when it will include all non-visa nationals, including US, EU, and EEA nationals.

2. Who needs an ETA?

The ETA requirement will apply to nationals from countries that do not need a visa for short visits to the UK or transiting. This includes tourists, business visitors, and individuals in transit to other destinations.

The list of nationalities requiring an ETA is constantly evolving. Travellers are advised to check if their country has been included on the UK’s ETA list.

As of April 2024, the ETA applies to nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Jordan.

All relevant travellers, including children and babies, will need an ETA.

In addition, those coming to the UK under the Creative Worker concession will also require an ETA.

Certain groups, such as diplomats or those with other types of official status, may be exempt from the ETA requirement. It’s important to check the latest guidance to confirm whether you need an ETA based on your specific circumstances.

3. How to Apply for an ETA

Applying for an ETA is intended to be a straightforward, user-friendly process:

a. Application form Travellers must complete the application form, which is available on the official UK government website or through the official app.

The form will require basic personal and contact information and answers to questions related to security and immigration history.

b. Application Fee It costs £10 to apply for the ETA, payable online during submission.

c. Documentation Applicants must have their valid passports on hand when completing the form, and a photograph must be uploaded.

d. Approval and Notification After applying, travellers will receive their ETA approval electronically, typically within three days.

Authorisation is linked to the passport used during the application process. While no physical document is required at the border, it is advisable to save an image of the confirmation to your phone or print out a copy to avoid issues when travelling.

Please read our detailed guide to the UK ETA here >>

Section E: ADS Agreement for Chinese Tour Groups

Chinese citizens planning to come to the UK as part of a tourist group should look at the Chinese tour group visa for streamlined visa application processing.

1. What is the ADS Agreement for Chinese Tour Groups

The Approved Destination Status (ADS) Agreement is a bilateral tourism arrangement between the United Kingdom and China. Established to encourage and simplify the process for Chinese tourists wishing to visit the UK in groups, the ADS Agreement plays a crucial role in boosting cultural exchange and tourism between the two nations. It facilitates streamlined visa application processes for Chinese citizens touring the UK as part of organised groups.

The ADS Agreement allows Chinese tour groups to apply for UK visas faster and more efficiently than the standard visitor visa application procedure through an accredited process. The visa allows visits of up to 30 days.

This agreement is designed for tour groups with at least five people and is organised by travel agencies approved and recognised under the ADS scheme.

These travel agencies are vetted and authorised by both the Chinese and UK governments, ensuring a high standard of service and reliability.

2. Benefits for Chinese Citizens Touring the UK in Groups

The ADS scheme encourages cultural exchange by facilitating group tours to the UK, allowing Chinese citizens to explore British culture, history, and landmarks.

One of the primary benefits of the ADS Agreement is the simplified and expedited visa application process for group members, making it easier for Chinese tourists to plan and book their UK tours.

The cost of visas and processing fees are also typically lower for ADS tour groups compared to individual applications.

Compared with travelling as an individual, ADS-accredited tour groups provide safety and convenience, with arrangements for accommodation, transport, and itineraries handled by experienced travel agencies.

3. How to Apply through an ADS-Licensed Travel Agent

a. Find an ADS-Licensed Travel Agent Under the ADS Agreement, Chinese tourists interested in travelling to the UK should start by identifying a travel agency in China with an ADS license. These agencies are authorised to organise tour groups to the UK under this specific agreement.

b. Choose a Tour Package Select a tour package that fits your interests and schedule. ADS-licensed travel agents offer packages covering different attractions, cities, and durations.

c. Application Process The travel agency will handle the visa application process on behalf of the group. This typically includes collecting necessary documentation from each traveller, filling out application forms, and submitting the applications to the UK visa authorities.

d. Prepare Required Documents Travellers will need to provide personal and travel documents to the travel agency, which may include a valid passport, completed visa application forms, and possibly additional information depending on the specific requirements of the tour package.

e. Wait for Approval Once the travel agency submits the visa applications, the group must wait for approval from the UK visa authorities. The travel agency will keep the group informed about the status of their application and any further steps needed.

Section F: Summary

Embarking on a journey to the United Kingdom, a land steeped in history and bursting with cultural diversity, requires careful planning—especially when navigating the complexities of visa requirements. The correct visa grants you entry and ensures your trip aligns with your intentions, whether you’re soaking in the sights, diving into business ventures, or celebrating love.

The diverse range of visa options, from the Standard Visitor Visa to the specific provisions under the ADS Agreement for Chinese tour groups, caters to international visitors’ varied needs and purposes.

Understanding the nuances of each visa type can significantly impact your travel experience, ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws and avoiding unnecessary complications.

As regulations and requirements are subject to ongoing changes, staying informed about the latest visa policies and procedures is paramount.

For expert advice and assistance in navigating the complex landscape of UK immigration and visas, DavidsonMorris can help. As recognised specialists in UK immigration, we provide guidance, support, and the most current information to ensure your visit to the UK is planned with confidence and peace of mind. Contact our experts today.

Section G: FAQs about Visiting the UK

Do I need a visa to visit the UK? It depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Many countries are visa-exempt for short stays, but you may still need to apply for a visa if you plan to work, study, or stay longer than the allowed period.

How long can I stay in the UK with a Standard Visitor Visa? The Standard Visitor Visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months per visit. For certain activities, like academic research or accompanying a child studying in the UK, you may be able to stay longer.

Can I extend my visa while in the UK? Most visitor visas, including the Standard Visitor Visa, cannot be extended. You must leave the UK before your visa expires. However, in exceptional circumstances, such as for medical reasons, you may be able to apply for an extension.

