united kingdom tourist visa checklist

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.

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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.

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Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

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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.

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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.

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• United Kingdom
• Tourist Visa

UK Tourist Visa Checklist

• Posted by Cloud Applicants Team
• Categories United Kingdom
• Date 13 May 2023
• Comments 0 comment

UK Tourist Visa Checklist: If you are planning to visit the United Kingdom as a tourist, you may need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa. Here is a checklist of the documents you will need to provide when applying for a UK tourist visa:

UK Tourist Visa Checklist To Follow

Also, see: Canada Tourist Visa Checklist

• Online visa application: You must complete and submit the online visa application form.
• Passport: You must have a valid passport that will remain valid for the duration of your stay in the UK.
• Photo: You must provide a passport-style photo that meets the UK visa requirements.
• Travel itinerary: You must provide a detailed travel itinerary that includes information about your flights, accommodation, and planned activities.
• Financial support: You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your travel expenses, such as airfare, accommodation, and meals.
• Purpose of visit: You must provide a letter explaining the purpose of your visit to the UK, such as tourism, visiting family or friends, or attending a conference.
• Health insurance: You may be required to provide evidence of health insurance for the duration of your stay in the UK.
• Biometric data: Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints and a photograph.
• Accommodation: You must provide evidence of your accommodation arrangements in the UK.
• Return ticket : You must provide evidence of your return ticket to your home country or your onward travel arrangements.
• Visa fee: You must pay the visa application fee.

It is important to note that the UK government may require additional documents or information, depending on your specific situation. Therefore, it is recommended to check the official website of the UK government for the latest information and requirements.

In conclusion, obtaining a UK tourist visa requires careful planning and preparation. By following the checklist and providing all the necessary documents, you can increase your chances of obtaining a UK tourist visa and enjoying your trip to the UK.

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15 Documents Required for UK Visitor Visa in 2024

What are the types of uk visitor visas.

The UK offers a range of visitor visas tailored to different purposes of visit. While the general requirements might be similar, it’s essential to apply for the right category:

• Tourist Visa: For those visiting the UK for leisure, holidays, or sightseeing.
• Business Visa: Designed for individuals attending business meetings, conferences, or seminars.
• Family Visitor Visa: For visitors who intend to stay with family members residing in the UK.
• Child Visitor Visa: Specifically for children under 18 visiting the UK.

Remember to ensure your activities in the UK align with the visa category you’ve applied for to avoid any legal complications.

UK Visitor Visa Documents Check-List

1. visa application form vaf1a.

This is the primary application form for all visitors to the UK. It must be correctly filled out, detailing the purpose of your visit, personal details, and other relevant information.

2. Valid Passport

• Must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the UK.
• At least one blank page on both sides for the visa stamp.

3. Two Passport-Sized Photographs

• Adhering to the UK visa photo specifications: 45mm high x 35mm wide, not framed, with a light grey or plain cream background.

4. Proof of Accommodation

• Hotel booking confirmation.
• If staying with a family or friend: a letter of invitation with their address and contact details. It’s helpful if they also provide a copy of their passport and proof of address, such as a utility bill.

5. Proof of Funds

This is to show that you can support yourself during your visit without accessing public funds.

• Recent bank statements (typically covering the last six months).
• Pay slips from your employer.
• Proof of earnings through tax returns, business bank statements, or business accounts if self-employed.

6. Details of Employment or Studies

• If employed: A letter from your employer granting leave of absence. The letter should also confirm how long you have been employed with the company and the date you are expected to return to work.
• If self-employed: Business registration documents and tax returns.
• If a student: A letter from your educational institution confirming your enrolment and granting leave of absence.

7. Travel Itinerary

• Detailed travel plans, including the date of entry and exit from the UK.
• Confirmed flight ticket bookings.

8. Travel Insurance

A comprehensive travel insurance policy that covers the entirety of your stay in the UK. It should include coverage for medical emergencies.

