Visitor Visa
The UK visitor visa also been known as a tourist visa is designed to visit the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, study, business and other permitted activities. Note that people of certain nationalities are able to visit Britain for the same period without the need for a visa. You are advised to familiarise yourself with the rules before applying.
What is the purpose of a Visitor visa
Visitor visa holders have access to such activities in the UK for 6 months:
Tourism
Visiting family, friends and loved ones
Getting married (If you intend to live in another country after marriage)
Volunteering for up to 30 days with an organization registered in Britain
Transiting through the UK
Receiving medical treatment
Conducting specific business activities (meeting, attend interviews, negotiate deals, etc.)
Participating in school exchange program
Taking an exam
Attending recreational classes (max. 30 days)
Engaging in study (for a maximum of 6 months)
Completing a work placement
Visitor visa requirements 2024
To successfully apply for a visitor visa, applicants must necessarily follow these requirements:
You must prove your intentions to leave the UK at the end of your stay.
You must have sufficient funds to support yourself during your visit to the UK
You have the budget to pay for your return journey
You do not plan to continue living in the UK by extending your visitor visa.
Evidence of the activities you specify for the purpose of the visit
If the purpose of your visit is related to examinations, studies or other special activities, we recommend you to contact our immigration specialists for assistance.
Intention to leave the UK
You will need to demonstrate your sincere intentions to leave the country in order to satisfy the for assessment by the UK Home Office, this involves providing the details of the reason for your visit, your immigration history, economic and personal ties to your home country and any other relevant information.
Enough support funds
No specific amount is stated in the requirements for funds, but the Home Office will determine your anticipated expenses (such as accommodation, food, etc.) to a specified budget. All of your financial obligations will also be taken into account.
Intention not to live in the UK
The Home Office needs to ensure that you are not trying to use the Visitor Visa as a means to reside in the UK permanently through repeated visits. They will review your travel record, the purpose of your visit, how long you plan to stay, your UK visits in the past year (including durations), the gap since your last visit, and whether you have spent more time in the UK than in your home country.
Visitor Visa required documents
There is a different set of documents for each reason for the visit. In most cases, these are:
Dates of travel to and from the UK
Your address of stay during your visit to the UK
A summary of your expenses during your stay
Your home address
Length of stay at your current address
Information about your parents (name and dates of birth)
Your annual income
Details of criminal, immigration or civil offenses
Travel history for the last 10 years
Details of your employer (address and telephone number)
Information about your partner (name, date of birth and passport number)
Details of your family members in the UK
Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate
How to apply for a visitor visa
To apply for a UK visitor visa, you should follow these basic steps:
Complete and submit your UK tourist visa application online. (each family member must complete and submit their application separately and pay the applicable fee)
Pay the application fee
Schedule an appointment at your local VAC (Visa Application Centre)
Attend the appointment at the VAC to provide all necessary documents to the Home Office, have your photo taken, and provide biometrics (fingerprinting)
Visitor visa processing time
The approximate decision time for a visitor visa is 3 weeks.
Conditions for extending a visitor visa:
It is possible to extend a Visitor Visa if it was originally issued for less than 6 months, up to a maximum of 6 months. Extensions beyond 6 months are only permitted for medical reasons, for academic purposes or for graduates who need to retake the PLAB test or undertake a clinical placement. The fee for extending a visitor visa is currently £1,000.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to change from a visitor visa to another visa in the UK
Can I get married in the UK on a visitor visa