What is the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), and do I need one? The ETA is a new requirement for visa-exempt visitors to the UK designed to enhance border security. The scheme is being rolled out in phases, and visitors from certain countries will need to obtain an ETA before their travel.

How do I apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa? You can apply online through the UK government’s official website. You’ll need to provide evidence of your wedding plans in the UK, prove that you intend to leave after your visit, and show that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay without working.

What documents do I need for a Transit Visa? For a Transit Visa, you’ll typically need your current passport, proof of your onward journey (such as flight tickets), and sometimes a visa for your next destination if required.

Can I work in the UK with a Visitor Visa? No, you cannot take up employment, produce goods, provide services, or do business in the UK if you have entered on a visitor visa. This includes voluntary work and internships.

How can I find an ADS-licensed travel agent for a trip from China to the UK? Both the Chinese and UK governments approve ADS-licensed travel agents. A list of licensed agents is usually available through the Chinese National Tourism Administration or the UK Embassy’s website in China.

What if my visa application is denied? If your visa application is denied, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the refusal. You can apply again, but it’s essential to address the reasons for the refusal in your new application.

Where can I get current information and assistance with my UK visa application? For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the UK government’s official immigration website. DavidsonMorris can guide you through the application process for personalised assistance and legal advice.

Section H: Glossary of Terms Related to Visiting the UK

Approved Destination Status (ADS) Agreement:  A bilateral agreement between the UK and China that facilitates group tours from China to the UK through accredited travel agencies.

Biometric Information:  Unique physical characteristics, such as fingerprints and photographs, are used for identification during the visa application process.

Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV):  A type of UK visa required by certain nationals who are transiting through the UK without passing through border control, valid for up to 24 hours.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA):  A new entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals traveling to the UK, involving a pre-travel authorisation process to enhance border security.

Marriage Visitor Visa:  A visa that allows individuals to get married or register a civil partnership in the UK during a short stay without the intention of settling in the UK afterwards.

Standard Visitor Visa:  A visa for tourists, people visiting family and friends, business visitors, and short-term students, allowing a stay of up to 6 months in the UK.

Transit Visa:  A visa required for those passing through the UK en route to another country, available as either a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) or a Visitor in Transit Visa.

Visitor in Transit Visa:  A visa for travelers who need to pass through UK border control while on their way to another country, allowing a stay of up to 48 hours.

Visa Application Center (VAC):  Authorised centres where visa applicants can submit their biometric information and supporting documents as part of the visa application process.

Visa Exemption:  A policy that allows citizens of certain countries to enter the UK without a visa for short stays or specific purposes, subject to conditions.

Section I: Additional Resources

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration The official government site for visa applications, immigration rules, and detailed guides on different visa types.

VisitBritain https://www.visitbritain.com/en The national tourism agency provides travel advice, highlights top attractions, and offers planning tools for visitors.

NHS Choices https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/visiting-or-moving-to-england/how-to-access-nhs-services-in-england-if-you-are-visiting-from-abroad/ Information on healthcare services for visitors in the UK, including how to access medical treatment and emergency services.

UK Border Control https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control Guidance on what to expect when arriving in or leaving the UK, including customs regulations.

Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.

She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.

Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator , and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals

• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ Immigration & Societal Contributions
• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ A Guide to the Study Visa UK System
• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ The Principles of Immigration Sponsorship
• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ The UK Points Based System: A Guide

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.

Contact DavidsonMorris

Sign up to our award winning newsletters, we're trusted, trending services.

DavidsonMorris Ltd t/a DavidsonMorris Solicitors is a company Registered in England & Wales No. 6183275

Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority No. 542691

Registered Office: Level 30, The Leadenhall Building, 122 Leadenhall Street, London, EC3V 4AB

© Copyright 2024

Website design by Prof Services Limited . 

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.

Help us improve our website

Take 3 minutes to tell us if you found what you needed on our website. Your feedback will help us give millions of people the information they need.

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.

Table of Contents

BONUS: FREE eBOOK

Enter your name and email to download the FREE eBOOK: The Secret to VISA-FREE Travel

Opt in to receive my monthly visa updates

You can unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

Your FREE eBook is on it’s way to your inbox! Check your email.

UK 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

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

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.

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. 

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.

MORE VISA GUIDES

UNITED KINGDOM

VIEW ALL VISA GUIDES

• Cookie Policy
• Copyright Notice
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Flight Itinerary
• Hotel Reservation
• Travel Insurance
• Onward Ticket
• Testimonials

Search this site

Blog Home Office in the media

https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/2024/04/17/media-factsheet-evisas/

Media factsheet: eVisas  

eVisas are a key part of delivering a border and immigration system which will be ‘digital by default’ by 2025. This process is already underway, and millions of people in the UK who applied for their visa through the EU Settlement Scheme or used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app already have an eVisa (digital proof of their immigration status). These changes bring significant benefits to customers, deliver excellent value, and increase the UK immigration system’s security and efficiency.     

An eVisa is an online record of a customer’s immigration permission in the UK, and any conditions which apply. It can be viewed by logging into the online ‘View and prove your immigration status’ service using their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. It is usually linked to a customer’s passport to facilitate straightforward international travel.  

Using a phased approach to implementing digital services, the intention is that by 2025 most customers will have a secure and seamless digital journey when they interact with the UK’s immigration system.    

Over time this will see physical and paper-based products and services replaced with accessible, straightforward online and digital services (such as the ‘view and prove’ service) and products such as the eVisa.    

The Home Office has launched a phased rollout of eVisas to biometric residence permit (BRP). Initially this is to BRP holders by email invitation only, being sent in phases. The service will open to all BRP holders from summer 2024. Customers with BRPs do not need to do anything unless they receive an email, and don’t need to contact the Home Office if they do not receive an email immediately because the service will open to all in the summer.   

