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UK – United Kingdom

Rich in tradition, complex in culture and endlessly diverse… it’s partly down to its unique constitution that the UK is such an endlessly fascinating place to discover. 

Visit UK destinations

Whether you’re in the United Kingdom (UK) for the first time, or have lived here your whole life and are looking for new places to visit, UK travel is all about variety.

It’s about unearthing a mixture of iconic sights and hidden gems, ticking famous landmarks off your bucket-list one day and stumbling across a quirky local museum the next. 

It’s about taking the plunge into a vast wealth of activities, whether you’re an adrenaline-junkie, a die-hard hobbyist or simply fancy trying your hand at something new – from abseiling and mountain-biking to hiking and pony trekking, seal spotting, bird watching and more. 

And, of course, the UK’s diversity is mirrored in its landscape too. From its rugged coastline studded with gold sand beaches and secret coves, to rolling countryside dotted with patchwork fields and crops of ancient woodland, to vertiginous peaks set above glistening meres and heather-clad moors, via kitschy seaside resorts, pretty-as-a-postcard villages and handsome market towns, there’s no shortage of places to visit in the United Kingdom. 

Meanwhile, UK city breaks offer something to satisfy all wallet sizes and tastes, be it fascinating history and heritage, cutting-edge culture and museums, indulgent retail therapy or decadent dining and nightlife.

Places to visit

For many visitors to the UK, their first port of call is England – home of Shakespeare, Sherlock Holmes and ‘Pride and Prejudice’. 

There’s energetic and ambitious London, steeped in iconic landmarks, world-class museums and royal parks, whilst Cornwall’s balmy climate and surf-ready beaches promise a more chilled-out stay. 

Up north, Northumberland’s starry skies and vast, unspoiled landscape stretch endlessly before you. Manchester hums to the sound of its football chants and a stomping nightlife, whilst friendly Liverpool impresses with its Beatles heritage and jaw-dropping architecture. 

Places to visit in England (UK)

• Things to do

There are enough things to do in the UK to keep each day fun-packed, whatever your holiday style. 

Lovebirds in search of romantic breaks may look towards countryside and coast – strolling hand-in-hand along the beach, gazing up at star-studded skies or packing a picnic basket for a riverboat cruise. Prefer city breaks? You’ll find just as much romance amongst the bright lights, Michelin-star restaurants and dazzling entertainment venues of England’s vibrant cities. 

School holidays are a breeze thanks to any number of family-friendly activities. Kids can learn outside of the classroom whilst fossil hunting on the beach or discovering how the Tudors and Victorians lived at one of the UK’s evocative castles and stately homes. There’s plenty for youngsters with boundless energy as well, be it swinging through the forest on a treetop adventure or learning to kayak. 

As England’s weather gets warmer and a blanket of colour falls across the landscape, spring breaks are an ideal time for finding things to do in the great outdoors. Put the wind back in your sails with a sailing holiday, strap your walking boots on for a ramble along country paths or take your pick from amongst the UK’s spring festivals. 

Things to do in England

Planning your UK stay

The UK has a tremendous range of accommodation to choose from so it’s worth pinpointing your budget and the type of experience you’d like. 

As well as hotels and B&B’s, there are some quirky options too, ranging from farm stays to log cabins, canal boats to tipis. Or if you simply want something that won’t burn a hole in your pocket, then you can’t beat a youth hostel or campsite for value for money. 

B&B’s are a great choice for visitors craving that home-away-from-home feel, run by hosts who pride themselves on delivering a personal touch. You’ll find them scattered across the UK in all manners of guises, be it a cosy country cottage or elegant Georgian townhouse. 

Hotels enjoy equal variety for those willing to splash a little more cash. You may find yourself huddled beneath the sheets in a haunted castle, treating yourself to a spot of pampering from the comforts of an elegant Grade-listed mansion or gazing out onto a stunning cityscape from a contemporary boutique hotel set in a buzzing, central location. 

Whilst your accommodation will be happy to provide you with tourism information, you might want to check out the local tourist information centre (TIC) as well. 

Planning your stay in England

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19 Best Reasons to Visit The United Kingdom

September 13, 2022

I was born in the UK, and I’ve lived most of my life in the region.

There are loads of things I love about the place and about 84 million reasons why I think people should visit. In this article, I’ve painstakingly reduced them down to my favorites, and I’ve brought you the 19 top reasons to visit the UK .

I’ve covered cities, towns, beaches, mountains, people, history, heritage, and loads more. Read on for facts, figures, surprising statistics, endless ideas for fun things to do, and loads of self-indulgent nonsense about the place I was born.

Here are the best reasons to visit the UK …

1. To Explore Endless Numbers of Seas, Shores and Sands…

2. … and wander around sprawling national parks, 3. to take advantage of top-quality adventure infrastructure, 4. to experience endless diversity…, 5. … and even more endless diversity, 6. to chew and chomp on substandard food, 7. for watching top-class football (that’s ‘soccer,’ you foreigners)…, 8. … and to enjoy even more sport, 9. for some of the best musical heritage on the planet, 10. to learn about that man with six wives, 11. to look at some really old buildings, 12. to run out of gas, 13. for cute, quaint and cosy, 14. to fall asleep in a comfy chair, 15. to pretend you’re a wizard, 16. because you’ll honestly have no idea what anyone’s talking about, 17. to discern the difference, 18. to wander through old towns and cities, 19. to ho ho he he ha ha ha, final words and further reading.

I don’t know if you know this, but the UK is an island nation.

And because we’re an island nation, we have a massive coastline, with a ridiculous number of brilliant beaches. Depending on who you ask, the UK coastline clocks in at around 7,723 miles (12,429km), so there’s plenty of stuff to explore.

My favorite area (cos I’m from there) is Northumberland’s coast , but you can enjoy great beaches no matter where you go. Other top picks include the cliffs and beaches of Dover, the west coast of Scotland, the north coast of Wales, and anywhere in Northern Ireland.

On the UK coastline, you can swim, hike, cycle, paddleboard, kayak, visit fishing villages, and just laze around in the sun.

If you like hiking, you’ll absolutely love the UK, and you won’t ever want to leave.

The UK is home to 10 different national parks, which make up around 12% of the region’s land . My favorites are Northumberland National Park (yes, I am very biased and I am going to keep talking about Northumberland over and over again), The Lake District, Snowdonia National Park and the Cairngorms National Park.

But aside from the national parks, there are loads more places where you can hike and cycle, with a massive number of waymarked trails and cycling routes (more on that in a second). I’ve been on hundreds of hikes and bike rides in the UK (some for a few hours; some for a few days), and I still feel like I’m just getting started.

Yeah, I know that doesn’t sound very exciting. But it is.

In loads of nations, you can of course hike, run, cycle, go on multi-day walks, and all that stuff. But in the UK, we’ve built a brilliant infrastructure around it all to make it easier (and better!) for you to explore the outdoors.

The National Cycle Network, for example, is a massive signposted collection of varied cycling trails around the UK, measuring in at 12,739 miles (20,501 km).

We also have lots of official waymarked long-distance hiking trails. There are 16 so-called ‘National Trails’ (combined) in England and Wales, 29 ‘Great Trails’ in Scotland, and lots more throughout all other regions of the UK. Some are two-day treks, while others take weeks (or even months) to complete.

And on top of all that, we also have thousands more short hiking trails and cycle routes in the region, covering coasts, mountains, hills, forests, and everything in between. In the UK, it’s easy to have a proper adventure.

As you’ve probably already worked out from my first three reasons to visit, one of the things I love most about the UK is how diverse and varied its landscapes are.

In the UK, you can explore beaches, mountains , hills, forests , cliffs, caves , and plenty more. You also get big cities, little towns, charming villages, and endless other settlements (but more on all of them later).

The UK is one of the most diverse places on the planet.

London alone is home to nearly 300 nationalities . And that’s just one city in an area made up of four countries. Around 9-10% of the UK is made up of foreign-born people, which means that everyone is welcome, everyone is free, and everyone can explore countless different cultures and cuisines.

In Manchester, you can go the Curry Mile and feel like you’re in Asia. In London, you can head to Peckham and feel like you’re in South Africa. In most of the UK’s big cities, you can explore diversity and difference, and enjoy endless atmospheres and energies.

Just kidding, ya little scamps.

British food has a reputation for being absolutely terrible. And I sort of understand why, cos lots of people have no idea how to cook, and about 50% of the population eat nothing but beige buffets.

But British food is actually surprisingly brilliant, with loads of tasty treats. We have great cakes, excellent roast dinners, good pies and pastries, brilliant seafood, and loads more.

And on top of all that (cos of the diversity thing I was just talking about two minutes ago), you can eat food from any place on the planet. Want Ghainan food? Taiwanese? Afghan stuff? You can gobble it all, you hungry little greedbox.

If you come to the UK and call football ‘soccer,’ you’ll be laughed out of every pub, bar and football stadium (or ‘football ground,’ if we’re gonna get all pedantically British).

Anyway, English football is some of the best football on the planet. Scottish, Welsh and Irish football isn’t, but they’re brilliant at all kind of other stuff.

If you want to watch some of the world’s best football, come to England. If you want to see some of the world’s best football grounds, come to England. If you want to enjoy some of the world’s best football atmospheres, come to England.

But we’re not just famous for football.

Across the UK, we’re also really good at loads of other sports. Get to Wimbledon, the Snooker World Championships, the Grand National, or the F1 British Grand Prix. Or watch some Gaelic Games, rugby, golf, darts, boxing, or whatever else you fancy.

If you like sport, you’ll love the UK. We love playing sports, watching sports, talking about sports, and asking foreigners who their favorite teams are.

The UK has the world’s best musical history. And if you don’t agree, you’re wrong, and we should have a big fight or something.

You can celebrate our brilliant musical heritage by going to a gig (in any city, on any day of the week, you’ll always find plenty). Or you could go to an open mic night. Or go to one of our ~250 annual music festivals . Or you could go to the Beatles Museum in Liverpool. Or the Smiths Museum in Salford.

We have some of the best musicians on the planet, the best festivals on the planet, and the best live music scene on the planet. So come and enjoy it all!

You’ve all heard of Henry VIII.

But he’s just one tiny portion of British history (though he doesn’t look like a man who enjoyed tiny portions).

We have some of the most complex, interesting and varied history on the planet. We’ve been the home of wars, royals, ancient civilizations, influential people, cult figures, world-changing discoveries, and so much more.

I know that’s the case for lots of nations, but we have a huge number of museums, venues, old buildings and ancient sites that mark and memorialize it all. If you like museums, exhibitions, and learning about the history and heritage of the places you’re visiting, come to the UK.

Following on from my most recent compelling point, we have lots of ancient buildings where you can learn all about the UK’s past, present, people and places.

We have a lot of castles , and then even more . And stately homes. And cathedrals. And lots of them are expertly managed and preserved by charities such as the National Trust and the English Heritage .

Some countries haven’t carefully preserved many of their ancient places, but we have—so you can visit lots of these locations to learn and explore.

In the UK, we have some of the best road trips on the planet.

You can ride along mountain passes, through tiny villages, past beautiful shores, and plenty more. But best of all, lots of these road trips are officially-waymarked.

The most famous UK road trip by far (and my favorite) is the North Coast 500 , a 500-mile (800km) loop running around the most northern parts of mainland Scotland.

But there are way more— Scotland alone is home to 18 official road trips , while there are loads more in Wales, England and Ireland.

Other top picks include the Coastal Way (Wales), the Great West Way (England), and the Causeway Coastal Route (Northern Ireland).

If you like road trips, here’s some good news for you: you’ll find them (both official and unofficial) everywhere in the UK. Forget Route 66, forget the Pamir Highway, and get yourself to the UK instead.

British villages are known for being some of the most alluring, welcoming and charming villages on the planet.

That’s cos they are.

I reckon the best are in Scotland, on the north and west coast.

But you’ll also find lovely villages in Northumberland , Yorkshire, and in and around any national parks or other remote areas. Go for afternoon tea at a cute cafe, visit some traditional pubs, wander through cobbled lanes, and see why everyone reckons the UK is one of the most romantic places on the planet.

I hate theatre.

But if you like it, you’ll be pleased to discover that the UK has some of the world’s best. We gave birth to Shakespeare, we’re home to some of the world’s most famous theatres, and we have a massively vibrant theatre scene.

Check out Shakespeare’s Globe, Swansea’s Grand Theatre, Belfast’s Grand Opera House, and the thousands of independent venues dotted all over the region.

Every year, the UK even plays host to the world’s biggest arts festival, Edinburgh Fringe . For nearly a full month every August, the festival absolutely dominates the city. If you like theatre, weird events, stand-up comedy, or just a cool atmosphere, you’ll love the place.