9. Additional Documents Depending on the Purpose of Visit

• Business: Invitation letter from the UK company, details of the company’s activities, and evidence of business activities in your home country.
• Medical Treatment: Letter from a doctor or consultant detailing the medical condition and treatment required, along with proof of pre-arranged services at the medical facility.
• Academic Visit: Invitation from the UK academic institution, details of the course/research, and evidence of academic qualifications.
• Marriage: Proof of wedding arrangements, like booking confirmations of the venue.

10. Proof of Ties to Home Country

This is to demonstrate your intention to return after your visit.

• Property deeds or mortgage statements.
• A detailed letter explaining any other personal or financial circumstances that indicate your ties to your home country.

11. Previous Travel History

If you have them, provide your old passports to demonstrate your travel history. This often works in your favor, showing you have returned from other trips abroad, implying you are less of a risk to overstay.

12. Tuberculosis (TB) Test Results

If you’re from a country where taking a TB test is mandatory before coming to the UK for more than six months, you must include these results.

13. Payment Receipt of Visa Fee

Ensure you provide proof of the visa application fee payment.

14. Criminal Record Certificate

If you have been convicted of any crimes, you must provide a certificate from the country in which you were convicted.

15. Translation of Non-English Documents

Any document that isn’t in English or Welsh needs to be accompanied by a certified translation. This includes the details of the translator or translation company.

4 Tips for a Successful Application

Applying for a UK visitor visa can seem daunting. But with the right preparation and understanding of the process, you can improve your chances of success. Here are some tips to help you through:

• Stay Organized: Compile all necessary documents in a neat and systematic manner. Use clear folders and label them accordingly. An organized application is easier to process and leaves a positive impression.
• Read Carefully: Make sure to thoroughly read and understand the visa guidelines. This can prevent common mistakes, such as missing documents or incorrect information.
• Write a Clear Cover Letter: Your cover letter should succinctly explain the purpose of your visit, ensuring it aligns with the category of visa you’re applying for.
• Authenticity is Key: Always provide genuine documents. Fabricated or misleading information can lead to immediate rejection and possibly further complications in future applications.

What Is The Duration and Extension Policy of the Visitor Visa?

The standard UK visitor visa typically allows travelers to stay in the UK for up to 6 months. However, it’s crucial to note the following:

• Multiple Visits: If you have a multiple entry visa, you can leave and come back to the UK multiple times within the validity period, but your total stay shouldn’t exceed 6 months.
• Extensions: In exceptional circumstances, one might need to extend their stay beyond the allotted time. Extensions are usually given for medical reasons or if there’s a compelling reason related to a business visit. You should apply for an extension before your current visa expires.

What Is The UK Visitor Visa Processing Time?

Understanding how long it might take to process your visa application can help you plan your trip better. Here’s what you should know:

• Standard Time: Typically, the UK visitor visa application is processed within 3 weeks of submission. However, during peak travel times or due to unforeseen circumstances, it might take longer.
• Expedited Services: For those in a hurry, the UK does offer priority and super-priority services for an additional fee. The priority service aims to process your visa within 5 working days, while the super-priority service offers a next-day decision.

What Are The Rights and Restrictions on a Visitor Visa?

Having a UK visitor visa allows you certain privileges and also comes with restrictions:

• Rights: You can generally participate in tourist activities, attend meetings or conferences, undergo elective medical treatments, and even partake in short recreational courses.
• Restrictions: Visitor visa holders are typically prohibited from taking on employment in the UK, accessing public funds, or staying beyond the duration stipulated on their visa. Additionally, engaging in activities not covered by your visa category could result in penalties or deportation.

Understanding these rights and restrictions ensures that you stay compliant with UK immigration laws during your visit.

How Long Can I Stay in the UK on a Visitor Visa?