The latest information on eVisas is available at www.gov.uk/evisa .  Holders of other physical immigration documents, including (for those who hold indefinite leave to enter or indefinite leave to remain) passports containing vignette visa stickers or ink stamps, and biometric residence cards (BRCs), can also find information there on how to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa. It is free, and straightforward for customers who hold physical and paper documents to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa. Creating a UKVI account will not change, impact or remove customers’ current immigration status or their rights in the UK.    

Customers who already have an eVisa, including anyone granted status through the EU Settlement Scheme, do not need to do anything. This is also the case if a customer holds both a physical document, such as a BRP, and an eVisa. Customers who are not sure if they already have a UKVI account and eVisa can either check here on GOV.UK or refer to their original grant email or letter.   

Further information and future updates, including details of the support available, is available at www.gov.uk/evisa . This will be updated throughout 2024.  

An eVisa partner pack comprising further information and factsheets for stakeholders is also available here to download.     

What is an eVisa?  

An eVisa is an electronic record of a person’s immigration status.    

It removes the need for physical documents such as the biometric residence permit (BRP), ink stamps or vignette visa stickers in passports, or the biometric residence card (BRC).     

It explains the immigration status of the holder, including the conditions of the immigration permission such as any limitations on their right to work.   

Customers can view their eVisa by logging into the view and prove service using their UKVI account and share relevant information about their status securely with third parties, such as employers or private service providers such as letting agencies.  

What are the benefits of eVisas?  

eVisas bring significant benefits, deliver excellent value and increase the UK immigration system’s security and efficiency.  

They will also bring significant benefits to customers who hold an immigration status in the UK:  

• An eVisa cannot be lost, stolen or damaged.  
• Customers can prove their rights instantly, accurately and securely to anyone who requests it while sharing only necessary information.  
• With an eVisa, fewer customers will need to leave their passport with the Home Office while awaiting a decision. eVisas also mean that customers do not need to collect documents like BRPs or wait for these documents to be sent to them.  
• With a UKVI account, customers can easily keep the Home Office updated with any changes in their details or documentation. For example, customers can tell us about changes to their name and nationality, travel document (such as passport), email, telephone and postal address contact details.  
• Customers can access many UK government services and benefits without needing to present proof of immigration status. This is because selected government departments and authorities including the Department for Work and Pensions and the National Health Service in England and Wales, can securely access immigration status information automatically through system to system checks. Immigration data is held securely, and government will never sell customer data. Further information on how the Home Office handles customer data can be found here on GOV.UK .  

It is also simpler for those who need to check someone’s UK immigration status (such as employers and landlords), to use online services, rather than having to maintain awareness of, and look through, different types of physical immigration documents, some of which may be in bad condition, or even fraudulent. As more and more customers create UKVI accounts, checkers can increasingly conduct one quick and simple check using a secure online service on GOV.UK  

When are eVisas launching?   

Although millions of customers already have and use eVisas, including everyone granted status under the EU Settlement Scheme, throughout 2024 customers who currently use physical immigration documents to prove their status and rights in the UK, will be asked to take action to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa.   

This process launched in April 2024, with BRP holders emailed directly with instructions on how to create UKVI account to access their eVisa. These email invitations are being sent in phases, before the service is made available to all BRP holders in the summer. BRP holders who have not yet received an email should not worry as the process will soon be opened to all without an invitation, and there is no need to contact the Home Office in the meantime.  

As we rollout the online process for BRP holders to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa we will send emails to BRP holders when they are able to take action. BRP holders who have not yet received email instructions but have been made aware of the process by friends, family or online forums may find the process does not yet work for them. There is no need to contact the Home Office in this case as the online process will be open for all BRP holders in summer 2024 at www.gov.uk/evisa .  

Holders of other physical immigration documents, such as a passport containing ink stamps or vignette visa stickers, or BRCs can take steps to acquire an eVisa now, and further instructions are available at www.gov.uk/evisa .   

Will this impact British citizens?  

British passport holders and Irish citizens, including those who previously held an immigration status but have since acquired British citizenship, do not need to do anything. British citizens who do not have a British passport because they are dual nationals (excluding Irish passport holders) may need to take action in future regarding how they prove their right of abode. Updates on this will be provided in due course.    

Will the Home Office be communicating about eVisas?   

A comprehensive range of communications activity on the implementation of eVisas is underway and will be delivered throughout 2024.   

This includes a range of direct emails which will be sent, in phases, to BRP holders with instructions on how to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa. We are also proactively engaging with a wide range of targeted stakeholders to engage those impacted by the move to eVisas, and have developed a range of partner pack content (see above) to equip them to communicate widely about eVisa changes.   

We will also be using official communication channels, including videos and regularly updated content on gov.uk to communicate these changes.   

What is a UKVI account? How is it different to an eVisa?    

A UKVI account is a secure way for customers to log into online services such as view and prove, whereas an eVisa is an electronic record of a person’s immigration status.   

Using their UKVI account, customers can view their eVisa and share the relevant information via the online view and prove service, by generating a share code, which provides time-limited access to the relevant data. A person can have a UKVI account but no eVisa, for example, where the application for permission to stay in the UK was refused or expired.   

A customer can also update personal details such as address and contact details in their UKVI account. This service is free, unlike updating physical immigration documents for which customers may be charged. This service is available at: www.update-your-UK-Visas-and-immigration-account-details .  

The UKVI account is currently created automatically for everyone who uses the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check mobile App’ to make an immigration application.    

Customers who already hold a physical document will need to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa and to be able to use the full range of online services.   

