If you’re planning to visit the UK for tourism, business, to see family, or for other reasons, you may need a Visitor Visa. This visa allows people from outside the UK to stay for up to 6 months, depending on the type of visa and the purpose of your visit. In this guide, we explain the different types of UK Visitor Visas, how much they cost, and the documents you’ll need to apply.
UK Visitor Visa Costs
As of October 2023, the Home Office updated the UK visitor visa fees. Here’s a breakdown of the fees:
| Visa Type | Fee |
| Standard Visitor | £115 |
| Standard Visitor (2 years) | £400 |
| Standard Visitor (5 years) | £771 |
| Standard Visitor (10 years) | £963 |
| Marriage Visitor | £115 |
| Permitted Paid Engagement Visitor | £115 |
| Transit Visitor | £64 |
| Private Medical Treatment Visitor | £200 |
Who Needs a Visitor Visa?
You’ll need to apply for a UK Visitor Visa if you are from a country on the Visa National list. Check this list on the official UK government website. The main types of Visitor Visas are:
- Standard Visitor – For tourism, family visits, or business trips.
- Marriage/Civil Partnership Visitor – For those planning to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK.
- Permitted Paid Engagement Visitor – For those coming to do specific paid work, like speaking at a conference.
- Transit Visitor – For those transiting through the UK to another country.
- Private Medical Treatment Visitor – For those coming to receive private medical treatment.
How Long Can You Stay?
- Standard Visitor Visa: Up to 6 months per visit. If you apply for a 2-year, 5-year, or 10-year visa, each visit is still limited to 6 months.
- Transit Visitor Visa: Up to 48 hours.
- Marriage Visitor, Permitted Paid Engagement Visitor, Private Medical Treatment Visitor: Up to 6 months. Medical treatment visitors can extend their stay if treatment takes longer than 6 months. The extension fee is £1,000.
Eligibility Requirements
To get a UK Visitor Visa, you must meet the following:
- Genuine Visitor: You must show that your visit is for a genuine reason (e.g., tourism, visiting family).
- Sufficient Funds: You must have enough money to support yourself during your stay. If someone else (like a family member) is funding your visit, they must show that they can financially support you.
- Intent to Leave: You must prove that you plan to leave the UK at the end of your visit and return to your home country.
Required Documents
The documents you’ll need depend on your purpose for visiting, but common documents include:
- Passport: Your passport and copies of relevant travel documents.
- Proof of Ties to Your Home Country: This could include a birth certificate, marriage certificate, family letters, property ownership papers, and employment details.
- Financial Evidence: Bank statements, pay slips, or proof of earnings to show you can afford your trip.
- Invitation Letter: A letter from someone in the UK inviting you to visit.
- Travel History: Previous visa applications or travel history.
What Can You Do on a Visitor Visa?
With a UK Visitor Visa, you can:
- Go on holiday or vacation.
- Visit family or friends.
- Volunteer with a registered charity (for up to 30 days).
- Attend business meetings or interviews.
- Do certain paid activities, such as giving lectures or performing.
- Take part in a school exchange program.
- Study a short course (up to 6 months).
- Receive medical treatment.
New Visitor Visa Rules from January 2024
From 31st January 2024, some new activities will be allowed under the Visitor Visa:
- You can work remotely for your overseas employer, as long as it’s not the main purpose of your visit.
- Visitors can do client-facing work if it’s related to their overseas job.
- Certain flight crews will be allowed to enter the UK as visitors.
- Permitted Paid Engagement Visitors can now be paid for speaking at conferences.
- Legal professionals can provide services like legal advice, mediation, and court appearances.
Common Reasons for Visa Refusal
Visitor Visas can be refused for several reasons, including:
- Insufficient proof of ties to your home country.
- Lack of financial evidence.
- Failure to show the true purpose of your visit.
- Previous immigration rule violations or past visa refusals.
What to Do if Your Visa is Refused?
Visitor Visa refusals usually do not have the right of appeal. However, you can reapply by addressing the reasons for your refusal. It’s important to provide additional evidence in your new application.
If you believe the Home Office made a mistake in your case (such as not considering important evidence), you can challenge the decision through Judicial Review. This process involves sending a Pre-action Protocol Letter to the Home Office to ask them to reconsider your application.
How Law and Visas Can Help
At Law and Visas, we specialize in UK Visitor Visas and can help you submit a complete and accurate application. Our team will ensure that your visa application meets all requirements to increase your chances of approval.