On a UK visitor visa, you can typically stay in the UK for up to 6 months. However, there are specific circumstances to consider:

• Standard Duration : Most visitor visas are granted for a period of 6 months.
• Long-term Visitor Visas : For frequent travelers, long-term visitor visas are available, allowing multiple entries over 2, 5, or 10 years. Each stay, however, should not exceed 6 months.
• Specific Visas : Some specific types of visitor visas, like medical treatment or academic visitor visas, may have different durations.

It’s important to adhere strictly to the duration of stay granted on your visa to avoid overstaying and potential future entry issues.

Can I Switch to Another Visa Category While on a Visitor Visa in the UK?

Switching to another visa category while on a visitor visa in the UK is typically not permitted. Considerations include:

• Return Requirement : You are usually required to leave the UK and apply for a different visa from your home country or country of residence.
• Exceptions : Very few exceptions exist, and these are subject to strict criteria.
• Compliance : Staying in the UK beyond the terms of your visitor visa or attempting to switch to a different visa category without leaving the country can result in immigration violations.

If you believe your circumstances warrant a different visa type, it’s advisable to consult with UK immigration services or a legal expert.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can i attend job interviews on a visitor visa.

Yes, attending job interviews is permissible under a visitor visa, but you cannot undertake employment in the UK with it.

Is it possible to extend my visitor visa from within the UK?

In most circumstances, a visitor visa cannot be extended beyond the 6-month limit. However, there can be exceptional cases, such as medical emergencies, where a short extension might be granted.

Are there any restrictions on multiple entries to the UK on a visitor visa?

The standard UK visitor visa is multi-entry, meaning you can leave and re-enter the UK multiple times during its validity. But remember, the total stay should not exceed the duration granted, usually 6 months.

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UK Tourist Visa Requirements for Indians

Indian passport holders who are willing to apply for a UK Tourist visa can find the necessary visa information on this page. In the following, you can find UK Tourist visa requirements which mainly include the visa documents and eligibility criteria. General guidelines to be followed at the time of submission of United Kingdom Tourist visa documents are mentioned on the page. For further visa consultation, you can contact BTW Visa Executives.

• Tourist Visa
• Business Visa

Following is the list of documents required for UK Tourist visa for Indians.

A passport is a document that is required at the time of international travels. It is issued by the government of the country to verify the identity and nationality of the candidate.

The submitted passport must meet the parameters given below

• It must have minimum two blank pages for the visa stamp.
• It must be original and genuine.
• It must be valid for 6 months ahead of the span of stay.
• It must not be torn, ripped, split, or damaged in any kind of way.

One cannot cross international boundries without the passport. It is considered a criminal offense otherwise.

An old passport is a passport that has expired or is completely stamped. In the visa processing, it is required to track the travel history of the applicant.

If available, the old passport must also be provided meeting the given criteria

• If any of the traveler has old passport, it must be submitted along with latest passport.
• It must be original and in a good condition to access the required information.

Without the old passport, you cannot get the visa stamp. Professional visa consultation is recommended.

The photo is provided to the authority so that you can be identified based on the same.

The photographs must be provided as per the given photo specifications

• It must cover face 80% of the frame.
• It must be clicked on an all white background.
• Two copies to be submitted with general photo guidelines.
• It must be of proper size with dimensions of 35x45 mm (length - 45mm, breadth - 35mm).
• It must have a matte finish.
• It must be a recent photograph.
• The expressions on the face must be neutral, there must not be any kind of smiling of frowning in the photograph.
• Any kind of glasses must not be worn in the photograph.
• The hair must be tied back so that the face is clearly visible.
• The ears must be visible clearly.
• It must not have any headgear worn apart from religious reasons.
• It is to be taken care that your teeth do not show in the photograph.

Recent pictures are mandatory as old pictures can cause the authorities to reject your application.

An air ticket is a ticket or pass that is possessed by the traveller who is taking a flight for travelling from one location to another.

It is an important document and it should be submitted for the given reason

• if booked -(as we recommended do not book ticket until visa not approved )
• It must be confirmed for the complete round trip.