As physical documents that evidence immigration status expire, the view and prove service, accessed via the UKVI account, will be the way people can view and prove their immigration status and associated rights in the UK.  

Can you still use a physical document if it expires, and you don’t get an eVisa?    

The expiry of a physical document, for example, a BRP card, does not affect a customer’s immigration status. However, how they prove their status will change from 2025. Customers will have to use our online services to prove their rights in the UK and to do so they will need to create a UKVI account.   

What do customers need to do if they hold a BRP that expires at the end of 2024?  

Customers who have a BRP and are living in the UK will need to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa unless their immigration leave expires before 31 December 2024. From April 2024, BRP holders are being emailed directly with instructions on how to do this. These email invitations are being sent in phases, before the service is made available to all BRP holders in the summer. BRP holders who have not yet received an email should not worry as the process will soon be opened to all without an invitation, and there is no need to contact the Home Office in the meantime. BRP holders should visit www.gov.uk/evisa for the latest information.  

For now, customers should continue to use their BRP as they have previously and visit www.gov.uk/evisa for updates. This includes taking their BRP with them when they travel internationally.     

The expiry of their BRP card does not affect their immigration status. However, how they prove their status will change from 2025.   

Customers who already have an eVisa (a digital immigration status) as well as a BRP, will not need to create a UKVI account, as they already have one. Customers can find out if they already have a UKVI account by checking the email or letter that they were given when they were granted immigration status in the UK or go to www.gov.uk/evisa for further information.   

Should customers whose BRP expires on 31 Dec 2024 before their immigration leave is due to expire, apply now to renew their BRP?    

No, customers should not apply to renew their BRP, as all BRPs issued to customers who hold immigration leave beyond 2024, including renewals, are due to expire on 31 Dec 2024 and will be replaced by the eVisa.    

What should customers do if they’ve lost their BRP?   

If a customer has lost their valid BRP then they should apply for a replacement in the usual way. As with all BRPs, if their leave extends beyond the end of 2024, their replacement BRP will expire on 31 December 2024, and they will need to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa to prove their rights.    

Once you have received your replacement then you should visit www.gov.uk/evisa for details of how to create a UKVI account and access your eVisa.   

If a customer has a BRP but it expires before the end of 2024 what do, they need to do?    

If a customer’s BRP expires before 31 Dec 2024 then their immigration leave may also expire at that point. If it does, and if they plan to remain in the UK then they should make a visa renewal application in the usual way.    

Will a BRP holder be able to use an expired BRP to generate a share code after it has expired but while they still have immigration leave?      

How a customer proves their status will change from 2025 and they should take action to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa before their BRP expires.   

Information on what steps a BRP holder will need to take to create a UKVI account and access their eVisa is available at www.gov.uk/evisa .    

We would encourage all BRP holders to create an account and access their eVisa as soon as it is possible for them to do so.  Where individuals have not created an account before their BRP expires at the end of 2024, we will put in place mechanisms to ensure they are still able to prove their rights while they create an account. Holders of expired BRPs will still be able to use these to create an account.  

BRP holders should take steps to create a UKVI account and access their eVisa before it expires to prevent any unnecessary delays in proving their rights.   

What do legacy paper document holders need to do to evidence their rights in the UK – and what do they need to do to get an eVisa?    

Customers who have indefinite leave to enter or indefinite leave to remain and prove their rights using a passport containing an ink stamp or vignette visa sticker or use another type of legacy paper document should make a ‘No Time Limit’ application.  

As part of the application process customers may need to travel to a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services Centre (known as a UKVCAS) to provide a photograph, and in some cases provide fingerprints.   

Once an application has been processed successful No Time Limit applicants will be issued with a biometric residence permit (BRP), which can then be used to prove the customer's rights and to create a UKVI account.  

By the end of 2024 No Time Limit applicants will receive an eVisa, rather than a BRP. Further updates on this change will be available in due course.

It is free to make a No Time Limit application, and information on how to do so is available at http://www.gov.uk/biometric-residence-permits/replace-visa-brp  

Why do holders of legacy documents such as passports containing ink stamps or vignette visa stickers need to get an eVisa?    

The border and immigration system is becoming ‘digital by default’, a change that will enhance the customer experience, deliver excellent value, and increase the immigration system’s security and efficiency. This move also reflects a broader societal move towards a digital approach.    

The phasing out of legacy documents, such as passports containing ink stamps or a vignette visa sticker, is a key part of this process, but will bring a range of benefits to customers. This includes the fact that an eVisa cannot be lost or damaged, like a vignette, and there is no need for a potentially costly replacement.   

Customers who replace their legacy document with an eVisa will benefit from the automated access that public bodies, including the Department for Work and Pensions and the National Health Service in England and Wales will securely have to their immigration status, which will streamline access to key services.    

Creating a UKVI account to access an eVisa will also help to prevent unnecessary delays when travelling internationally (if travelling on the document linked to the UKVI account).    

If legacy document holders do not acquire an eVisa by 2025, then they may experience challenges and delays in proving their rights and when travelling internationally.    

What do eVisas mean for international travel?   

Customers should continue to carry their in-date physical immigration documents with them when they travel internationally. Customers who already have an eVisa should tell the Home Office about any travel document on which they intend to travel using the Update your UK Visas and Immigration account details’ service at www.gov.uk/update-uk-visas-immigration-account-details .‘ if this is not already linked to their account.   

During 2024, the Home Office is taking steps to allow carriers, including transport operators such as airlines, ferry, and international train operators, to securely and automatically access the immigration status of passengers travelling on their services when they present their travel document which is linked to their UKVI account.   