If you like watching varied theatre (including both classic and modern stuff), you’ll love coming to the UK.

If you’re one of those weirdos who’s obsessed with Harry Potter , you’ll probably want to explore all the UK’s related sights.

Luckily for you, our governments like making money off the franchise, so there are plenty of places to explore.

The most famous site is probably Glenfinnan Viaduct, near Scotland’s Fort William (where you can ride a steam train, and pretend you’re off to Hogwarts for the year).

Other sites you’ll enjoy visiting include Alnwick Castle, York city center, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (near London), and Durham Cathedral. But there are loads more.

If you have kids who love Harry Potter, the UK is honestly one of the most fun regions on the planet. If you’re an adult who loves Harry Potter, you want to get a new hobby. Or take a look at this article I wrote specifically for you ! It lists many cool places for Harry Potter fans.

I don’t think there’s any region on the planet with such a diverse range of different accents.

Go to Liverpool, and you’ll have no idea what anyone’s talking about. In Glasgow, you’ll have no idea what anyone’s saying. In Newcastle, you’ll be confused by all the unintelligible slang . In Belfast, you’ll assume everyone is talking in made-up words as a prank.

No matter where you go in the UK, you’ll have to ask everyone to talk very slowly, and only use actual English words, instead of all their made-up ones.

But it’s all part of the fun.

Culturally, there are huge differences between the four nations that make up the UK (that’s England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, in case you’re somehow still confused).

Some people (even people from England) think the UK and England are the same thing. They’re not.

England is just one of the four countries that make up the UK—which is sort of a region and a country, but also neither of those two things. It’s all pretty confusing, but a visit to the UK will help you to understand it all.

If you’re interested in the actual differences, but don’t have time to visit the UK (yet), check out my article on it here .

If you like historic towns and cities, you’ll love the UK, and you’ll never grow tired of pointing at low-level buildings, or cobblestones, or ancient buildings, and going ‘wow, look how old and cute it all is. Gee whiz, I feel like I’m in a Charles Dickens novel!’

Some of the most famous include Bath, York, Edinburgh, Oxford, Derry and Chepstow, but there are loads more.

Because the UK has been inhabited for almost a million years , and because lots of civilizations have wandered through our towns and cities, many of them are packed with endless numbers of old streets, sights and homes.

If you like to feel as if you’re strolling through pockets of the past, wander on over to the UK.

British people are the funniest people on the planet.

I don’t have any evidence for this, except for all the people I know, and my own hilarious portfolio of laugh-a-minute copywriting content.

But we’re dry, and witty, and we like to make fun of everyone over and over again until they cry (even our best friends).

If you like to laugh, you’ll love the people of the UK. Just don’t be surprised if you don’t get it at first.

There they are—the 19 top reasons to visit the UK.

Honestly, I reckon the region is massively underrated as a tourist destination. Yeah, lots of people visit London and Edinburgh, but not enough people visit other parts of the UK. So get yourself to the region and I promise I’ll stop banging on about the place.

If you’re a fan of articles like this one, check out our guides to what is the UK famous for , what Northumberland is famous for , what London is famous for , and the top 23 reasons you should visit Scotland at least once in your life .

See you next time!

About the author

Senior Travel Reporter

Paul is a handsome and hilarious travel writer and travel journalist from the UK. He's hiked, hitchhiked and laughed his way through more than fifty countries, and he's always looking for a new place to call home. Originally from Newcastle, he's lived all over the UK, spent more than three years in Asia, and most recently lived in Vietnam and then in Georgia.

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12 Reasons to visit the United Kingdom

Are you thinking about booking a trip to the United Kingdom? You’ve come to the right place! There are so many reasons to visit the United Kingdom, especially if you go in search of history, culture, and take a sense of discovery with you. From the epic natural coastlines to walking through history in the heart of the United Kingdom, these are our top reasons to visit.

The Best Reasons to Visit the United Kingdom

1. epic coastal scenery at the jurassic coast.

As one of the United Kingdom’s most dramatic coastlines, it is perhaps unsurprising the Jurassic Coast wears the honorable badge of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stretching from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset, the coastline is most beautiful in summer under a blanket of clear skies.

2. Explore the Charming towns of the Cotswolds

No visit to the United Kingdom would be complete without visiting England, and no visit to England feels finished until you’ve spent time in the charming Cotswolds. The area is full of many beautiful small towns and neighbourhoods, all within close proximity giving you plenty of reasons to keep returning time and time again. Our favourite towns and villages include Bourton on Water, Chipping Camden and Stow-on-the-Wold. For the full list of our top picks in the Cotswolds, check out the article below.

Read more: The Cutest Villages in the Cotswolds to Visit

3. Bask in Royal English Culture

If you would consider yourself a fan of the British monarchy, then you best believe you are in for a treat upon visiting the United Kingdom. The House of Windsor is especially open to sharing their privilege with day visitors, with many royal residences open to visitors. From Buckingham Palace in the heart of London to nearby Windsor Castle, royal culture, history and residences are ripe and ready for visitors.

According to Visit Britain, these are the most popular royal residences to visit in the United Kingdom:

• Buckingham Palace
• Kensington Palace
• Windsor Castle
• Westminster Abbey
• Hampton Court Palace
• Sandringham House & Estate
• Edinburgh Castle
• Balmoral Castle & Estate
• Tower of London
• Palace of Holyroodhouse

4. Try Authentic British Cuisine

The United Kingdom has not always had a particularly memorable reputation for having great cuisine, but the old stigma of British food in particular being lacklustre and flavourless is outdated. Today, British cuisine has had a makeover and the rest of the United Kingdom (Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) have similarly be taking gastronomic cuisine in their stride. But we can’t go past British cuisine in particular, as the idyllic Sunday roasts have become lengthy, enjoyable affairs and gastro-pubs seem to be here to stay. Not only that, but many of your favourite desserts have British origins, such as banoffee pie, apple crumble, and sticky toffee pudding.

5. Experience British afternoon tea culture

On the subject of food, you can’t go past a traditional afternoon tea experience, which is entirely synonymous with British culture. Sure, you will find afternoon tea and high tea culture throughout the United Kingdom, but is of course in England where this tradition began. From freshly baked scones with clotted cream through to tiny one-bit-wonders on cutesy tiered cake settings, there really cannot be enough of these tea settings to ever possibly be enough.

Read more: The 10 Best Afternoon Teas in London

6. Immerse yourself in the arts scene of West End

When you think of live theatre, your first thought might be to the sights and sounds of Broadway. Fair play! Many of the world’s most renowned theatre shows have started on Broadway in New York City, but many of them have also started over on the other side of th Atlantic, in London’s West End. So if you enjoy life theatre, you can’t go wrong with a visit to West End in the heart of West London. In fact, live theatre (plays, musicals, comedy shows, music festivals, etc.) are a huge part of the culture throughout the United Kingdom. So if you’re looking to stay entertained on your travels, you can rest assured you will find something to stay busy (and entertained!)

7. Travel to Hogwarts

Harry Potter and the wizarding world of Hogwarts got its start here in the United Kingdom. And although you can’t visit Hogwarts exactly (unless you’re in possession of an acceptance letter), you can still visit many of the filming locations throughout the United Kingdom, as well as locations where the books themselves were written. Some of our favourite locations you should visit include the Elephant Cafe in Edinburgh where J. K. Rowling wrote some of the series, various Harry Potter locations throughout London , and of course the Hogwarts Express filming location in Scotland. But believe us, this is just the beginning!

8. Explore the many museums

If you’re a lover of art history, you will find no shortage of art museums throughout the United Kingdom, plus many museums housing ancient artefacts, sculptures and much more. Three of our favourites include the Tate Modern, Britain’s most visited museum, the Natural History Museum and the British Museum.

9. Experience true British pubs

Part and parcel of the United Kingdom experience is, of course, to visit British pubs. Pub culture across the United Kingdom is alive and well, appearing to have stood the test of time (I don’t know about you, but we can’t remember a time the good ol’ English pub did not exist in some form!) These days you can still have that same authentic experience, whether you’re in London or Manchester, or a country town in between. There are also distinct differences between Scottish, Welsh and English pubs, so be ready to give a few a try throughout your travels!

10. Explore the Scottish Capital

Did we mention we love Edinburgh ? Well, we do! If we had to pick just one city in all of the United Kingdom that stands as a cut above the rest, it would have to be the Scottish Capital. This city is worth at least a few days of your time to see all that it has to offer, before making your way to the likes of Glasgow and the Scottish Isles. But while you are in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, there is much to see and do.

Starting with Edinburgh Castle, where you can embark on a tour to learn the history of the castle and royalty in Scotland. Then there is the Royal Mile to meander along and take in the many sights and sounds, including many boutiques selling typically Scottish trinkets, clothes and souveniers. But our favourite experience in Edinburgh is just to wander from one coffee shop to the next, switching to whiskey bars later in the evening. Enjoy!

11. Experience the Roman Era in Bath

As one of the most common features of the Roman Empire, Roman baths can still be found dotted all parts of Europe and further afield to this day. But there is nowhere they are more present and profound than in Bath, England. This city was built on Roman bath houses, of which have been kept in tact to this day to allow visitors to retrace history. And once you’re done checking out the Roman Era baths, you can enjoy for yourself one of the many public bath houses and day spas Bath has to offer for the present day!

12. Walk through history of all ages

There are many more reasons to visit the United Kingdom but our final one of note is to walk through history of all ages. Take for instance Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to prehistoric times. Then of course you have many stages of history to discover throughout the United Kingdom, presenting a unique mix of past and present, with many of the UK’s industrialised cities also offering a glimpse into the future!

Over to you ~ why do you love visiting the United Kingdom so much?

Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.

Find me on: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Plan Your UK Trip

TripSavvy / Ashley Nicole DeLeon

Planning a trip to the United Kingdom (UK) probably seems pretty easy. The language is almost never a problem, the  visa requirements  are not particularly onerous for vacationers from North and South America, Australasia or Europe, and there's a good choice of ways to arrive and get around.

And, you know, it probably is as easy as all that. You could pop over to London  and take a few  day trips  in the immediate area, then spend a day or two venturing a bit further afield—to  Oxford  or the Cotswolds or  Stratford-upon-Avon —and, hey presto, what a great vacation you've had.

But whether you buy your vacation basics online for yourself or use a travel agent to book a tour, a little advance planning can open your eyes to corners of the UK you never even heard of, let alone thought of visiting.

It's all a matter of asking yourself the right questions. Considering who you really are (from a travel perspective at any rate) and what you really enjoy seeing and doing can turn an okay trip into a great one.

But where do you start? The 10 questions that follow should help keep your vacation planning in sharp focus.

Who Is Going?

Unlike some vacation destinations that are more suitable for couples than families, or older than younger people, the United Kingdom has something for everyone. It's just a question of choosing wisely for your party. Time to zero in on your travel profile.

• A couple planning a romantic trip?  Think about romantic things to do and see , the best places to smooch in Britain or some very nice spots to pop the question .
• A family traveling with children? Young and old will enjoy all the treasures on the Harry Potter trail , the fun at Legoland Windsor, the farm holidays, family cycling, and camping trips. The UK has one of the world's best (and its first) safari parks . And there's even a rich family schedule at the world famous Edinburgh Festival.
• A large group? Plan a trip for   a sports team, a hiking party, a group of cyclists, a clan reunion, a class trip by checking out hostels or the new, more glamorous "poshtels." Or consider large  vacation rentals ; there are some remarkably luxurious homes, suitable for a big family reunion, that are good value on a per person basis.
• Outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure? The UK's varied national parks have some of the best free hill walks, mountain hikes and sheer cliff climbs in the world. Go fossil hunting on the  Jurassic Coast  and check out the surf on the beaches of Cornwall. Some of the UK's most remote parks in England, Scotland and Wales are now registered as world-class Dark Sky Reserves where you can go star gazing in blissful peace. And if it's an adrenaline rush you're after, check out the Northern Hemisphere's fastest zip line in Wales.
• Millennials and party animals? The UK has some of the best rock and pop festivals in the world and almost every UK city worth its salt has great clubs and venues for live music and hot DJs.
• Mature and looking for peaceful surroundings? Try one of the UK's lovely country house hotels, where accommodations range from traditional to modern boutique, where spa retreats and pools are common and where the food is almost always superb.
• Pet owners? Learn about the UK Pet Travel Scheme  that makes it easier than ever to bring the family pet along on your travels.

Being clear about exactly who is going to the UK—to the members of your party, yourself, and your travel agent —narrows the infinity of choices and makes planning your UK trip that much easier.

How Much Can You Spend?

How much will a vacation in the UK cost? There's no upper limit and minimums depending on the season, the last minute deals you can find, where you are starting out from, and so forth. Consider these prices as approximate guidelines.