An air ticket shows your course of travel and confirms your return to the native country.

Covering Letter consists of traveler's information, Itenarary, detailed travel Information, trip expense details and your return guarantee to the home country.

The covering letter provided by the visa applicant should be acceptable based on the following guidelines

• It must mention other details as well as per the Consular's request.
• It must mention the accommodation details of the applicant.
• It must mention the person who will be bearing all the expenses during the trip, if not travelling alone.
• It must specify the traveller's relationship with the fellow travellers if not travelling alone.
• It must clearly specify the traveller's purpose of visit.
• It must mention the travel dates as per the invitation letter or the booked flight tickets.
• It must mention all the details as per the passport.

Covering letter is the first document that is seen by the consular. If the covering letter is not appropriate, it may cause your visa to get rejected as well. Professional visa consultation is recommended.

Bank statement is a document that issued from the bank. This is obtained for the savings bank account to show ratify if you will be able to support your stay in the country.

The Bank statement is a mandatory document and it should meet the following criteria

• It must be evident of healthy balance amount in the account.
• It should have the seal and signature acquired on every page.
• It must be provided with authentic seal and signature from the bank.
• It must be original and obtained from the savings bank account.
• It must be original and should have the bank's stamp and signature on every page.

If the Bank Statement doesn't show enough funds or shows irrelevant expenditure, it could lead to visa rejection on financial means. Professional visa consultation is recommended.

An income tax return is a document that is a record of the tax that is paid to the government by the concerned tax paying citizen.

The proof of income tax returns must match the provided parameters

• The Income tax returns should be specified with an ITR-V for last 3 years.
• It must be provided with a legitimate documentary proof of the payment of income tax.

One cannot leave the country if they do not provide appropriate proof of tax payment. Professional visa consultation is recommended.

Itinerary is a travel document that contains the details of travel schedule of the one who is going on the trip.

• The Itinerary must contain detailed information about your day-to-day plans.
• It must mention the day to day schedule and plans and program while in the country.

The itinerary must have proper and detailed information of the traveller's routine. Even if a single detail is missed out, it could affect the visa interview. Professional visa consultation is recommended.

A hotel voucher is a ticket provided by the hotel of residence to the customers who are taking an accomodation in the hotel.

It should be submitted as per the following

• if booked -(as we recommended do not hotel until visa not approved )
• It must be provided to ratify the purpose of visit and as proof of accommodation as well.

If you are staying in a hotel during your time in another country, a hotel voucher must be provided as proof of accommodation.

For detailed information, Please go through UK Tourist Visa for Indian - Definitive Guide

Eligibility for getting United Kingdom Tourist Visa:

In order to be eligible to travel to the country on a visa, you will have to meet the following eligibility criteria.

Be a genuine traveller- You must have a valid and good intention behind travelling to the country.

Eligible to bear all expenses - You must possess sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents throughout the stay.

Reasons to return - You must have strong ties in your home country that will ensure that you will return after your stay.

Be of good character - You must have a clean criminal track record and be of good character. You may have to provide PCC (Police Clearance Certificate) for the same.

Be in good health - You must at least meet the minimum health requirements required by the authorities.

• You must be a genuine travelling enthusiast wanting to explore the country.
• You must already have the necessary travel arrangements made to prove your intention to visit.

Visa Fees for United Kingdom Tourist Visa:

*Important Note:

Embassy/Consulate reserves the right to ask for additional documents or personal appearance for an interview in special cases. Submission of the above-mentioned documents does not guarantee that a visa is granted, so It's recommonded to get the professional visa consultation. Submission of incomplete documentation or refusal to appear for a special visa interview may result in the rejection of your visa application .

Although the information on this website has been prepared with utmost care. However, regulations and requirements are subject to change.

To know all details like process, eligibility, fees etc. Please refer UK Tourist Visa for Indian

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