This will automate the existing routine checks completed whenever a passenger presents their travel document when travelling internationally. This will provide a more convenient customer journey, and enhanced border security.   

While the UK government is delivering a digital border and immigration system including plans to trial contactless entry using facial recognition only, there are no current plans to replace physical passports with digital equivalents.  

Will all international carriers have automatic access to immigration details? Or will it just be airlines?    

From later this year, carriers operating across air, rail & sea will be able to securely access passenger immigration information. Further updates will be provided in due course.  

Is there help and support for vulnerable groups?   

We are developing our digital products and services for use by all, including vulnerable users.     

Customers can contact the UK Visas and Immigration Contact Centre, which provides telephone and email support to those using the online immigration status services.    

This includes supporting users through the online journey by:    

• helping them to access or recover their account.  
• helping them to update their personal details.   
• sharing status on behalf of individuals if they are unable to do so themselves.

The UK Visas and Immigration Contact Centre will also be able to assist users who are experiencing technical issues with their online immigration status, and where necessary, enable individuals’ status to be verified through alternative means.  

Individuals can nominate a ‘helper’ and give them limited access to their account, so that they can assist with creating a UKVI account, completing details to access an eVisa, and with any immigration application. Where a person is unable to manage their own affairs due to, for example, age or disability, a ‘proxy’, who is authorised, can create and manage the account on behalf of the person.  

Our Assisted Digital service is also available to provide individual support by phone and email to individuals who require assistance with IT-related aspects of creating a UKVI account.    

Additionally, we work collaboratively with a range of third-party stakeholders on the move to eVisas. Many of these organisations offer support to individuals requiring assistance in creating a UKVI account and accessing their eVisa.    

We are exploring options to provide additional eVisa support and will provide further updates in due course.   

What support is there for those who are digitally excluded?   

Assisted Digital is a free service provided by UKVI to support customers in the UK who are digitally excluded to create a UKVI account and access their eVisa. Customers are classified as being digitally excluded if they have access needs or if they have low or no digital skills.     

Access needs can include any disability that requires support to use online services, a lack of device or a lack of internet access.   

Will children be impacted by the move to eVisas?   

In the case of children, the expectation is that their parent or guardian will have access to their UKVI account and use the online services on their behalf, as they would have looked after and used a BRP/C on the child’s behalf. They can subsequently transfer ownership of the account and access to the online services when the child reaches majority.   

Parents and guardians can create a UKVI account for their children at the same time they create an account for themselves.   

Sharing and comments

Share this page, related content and links, about this blog.

Home Office in the media is the Home Office's blog on the latest topical home affairs issues. It features a review of leading media stories, responses to breaking news, rebuttal to inaccurate reports, and ministerial comment.

Find out more about the blog.

Sign up and manage updates

• Twitter @UKHomeOffice

Recent Posts

• Media factsheet: eVisas   17 April 2024
• Latest statement in response to small boat crossings 12 April 2024
• Windrush Schemes Factsheet – February 2024 11 April 2024

Other useful websites

• Home Office
• Media enquiries - Home Office
• Border Force
• HM Passport Office
• Disclosure and Barring Service
• General Register Office

Comments and moderation

UK Visitor Visa (Tourism or Leisure) - Top 10 FAQs

Most visitors to the UK will need to make an application for a UK visit visa from their country of residence, before travelling. In this post we answer some of the questions that are most frequently asked by individuals who wish to visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for the purpose of tourism or leisure .

What are the eligibility requirements for a UK Visitor Visa application?

In making an application for a UK Visitor Visa you will be required to prove:

• You will leave the UK at the end of your visit;
• You will not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your main home;
• You’re able to support yourself and your dependants during your trip (or have funding from someone else to support you);
• You are able to pay for your return or onward journey (or have funding from someone else to pay for the journey);
• You have proof of any business or other activities you want to do in the UK, as allowed by the Visitor Rules .

What can I do as a Standard Visitor in the UK?

As a visitor to the UK for the purpose of tourism or leisure, you will be permitted to:

• Visit friends and family and/or come to the UK for a holiday; 
• Take part in educational exchanges programmes;
• Attend recreational courses for a maximum of 30 days;
• Volunteer with a registered charity for a maximum of 30 days.

What does it mean to be a “Genuine Visitor”?

In order to succeed with an application for a UK Visit Visa, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that you are a genuine visitor. This means that you will need to show you are genuinely seeking entry to the UK for a purpose permitted by the visitor routes, will not undertake any prohibited activities during your stay in the UK, will not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits and will not make the UK your home

The Visit guidance lists factors which will be considered by a Caseworker in assessing whether an applicant is a genuine visitor. Theses include your:

• Previous immigration history to the UK and other countries;
• Financial circumstances as well as your family, social and economic background;
• Personal and economic ties to the UK.

In assessing your genuineness, the Caseworker will also consider the cumulative period of time you have spent in the UK over the last 12 months and the duration of your previous visits compared to what was stated on your visa application form or on arrival to the UK. 

If you intend to visit the UK for any other reason including to marry or form a civil partnership , to receive private medical treatment , or to undertake business activities , you must apply for the specific visit corresponding to the purpose of your visit.  

What reasons could a Caseworker have for doubting that I am applying as a Genuine Visitor?

The Visit Guidance provides a non-exhaustive list of reasons a Caseworker may doubt whether you are a Genuine Visitor. This includes whether or if:

• There are discrepancies between the statements made by you and your sponsor in your application; 
• You, your sponsor or other immediate family member has, or has attempted to, deceive or mislead the Home Office in a previous application to enter the UK;
• It has not been possible to verify the information you have provided. 