Getting There

The round trip fare for two people flying to London from an East Coast USA departure point varies from about $1,200 to more than $4,000 depending upon the time of year.

• How to save: The price of some package tours (including car and hotel) can be less than booking a flight alone. Most of the big transatlantic operators, including American Airlines, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic, offer good value packages. Before you book a hotel, flight, and car separately, spend some time searching for cheap packages.

Getting Around

Renting the smallest car with a manual transmission will cost between $350-$500 for a couple of weeks. To that, add the cost of gasoline and you'll see that renting a car, in a country with excellent trains and public transportation, may not be such a good idea.

You can save by using other ways to get around. Take the Underground in London , try Britain's rail services, and  take the train . For total freedom, buy a BritRail pass . Even cheaper:  hop on a bus .

Accommodations

The average price of a night in a UK hotel in 2020, was just under £100—but the average price of acceptable hotel accommodation in most major cities was still above £100, with London and Edinburgh leading at about £200. Check out some of these ideas on how to save on accommodations. And if your aim is London, have a look at some cheaper places to stay just outside the capital.

Food and Drink

Expect to pay a minimum of £25-£30 per person per day. If you're really on a very tight budget, these are some ways to save on food and drink .

From £10 to £25+ per adult, per attraction. You can save a great deal by buying a UK discount pass . Some of them are only available to overseas visitors and are remarkably good value.

How Much Time Do You Have in the UK?

Trying to fit too much into your UK vacation is bound to leave you feeling rushed and unsatisfied. But you probably don't cross oceans very often so you will want to make the most of the time you have. Consider these planning approaches.

The Short Break

If you have a week or less, you could either:

• Plan a two-center vacation : You might visit two cities that you find interesting—London and Edinburgh or London and Glasgow are popular combinations—or plan a short city break with some adventure at the beach or in a national park. 
• Use a city as a hub : If you base yourself in one of the UK's main urban hubs you can explore it and take one or two-day trips to nearby towns or scenic regions. Most UK cities are well connected, by bus and rail, to their surrounding region.

If you make your hub city or your vacation centers places with good international airport connections , good rail hubs, and good road connections for venturing further afield, you'll have more stress-free time to spend on your vacation. These locations are all well connected:

• Manchester  (handy for Liverpool too)

The Longer Vacation

If you have two weeks or more... You should have plenty of time to visit one of the UK's leading cities and do some touring as well. You might:

• Try using several cities, in different parts of the UK as a base for further exploring. Combine London with York and Edinburgh, for example, Cardiff with Birmingham and Manchester or Glasgow. There are loads of opportunities for exploring historic sites, family attractions , castles , and stately homes within an easy train or car journey of most UK cities.
• Spend a few days in a city and then take off on an in-depth exploration of a region. Some adventurous fell walking in the Lake District , for example, combines well with the UK's indie music city, Manchester. Edinburgh or Glasgow pair well with Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. London makes a good partner for some time spent exploring Suffolk —the England of dreams, and East Anglia .
• Take on a long distance hike , cycle or mountain bike trek along one of the UK's national paths, like The South Downs Way or the 7stanes Trails.

When Do You Want to Travel?

The UK has pretty much a two-season climate . Spring and autumn are both just brief, passing hints of summer and winter. Which of the two main seasons you choose will influence the price you pay and what you'll be able to do.

Visiting the United Kingdom in Summer

Summer is the high season. Prices for accommodation, flights, and local tours are at their most expensive. If you come in the summer—essentially from May through mid-September—here's what that premium price will get you:

• Very long days so more time for touring and outdoor activities. Through mid-August, it will be light enough to be outdoors until after 10 p.m. in some parts of the country
• English gardens at their best and open longer hours
• The Edinburgh Festivals
• Glastonbury and lots of other music festivals

Visiting the United Kingdom in Winter

Prices are lowest from mid-October to the end of March, but the days are also shortest. In mid-winter, lights may be on all day in bad weather. Sunset before 5 p.m. is typical of December and January.

If you enjoy indoor activities, shopping, museums, theatres, dining out, and nightlife, you can save a bundle and have a very good time in the United Kingdom in the winter. Here's some of what you can look forward to:

• European-style Christmas markets all over the country
• The best and the newest theatre in all the big cities
• Bargain rates or bargain breaks at hotels and other accommodations
• Wonderful Christmas choir concerts in the UK's historic cathedrals
• Fire festivals in England and Scotland
• Hogmanay , Beer Festivals, and Up Helly As a Viking festival all over the place.

Where Do You Want to Go?

People sometimes forget that there's a lot more to the UK than England. This is, after all, a United Kingdom of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. And each nation of the UK has its own distinctive personality.

Probably the most varied of the UK's nations, England offers urban lifestyles, country living, empty beaches, rugged coasts, national parks, historic touring, markets, shopping, lakes, hikes, riding, cycling—a kind of United Kingdom in miniature.

Scotland is the emptiest of the nations of the UK with great, beautiful stretches of highlands, dramatic lochs, rolling borderlands and upland moors. It also has two of the UK's most exciting cities, Glasgow and Edinburgh, and some of it's wildest holiday celebrations.

Wales is more rural than most of the UK. It has storybook pretty valleys and wonderful areas for walking. In Snowdonia , it has the highest UK mountain outside of Scotland as well as several brilliant waterfalls and cascades. In 2017, the view from the top of Snowdonia was voted the best view in Britain in a survey of 3,500 visitors. And, if you like castles, this is the place to be. Wales also has gorgeous beaches and miles of protected, heritage coastline. If you tour and visit local pubs, you are likely to hear Welsh spoken as a first language in parts of North Wales.

Northern Ireland

Belfast is experiencing a cultural revival and Northern Ireland is finally being discovered by visitors. Ulster, as it is also known, has lovely, rural landscapes, dramatic coastal features like the Giant's Causeway and some of the UK's oldest historic monuments. It has maintained an open border with Eire (the Republic of Ireland), but following the U.K.'s official withdrawal from the EU ( Brexit ), this open border policy may change.

What Do You Like to Do?

Are you outdoorsy? A history or literature buff? Mad for shopping and pampering? Maybe you like museums? The beach? Wonderful scenery to photograph?

The nice thing about the UK is that it has all the variety you might expect of a country with its rich and long heritage. Yet it's all packed into a relatively small land mass. With so much within easy reach, you could drive yourself mad trying to do and see everything. Far better to plan your trip around one or two kinds of activities you really enjoy.

Outdoors and Active

There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, cycling, riding, sailing, and more adventurous sports like hang gliding, scuba diving, and spelunking. Here are a few ideas:

• Scenic walks and rugged hikes around Balmoral
• Exploring UK national parks
• Diving shipwrecks in Scapa Flow

Shopping, Clubbing, Dining Out

You're not just limited to London and its high prices. Here's just a sampling of what else is available:

• Birmingham—A shoppers paradise with a hot music scene
• Liverpool—The Beatles hometown and a historic maritime center
• Manchester—Clubland and indie music central. Plus two great football teams.
• Discount designer shopping
• Leeds' Glamorous Shopping Arcades

From castles, stately homes , museums, and historic gardens to literary icons of the English language, you are never far from the UK's rich cultural heritage.

What Kind of Accommodations Do You Prefer?

To some degree, where you decide to stay on your first or your fiftieth visit to the UK will be a matter of price. But there are other things to consider when you are choosing the kind of accommodation you'll opt for in the UK. The way you travel (tour or stay put) the amount of do-it-for-yourself you're up for, the way you do or do not make friends on vacation are all factors. So what kind of digs will you choose?

If you are touring, staying one night here, one night there, a cheap chain hotel might be an adequate and reliable choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a luxury or romantic experience, fine dining, bags of charm, a country house hotel might be a choice that provides indulgence for less than you might pay for similar luxury in a city.

Vacation Home Rentals

Vacation home rentals are great for independent travelers who like to cook their own meals, come and go as they please. They're also a good and money saving choice for families and groups. And these days, there a lot of amazing, historic vacation rentals available— Agatha Christie's summer home , for example, or a 14th-century hall house hidden behind brambles worthy of Sleeping Beauty.

Like a friendly environment and a chance to meet lots of people? A hostel  (or these days, a "poshtel") might be just the trick; they're a lot more comfortable, clean and convenient than you might think. Or, if you are ready to graduate from couch surfing, Airbnb is just as popular—with just as many opportunities and risks—in the UK as it is in most other countries.

Bed and Breakfasts

B&Bs can offer great breakfasts, warm and friendly hosts, good locations and loads of charm without massive expense. But choose wisely. A grim B&B with an intrusive or unpleasant landlady can be dire. The AA—The UK Automobile Association—publishes an authoritative guide to the best B&Bs .

House swap to live like a local for free. It's safer and easier than ever before. And there is house swapping choices in all the cool places.

If you like living under canvas, there's no shortage of camping opportunities in the UK. There is both wild (tent) and caravan (RV) camping all over the UK. Many RV parks are open year round.

Are You a Conservative or an Adventurous Diner?

The kinds of food you prefer to eat or the amount of cooking you are prepared to do for yourself can make a big difference for both your budget and the places you choose to go.

The myth that English food is terrible is exactly that—a myth. It is possible to find food that is more than acceptable all over the UK and there are plenty of opportunities for fine dining too. It is also possible to explore a very broad range of ethnic dining styles including Indian, Balti, Singaporean, Chinese, Thai, Moroccan, Tunisian and, if you have an adventurous palate, you can dine very well for a good deal less money. Here are some other things to think about when planning your vacation:

• If you like to try a different style of food every night, London is the place to be.
• Some of the best seafood in the UK is available in the Southwest (Devon and Cornwall), on the Northeast coast, and in Scotland.
• Cities with big ethnic populations have excellent ethnic restaurants. The Balti —a derivative of Pakistani cooking—is amazing in Birmingham.
• If you're traveling with a family of fussy eaters, vacation home rental, hostelling or apartment hotels with their own kitchenettes may be your best bets.

Dressy or Casual: Which Do You Prefer?

Do you enjoy dressing for dinner or are you more of a jeans and t-shirt traveler? There are very few occasions when you really have to pull out all the stops when going out in the UK. In most cases, you can wear whatever you are most comfortable in when dining out. There are a few exceptions. Here's what to expect:

• Some of the most exclusive restaurants and hotel dining rooms in London require men to wear a jacket and tie (the Ritz , for example) but that kind of formality is on the wane.
• What the British call "smart casual" (which basically means you've made an effort and it shows, but you haven't gone over the top) is acceptable in most nicer restaurants.
• If you like to go clubbing and you want to get into the best clubs, you have to look the part. Bring your hippest club gear or buy some when you arrive. If you think you can get into a nightclub in jeans and a t-shirt, plan on being Taylor Swift or Beyoncé.
• Some country house hotels will expect you to "dress for dinner" but most won't. Smart casual is usually more than acceptable. If you are planning to stay at a very grand country house hotel, it is worth asking about dressing for dinner before you leave home—just in case.
• Going to the theater or a concert does not require dressing up unless you feel like it.
• If you are heading for the races at Ascot, the Henley Regatta , or Glorious Goodwood, a very smart dress is the rule. For women a smart skirt suit or a flowery dress (and on Ladies Day, a hat); for men, suit and a tie. Many men choose to wear formal morning suits and top hats on Ladies' Day at Ascot—but if you have not been invited to the Royal enclosure, don't worry about it.

How Will You Travel to the UK?

If you are flying to the UK—and most non-European visitors do—you have a bigger choice of airports than you might imagine. Most visitors choose Heathrow or Gatwick but, if you are able to fly into one of the UK's other international airports, you could save money or land more conveniently at your ultimate destination.

If you are lucky enough to cruise to the UK, you'll likely arrive at Southampton, Harwich, or the new luxury cruise port in Liverpool. You can give yourself the experience of arriving in the UK by sea and, for example, seeing the White Cliffs of Dover, without the commitment of an ocean cruise. Fly into a European city—Amsterdam, Paris, Brussels, Dublin, Belfast—and take a ferry. Ferries from Ireland come into the UK at Fishguard in southwest Wales, Holyhead in northwest Wales and Liverpool. Ferries from Continental Europe arrive at a range of the English Channel and North Sea ports.

The Channel Tunnel has made a world of difference to traveling to the UK from Continental Europe. It is now much easier than ever before to combine a European touring vacation with a trip to the UK, with or without a car.

• If you are driving, take the  Eurotunnel Car Transport Shuttle , also known as The Chunnel, from near Calais to Folkestone.
• Touring without a car? Take the Eurostar from Paris and other continental points, direct to London in about 2 hours and 15 minutes. BritRail Pass holders can book Eurostar tickets at a discount.

