The United Kingdom is a top destination for travelers, offering a rich tapestry of history, culture, and modern attractions. A UK Tourist Visa, also known as the Standard Visitor Visa, allows you to explore the beauty of the UK, visit iconic landmarks, and experience the local culture. Whether you're visiting family, exploring the British countryside, or touring London’s famed sites, this visa enables you to stay in the UK for up to six months.
The UK Tourist Visa is intended for short-term visits and covers various travel purposes, including holidays, family visits, attending events, or even short business-related activities. With straightforward application requirements and a streamlined process, obtaining a UK Tourist Visa allows you to plan your visit with confidence and ease.
There are two types of visit visas available for the UK, each catering to different travel needs:
Short-Stay Visa: This visa permits travelers to stay in the UK for up to six months. It is ideal for tourists planning a holiday, short visits with family, or attending events in the UK. This option is suited for those who wish to explore the country, enjoy its iconic landmarks, or visit friends and relatives. This visa covers most tourism-related activities and is the primary choice for those seeking a single, brief stay in the UK.
Long-Term Visit Visa: Designed for individuals who need to visit the UK frequently, this visa can be granted for periods ranging from 2.5 to 10 years. Travelers must demonstrate a genuine reason for their repeated visits, ensuring that each trip serves the same purpose.
The applicant must provide evidence that they will return to their home country by the planned departure date.
Proof of sufficient funds must be submitted to demonstrate that the applicant can financially support themselves and any dependents during their stay in the UK.
The applicant should detail the planned activities they will engage in while in the UK, ensuring these fall within the permitted activities for a tourist visa.
For long-term tourist visas, the applicant needs to provide evidence showing the necessity of multiple visits and confirm that each visit will be for the same purpose.
If visiting the UK for medical treatment, the applicant must supply comprehensive details of the treatment and assure authorities of their intent to leave the UK upon completion.
| Visa Type | Processing time |
|---|---|
| UK standard visitor visa | 25-30 Days |
| UK visitor visa -priority services | 5 working day |
| UK visitor visa Super priority services | 2 working Days |
The processing time for a UK visitor visa can vary based on factors such as the visa type, your country of application, and the time of year.
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) offers priority and super priority services to eligible visitor or tourist visa applicants, allowing faster processing compared to the standard visa route.
Priority Services:
For an additional £500 on top of the application fee, your visa will be processed within 5 working days.
Super Priority Services:
For an extra £1000 in addition to the application fee, your visa will be processed within 2 working days.
If you have any additional family members included in your application, you will need to pay an additional fee for each family member.
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