UK Visitor Visa Requirements

You must meet the UK visitor visa requirements in order to visit the UK as a foreign national. UK visitor visa is also known as a UK tourist visa, which allows foreign nationals to visit the UK for a short period of up to 6 months.

This article offers a comprehensive guide to the UK Standard Visitor Visa, covering everything from eligibility criteria, required documents, and the application process you’ll need to follow.

The high quality of visitor visa application services provided by our best team of immigration lawyers is self-evident from the 5-star Google Reviews rating by 99% of our clients. Our immigration solicitors are available 7 days a week, 365 days a year, providing immigration advice for UK visitor visa application.

What are the visitor visa requirements?

To be granted a UK Visitor Visa, you must meet specific eligibility criteria, including:

  • Valid Passport: You will need a valid passport with at least six months validity from the date of entry.
  • Visa Application: You may need to fill out a visa application form and pay the visa application fee.
  • Proof of Sufficient Funds: You may be required to provide proof of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay.
  • Travel Itinerary: You may need to submit a detailed travel itinerary, including your flight reservations and accommodation details.
  • Proof of Ties to Your Home Country: You may need to provide proof of ties to your home country, such as a job letter, property ownership, or family ties.
visitor visa requirements

Which documents are required for a visitor visa?

When applying for a UK Visitor Visa, you must provide supporting documents to demonstrate your eligibility and the purpose of your visit. The following are commonly required documents:

1. Valid Passport or Travel Document

  • Must be valid for the duration of your stay
  • Should have at least one blank page for the visa stamp

2. Completed Visa Application Form

  • Submitted online via the official UK government website

3. Visa Application Fee Receipt

  • Proof that you have paid the relevant visa fee

4. Proof of Purpose of Visit

Depending on your reason for visiting, this may include:

  • Tourism: Travel itinerary, accommodation bookings
  • Business: Invitation letter from a UK company, details of meetings/events
  • Family visit: Letter of invitation from your UK-based relative, their immigration status documents
  • Marriage: Proof of intent to marry, such as booking confirmation from a UK registry office

5. Proof of Financial Means

  • Bank statements for the past 6 months
  • Payslips or proof of employment
  • Evidence of financial support from a sponsor, if applicable

6. Proof of Ties to Home Country

  • Letter from employer or educational institution confirming leave
  • Property ownership or rental agreements
  • Family commitments or other responsibilities

7. Travel History

  • Details of previous international travel, if applicable
  • Previous visas (including for the UK and other countries)

8. Accommodation Details

  • Hotel bookings, or a letter from your host confirming accommodation arrangements

Types of Visitor Visas

Different countries offer various types of visitor visas depending on your reason for travel. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Tourist Visa: This is for individuals traveling purely for leisure, sightseeing, or holiday purposes.
  • Business Visa: Issued to people attending business meetings, conferences, or negotiating contracts.
  • Family Visit Visa: If you’re visiting relatives or friends residing in the UK, you’ll need this type of visa.
  • Medical Treatment Visa: For individuals seeking medical care abroad, this visa is required to access healthcare facilities in the UK.
  • Visitor Visa For PLAB-2 Test: For applicants seeking to enter the UK for a PLAB-2 Test.

Other UK Visit Visas

Our expert visit visa lawyers can help you apply for the following UK visitor visas:

The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel. However, you must meet all the eligibility requirements of a UK visitor visa.

Genuine intention to leave the UK

The Home Office will assess your genuine intentions to visit and leave the UK after the proposed visit. The UKVI will further assess your financial, familial, and economic ties with your home country before deciding your visitor visa application.

How to apply for a visitor visa for the UK?

If you’re planning to apply for a visitor visa UK, you will need to follow these key steps to apply for a UK Visitor Visa:

  • Check if You Need a Visa
  • Complete the Online Application
  • Pay the Visa Application Fee
  • Book an Appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
  • Upload your documents
  • Attend Your VAC Appointment
  • Wait for the decision

You must meet the visitor visa requirements, otherwise your application can be refused.

UK visitor visa processing time

Most applicants receive a decision within 3 weeks. Processing times may vary depending on your country and individual circumstances.

Can you extend your visitor visa?

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 months.

You can only apply to stay in the UK for longer than 6 months if you’re:

  • a patient receiving medical treatment
  • an academic and you still meet the eligibility requirements
  • a graduate retaking the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) test or doing a clinical attachment

You must apply to extend your stay and pay the £1000 fee regardless of your nationality.

You need to apply while you’re still in the UK and before your current visa or permission expires.

UK visitor visa fee

Before beginning a visa application, you want to know how much it’s going to cost for your visitor visa.

Standard Visitor visa£1276 months
Standard Visitor visa for medical reasons£22011 months
Standard Visitor visa for academics£22012 months
2 year long-term Standard Visitor visa£4756 months per visit
5 year long-term Standard Visitor visa£8486 months per visit
10 year long-term Standard Visitor visa£1,0596 months per visit

Why choose Deluxe Law Chambers for your visit visa application?

Looking for trusted immigration solicitors in Manchester or London? At Deluxe Law Chambers, we offer expert legal advice for all UK visa and immigration matters. Our team is here to make your visa application process smooth, simple, and stress-free.

Why Choose Us?

✅ Experienced Immigration Solicitors: Our team has years of experience and stays up to date with the latest UK immigration rules. We give you accurate and honest legal advice.

✅ Personalised Legal Support: Every visa case is different. We take the time to understand your situation and offer solutions that work for you.

✅ Fast Visa Services: Need a quick decision? We offer Priority and Super Priority visa services for faster results.

✅ Online & In-Person Services: We can handle your case online or in person at our Manchester office—saving you time and travel costs.

✅ Open 7 Days a Week: We’re available every day, including weekends, to offer expert immigration advice when you need it most.

✅ Free Initial Advice: Call us for a free 5-minute advice to get started.

✅ Fixed Fees with Instalments: Clear, affordable pricing with the option to pay in two instalments—no hidden costs.

At Deluxe Law Chambers, we are committed to providing professional, fast, and reliable immigration services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I work or study on a UK Visit Visa?

No, the UK Visit Visa strictly prohibits engaging in any form of work or studies during your visit.

What’s the maximum duration I can stay on a Standard Visitor Visa?

You can stay for up to 6 months on a Standard Visitor Visa, with the possibility of extension in certain cases.

Are there any medical requirements for obtaining the visa?

While there are no specific medical tests required, having travel insurance that covers medical expenses is recommended.

Can I switch to another type of visa while in the UK?

In most cases, switching to a different visa category from within the UK is not allowed. It’s advisable to return to your home country and apply for the appropriate visa.

Is there a minimum balance requirement for the financial documents?

While there’s no fixed amount, you must prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay.

Can I extend my stay beyond the visa’s expiration date?

Extending a UK Visit Visa is possible in certain situations, but you must apply before your current visa expires.

How long can I stay in the UK on a visitor visa?

Typically, a UK standard visitor visa allows you to stay for up to 6 months. In some cases, it may be issued for a shorter period. You can also apply for long-term visitor visas, valid for 2, 5, or 10 years, but each visit is still limited to 6 months at a time.

Can I work in the UK on a visitor visa?

No, you cannot work or engage in paid or unpaid employment while on a UK visitor visa. It is strictly for tourism, business meetings, or visiting friends and family. Working in any capacity can lead to your visa being cancelled, deportation, or future bans.

What happens if my UK visitor visa application is rejected?

If your UK visit visa is refused, you will have the option to challenge the decision through judicial review.