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Your Trip to the United Kingdom: The Complete Guide

Your Trip to Edinburgh: The Complete Guide

17 Best Romantic Things to Do in the United Kingdom

Use an Alternative UK International Airport to Save a Bundle

The Best Time to Visit the United Kingdom

Stay Cheaper By Staying Close to - Not in - London

12 "Must-See" Places in England, Scotland and Wales

Getting Around Britain - A Guide to Transportation Options

Driving in the UK

How to Travel From London to Glasgow by Train, Bus, Plane, and Car

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Your Trip to Birmingham, England: The Complete Guide

Useful Maps of Europe for Planning a Trip

UK Visitor Visa (Tourism or Leisure) - Top 10 FAQs

Most visitors to the UK will need to make an application for a UK visit visa from their country of residence, before travelling. In this post we answer some of the questions that are most frequently asked by individuals who wish to visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for the purpose of tourism or leisure .

What are the eligibility requirements for a UK Visitor Visa application?

In making an application for a UK Visitor Visa you will be required to prove:

• You will leave the UK at the end of your visit;
• You will not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your main home;
• You’re able to support yourself and your dependants during your trip (or have funding from someone else to support you);
• You are able to pay for your return or onward journey (or have funding from someone else to pay for the journey);
• You have proof of any business or other activities you want to do in the UK, as allowed by the Visitor Rules .

What can I do as a Standard Visitor in the UK?

As a visitor to the UK for the purpose of tourism or leisure, you will be permitted to:

• Visit friends and family and/or come to the UK for a holiday; 
• Take part in educational exchanges programmes;
• Attend recreational courses for a maximum of 30 days;
• Volunteer with a registered charity for a maximum of 30 days.

What does it mean to be a “Genuine Visitor”?

In order to succeed with an application for a UK Visit Visa, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that you are a genuine visitor. This means that you will need to show you are genuinely seeking entry to the UK for a purpose permitted by the visitor routes, will not undertake any prohibited activities during your stay in the UK, will not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits and will not make the UK your home

The Visit guidance lists factors which will be considered by a Caseworker in assessing whether an applicant is a genuine visitor. Theses include your:

• Previous immigration history to the UK and other countries;
• Financial circumstances as well as your family, social and economic background;
• Personal and economic ties to the UK.

In assessing your genuineness, the Caseworker will also consider the cumulative period of time you have spent in the UK over the last 12 months and the duration of your previous visits compared to what was stated on your visa application form or on arrival to the UK. 

If you intend to visit the UK for any other reason including to marry or form a civil partnership , to receive private medical treatment , or to undertake business activities , you must apply for the specific visit corresponding to the purpose of your visit.  

What reasons could a Caseworker have for doubting that I am applying as a Genuine Visitor?

The Visit Guidance provides a non-exhaustive list of reasons a Caseworker may doubt whether you are a Genuine Visitor. This includes whether or if:

• There are discrepancies between the statements made by you and your sponsor in your application; 
• You, your sponsor or other immediate family member has, or has attempted to, deceive or mislead the Home Office in a previous application to enter the UK;
• It has not been possible to verify the information you have provided. 

Although the existence of any of the above reasons will not result in the automatic refusal of your application, it will be essential to address each of these circumstances in your application. 

How much funds do I need to show for a UK Visitor Visa?  

You must have access to sufficient resources to maintain yourself adequately for the duration of your visit to the UK. There is no set level of funds you need to show this.

Some thought should be given to the activities you intend to undertake, and your living expenses, in the UK. This is because, when assessing your application, a Caseworker will consider the likely cost of your stay and assess any source of revenue that will continue to be available to you whilst visiting the UK. A Caseworker will take into consideration your income or savings against any financial commitments you have in your country of residence in deciding whether you are able to support yourself financially during your visit. 

What does it mean to make “frequent or successive visits” to the UK?

Although there is no specific maximum period of time which you can spend in the UK in any period, as long as each visit does not exceed 6 months, your application for a Standard Visitor Visa will be refused if a caseworker has reason to believe that you are living in the UK through frequent or successive visits. In assessing your application a Caseworker will consider your travel history including, how long you spend in the UK on each visit and how frequently you are returning to the UK. 

How do I make an application for a UK Visitor Visa?

An application for a UK Visitor Visa must be made online . A Standard Visitor may apply for a visit visa of 6 months, 2.5 years or 10 years validity. This allows multiple visits to the UK within the period of validity, unless the visa is endorsed as single or dual-entry), but if it is a ‘multiple entry’ visa, you still cannot remain in the UK as a visitor for more than 6 months on any individual visit. 

As part of the application process you will be required to attend a Visa Centre to enrol your biometrics and have your passport scanned as part of the application process. Once your application form is submitted online, you will be able to upload your supporting documents online and book an appointment to enrol your biometrics.

How much does it cost to make a UK Visit Visa application?

The Home Office application fee for a Standard Visitor Visa is £95. You may need to pay an additional fee for a biometric appointment at a Visa Centre. 

How long will it take for my UK Visit Visa application to be decided?

An application for a UK Visitor Visa is typically decided within 3 weeks of making the application and attending a visa application centre. It may be possible to apply for a priority service to speed up the process depending on the country you are applying from. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there may be delays in processing your applications and priority services may be limited. 

What happens if my application for a UK Visitor Visa is refused?

You are unlikely to have a right of appeal if your application for a Standard Visitor Visa is refused.  If you need to challenge a refusal, it is likely you will have to do so by way of judicial review. 

You may wish to speak to our barristers for expert legal advice on making a fresh application following the refusal of your visitor visa. It will be essential for you to make a carefully prepared application which addresses each reason from your refusal to be addressed in order to succeed with a fresh application. 

Contact Our Immigration Barristers

For expert advice and assistance with an application for a UK Tourism and Leisure Visitor Visa , contact our Immigration Barristers on 0203 617 9173 or complete our enquiry form below.

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5 Reasons to Visit The United Kingdom

There are plenty of reasons for you to visit the United Kingdom, but some of them are better than others. You will definitely want to take the time to look into some of these reasons so you can finally decide whether or not you want to take a trip to the UK. Millions of people go there every year on holiday, and for many good reasons.

See the Contents

1. The Extensive and Fascinating History

If you are a history buff then you will definitely want to think about visiting the United Kingdom. This part of the world has a lot to offer when it comes to fascinating history. There are lots of unique historic buildings that you can visit. Those include Abbotsbury Abbey, Alfred’s Tower, Amberley Castle, Antony House, and many more.

There are many different museums that you can visit to learn about the history of different parts of the UK, which is something else to consider. If you love going to museums, you will certainly want to think about taking a trip to England, Scotland or Wales.

This entire area has so much to offer when it comes to old historic landmarks and sites, including towering castles that you can tour to learn more about them. Wherever you go in the UK, you can be sure that there are a number of fascinating historical things you can visit.

2. The Culture

Many areas of the UK offer a vibrant culture of art that should allow you to get your fill on your next trip. Some of the most respected artists and performers in the world come to London as well as other parts of the UK to sing, act, play music, and dance.

While some areas of the UK offer more in the way of culture than others, there are definitely lots of things to see and do. London has some of the biggest and most historic theaters in the world.

It really makes sense that this part of the world is theater and culture central. Especially when you consider that it’s where Shakespeare came from. With many local music venues and  arenas, you can find lots of culture and entertaining while in the UK.

3. The Scenery

The United Kingdom offers some of the best scenery in the entire world. That is just one of the reasons why so many people visit it on holiday each year. Whether it is the rolling green hills of Wales or the highlands of Scotland, you won’t have to go very far at all to find breathtaking landscapes that will make you want to stay forever.

Even the more urban areas of the UK, such as London, offer uniquely beautiful scenery of their own with grand old buildings everywhere. The Cliffs of Moher is by far one of the more famous attractions in Ireland, and it’s because the landscape is unbelievably beautiful.

If you are looking for a place with traditionally idyllic scenery, you will find that the UK most definitely has it. We highly recommend that you take the time to find the perfect place to go in the UK though, because there are many beautiful areas to explore. One of the best things about this area is that everything is so close together, so you don’t really need to pick one spot over another.

Also, if you decide to spend the spring in London , the nature then is very beautiful with so many great things to do.

4. Delicious Food

The United Kingdom offers lots of delicious food for everyone. So you shouldn’t have any issues whatsoever when it comes to finding cuisine that you will thoroughly enjoy. The food of the British Isles traditionally consists of things like black pudding, haggis, bangers, fish and chips, and stew, but there is so much more.

In London as well as a number of other cities across the UK, you will find some of the best restaurants in the world. There are so many different types of restaurants and food to choose from. You will almost certainly be able to find a pleasurable dining experience every single day you are there.

Whether you are looking for Chinese, Vietnamese, West African, Turkish or some other type of food, the UK will have it.

People in the United Kingdom definitely take their sports seriously. It is a great place to visit for anyone who enjoys sports. Football (soccer to Americans) is one of the biggest sports throughout the UK, as well as golf and cricket.

If you are going to visit the UK, you will definitely want to take in a sports game or two. That way you can get the unique experience of cheering on a foreign team with tens of thousands of excited fans all packed into the same place together.

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16 comments

cool ! hope I go there one day 🙁

this website is very usefull for me. i like it

this website is very useful

I’m a disabled person in a wheelchair who would like to come to your country

The history and culture are my favorite reasons for visiting the U.K It’s been a while since I was there and your pictures are tempting me to visit again. Thanks for the beautiful reminder!!

My family and I will surely visit United Kingdom next year. Any other attraction i shouldn’t miss?

Totally in love with London! My first trip when I was 14. I have been there 3/4 times and O always wanted to know more about UK. If only the weather would bo more good!!! This the only negative thing I personally think not let me come very often! But, I swear, I will!!!

The history and the scenery are my two biggest reasons for falling in love with the UK – I’m obsessed with the British royal family, and can probably give you the line of succession from before Christ kind of obsessed!! So royalty is a really big drawcard for me. But when we visited Scotland, I had never seen such awe inspiring scenery in my life. That said who knows if Scotland will stay part of the UK!

We live in Wales, if you want castles we have a lot of them, there are 5 within 10 minutes drive from my house. I think we needed a lot of suppressing 900 years ago. Seriously, if you do visit, you must try and get out of London and see the rest of the UK.

I’m heading back next month! I used to live there for two year and I couldn’t agree more. Such a fascinating place.

I love the UK! I have a friend living in England and have been yearly but still have so much to see, it truly is beautiful and full of history. And I happily live on fish and chips the entire time I’m there!

Great photos, this makes me want to go back to the U.K. Thanks for the inspiration!

Sold! I’m already planning a visit to the U.K. late next spring and I have to say, in my planning I’ve found that the natural beauty doesn’t get enough credit. I’ve found so many gorgeous natural sites that we’re planning on visiting! What natural site would you call your must-see?

Comments are closed.

Sample Letter for UK Tourist Visa Application (2019 Cover Letter Template)

In this article, we are going to discuss how  you can write your UK visitor visa supporting letter in 2019.

This is because your goal is going to be the same whether you are applying for a UK, US, Canadian or a tourist visa for another country – to convince the person deciding your application that you will return to your home country and not overstay .

This is one of the most helpful things that you can do to increase your chances of a successful UK visitor visa application .

After all, the Home Office caseworkers are very suspicious people and you should do everything that you can to persuade them that you are a ‘genuine’ and ‘credible’ visitor.

There is no one set letter template that can be effectively used for all UK visitor visa applications since every application is different and unique to your own individual circumstances.

There are different aspects that your visit visa supporting letter should discuss and we will discuss each of them in turn:

• An introduction / summary of your visit visa application
• List of documents that you are including
• The purpose of your visit
• Why you will not overstay your UK visa
• The dependants that you will be applying with (if any)
• Your ability to adequately maintain yourself during your UK visit
• Whether your sponsor meets the sponsor requirements (if you have one)
• Confirmation that you are not using frequent and successive visits to make the UK your main home (if relevant)
• Potential weaknesses in your application
• Contact details of other relevant persons

SUB-HEADING NUMBER 1

Introduction/Summary

My name is [NAME] and I am [NATIONALITY] . I am applying from [COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE] and I am applying for a standard [6 month/2 year/5 year/10 year] UK visitor visa.

In discussing that I am a genuine and credible UK visitor visa, this letter will cover:

• A list of the supporting documents that have been submitted alongside this supporting letter

The purpose of my visit

• Reasons why I will comply with the terms of the visa and why I will  not overstay
• Information relating to  dependants applying with me (delete if appropriate)
• My ability to adequately maintain myself [ and any dependants (if relevant) ] during intended UK trip
• Information relating to my sponsor (delete if appropriate)
• Why I am not using frequent and successive visits to make the UK my main home [( if relevant )]
• Potential perceived weaknesses in my application
• Contact details of other relevant persons you may wish to contact

Why is this section important?