Although the existence of any of the above reasons will not result in the automatic refusal of your application, it will be essential to address each of these circumstances in your application. 

How much funds do I need to show for a UK Visitor Visa?  

You must have access to sufficient resources to maintain yourself adequately for the duration of your visit to the UK. There is no set level of funds you need to show this.

Some thought should be given to the activities you intend to undertake, and your living expenses, in the UK. This is because, when assessing your application, a Caseworker will consider the likely cost of your stay and assess any source of revenue that will continue to be available to you whilst visiting the UK. A Caseworker will take into consideration your income or savings against any financial commitments you have in your country of residence in deciding whether you are able to support yourself financially during your visit. 

What does it mean to make “frequent or successive visits” to the UK?

Although there is no specific maximum period of time which you can spend in the UK in any period, as long as each visit does not exceed 6 months, your application for a Standard Visitor Visa will be refused if a caseworker has reason to believe that you are living in the UK through frequent or successive visits. In assessing your application a Caseworker will consider your travel history including, how long you spend in the UK on each visit and how frequently you are returning to the UK. 

How do I make an application for a UK Visitor Visa?

An application for a UK Visitor Visa must be made online . A Standard Visitor may apply for a visit visa of 6 months, 2.5 years or 10 years validity. This allows multiple visits to the UK within the period of validity, unless the visa is endorsed as single or dual-entry), but if it is a ‘multiple entry’ visa, you still cannot remain in the UK as a visitor for more than 6 months on any individual visit. 

As part of the application process you will be required to attend a Visa Centre to enrol your biometrics and have your passport scanned as part of the application process. Once your application form is submitted online, you will be able to upload your supporting documents online and book an appointment to enrol your biometrics.

How much does it cost to make a UK Visit Visa application?

The Home Office application fee for a Standard Visitor Visa is £95. You may need to pay an additional fee for a biometric appointment at a Visa Centre. 

How long will it take for my UK Visit Visa application to be decided?

An application for a UK Visitor Visa is typically decided within 3 weeks of making the application and attending a visa application centre. It may be possible to apply for a priority service to speed up the process depending on the country you are applying from. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there may be delays in processing your applications and priority services may be limited. 

What happens if my application for a UK Visitor Visa is refused?

You are unlikely to have a right of appeal if your application for a Standard Visitor Visa is refused.  If you need to challenge a refusal, it is likely you will have to do so by way of judicial review. 

You may wish to speak to our barristers for expert legal advice on making a fresh application following the refusal of your visitor visa. It will be essential for you to make a carefully prepared application which addresses each reason from your refusal to be addressed in order to succeed with a fresh application. 

Contact Our Immigration Barristers

For expert advice and assistance with an application for a UK Tourism and Leisure Visitor Visa , contact our Immigration Barristers on 0203 617 9173 or complete our enquiry form below.

SEE HOW OUR IMMIGRATION BARRISTERS CAN HELP YOU

To arrange an initial consultation meeting, call our immigration barristers on 0203 617 9173 or fill out the form below.

Want to keep up to date with the latest immigration news, events and legal developments?

Sign up and receive our latest expert briefings, case-law alerts and immigration guides. We’ve got our finger on the pulse, making sure you’re up-to-date.

DOWNLOAD OUR BROCHURE

Expert advice & representation from immigration barristers that you can rely on..

Read the 600+ five out of five star Google reviews of our immigration barristers.

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.

© 2020. All rights reserved.

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.

If there are any problems with this page, be it in terms of factual inaccuracies, mistakes in spelling or grammar, technical website issues — anything at all — I would truly appreciate it if you let me know here so that I can get it corrected.

Privacy Policy

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked

The Economic Times daily newspaper is available online now.

Uk makes it more expensive for residents and citizens to sponsor relatives on family visas.

The UK increased Family Visa income to GBP 29,000, aligning with Skilled Worker visa levels. Measures aim to curb legal migration, ensure income sustainability, and address public services strain, impacting around 300,000 people.

UK's higher salary thresholds for skilled work visas kick in

UK's curbs on international students, foreign workers may backfire, thinks a top hedge fund founder

London calling? Not anymore. Tax tweaks worry NRIs, new migrants

Read More News on

What next for Vodafone Idea?

Indian IT is facing these three stumbling blocks in its home market

What Britannia’s new launches say about India’s urban consumer

What Boeing’s long, choppy flight into whistleblower hell means for passenger safety

How this Advent PE-backed Indian firm is prepping to take on Chinese big pharma

The surge in Indian pharma exports to the US has three simple explanations

Find this comment offensive?

Choose your reason below and click on the Report button. This will alert our moderators to take action

Reason for reporting:

Your Reason has been Reported to the admin.

To post this comment you must

Log In/Connect with:

Fill in your details:

Will be displayed

Will not be displayed

Share this Comment:

Uh-oh this is an exclusive story available for selected readers only..

Worry not. You’re just a step away.

Prime Account Detected!

It seems like you're already an ETPrime member with

Login using your ET Prime credentials to enjoy all member benefits

Log out of your current logged-in account and log in again using your ET Prime credentials to enjoy all member benefits.

To read full story, subscribe to ET Prime

₹34 per week

Billed annually at ₹2499 ₹1749

Super Saver Sale - Flat 30% Off

On ET Prime Membership

Unlock this story and enjoy all members-only benefits.

