
Do US citizens need a visa to enter the UK?
If you are from the US, an EU Member State, or certain Commonwealth countries, you do not need a visa for the UK for up to six months. You only need a UK visa if you are from one of the following countries: *Only for holders of service and emergency passports.
How to know if my UK visa is approved?
The UK visa status can be easily checked or tracked online if one has his or her passport number or a visa reference number. … This is available on the official UK Government website.
What documents are needed to travel to England?
You can enter the UK with one of the following identity documents:
- a passport
- an Irish passport card
- a national identity card issued by an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, if you’re eligible to use one
What are the requirements for an UK visa?
You should submit the following documents to apply for a UK visa:
- UK visa application form. ...
- Two photographs. ...
- Your Valid Passport. ...
- Proof you have the financial means to cover the living costs while in the UK. ...
- Proof of accommodation. ...
- Detailed travel itinerary. ...
- Tuberculosis Test Results. ...
- Biometric information. ...
- UK visa invitation letter. ...
- Paid UK visa fees. ...

Overview
You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for tourism, business, study (courses up to 6 months) and other permitted activities. You can usually st...
Visit on business
You can visit the UK for up to 6 months to do the following business activities: attend interviews, meetings, conferences and seminars negotiate an...
Visit to study
You can visit the UK for up to 6 months to: study at an accredited institution (this includes English language courses) do a short piece of researc...
Visit as an academic
If you’re from an academic institution overseas, you can: take part in formal exchange arrangements with UK counterparts carry out your own researc...
Visit for medical reasons
You can visit the UK for up to 6 months to: have private medical treatment at a hospital or other medical facility have treatment at an NHS hospita...
If you're under 18
You may visit the UK if you’re under 18 and: you’ve made suitable arrangements for your travel and stay in the UK you have written consent from you...
Apply for a Standard Visitor visa
If you need a Standard Visitor visa, you must apply online before you travel to the UK and attend an appointment at a visa application centre. The...
When you can extend your stay
You may be able to extend your stay if you have permission to be in the UK for less than 6 months. You can extend your stay up to a total of 6 mont...
What you need to do
Check if what you plan to do in the UK is allowed as a Standard Visitor.
Check you meet the eligibility requirements
You must have a passport or travel document to enter the UK. It should be valid for the whole of your stay.
If you have to apply for a Standard Visitor visa
You must apply for a Standard Visitor visa online before you travel to the UK.
How to apply for a visitor visa in the UK?
If you need a Standard Visitor visa, you must apply online before you travel to the UK and attend an appointment at a visa application centre.
How long is a visitor visa valid?
If you’re under 18 years old when you apply, your long-term Standard Visitor visa will only be valid for up to 6 months after you turn 18. You cannot get a refund on the fee.
Where to book an appointment for a visa?
As part of your online application, you need to book an appointment at a visa application centre. Allow time to attend your appointment, as the visa application centre could be in another country.
How long does it take to get a visa?
Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.
Can a UK visa be cancelled?
Your visa may be cancelled if your travel history shows you are repeatedly living in the UK for extended periods.
Do you have to pay for a family visa?
Each family member must have their own application and pay the fee. They need to attend their own appointment at a visa application centre.
What is a UK visitor visa?
The UK Marriage Visitor Visa is a type of visitor visa that allows one to get married in the United Kingdom. The visa is thus primarily for getting married in the UK.
How old do you have to be to get a marriage visa?
The most important detail to prove under the marriage visitor visa will be as follow: That you are 18 years or older; You are free to give notice of marriage, or to marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months of your arrival;
How long can a UK visitor stay in the UK?
The UK Visitor Visa allows a person from outside the European Economic Area or Switzerland, to visit the UK for up to six months.
What are the activities allowed on a UK visitor visa?
Activities allowed on a UK Visitor Visa. To take a holiday in the UK. Visit family or friends. For business reasons. To take part in sports or creative events. Receive private medical treatment. Study for up to 30 days, provided this is not the main reason for your visit.
How long do you have to study for a civil partnership?
Receive private medical treatment. Study for up to 30 days, provided this is not the main reason for your visit. If you are under 18 years, you may take part in an exchange programme or educational visit. You can convert your civil partnership into a marriage.
How long can a spouse stay in the UK?
If you are going to the UK as an academic on sabbatical or for research, you, your spouse civil partner and children might be able to stay for up to twelve months.
What is a PLAB?
Doctor or dentist who are taking a clinical attachment or observer post. To take the Professional Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) test or to sit the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). To get funds to start, take over, join or run a business in the UK.
Do I Need To Apply for a Tourist Visa to Travel to the UK?
You will need to obtain a UK tourist visa if you are a national of one of the countries listed here . To be eligible to apply for a tourist visa for the UK you must pass the general grounds for refusal.
How to Apply for a UK Visitor Visa?
The application for a UK visitor visa must be made from outside the UK. The earliest you can apply for this visa is 30 days prior to your planned travel to the UK.
How Long Does it Take for a UK Standard Visitor Visa Application to Process?
The decision on your UK visitor visa is taken in 8 weeks if you apply by post. However, the decision is made on the day you apply if you use the premium service.
What is the UK Long-Term Standard Visitor Visa?
This is a visitor visa with validity period 2, 5 up to 10 years, issued if you’re someone who needs to travel regularly to the UK for temporary visits.
How long can a visitor stay in the UK?
The UK visitor visa which is also known as the Standard Visitor Visa is a UK short stay visa that allows its holder to stay in the UK for up to 6 months. However, the embassy has the right to issue visas for a shorter period of time. This visa is established for those that wish to travel to the United Kingdom for purposes of:
What is a letter confirming you need further care?
(If you’re applying for a visa extension). Issued by a UK doctor/consultant confirming you need further treatment of the disease. It must be accompanied with documents showing you have got the money to pay costs of such treatment.
How to prove previous travel history?
It can be proven through visas and entry/exit border stamps in current and older passports, or through separate residence titles.
What do you need to show when visiting the UK?
If you are intending to visit the UK you will need to show that you are a genuine visitor who is coming to the UK to undertake a permitted activity, that you will leave at the end of your visit and that you have sufficient funds to cover all reasonable costs in relation to your visit.
Who should sign a letter to travel?
You should provide a signed letter from your parent or guardian confirming your travel arrangements, including:
What to do if your parent doesn't have a passport?
If your parent or guardian does not have a passport, you should provide another official document that includes their signature.
Do you need to provide multiple copies of the same documents?
the date of translation. the translator’s full name and signature. the translator’s contact details. You do not need to provide multiple copies of the same documents if you’re applying as a family or group at the same time.
Do you need to provide evidence of professional status in your home country?
You should provide evidence of professional status in your home country or expertise, depending on the engagement.
Do you need to provide information about your circumstances in your home country?
It is recommended that you provide information about your circumstances in your home country and details of the activity that you will be doing in the UK.
Who asks you to provide additional information?
You may be asked to provide additional information by a decision maker.
Where to apply for a UK visa?
UK visa application form. According to the UK visa type you are applying for, you may have to complete the form online at the website of the Visa4UK website, or the manual application form.
How long is a passport valid in the UK?
Your Valid Passport. It must be valid for three more months beyond the date you plan to leave the UK after your trip. It must also have at least one blank page for the visa. Proof you have the financial means to cover the living costs while in the UK.