This section provides a clear outline of the things that Home Office caseworkers are most interested in.

By providing a clear and relevant structure , you are immediately letting the Home Office caseworker know that you have a good understanding of the Immigration Rules as they apply to visitor visas.

It also makes it easier for the Home Office caseworker to read. The clearer and easier you make it for the Home Office caseworker, the happier that they will be.

SUB-HEADING NUMBER 2

List of included documents

In support of my UK visitor visa application, I have included the following documents:

The Home Office tend to lose documents quite often, unfortunately.

By stating that you list a certain documents, the Home Office caseworker will then know that the document may have indeed been lost on the way.

This increases the likelihood of the Home Office caseworker getting into contact and asking for the missing document .

By having something similar to the above table, you again increase the clarity and ease of reading for this cover letter.

The Home Office caseworker will be able to refer to this table to quickly identify the relevant document when considering your application and it will again provide good impression.

SUB-HEADING NUMBER 3

The main purpose of my visit is to [INSERT ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY] .

[Discuss what you intend to do in the UK in more detail here]

I am fully aware of the permitted and prohibited activities found in Immigration Rules Appendix V: visitor rules .

Example Itinerary #1

The main purpose of my visit is to attend my niece’s university graduation .

The following is my itinerary and includes the likely costings of the UK visit:

23rd May (Day 1)

Hopefully, I will be flying to London Heathrow from Bangkok, Thailand. As evidenced by the attached return flight tickets and return flight ticket receipts (Appendix 8 and 9), the cost of return of this flight is £884.

24th May (Day 2)

I will be picked up at the London Heathrow by my sister and will stay at her accommodation, 22b Iverson Road, London, NW6 2HE for two nights.

Please see the attached letter of support from my sister, which has been labelled Appendix 11.

Whilst I expect that I will spend around £30 on airport food, I will incur no costs for accommodation.

25th May (Day 3)

I will attend my niece’s graduation on this day, which is the main purpose of my trip to the UK.

The graduation is taking place at the University of Leeds campus.

We will travel from my niece’s accommodation in London to the University of Leeds by train, the expected cost of which is £80 for a return train ticket (see Appendix 13).

In support of these plans, please see the attached letter from my niece’s university (Appendix 5), confirmation of my niece’s graduation (Appendix 4) and the letter of support from my niece (Appendix 7).

Since the graduation is scheduled to finish at 11.30am, this will give us plenty time to enjoy a nice meal at our favourite restaurant, ‘Almost Famous’ in Leeds.  I will have £50 set aside for this meal.

Once we have arrived back in London, I will again stay at my sister’s accommodation, which will mean that I will incur no extra costs with regards to accommodation.

26th May (Day 4)

My last day is expected to start early in the morning as my sister will drive me to London Heathrow in time for my 8am flight back to Bangkok.

I have set aside £30 for food and drink at the airport.

The total expected cost for this trip is therefore £190 for my 4-day trip, not including the return flight tickets that I have already paid £884 for.

In light of my personal savings account at Appendix 17 that shows savings of £12,200 (as converted by oanda.com), it is therefore clear that I can adequately provide for myself during my 4-day visit to the UK.

Example Itinerary #2:

The main purpose of my visit is to attend my niece’s university graduation.

The purpose of your visit is a key consideration when deciding whether the Home Office should grant your UK visitor visa application.

The clearer that your purpose for visiting the UK is, the more genuine and credible you will appear to be .

Because of this, it is therefore helpful if you are able to use this letter of support to clearly discuss your plans and the costs associated with the UK trip .

In this section of the letter of support, it will be good if you cross-reference your stated intentions with evidence that you submit in your application.

For example: I will be taking the train on the 25th May, 2020 from London Heathrow to Leeds train station, which will cost £80. Please see appendix 13 that shows this .

It will also be good to get letter of supports from family or friends that supports your stated intentions.

For example, if you are visiting a specific family member or friend in the UK, a letter of support from them will also be helpful to include.

SUB-HEADING NUMBER 4

Why I will not overstay the UK visitor visa

I fully intend to return to [my home country OR make an onwards journey to COUNTRY] before my UK visitor visa expires.

I have a good life back home and I would absolutely not want to trade it for a life as an outlaw in the UK.

The following are reasons that I would you to consider when deciding my application:

#1 My good immigration history

My unblemished UK immigration history is one indication that suggests that I am likely to comply with the terms of the UK visit visa and return to my home country prior to the visa expiration.

Example : “In 2012, I was issued a UK visitor visa for 6 months (see appendix 13 which is a copy of page 34 of my attached passport). In 2015, I was also issued a UK visitor visa (see Appendix 14 which is a copy of page 36 of my attached passport. In all of the above instances, I left before the expiration of the visa. I also complied with all of the visa conditions.”

#2 My family ties to my home country

My family back home is another strong indication that I will return to my home country prior to the UK visitor visa expiring.

[Discuss family members back home here, especially if they are dependant on you].

Example : My son, Jeremiah (13 years of age) and my daughter, Jodie (15 years of age), will stay in my home country of Bangladesh during my 9-day trip to the UK. Please see their attached passport scans at Appendix 8 and 9. During my UK visit, Jeremiah and Jodie will be cared for by my husband, Andy Jones, as evidenced by my husband’s letter of support at Appendix 14, which includes a copy of his passport at Appendix 15.

#3 My financial and economic ties to my home country

My financial and economic ties to my home country are other factors that strongly suggest that I have no reason to trade my life in [HOME COUNTRY] with a life as an illegal alien in the UK.

My assets and income are discussed in more detail below, under the sub-heading ‘My ability to adequately maintain myself in the UK’.

#4 Other links with my home country

Example : I am currently studying a degree at Chiang Mai University, Thailand. Please see the attached letter from my university at Appendix 6 that confirms this. Please also see the attached term dates for my course at Appendix 7 that confirms that my intended trip to the UK is not during term-time but rather during the summer holidays.

The main reason why visit visa applications are refused is that the Home Office are scared that you will use the UK visitor visa to enter the UK,  disappear and overstay your visa illegally .

SUB-HEADING NUMBER 5

Dependants I am applying with (if relevant)

As stated in the online application form, I am applying with child dependant(s), [NAME(S) AS STATED IN PASSPORT(S), AGE(S) & THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO YOU] .

Obviously, if you are not applying with any child dependants, you can ignore this sub-heading .

However, if you are applying with child dependants, it is important that you are fully aware of the additional requirements that will apply.

In summary, you must show:

#1 That you (or your sponsor) will be able to adequately provide for any child dependants that are also applying for a UK visitor visa.

This is obviously linked with your ability to adequately maintain yourself – i.e. by the showing of assets and income.

In order to maintain a clear structure for this letter of support, you should make sure you sufficiently discuss your finances in the subheading ‘My ability to adequately maintain myself during the UK visit’ below.

#2 That all duties of care obligations with regards to child dependants will be met

Simply showing sufficient financial assets and income will not always suffice.

If, in light of all the circumstances, it is not clear how the child’s welfare will be looked after in the UK, it is likely that the application will be refused .

Like many UK visa applications, the child’s welfare is of an extremely high importance .

#3 That parental consent is given

Parental consent is a requirement for children’s UK visitor visas.

This requirement is usually satisfied where the visit visa applications are made on behalf of a child, although i t is important that you are aware of the situations where the requirement will not be met .

If you are divorced with your child’s other parent, the parent with sole responsibility or legal custody must provide parental consent, which can be met via a letter of support.

SUB-HEADING NUMBER 6

My ability to adequately maintain myself during the UK visit

I confirm that I can adequately maintain myself [as well the dependants who are applying with me] . To support this, I will now discuss my sources of income and financial assets.

#1 My sources of income

#2 My assets and/or cash savings

#3 My on-going financial commitments

Example : I am employed as a journalist for The Daily Paper Company in Pakistan. I receive a gross annual salary of PKR 3,000,000 and I have permission from my employer to have paid leave for the week that I will be visiting the UK (see Appendix 8, which is a signed letter from my employer). For clarity, PKR 3,000,000 equates to 15,102 pounds sterling, as stated by the closing spot exchange rate found on www.oanda.com . As evidenced by my attached bank statements (see Appendix 3), I saved a total of PKR 1,500,000 over the past 8 months to help fund my UK visit. This is the equivalent of £7,550 pounds sterling. I also own my own house in Pakistan. Please see the attached documentation (Appendix 11-13) for 12 Wahdat Road, Lahore. The property’s worth, as stated on zoopla.com, is PKR 13,000,000 (Appendix 14).

It is crucial that you are able to convince the Home Office caseworker that you have sufficient resources to maintain and accommodate yourself adequately for the whole of your planned visit to the UK.

This includes the additional costs associated with applying with any dependant children.

If the expected cost of the visit is high when compared to your overall resources (or your sponsor’s overall resources), then questions may be raised regarding the genuineness of your intentions .

Unlike a UK spouse visa , there are no set rules regarding the amount of funds that you (or your sponsor) will need to show.

For example, there is no rule saying that an income of £10,000 is required or cash savings of £5,000 or more.

Instead, the Home Office caseworker will look at your circumstances (and your sponsor’s circumstances, if you have one) and your stated intentions and then make a decision based on that.

At the very minimum, it is clear that you have to prove that you can afford:

I) The cost of travelling to and from the UK ;

II) Any costs associated with applying with dependant children ;  and

III) What you say you intend to do in the UK (e.g. shopping or visiting a family in London).

There are a few points to note regarding evidencing assets and income .

Firstly, both your supporting letter as well as the documents that you submit should make the source of cash savings clear.

If your personal bank account shows a sudden and relatively large injection of cash into your bank, this may seem suspicious.

Secondly, you should make it clear that you can access  to the cash savings.

SUB-HEADING NUMBER 7

My sponsor (include this sub-heading only if you have one)

I am being sponsored by [ SPONSOR’S NAME ], who is my [ RELATIONSHIP TO APPLICANT ]. As evidenced by the attached documentation, [ SPONSOR’S NAME ]’s [ASSETS/INCOME] is more than enough to adequately provide for myself [and my dependant children who are applying with me] during my stay in the UK.

I can confirm that the relationship between [ SPONSOR’S NAME ] and I is genuine. Please see the attached documentation regarding this, as well as the attached letter of support from [ SPONSOR’S NAME ] that confirms [ HIS/HER ] intention to sponsor me.

• Whether the relationship is personal or professional
• How you met,
• Where you first met,
• How often you meet,
• How often you communicate with each other]

SUB-HEADING NUMBER 8

Why I am not using frequent and successive visits to make the UK my home (include this sub-heading if you have previously been issued a UK visitor visa only)

SUB-HEADING NUMBER 9

Potential weaknesses in my application

Include this section only if there are any potential weaknesses in your application.

I recognise that [ REASON 1 ] can raise doubts about the genuine and credibility as a visitor.

[Discuss this here and explain why that should not adversely affect your UK visitor visa application]

I recognise that [ REASON 2 ] can raise doubts about the genuine and credibility as a visitor.

Example : In 2016 I was previously refused a UK visitor visa on the grounds that I was not able to adequately show that I can maintain myself. Please see appendix 3, which is a copy of this refusal letter. It was unfortunate that important financial documents, such as employer pay slips and bank statements, were not received by the Home Office – hence not being able to show that I could have adequately maintained myself. In any event, one month after receiving the refusal letter, I submitted another UK visitor visa application. Fortunately, the Home Office received all of the supporting documents and my UK visitor visa application was swiftly approved. In light of this, my previous UK visitor visa refusal should not adversely affect this application as not only have I shown adequate funds to cover my trip to the UK in this application, but the reason for the previous refusal does not apply to my case.

It is important to directly address the potential weaknesses of your application.

This is because Home Office caseworkers are trained specifically to identify weaknesses in applications.

SUB-HEADING NUMBER 10

Relevant contact details

I can appreciate that you may want to contact my friends and family.

If you would like to do so, the following are some friend and family member’s contact information:

[FAMILY OR FRIEND NAME 1], [RELATIONSHIP TO ME]: [PHONE NUMBER & EMAIL]

[FAMILY OR FRIEND NAME 2], [RELATIONSHIP TO ME]: [PHONE NUMBER & EMAIL]

[FAMILY OR FRIEND NAME 3], [RELATIONSHIP TO ME]: [PHONE NUMBER & EMAIL]

[FAMILY OR FRIEND NAME 4], [RELATIONSHIP TO ME]: [PHONE NUMBER & EMAIL]

[FAMILY OR FRIEND NAME 5], [RELATIONSHIP TO ME]: [PHONE NUMBER & EMAIL]

If you would like to contact any other individuals or organisations and I have not provided their contact details, please feel free to get in touch and I will be more than happy to provide them.