Offer Exclusively For You

Save up to Rs. 700/-

ON ET PRIME MEMBERSHIP

Get 1 Year Free

With 1 and 2-Year ET prime membership

Get Flat 40% Off

Then ₹ 1749 for 1 year

ET Prime at ₹ 49 for 1 month

Stay Ahead in the New Financial Year

Get flat 20% off on ETPrime

90 Days Prime access worth Rs999 unlocked for you

Exclusive Economic Times Stories, Editorials & Expert opinion across 20+ sectors

Stock analysis. Market Research. Industry Trends on 4000+ Stocks

​Get 1 Year Complimentary Subscription of TOI+ worth Rs.799/-​

Stories you might be interested in

• International
• Today’s Paper
• Premium Stories
• Express Shorts
• Health & Wellness
• Board Exam Results

As UK tweaks minimum salary requirements for visas, a look at the new rules

Announcing the rules, uk home secretary james cleverly said that the measures are a part of reducing migration from the 2022 figure of 7.45 lakh, which was the highest number till date..

The salary requirements for UK working visas for British citizens and residents, including those of Indian origin, have gone up by nearly 50% as a part of Rishi Sunak government’s move to reduce immigration to the country.

The new rules, which came into effect on April 11, say that a minimum annual salary of GBP 29,000 is required for someone to be sponsored to come to the UK on a Family Visa. The amount, which is up from GBP 18,600, will be further increased two more times to match the Skilled Worker visa salary threshold of GBP 38,700, as per media reports.

They are a part of a wider series of measures implemented by the Tory government including those like curtailing students’ ability to bring dependants to the UK , restricting care workers from bringing family members and increasing the minimum salary requirement for those arriving on the Skilled Worker visa.

However, the rules are not applicable to jobs in certain sectors like healthcare, social care, and teachers on national pay scales, but with a catch — the workers cannot bring family dependants with them, reported  BBC .

Announcing the rules, UK Home Secretary James Cleverly said that the measures are aimed at reducing migration from the 2022 figure of 7.45 lakh, which was the highest number till date.

We’re delivering on our promise to cut migration👇 pic.twitter.com/VhYTvudDdw — James Cleverly🇬🇧 (@JamesCleverly) April 11, 2024

“We have reached a tipping point with mass migration. There is no simple solution or easy decision which cuts numbers to levels acceptable to the British people,” said Cleverly.

“I promised action and we have delivered at remarkable speed. We’ve acted to cut unsustainable numbers, to protect British workers and their wages, to ensure those bringing family to the UK do not burden taxpayers, and to build an immigration system fit for the future — and one the public can rightly have confidence in,” he added.

“Whether it was words unsupported by action, unfounded optimism or just plain wishful thinking that migration would fall on its own, indifference of any kind is never going to work — only determined action, backed by strong resolve, will deliver needed change,” the minister said.

Family visas are required for those migrants who want to live with their spouse, fiancé, child, parent or other relative who has the right to live in the UK for more than six months.

The new thresholds are not applicable to those renewing the existing family visa, as per the UK Home Office.

“The income requirement, which had remained unchanged for more than a decade, helps to ensure families are self-sufficient and not relying on public funds, whilst making a positive impact on the economy. The sponsoring family member, or in combination with the applicant if they are in the UK with permission to work, must now have an income of at least GBP 29,000 earned in the UK. The requirement can be met in several ways, including through savings exclusively or in addition to a lower income,” it said, as per The Associated Press .

“The government’s ambition for a high-skill, a high-wage economy cannot rely on mass migration, and measures introduced as part of the package will protect British workers, encourage business to invest in, and recruit, workers domestically while prioritising only the very best talent from abroad,” it added.

• united kingdom

UAE experiences historic heavy rain, resulting in one death, property damage, and flight disruptions. Experts link the extreme weather event to climate change and potential cloud seeding. Attribution of the cause remains challenging.

• Lok Sabha Elections Campaign Live Updates: EC halts Bengal governor's proposed tour to Cooch Behar 51 mins ago
• Bengaluru News Live Updates: Rahul Gandhi addresses public meetings in Karnataka today 5 hours ago
• PSEB 10th Result 2024 Live Updates: Steps to check results at pseb.ac.in 6 hours ago
• Mumbai News Live Updates: Days after firing outside Salman Khan's house, ex-Maharashtra minister Eknath Khadse receives threat 7 hours ago

Best of Express

Buzzing Now

Apr 17: Latest News

• 01 Following Bombay HC notice, BMC begins to remove decorative lights from trees
• 02 Most IPL hundreds: Jos Buttler slams 7th century to cross Gayle, second ton of IPL 2024 season
• 03 IPL 2024 Points Table update: Rajasthan Royals extend No. 1 lead with record win over Kolkata Knight Riders
• 04 Student denied from practising law in Canada after confusion over BCI approval of law college
• 05 More potential jurors dismissed as Trump’s hush money trial enters second day
• Elections 2024
• Political Pulse
• Entertainment
• Movie Review
• Newsletters
• Gold Rate Today
• Silver Rate Today
• Petrol Rate Today
• Diesel Rate Today
• Web Stories

• English English
• தமிழ் தமிழ்
• বাংলা বাংলা
• മലയാളം മലയാളം
• ગુજરાતી ગુજરાતી
• हिंदी हिंदी
• मराठी मराठी
• Business Business
• बिज़नेस बिज़नेस
• Insurance Insurance

The Financial Express

• GT vs DC Live Score
• MP Board Result 2024 Live
• UP Board Result Live Updates
• PSEB 10th Result 2024 Live
• Mutual Funds
• Gold Rate Today
• Top Indices Performance
• Ram Navami 2024
• Loksabha Election
• Budget 2024
• Stock Market Quotes
• Mutual Fund
• Stock Stats
• Top Gainers
• CaFE Invest
• Investing Abroad
• Gold Rate in India
• Silver Rate in India
• Petrol Rate in India
• Diesel Rate in India
• Express Mobility
• Banking & Finance
• Travel & Tourism
• Brand Wagon
• Entertainment
• Web Stories
• Auto Web Stories
• Infographics
• Today’s Paper
• International
• Edits & Columns
• Personal Finance Print
• PRIVACY POLICY
• TERMS AND CONDITIONS

UK Family Visa rules tightened, minimum income required to sponsor relatives hiked

The uk government has unveiled several measures to tighten the student visa route..

