What is the UK Standard Visitor Visa?

The UK Standard Visitor Visa allows overseas citizens to travel to England for tourism, family visits, business meetings, or short-term study.

If you want to visit the UK

Apply for a Standard Visitor visa to visit the UK for up to 6 months. For example:

• for a holiday or to see family and friends

• for a business trip or meeting

• to do a short course of study

You must apply for a Marriage Visitor visa if you want to visit the UK to get married or register a civil partnership.

If you have a visitor visa you cannot take a job in the UK.

Documents Required

• Completed Visa Application Form: The online application form must be filled out in English and submitted via the UK Government website.

• Proof of Payment: Receipt confirming payment of the visa application fee.

• Travel Itinerary: Details of your planned travel dates, destinations, and purpose of visit.

• Accommodation Details: Proof of hotel booking, rental confirmation, or invitation letter from your host..

Employment or Study Evidence

• If employed or studying, you should include documentation confirming your ongoing commitments outside the UK:

  • Employment letter: From your employer, confirming your job title, salary, and approved leave dates.

  • Business documents: If self-employed, include business registration certificates, tax returns, or recent invoices.

  • Student letter: From your university or school, confirming your enrolment and authorised study break (if applicable).

Financial Evidence

• Applicants must provide proof of sufficient funds to support their stay in the UK without recourse to public funds. Documents accepted include:

  • Recent bank statements (covering at least 3 months)

  • Payslips or proof of regular income

  • Sponsorship letter (if another person or organisation is covering costs)

  • Proof of relationship to the sponsor (if applicable)

  • Any additional financial documents that show stability or savings

Proof of Country Ties

• Demonstrating strong connections to your home country is vital for a successful visitor visa. You should include:

  • Proof of property ownership or rental agreement

  • Evidence of family members residing in your home country (birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.)

  • Return travel ticket or travel booking showing your planned departure

Supporting Letters & Additional Evidence

• Letter of Invitation: Required if visiting friends or relatives. Must include host’s name, address, immigration status, and reason for invitation.

• Business Invitation: For business travellers, include an official letter from the UK company outlining meeting details and duration of stay.

• Academic Invitation: For research visitors, include correspondence from the UK institution or university confirming your visit.

• Medical Letter: For medical visitors, include documentation from a UK-registered doctor or hospital confirming treatment plans and cost estimates.

When to apply

The earliest you can apply is usually:

• 3 months before your planned travel date for visit visas

• 3 months before your employment start date for most work visas

• 6 months before your course start date for Student and Child Student visas

Settlement applications take up to 6 months and must be approved before you come to the UK. If you’re given permission to settle in the UK, you must travel before your permission ends.

Fee

Application fee starting from: £3500 for 6 month tourist visa. Inclusive of application fee & Immigration Health Surcharge