In some cases, the Home Office caseworker may want to contact relevant third parties in your application in order to validate information to help decide whether they think you are a genuine and credible visitor.

Hopefully you found this article helpful.

Spending time writing a comprehensive covering letter is certainly a worthwhile activity as it is the best place for you to discuss relevant pieces of information in detail.

When writing the covering letter, remember:

• Using simple, straightforward English is best .
• Try to keep the contents of your supporting letter as relevant as possible
• When you can, cross-refer to documentation throughout your supporting letter
• As long as the structure of the letter is clear, it is worthwhile discussing different aspects of your application in great detail .

Related Articles

UK Visitor Visa Fee 2020 [Including HIDDEN Costs]

What are the documents required for a UK Visitor Visa? (2019 Document Checklist)

The Ultimate UK Visitor Visa Guidance for 2020

Long Term Visitor Visa 2019 and 2020 Guidance

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Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

How to write a compelling cover letter for UK visa (that will impress the ECO)

Updated: September 6, 2023

A cover letter for UK visa is instrumental in persuading the ECO that you meet the visa requirements and have no intention of overstaying your visa. It gives you the opportunity to convince the ECO that you are a genuine visitor and you will promptly return back to your country.

A cover letter is a document to convey additional information that wasn’t asked in the UK visa application. It’s not a mandatory document but by far the most helpful document in increasing your chances of UK visa approval.

Table of Contents

Why do you need a cover letter for uk visa.

The information asked in the UK visa application isn’t enough to convince the ECO that you will return back to your home country after your trip. 

Most questions on the UK visa application are close-ended. They don’t give you an opportunity to explain. 

A cover letter allows you to explain in your own words and be as descriptive as you can. You can use your own format and even use illustrations if needed.

Is a cover letter mandatory for UK visa?

No. A cover letter is not mandatory for UK visa. It’s not even a document in the documents checklist for UK visa.

When I applied for my UK visa, I did not submit a cover letter. At that time, I didn’t know the importance of a cover letter for UK visa. I didn’t feel the need to explain anything additional, so I didn’t submit one. My visa was still approved. 

That’s not the case for everyone. A cover letter will not hurt your chances of approval, it can only help. It gives you an additional opportunity to convince the ECO. 

If I apply again for my UK visa, I would definitely submit a cover letter. 

What should you write in the cover letter?

A cover letter is not a mandatory document for UK visa. So obviously, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) does not provide any guidelines on what to include in the cover letter.

As you all know, I started this website in 2016. Since then, I have been helping my readers with their visas. I figured that a cover letter was the most helpful for UK visa. 

I have been writing cover letters for my readers. Over time, I learned that a cover letter with a certain format worked the best for UK visa. 

I would like to impart all my knowledge in this article, so you can write the most compelling cover letter for your UK visa. It will not only impress the ECO but will greatly improve your chances of visa approval.

So without any further delay, let’s get started. 

Format of the cover letter

The goal of the cover letter is to convince the ECO that you are a genuine visitor. You must do this in a simple, short and clear manner. ECOs rarely will have time for anything other than what’s asked.

Write your cover letter in simple words as if it’s meant for a 5th grader. If the language is too complicated to read, ECO will not bother to read it. 

Do not use words that people from your country can only understand. ECOs are from the UK and they can only understand the terms that they use in the UK. 

Example: It’s common for people in India to say something like “ please do the needful and revert back to me “. Even though it’s still understandable, saying something like “ please let me know if you need anything else from me ” will help the ECO understand better. 

Remember, a cover letter is not a mandatory document. ECO is doing you a favor by reading it. So, make it easy for the ECO.

Your cover letter should never be longer than two pages. ECOs rarely have time for things other than what’s asked in the application. If you present them with a booklet, they will toss it in the trash without even looking at it. 

Again remember, a cover letter is not mandatory. It should not consume too much of ECO’s time.

To further simplify your cover letter, format it with subheadings, bullets and highlights. This helps the ECO to quickly glance over the letter and read any section that interests them. 

Example:   Instead of writing like this – 

“ I intend to travel to the UK for tourism from 20 June 2021 to 24 June 2021 and I plan to visit various attractions in London such as Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, London Eye, Madame Tussauds, National Gallery, etc. “

Write like this – 

• I intend to travel to the UK for tourism. My travel dates are from 20 June 2021 to 27 June 2021. 
• 20 June 2021: Arrive at Heathrow International Airport at 3 PM. Check-In and dinner.
• 21 June 2021: Visit Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London
• 22 June 2021: Visit Tower Bridge and London Eye
• 23 June 2021: Visit Madame Tussauds and National Gallery
• 24 June 2021: Depart from Heathrow International Airport at 10 AM

Sections in the cover letter

It’s important to break the cover letter into different sections. This helps the ECO quickly glance through the letter and understand the gist of it. If needed, the ECO can read specific sections. Your cover letter for UK visa must contain the following sections.

Section 1: Your previous UK visa refusals

In the UK visa application, there is a question on previous UK visa refusals. It asks about your previous UK visa refusal and its details. This question asks you to explain why your UK visa was refused but doesn’t ask why it shouldn’t have been refused

There is no other place in the application to address your previous visa refusals either. There is the “additional/extra information” area, but it’s only for text and not suitable for formatting or pictures. Therefore, the cover letter is the most appropriate place for addressing your previous UK visa refusal. 

If you are re-applying to challenge your UK visa refusal , include a section in your cover letter specifically for your previous visa refusal. Address your previous visa refusal with evidence, additional information and documentation. 

Keep this section as the first section in your cover letter. Having this section at the beginning of the cover letter will help the new ECO get straight to the point. Otherwise, they may overlook and your efforts of re-application may go to waste.

Here is an example.

Previous UK Visa Refusal

My previous application for the UK visitor visa with GWF number GWF12345678 was refused on 16 March 2021. 

I would like to address the reason for the refusal with additional information and documentation.

Reason for refusal: The sources of the deposit (£850) were not demonstrated by the documents provided.

Explanation: The deposit in question was made on 05-Dec-2020 for the amount of £850. This amount was the yearly bonus from my employer. Yearly bonuses are deposited in the first week of December every year. Please find the attached documentation to prove that these funds are available to me.

Additional Documentation: (1) Bonus slip, (2) bonus announcement email and (3) letter from my employer with details of bonus, amount and dates.

Section 2: Your travel purpose and itinerary

In this section, mention your purpose of visit and proposed itinerary in the UK. The itinerary must be detailed enough but not too descriptive to confuse the ECO. Format it with bullets and/or a table.

Proposed Travel Itinerary

• I intend to travel to the UK for tourism for a total of 7 days. My travel dates are from 14 Oct 2021 to 20 Oct 2021.
• My planned day-by-day itinerary is as follows

Section 3: People traveling with you to the UK

In this section, mention the people that will travel with you to the UK. If you are applying for the visa with your family members, mention their details such as name, passport number and GWF number. 

Each individual must submit one UK visa application. Say if a husband, wife and child are traveling to the UK together, each of them must submit a separate UK visa application. There is no easy way to tie these applications together. 

There is a question in the application asking for travel companions, but mentioning them again in your cover letter will help tie them all together. 

Travel Companions

I will be traveling to the UK with my wife and son. The GWF numbers of my wife’s and son’s UK visa applications are as follows.

Section 4: Your current employment/business or university details

In this section, mention your current employment details. Include details such as the employer’s name, how long you have been working and your current salary.

Employment Details

• I currently work for Samcore Logistics, LTD, Dubai as a product manager.
• I have been working as a product manager at Samcore Logistics, LTD since Nov 2014.
• My monthly salary is 7,000 AED after taxes.
• An original letter from my employer, a leave approval letter and bank statements indicating the salary deposits are attached.

If you are a business owner, mention the details of your business such as your business name, your role in the company, yearly revenue, etc.

Business Details

• I own a construction business in Dubai since 2016. I’m the founder and president of the business.
• The business has been in positive cash flow since its inception with yearly revenue of 300,000 AED.
• A copy of my business registration, business license, bank statements and tax returns are attached.

If you are currently a student at the university, mention your university details along with the program, major and semester details.

University Details

• I’m a full-time student enrolled in the undergraduate program at the University of the Philippines.
• I’m currently in the second semester of my second year with another four semesters remaining to graduate.
• A letter from my university and the fee payment receipts are attached.

Section 5: Your current financial situation

In this section, mention your source of income, savings and the bank statements for your UK visa . 

If you have multiple bank accounts, this section is a good place to talk about it. Explain why you have multiple bank accounts and how they are connected.

Financial Solvency

• I currently have 300,000 INR (approx. 2,900 GBP) in my bank account.
• The source of my savings is my salary from my employer, WinTech Corporation.
• The last 6 months bank statements and payslips are attached.

It’s quite common for many to work in a foreign country and send all their earnings back home for family maintenance or savings. In such cases, you will have to submit bank statements from both countries, but most importantly, mention that clearly in this section.

If you use a broker or third party to send cash back home, errors can occur and transactions may not match. I highly recommend using a money transfer service such as Wise to transfer cash back to your home country.

Section 6: Your sponsorship information

If you are paying for your trip yourself, this section does not apply to you. Have this section in your cover letter only if someone else is paying for your trip. 

In this section, mention your sponsor details, your relationship with the sponsor, what expenses they will bear, etc. 

Sponsorship Details

• My brother is sponsoring my trip to the UK.
• He will bear all my travel expenses while I’m in the UK including accommodation, food and transportation.
• A letter from my brother, his UK residence permit, employment proofs, bank statements, his apartment lease contract and the document to prove our relationship are attached.

Section 7: Your travel history

In this section, mention your travel history. Travel history is very important and highlighting it will only help with your UK visa. Your travel history can include all your previous travels to the UK and other countries. If you have traveled to a country multiple times, mention that country only once.

Travel History

• In the last 5 years, I have traveled to 8 countries for both tourism and business. 
• The countries I have traveled to are Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, UAE, Turkey and Denmark.
• A copy of my visas and entry and exit stamps from all the above countries are attached.

Section 8: Any family members staying back at home

In this section, mention any family members remaining at home during your UK trip. This helps prove your family ties with your country. Family ties indicate that you will return back to your country after your trip. 

Do not include this section if it does not apply to you.

Family Remaining at Home

• I currently live with my wife and two children.
• My wife and children will remain at home during my trip to the UK.
• A copy of my wife’s employment proof and children’s school receipts are attached.

Section 9: Your intention to return back

In this section, mention that you will promptly return back after your trip and the reasons for that. Reasons can be employment, business or attending to family needs. 

Intention to Return Back

• I intend to return to Pakistan after the end of my UK trip on 27 Oct 2021 as I have to report back to my employer and continue at my job on 28 Oct 2021.
• An original leave approval letter from my employer is attached.

Section 10: Any miscellaneous information

If you want to add something that didn’t fall under any specific section above, you can include it here. This could be something about properties you own (economic tie), your rental situation, covid safety precautions, etc.

Miscellaneous

• I currently live in a rental apartment. A copy of my rental contract is attached.
• I own farmland with my wife. A copy of my property ownership document is attached. 
• I assure you that I will follow COVID safety precautions throughout my trip.

A cover letter is not a mandatory document for UK visa. But in my experience, it’s the most helpful document. The goal of the cover letter is to convince the ECO that you are a genuine visitor. Your cover letter must be simple, short and clear. Break the cover letter into sections, paragraphs and bullet lists. Use pictures and screenshots if necessary.

That’s it, folks! Now you know how to write a compelling cover letter for UK visa. This will greatly improve the chances of your UK visa approval. If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments below.

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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Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

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Here's The Only Guide You Will Ever Need To Apply For A UK Visa

This is the only guide you will ever need to apply for a uk visa. here's simplifying the online application process for you..

By: Ayushi Anand Published: Sep 01, 2023 04:00 PM IST

The United Kingdom, made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, is a treasure trove of places to visit and things to do for travellers. From taking a trip to the popular cities across the four countries and exploring the many museums to shopping your heart out and enjoying the stunning countryside, this island nation knows how to captivate visitors with its beauty. So, if you’re considering a visit, then you will find this guide to the process of applying for a UK visa helpful.

A UK visa gives you access to all the constituent countries and applying for a UK visa is a hassle-free process that can mostly be completed online, except for biometrics, which must be submitted at a visa application centre. But before we delve into the application process, the first step is to determine the type of visa you need by referring to the list below.

Types of UK Visa

You can apply for any of the five types of visas depending on the purpose of your stay in the country.

• Family visa
• Settlement visa

If you plan to visit the UK as a tourist, you will need to apply for a visit visa, also known as Standard Visitor Visa.

Overview of Standard Visitor Visa

Typically, this visa permits a visitor to stay in the UK for up to six months. The visa holders can engage in tourism, conduct limited business activity or participate in many other pursuits, including studying for courses for up to six months. The following is a list of what you can and cannot do on a Standard Visitor Visa.