UK government has taken several measures to reduce legal migration into the country. Now, the income required to bring family to the UK has been increased as a final measure to reduce legal migration. The Home Secretary has delivered on his promise to transform the UK’s immigration system, cut unsustainable and unfair levels of migration, and ensure those arriving here do not burden the taxpayer.

The final measure in the Prime Minister and Home Secretary’s package to reduce legal migration will see the minimum income required to sponsor someone coming to the UK on a family visa increased from £18,600 to £29,000 from April 11 – an increase of more than 55%.

By early 2025, this will have increased 2 more times, rising to £38,700 – to meet the new salary threshold for a Skilled Worker visa.

Yash Dubal, Director, A Y & J Solicitors, London, UK says, “The minimum income required to sponsor someone coming to the UK on a family visa has been increased. This rise will have a significant impact on anyone who is now applying to bring a partner or spouse to the UK on a family visa. The sponsor must now earn at least £29,000 a year and this will rise to £34,00 later this year and to £38,700 early 2025. I expect many will be applying the soonest to get their visas approved while the lower rates are still in force, considering they rose this month already from £18,600.”

The UK government had already unveilied some measures to tighten the student visa route in May 2023. It means approximately 300,000 people arriving in the UK last year would no longer be able to.

The full set of measures, which have all been implemented, include:

• Ending the ability of nearly all students to bring dependants to the UK
• Restricting care workers from bringing family members
• Requiring care providers to register with the Care Quality Commission if they are sponsoring migrant care workers
• Commissioning the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to carry out a rapid review of the Graduate route for international students to prevent abuse, protect the integrity and quality of UK higher education and ensure it works in the best interests of the UK
• Increasing the minimum salary required for those arriving on the Skilled Worker visa, from £26,200 to £38,700
• Replacing the Shortage Occupation List with a new Immigration Salary List, with employers no longer able to pay migrants less than UK workers in shortage occupations

The staged approach to increasing the income requirement gives predictability to families, enabling them to plan accordingly, whilst ensuring that anyone coming to the UK to be with their family or loved ones is supported financially.

The government has been clear that family life cannot be established in the UK at the expense of taxpayers, and migrants joining their family must integrate into society and play a full part in British life.

The income requirement, which had remained unchanged for more than a decade, helps to ensure families are self-sufficient and not relying on public funds, whilst making a positive impact on the economy .

The sponsoring family member, or in combination with the applicant if they are in the UK with permission to work, must now have an income of at least £29,000 earned in the UK. The requirement can be met in a number of ways, including through savings exclusively or in addition to a lower income.

Get live Share Market updates, Stock Market Quotes , and the latest India News and business news on Financial Express. Download the Financial Express App for the latest finance news.

• Stock Market Stats

Related News

Photo gallery.

4 Arvind Kejriwal’s wife Sunita quits govt: What we know so far

9 Rs 50, Rs 200, Rs 500 and Rs 2000 notes images: Here are the new currency notes released by RBI

21 Anubhuti coaches with aircraft-like features to replace Shatabdi 1st-AC Executive chair cars; 20 amazing facts

Latest News

Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals ruthlessly outclass Gujarat Titans for a resounding 6-wicket victory at Motera

Passengers land at Bagdogra airport only to realise baggage left back in Delhi!

Migrant worker shot dead by terrorists in Anantnag

US Fed Rate: Powell’s message to the market is crystal clear

IIT Madras launches new International Master’s Programme on Water Security and Global Change with German Universities

Trending topics.

• IPO’s Open and Upcoming 3
• Stock Analysis
• Financial Literacy
• NSE Top Gainers 1534
• NSE Top Losers 1008
• BSE Top Gainers 2408
• BSE Top Losers 1680
• NSE 52-Week High 0
• NSE 52-Week Low 0
• BSE 52-Week High 0
• BSE 52-Week Low 0
• NSE Price Shocker
• NSE Volume Shocker
• BSE Price Shocker
• BSE Volume Shocker
• NSE Sellers
• BSE Sellers
• Silver Rate Today
• Petrol Rate Today
• Diesel Rate Today

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Visas and immigration

Apply to visit, work, study, settle or seek asylum in the UK

What you need to do

Check if you need a UK visa, how to apply, sign in, manage your application, biometric residence permits (BRPs), share codes

Visit the UK

Visit for tourism, business or a short stay (up to 6 months), airport transit visas

Work in the UK

Skilled Worker visa, Graduate visa, other work visas, right to work

Study in the UK

Student visas for courses, degrees and independent schools

Family in the UK

Partner, spouse, dependant and family member visas and permits

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens

Settled and pre-settled status, EU Settlement Scheme family permit, Frontier Worker permit

Ukrainians and their families

Find the right visa, Ukraine Family Scheme visa, Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme visa, Homes for Ukraine

Commonwealth citizens and British nationals (overseas)

BNO visa, right of abode, UK Ancestry visa

Live permanently in the UK

Ways to settle in the UK, indefinite leave to remain (ILR) and routes to British citizenship

Seek protection or asylum

Claiming asylum as a refugee, the asylum process and support

Immigration appeals and status problems

Appeal against a visa, settlement or asylum decision, immigration status problems

Travelling to the UK

Moving your belongings, going through customs and tax

Is this page useful?

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.