Choose a visa
You may need a visa to come to the UK to study, work, visit or join family. There are different visas depending on: where you come from why you wan...
Prepare your application
You can apply and pay for most visas online. If you have dependants who want to come to the UK with you, each person will need to apply and pay sep...
Prove your identity
When you apply, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide documents to show your eligibility. How you do this depends on where you’re from and...
Getting a decision on your application
You’ll get a letter or an email with the result of your application. It will explain what you need to do next. If your application is successful Yo...
How long does a visitor visa last in the UK?
If you know you want to be in the UK beyond six months, it's best to apply for the more costly long-term Standard Visitor visa, which lasts for two, five or ten years.
Can a UK citizen work full time in the UK?
Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent could qualify for a UK Ancestry visa, allowing them to work full-time for up to five years in the UK.
When will the EU change visa requirements?
There will not be any changes to visa requirements for EU nationals until at least December 31, 2020, when the Brexit transitional period is due to end. Until then, EU nationals can continue to travel to the UK without a visa for short trips and holidays.
What is a visitor in transit visa?
Visitor in Transit Visa. This type of visa is needed if you will pass through British border control but you intend to depart the country within 48 hours. You need a Visitor in Transit Visa if you are from a country that typically requires UK visitor visas (see above).
Do I Need a Transit Visa for the UK?
If you typically need a visa to enter the UK as a tourist, you will also need a transit visa. However, there are two types of transit visas for the UK, and the requirements change depending on what country you are from:
Do I Need a Visa for 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.
How long do you have to be on a visa to visit the UK?
Apply for a Standard Visitor visa to visit the UK for up to 6 months. For example:
How long do you have to stay in the UK to come back?
If you had indefinite leave to remain ( ILR) and left the UK for more than 2 years you’ll need to apply for a Returning Resident visa to come back.
What affects which visa to apply for?
Your course length, type and place of study affect which visa to apply for.
How long can a family permit last in the UK?
A family permit lets you live, work and study in the UK for up to 6 months. Close family members include your spouse or civil partner, child, grandchild, parent or grandparent. You can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme after your family permit expires.
What is a student visa?
A Student visa is usually for a longer course. You must be sponsored by a licensed college or university and have a confirmed place. You may be able to do some work on this visa. A Child Student visa is for 4 to 17 year olds who want to study at an independent school.
Do you have to be approved before you travel?
Your application must be approved before you travel.
How long does it take to get a UK visa?
The UK tourist visa processing takes up to 3 weeks. There have been incidents where UKVI has taken over 2 months to process, especially when the visa applications are “not straightforward”.
How long is a UK visa valid?
UK tourist visas are valid for 6 months and you can stay up to 180 days in the UK. The UK tourist visa application process is long and there is no status tracking. Make sure to start your UK visa process at least two months from your intended date of the travel to the UK.
How long does it take to get a UK passport back?
The UK visa application center keeps the passport for the entirety of the visa process, which could be 3 weeks or more. There may be emergencies where you need to have your passport with you. The only way to request your passport back is by formally withdrawing your visa application.
What do you bring to a passport appointment?
On the day of the appointment, you will give your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) and submit your original documents. You must bring all your original documents along with one photocopy of each including your passport.
Where to send biometrics to UK?
You must give your biometrics at your nearest Biometric Enrollment Center and later send/post your documents to the nearest UK Visa Application Center.
How long do passports have to be valid in the UK?
Passport must be valid for the entire stay in the UK
Does UKVI ask for flight tickets?
UKVI has stopped asking for flight tickets and hotel bookings for UK visa applications. But some nationalities are still being asked to submit flight tickets and hotel bookings.
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.
Which countries allow visa free travel?
Three additional countries – Micronesia, Palau, and the Marshall Islands – also have a unique agreement with the United States allowing visa-free travel. Citizens of Canada and Bermuda can freely travel (temporarily) to the United States without requiring a non-immigrant visa or ESTA.
Can Canadians travel to the US without a passport?
Canadian Citizens: Canadians can enter and stay in the United States visa-free. Some Canadians do not even require a passport. If you’re part of the NEXUS program or have an Enhanced Driver’s License, then you may be able to enter America without a passport. SENTRI enrollment cards and FAST cards can also be used in lieu of a passport (if entering by land or sea). Canadians can remain in the United States for up to six months.
Do you need a visa to visit Bermuda?
Citizens of Canada, Bermuda, Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau Do Not Need a Visa or ESTA. There are two countries in the world that do not require a visa or ESTA to visit the United States: Canada and Bermuda.
UK Tourist Visa Requirements by Nationality
- Minimum passport validity required to enter the UK
1. Passport must be valid for the entire stay in the UK — - Visa REQUIRED nationalities
1. Afghanistan 2. Albania 3. Algeria 4. Angola 5. Armenia 6. Azerbaijan 7. Bahrain 8. Bangladesh 9. Belarus 10. Benin 11. Bhutan 12. Bolivia 13. Bosnia and Herzegovina 14. Burkina Faso 15. Burundi 16. Cambodia 17. Cameroon 18. Cape Verde 19. Central African Republic 20. Chad 21. China 22…
UK Tourist Visa Application Process
- First, check if you need a visitor visa to travel to the UK in the “UK tourist visa requirements by nationality” section above. Alternatively, you can check your eligibility and requirements on the UK gov website. —
Entering and Leaving The UK
- Entering the UK by air
At the immigration, the officers may ask you questions on your trip, how long you plan to stay, your next destination, etc. You may be asked to show your return/onward ticket and your hotel booking. If you are traveling on a one-way ticket, you can use OnwardTicketto get proof of onwar… - Leaving the UK by air
If you are flying out of Heathrow airport, make sure to arrive early. The airport is huge and you may have to take a bus from the gate to the flight. ***
Summary
- The UK tourist visa requirements are clear and easy to understand. But, the visa application process is long and expensive. Apply at least 2 months in advance, follow all the proper steps and documentation. Tourist visas are usually multiple-entry with 6 months validity.