Permitted activities

• The visa is valid for tourism purposes. It can be used to see friends and family too.
• Volunteer with a registered charity for up to 30 days.
• Pass through the UK en route to another country.
• To attend meetings, interviews or other specific business activities.
• To participate in a school exchange programme.
• To enrol in a recreational course for up to 30 days.
• To study in the country, take an exam, or do placements.
• To visit as an academic.
• To visit for medical reasons.

Non-permitted activities

• Take up paid or unpaid work for a UK organisation or as a self-employed person.
• Claim any benefits from public funds.
• Live in the country for a long duration through frequent or successive visits.
• Marry or register a civil partnership. For that, you require a Marriage Visitor Visa. For more information, visit here

Standard Visitor Visa durations and associated fee

Though the Standard Visitor Visa is usually issued for only six months, it can be granted for longer durations, too, if you can prove the need for one. The visitors are allowed multiple entries and exit from the UK within the validity of their visa. The following durations and fees apply:

• Standard Visitor Visa: Valid for six months. The fee is GBP 100 (INR 10,604).
• Standard Visitor Visa for medical reasons: Valid for 11 months. The fee is GBP 200 (INR 21,208).
• Standard Visitor Visa for academics: Valid for 12 months. The fee is GBP 200 (INR 21,208).
• Two-year long-term Standard Visitor Visa: Valid for six months per visit. The fee is GBP 376 (INR 39,872).
• Five-year long-term Standard Visitor Visa: Valid for six months per visit. The fee is GBP 670 (INR 71,048).
• Ten-year long-term Standard Visitor Visa: Valid for six months per visit. The fee is GBP 837 (INR 88,758).

Shop the best travel experiences here

Eligibility criteria for UK visa

To be eligible to apply for a UK visa, you must have a valid passport or travel document . Additionally, you need to demonstrate the following:

• Leave the country at the end of the visit.
• Be able to support yourself and any dependents during the stay.
• Round-trip tickets funded by yourself or a sponsor.
• No intention to make the UK a permanent residence after the visa expires.

If the purpose of obtaining a Standard Visitor Visa is other than tourism, you will need to meet extra eligibility requirements.

Documents required for UK visa application

Here is a compilation of the essential documents needed for the visa application:

• A passport or travel document is valid for the entire planned visit.
• Proof of finances, such as bank statements or evidence of other financial assets, to demonstrate your ability to cover costs during your stay.
• Employment status proof, including an employer’s letter and salary slips.
• Lodging details, including hotel or hostel bookings. If staying with family or friends, proof of their address is necessary.
• Letter of invitation if visiting family or friends. The letter must have the host’s UK address, your relationship with them, the purpose of the visit, the intended visit dates and accommodation details.
• Evidence of owning property in the home country, family situation, and/or a letter from the employer stating a leave grant to visit the UK to prove the intention to return to your home country.

Except for passports, all documents can be either originals, scans, or photocopies. Depending on your circumstances, length of stay, and the primary purpose of the visit, additional documents might be necessary. Click here for more information.

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How to apply for a uk standard visitor visa.

Before you start your application, check whether you need the visa. If so, visit gov.uk and click ‘Apply Now’ to initiate the application process. After selecting your preferred language and the nearest visa application centre for submitting your biometrics (fingerprints and digital photograph), you will be directed to ‘Apply for a UK visit visa’ page. Here, click ‘Start now’ and then hit ‘Start a new application’. The application process consists of six sections : 

1. Start : The online application process commences here. You will be asked to enter your email address and create a password. The application link will be sent to your email address, and it is crucial that you keep this link safe. It will be required for returning to complete any pending sections of your application in case, at any point, you save and close it.

2. Application : Complete the application form. The form will seek the following information:

• Personal information
• Financial details : Furnish information on your financial situation.
• Family information : Include parents’ details and indicate any family members in the UK.
• Accommodation : Details of accommodation arrangements for your stay.
• Travel history : Travel record for both the UK and worldwide, if any.
• Criminal and Immigration history : Any record of criminal, civil, or immigration-related offences.
• Employment background : If applicable, outline your employment history.

3. Documents : Mandatory (passport) and Other documents (evidence of funds) are needed as part of the application. 4. Declaration : Confirm that all the conditions on the visa (activities one can and cannot do) have been read and will be adhered to. 5. Pay : After completing the above steps, the website will redirect you to Worldpay to pay the visa fee. 6. Further actions : Following the submission of the application and completion of the payment, you now have to book an appointment with the visa application centre, VFS Global, and provide documents. The documents can be submitted by:

• Uploading on the VFS website, free of charge.
• Or you can take your documents (originals or copies) to the appointment centre, where representatives of VFS Global will scan them for a fee.

If you opt for the assisted scanning service, ensure that all your documents are in A4 size (originals and copies both), or you will be charged extra.

Visit the VFS on your scheduled appointment date, along with the required documents. The documents needed will be in an e-mail from VFS Global you received after booking your appointment.

If family members are travelling with you, fill out separate applications for each person. Also, they have to attend individual appointments at the visa application centre. In case a family member is not able to apply on their own, you can apply on their behalf.

UK visa processing time

After submitting the document, the applicant typically receives a decision within three weeks. However, there is an option to expedite the processing time by choosing the priority or super-priority services at an additional cost.

With the priority service, you can expect a decision within five working days, whereas the super priority service guarantees you a decision by the end of the next working day.

For more information, visit here

UK visa rejection

If your application is rejected, the passport will be returned to you with a letter explaining the visa refusal. In such a case, you can apply for an administrative review or file an appeal to reconsider the decision.

(Hero and feature image credit: Shutterstock)

Related: Planning A Visit To The States? This Is How You Can Apply For A US Visitor Visa From India

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – What if I need to make an emergency visa interview appointment? Certainly, it is possible to secure visa appointments in emergencies. The application can be completed online at indiavisaonline.gov.in , and you can schedule your appointment at hcilondon.gov.in . If you have any queries about the required documents, you can find more information at vfsglolbal .

– What if I missed my visa interview appointment for a UK Visa? You will be able to book an appointment again but only 24 hours after the original appointment date.

– What is a work visa? How do I get a work visa to the UK? A UK work visa is needed when one wishes to work, either getting employed or doing their own business in the UK. You can apply for a work visa with or without a sponsorship letter from your employer. For more information, visit here .

• visa application
• visa application process
• Visa Policy

Ayushi Anand

A post-graduate in journalism and mass communication, Ayushi is a digital writer who has worked with several Indian media organisations, including Times Internet Limited and Zee Media Corporation Limited, in the news, lifestyle and entertainment space. When she's not on her desk, she can be found dancing, trying new restaurants or packing her bags to .. Read More explore a new destination. Read Less

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• Inbound tourist visits to the UK 2019-2022, by purpose of trip

Number of overseas resident visits to the United Kingdom (UK) from 2019 to 2022, by purpose of trip (in millions)

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United Kingdom

2019 to 2022

*The source specifies that the International Passenger Survey (IPS) published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) was suspended on March 16, 2020, due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Thus, 2020 figures are based on administrative sources and modeling, except for Q1 2020 data that is based on the IPS. Please find here additional information related to the methodology. **The source adds the following: "During the first half of 2021 (January to June 2021), the IPS survey was operational at UK airports only. In ordinary times surveying would also be conducted at UK tunnel terminals (Eurostar and Eurotunnel) as well as some UK sea ports (e.g. Dover), but this was not possible during this period". Dover traffic was only included from the third quarter of the year. 2019 figures are based on the International Passenger Survey (IPS).

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• Inbound tourist visits to the UK 2002-2023
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Statistics on " Travel and tourism in the United Kingdom (UK) "

• Distribution of travel and tourism expenditure in the UK 2019-2022, by type
• Distribution of travel and tourism expenditure in the UK 2019-2022, by tourist type
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• International tourist spending in the UK 2004-2023
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• Leading outbound travel destinations from the UK 2019-2022
• Leading outbound travel markets in the UK 2023, by growth in travel demand on Google
• Number of outbound overnight stays by UK residents 2011-2022
• Outbound tourism expenditure in the UK 2007-2022
• Domestic overnight trips in Great Britain 2010-2022
• Domestic tourism trips in Great Britain 2018-2022, by purpose
• Number of domestic overnight trips in Great Britain 2022, by destination type
• Number of tourism day visits in Great Britain 2011-2022
• Total domestic travel expenditure in Great Britain 2019-2022
• Domestic overnight tourism spending in Great Britain 2010-2022
• Expenditure on domestic day trips in Great Britain 2011-2022
• Average spend on domestic summer holidays in the United Kingdom (UK) 2011-2023
• Number of accommodation businesses in the United Kingdom (UK) 2008-2021
• Number of accommodation enterprises in the United Kingdom (UK) 2018-2021, by type
• Turnover of accommodation businesses in the United Kingdom (UK) 2008-2021
• Turnover of accommodation services in the United Kingdom (UK) 2015-2021, by sector
• Number of hotel businesses in the United Kingdom (UK) 2008-2021
• Most popular hotel brands in the UK Q3 2023
• Consumer expenditure on accommodation in the UK 2005-2022
• Attitudes towards traveling in the UK 2023
• Travel frequency for private purposes in the UK 2023
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• Share of Britons taking days of holiday 2019-2023, by number of days
• Share of Britons who did not take any holiday days 2019-2023, by gender
• Share of Britons who did not take any holiday days 2019-2023, by age
• Leading regions for summer staycations in the UK 2023
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Iran launches retaliatory attack on Israel that risks sparking regional war

Iran launched a retaliatory attack against Israel on Saturday that risks sparking a regional conflict involving U.S. military forces. The operation, which Israeli officials said included more than 300 missiles and drones, marked the first time that Iran has launched a direct military attack on the Jewish state. 

Of some 30 cruise missiles launched toward Israel, 25 were intercepted by Israeli fighter jets and none managed to enter the country, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, an Israel Defense Forces spokesperson, said early Sunday. A "few" of the nearly 120 ballistic missiles fired toward Israel fell inside the country, he said, causing slight damage to infrastructure on the Nevatim Air Force Base but leaving it fully operational.

The assault severely injured a 10-year-old girl, but otherwise caused no casualties, Hagari said. About 31 people were treated for anxiety or injuries they sustained while heading to a protected area when sirens sounded, Israel’s first responder service said.

Follow live updates on Israel’s reported strike on Iran

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement late Saturday that the U.S. military shot down “dozens” of missiles and drones en route to Israel from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen, calling Iran's assault "unprecedented."

“We condemn these reckless and unprecedented attacks by Iran and its proxies, and we call on Iran to immediately halt any further attacks, including from its proxy forces, and to deescalate tensions,” Austin said in the statement. “We do not seek conflict with Iran, but we will not hesitate to act to protect our forces and support the defense of Israel.”

Iran’s U.N. Mission issued a statement on X saying that Iran’s military action was in response to Israel’s attack on an Iranian diplomatic facility in Syria, an apparent reference to the April 1 bombing of an Iranian consular building in Damascus that killed two generals and five officers in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The statement said that Iran considered the matter “concluded” after the missile and drone strikes. But it warned that if Israel makes “another mistake,” Iran would deliver “a considerably more severe“ response. 

President Joe Biden said he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu overnight and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to the security of Israel. He also praised the country’s ability to fend off attacks as a sign to others who threaten the security of Israel.

“Tomorrow, I will convene my fellow G7 leaders to coordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran’s brazen attack,” Biden said. “My team will engage with their counterparts across the region. And we will stay in close touch with Israel’s leaders.”

U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria, as well as American warships in the region, were part of the effort to counter the Iranian attack, U.S. officials said. They include the USS Carney, a destroyer that has been involved in knocking out missiles and drones in the Red Sea fired by Iranian-backed Houthi forces from Yemen.

Through decades of tensions with Israel, Iran has previously avoided a direct conflict with the Jewish state, instead opting to damage its adversary through armed proxies in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza and elsewhere.

In back-channel communications with the U.S. over the past two weeks, Iran indicated it would retaliate against Israel but wanted to avoid an escalation that would lead to all-out war, U.S. officials said.

The question now is whether Iran’s attack will be interpreted in the way Tehran has planned, or trigger an unintended reaction from Israel that could escalate into an uncontrollable cycle of violence, analysts said.

Growing tensions

Tensions in the region have been at boiling point since Hamas’ deadly Oct. 7 terror attack and mass hostage taking and Israel’s subsequent full-scale assault on the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in the deaths of more than 33,000 and pushed the population to the brink of starvation.

The blast at the Iranian consular building in Damascus killed two of Iran’s top commanders, including Brig. Gen. Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior member of the Quds Force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ’ elite foreign espionage group.

