If you plan to visit the UK for tourism, business, visiting family or friends, or attending a short course, you will need a UK standard visitor visa. This visa also covers other activities like receiving private medical treatment. In some cases, you may need a multiple-entry visitor visa for repeated visits over several years.
What is a Multiple-Entry Visitor Visa?
A multiple-entry visitor visa allows you to enter the UK multiple times during its validity period without needing to apply for a new visa for each trip. These visas can be granted for 2, 5, or 10 years. However, each stay is usually limited to 6 months, and you must leave the UK before the visa expires.
Who Needs a Multiple-Entry Visitor Visa?
A multiple-entry visa is useful if you need to visit the UK regularly for:
- Business trips.
- Visiting family or friends, especially if they live in the UK long-term.
- Short-term stays over a period of years.
If you find that a standard 6-month visa doesn’t cover your travel needs, the multiple-entry visa is a better option.
Eligibility for a Multiple-Entry Visitor Visa
To apply for a multiple-entry visitor visa, you must meet the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requirements. This includes proving that your visits are for legitimate reasons and that you won’t use the visa to stay in the UK for extended periods.
You must show the following:
- Your reason for visiting is genuine (tourism, business, etc.).
- You will not engage in activities like paid work during your visit.
- You have enough funds to cover your stay in the UK.
- You plan to leave the UK before your visa expires.
- You do not intend to make the UK your primary place of residence.
UKVI will also consider your travel history, including how often you’ve visited the UK and other countries, to check if you’re trying to live in the UK through repeated visits.
Rules for Multiple-Entry Visitor Visas
- Short stays: Each visit must not exceed the duration stated on your visa, usually 6 months.
- Frequent visits: UKVI will assess whether your visits are too frequent or long and if you’re using them to stay in the UK for extended periods.
- Entry approval: A multiple-entry visa does not guarantee entry. Border officers will review your travel history, financial situation, and reasons for visiting each time you enter the UK.
If you are under 18 at the time of your application, your visa will only be valid for up to 6 months after you turn 18.
How to Apply for a Multiple-Entry Visitor Visa
To apply for a multiple-entry UK visitor visa, follow these steps:
- Complete the Online Application: Visit the gov.uk website to fill out the visa application form.
- Provide Supporting Documents: Submit all required documents, including proof of funds, your travel plans, and any other supporting evidence.
- Book a Visa Appointment: Once your application is submitted, book an appointment at your local visa application center (VAC) to provide your biometric information (photo and fingerprints).
- Pay the Visa Fees:
- 6-month visa: £100.
- 2-year visa: £376.
- 5-year visa: £670.
- 10-year visa: £837.
- If you apply for a longer visa, but UKVI deems a shorter duration appropriate, they may issue a shorter visa and no partial refund will be provided.
Processing Time
Most applications are processed within 3 weeks. Priority services are available in many locations if you need a faster decision.
A multiple-entry visitor visa is an excellent option if you plan to visit the UK multiple times over several years. It saves you the hassle of reapplying for a new visa each time. However, keep in mind that this visa is not meant for living in the UK permanently. Each entry is still subject to approval by UK border officers, who will assess your reasons for visiting and your travel history.
To improve your chances of a successful application, make sure you provide all the required documents and meet the eligibility criteria. If you need help with your visa application, Law and Visas can assist you in ensuring all your paperwork is in order.
