What is the Visitor Visa?
The UK Visitor Visa is a temporary visa specifically designed for individuals traveling to the UK for leisure, business, or specific permitted activities. This visa allows you to enter and stay in the UK for a limited period, typically up to 6 months.
Types of Visitor Visas
There are different types of Visitor Visas available depending on your purpose of visit:
- Standard Visitor Visa: This is the most common type, suitable for tourism, visiting family and friends, short business trips, or attending conferences and events.
- Marriage and Civil Partnership Visitor Visa: This visa is for those coming to the UK to get married or enter into a civil partnership.
- Child Visitor Visa: This visa is for children under 18 traveling to the UK to visit parents or guardians.
Please note: This is not an exhaustive list. For a comprehensive overview of Visitor Visa categories, visit the UK government website
Who can apply for the Visitor Visa?
You may be eligible for a Visitor Visa if you:
- Are a citizen of a country that requires a visa to visit the UK
- Intend to leave the UK at the end of your authorized stay
- Have sufficient funds to support yourself during your visit without relying on public funds
- Meet any additional requirements specific to your visa type
What are the requirements?
The specific requirements for a Visitor Visa depend on your nationality and the type of visa you’re applying for. However, some general requirements often include:
- A valid passport
- Completed visa application form
- Proof of your intended travel itinerary and accommodation
- Evidence of sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your stay
- In some cases, you may need to provide additional documents such as a marriage certificate or a letter of invitation.
Get in touch with us to learn how we can support your visa application
How to apply for the Visitor visa?
The Visitor Visa application process can be completed online. Here’s a general overview of the process:
- Determine the most suitable Visitor Visa type for your visit.
- Gather the required documents.
- Complete the online application form.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit your application and supporting documents
How much does it cost?
The current application fee for a Standard Visitor Visa is £115.
Fees for other Visitor Visa categories may vary
Additional costs may include the healthcare surcharge and priority service options
Refer to the UK government website for fees
Get in touch with us to learn how we can support your Visitor Visa application
How how long does it take to process?
It typically takes around 3 weeks to receive a decision from UKVI, but it can take longer in some cases
What happens when the visa is issued?
Once your Visitor Visa is issued, you can travel to the UK and enjoy your visit for the authorized duration.
Remember to adhere to the conditions of your visa, such as the permitted activities and the maximum length of stay.
Can the visitor visa be extended?
In most cases, a Visitor Visa cannot be extended while you’re in the UK.
However, there may be exceptional circumstances where an extension can be applied for.
Get in touch with us to learn how we can support your visa application