His death marked the killing of the most senior Iranian official since Gen. Qassem Soleimani was targeted by an American airstrike in 2020.

Zahedi was a key figure in coordinating the so-called Axis of Resistance — the anti-Israel, anti-Western network of Iran-backed groups that operate with militants from across the Arab world . Tehran currently backs Hamas , Hezbollah and the Houthis — all of which in recent months have either attacked Israel directly or conducted attacks citing resistance to Israel.

How will Netanyahu respond?

There is concern among top U.S. officials that Israel could quickly respond to Iran’s attacks without thinking through the potential fallout, according to a senior administration official and a senior defense official. 

Those concerns stem in part from the Biden administration’s views of the approach Netanyahu and other Israeli officials have taken to Israel's war against Hamas, as well as the attack in Damascus. 

U.S. officials have privately expressed frustration with Israel’s decision to strike the Iranian consulate in Syria, saying Israeli leaders did not think through the timing and implications of the attack, including how it might affect negotiations over the release of hostages held by Hamas. 

“I don’t think they had a strategy,” the senior administration official said. “The Israelis don’t always make the best strategic decisions.” 

Senior leaders at the Pentagon also have privately expressed frustration at the timing of the Damascus strike, according to the senior defense official, because it had the potential to be “catastrophically escalatory.”

In the days leading up to Iran’s retaliatory attack on Israel, U.S. intelligence showed that Iran’s leaders felt the need to respond to Israel’s strike in Damascus due to concern of domestic blowback if the strike went unanswered, according to the senior administration official.

Biden has privately expressed concern that Netanyahu is trying to drag the U.S. more deeply into a broader conflict, according to three people familiar with his comments.  

While the White House believes the Israelis are not looking for a wider war or a direct war with Iran, particularly given the resources they have fighting the war in Gaza, U.S. officials can’t be certain, the senior administration official said.

The official described Israel’s approach to military operations as “frenetic.” 

“There’s this urgency to act,” the official said, “and that’s what happened in Damascus.” The official said it’s the same frustration U.S. officials have with the way Israel is operating in Gaza. 

The defense official echoed that sentiment, saying the Israelis have shown they are much better at operations than they are at planning. “They have surprised us with their really short-sided planning for the past few months so in that way Damascus isn’t as surprising,” the defense official said.

Now, the U.S. is contending with a potential war between rival nation states, the senior administration official said. That would be a dramatic and dangerous expansion of the long-simmering conflict between Iran and Israel that could further destabilize the Middle East.

Courtney Kube is a correspondent covering national security and the military for the NBC News Investigative Unit.

Carol E. Lee is the Washington managing editor.

Dan De Luce is a reporter for the NBC News Investigative Unit. 

Aurora Almendral is a London-based editor with NBC News Digital.

Blog Department of Health and Social Care Media Centre

https://healthmedia.blog.gov.uk/2024/04/15/creating-a-smokefree-generation-and-tackling-youth-vaping-what-you-need-to-know/

• Creating a smokefree generation and tackling youth vaping: what you need to know

The Prime Minister has set out plans to build a better and brighter future for our children.

This includes the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which was announced in the King’s speech on 7 November 2023 and introduced to Parliament on 20 March 2024. The Bill is now due to have its second reading on 16 April 2024.

The Bill includes a new law to stop children who turn 15 this year or younger from ever legally being sold cigarettes or other tobacco products, alongside measures to crack down on youth vaping and strengthen enforcement of these new laws.

This is in addition to a broader package of measures to tackle youth vaping – including banning the sale and supply of disposable vapes under environmental legislation and the new excise duty on vaping products announced in the Spring Budget.

Here’s what you need to know.

What are the key measures that have been announced?

We will create the first smoke-free generation so children turning 15 this year or younger will never be legally sold tobacco. The age of sale will be raised by one year each year to prevent future generations from ever taking up smoking, as there is no safe age to smoke.

To reduce the appeal of vapes to children, we also announced that new powers will be introduced to restrict vape flavours and packaging. The powers will also allow government to change how vapes are displayed in shops.

To crack down on underage sales, the government will also bring in quicker and simpler £100 on the spot fines (fixed penalty fines) for shops in England and Wales which sell tobacco and vapes underage. Local authorities will retain 100% of the proceeds to reinvest into enforcement of this Bill and other existing tobacco and vaping controls. This builds on a maximum £2,500 fine that the courts can already impose.

Vaping alternatives - such as nicotine pouches - will also be outlawed for children who are increasingly turning to these highly addictive substitutes.

Will the new laws impact current smokers?

The new laws will not impact current smokers. If you were born before 1 January 2009 shops will be able to continue selling you cigarettes and tobacco.

Will this lead to an illicit market?

No. History shows that targeted tobacco control measures have a positive impact on tackling the problems of illicit tobacco. For example, when the smoking age was increased from 16 to 18 the number of illicit cigarettes consumed fell by 25%.

The government is also providing additional powers and funding for enforcement to ensure the laws are effective.

How will the legislation be enforced?

Under the Bill, enforcement officers’ powers will also be strengthened with new powers in England and Wales to issue ‘on the spot fines’ of £100 to retailers breaching the law. This will help uphold the new laws and clamp down on underage sales of tobacco and vaping products.

These new powers to issue Fixed Penalty notices are in addition to a maximum £2,500 fine that courts can already impose.

The government will also be providing an additional £30 million a year for enforcement agencies to support work on underage and illicit sales of tobacco products and vapes.

Does this encroach on freedom of choice?

This is not about criminalising those who smoke or preventing anyone who currently smokes from doing so. Smoking will never be illegal and if you currently smoke legally, retailers will continue to be able to sell you cigarettes and other tobacco products.

But no parent wants their child to start smoking. This is about protecting future generations from the harms of smoking, saving thousands of lives and billions for the NHS.

Surely this isn't a big issue - people don't smoke anymore?

Smoking is still the number one preventable cause of death, disability and ill health, causing around 80,000 deaths per year across the UK.

Smoking rates in older teens remain high – over 12% of 16- to 17-year-olds smoke in England and over 30% of under 18 pregnant mother smoke. In recent years, the USA and Australia have seen the proportion of teenagers that smoke increase for the first time in decades.

Tobacco is uniquely harmful – there is no safe level of smoking. No other consumer product, when used as intended, kills two thirds of its long-term users and 75% of smokers would never have started if they had the choice again. It causes 1 in 4 cancer deaths.

Non-smokers are exposed to second-hand smoke – many come to harm through no choice of their own, including children, pregnant women and their babies.

The Bill will save thousands of lives. It will avoid up to 470,000 cases of strokes, heart disease, lung cancer and other lung diseases by 2100.

What about the tax revenue from tobacco?

Smoking costs the economy and wider society £17 billion a year, which far outweighs the  income per year that the Treasury receives from taxes on tobacco products.

Smoking costs to our NHS and social care system alone £3 billion every year – this is money that we can reinvest into cutting waiting lists and bolstering frontline care. Almost every minute someone is admitted to hospital because of smoking, and up to 75,000 GP appointments could be attributed to smoking each month – over 100 appointments every hour.

Is any type of tobacco product safe?

There is no safe level of tobacco consumption. All tobacco products are harmful. Making this clear in legislation by including all tobacco products will help regulators, businesses and the public comply with the new laws.

Who has been consulted on this issue?

The government consulted on the measures in the Bill for 8 weeks from 12 October to 6 December 2023.

Nearly 28,000 responses were submitted in total and the majority of respondents (63.2%) agreed with implementing the smokefree generation policy. The consultation response can be viewed here: Creating a smokefree generation and tackling youth vaping: your views - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The UK is party to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and has an obligation to protect the development of public health policy from the vested interests of the tobacco industry. To meet this obligation, we asked all respondents to disclose whether they have any direct or indirect links to, or receive funding from, the tobacco industry.

In line with the Convention, the views of respondents who disclosed links to the tobacco industry were summarised in the response, but not considered when determining policy.

When will the Smokefree Generation come into force? 

The Smokefree Generation policy will come into force in 2027 when current 15-year-olds turn 18. This will mean there will be a significant implementation period between the Bill being passed and the restrictions coming into force.

Will the Bill be enforced UK wide?

Thanks to constructive engagement from colleagues across the Devolved Administrations, these measures will apply not just in England, but across our entire United Kingdom – saving lives and building a brighter future.

What is the danger of children using vapes?

Children should never vape. The number of children using vapes has tripled in the last three years.

The active ingredient in most vapes is nicotine, which when inhaled, is a highly addictive drug. The addictive nature of nicotine means that a user can become dependent on vapes, especially if they use them regularly.

We have a duty to protect children from these potential harms, which is why we will be banning disposable vapes and bringing forward measures in the Bill to restrict vape flavours, displays and packaging. Reusable and refillable vapes will continue to play a valuable role in helping adults to stop smoking.

What about vape displays in shops, packaging and flavours?

Vapes have become highly appealing products for children because of the wide range of flavours, bright colours, use of cartoons and highly visible points of display in shops. Our new legislation will introduce powers to regulate the display of vapes, packaging and flavours.

The purpose of addressing these issues is to prevent the marketing of vaping to children.

Before using these powers, we will be undertaking a further consultation on the specific measures.

What else are you doing to tackle youth vaping?

The measures in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill are part of a broader package of measures to tackle youth vaping – including banning the sale and supply of disposable vapes under environmental legislation and the new excise duty on vaping products announced in the Spring Budget.

Why are disposable vapes an issue? 

Being cheap and easy to use, disposable vapes are also the vape of choice for children with 69% of current vapers aged 11 to 17 in Great Britain using disposable vapes (up from 7.7% in 2021). The evidence is clear that vapes should not be used by, or targeted at, children– due to the risk and unknown harms involved. That is why the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has said disposable vapes should be banned.

There are serious environmental concerns over disposable vapes. Over 5 million disposable vapes are either littered or thrown away in general waste every week. This has quadrupled in the last year.

That is why we the UK Government, the Scottish Government and the Welsh Government intend to introduce legislation to implement a ban on the sale and supply of disposable vapes. The UK Government will also work with the devolved administrations to explore an import ban.

When will the disposable vape ban come into effect?

England, Scotland and Wales intend to bring in legislation as soon as possible. Any legislation taken forward will allow for an implementation period of at least six months, which takes into consideration concerns that businesses will require time to adapt.

What steps are being taken to address the potential emergence of a black market for disposable vapes?

We will support retailers to implement the new requirements by increasing funding for enforcement – government has announced £30 million extra funding per year for enforcement agencies including HMRC, Trading Standards and Border Force, to tackle the illicit market and underage sales.

Who is going to enforce this ban?

Trading Standards will lead on enforcing the ban within their local area.

It is expected that enforcement authorities would apply civil sanctions in the first instance and a failure to comply may result in authorities prosecuting for a criminal offence subject to a fine only after a failure to comply with a civil sanction.

Are you not worried that a ban on disposable vapes will turn adults towards smoking?

No. Adults who vape responsibly will be able to continue to do so.

We are not banning vapes as a whole, just disposable vapes – given the huge impact they have on the environment. Banning disposables will also prevent young people from accessing them.

Adult vapers will still be able to access refillable and reusable vapes.

We recognise the important part vapes can play in helping people quit smoking.  As part of the government’s Swap to Stop scheme, almost one in five of all adult smokers in England will have access to a reusable vape kit alongside behavioural support to help them quit the habit and improve health outcomes.

Key facts on smoking and vaping

• Smoking is the single biggest entirely preventable cause of ill-health, disability and death. It leads to 80,000 deaths a year in the UK, and is responsible for 1 in 4 cancer deaths, and over 70% of lung cancer cases. Smokers lose an average of ten years of life expectancy.
• Consequently, smoking puts a huge burden on the NHS - almost every minute of every day someone is admitted to hospital with a smoking-related disease and over 100 GP appointments every hour are due to smoking.
• It also costs the economy and wider society £17 billion a year – this is equivalent to 6.9p in every £1 of income tax received, and equivalent to the annual salaries of over half a million nurses, 390,000 GPs, 400,000 police officers, or 400 million GP appointments.
• Most smokers know the risks of smoking, want to quit but are unable to due to the addictive nature of tobacco. 4 in 5 smokers start before the age of 20 and are then addicted for life.
• Vaping is less harmful than smoking and can play a role in helping adult smokers to quit. But our message is clear, if you don’t smoke, don’t vape – and children should never vape.  Youth vaping has tripled in the last three years, and 1 in 5 children have tried vaping.
• Disposable vapes are clearly linked to the rise of vaping in children. They are cheap and easy to use, with 69% of current vapers aged 11 to 17 in Great Britain using them. They are also incredibly harmful to the environment. 5 million disposable vapes are either littered or thrown away in general waste every week. This has quadrupled in the last year.

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