UK tourist visa (Standard Visitor): requirements and application

You must show that you will leave at the end of the visit, that you can pay for the trip and your return journey yourself or with a named sponsor, and that you are not trying to live in the UK through frequent or back-to-back visits. Tourism, sightseeing and volunteering for up to 30 days with a registered charity are all permitted. You cannot work, claim benefits, or marry or give notice of marriage on this visa; that needs a Marriage Visitor visa.

There is no fixed minimum for visitors. The caseworker compares the estimated cost of your trip, which you state in the form, with your income, savings and commitments. Large unexplained deposits shortly before applying weaken an application; a regular income history is stronger. If a relative or friend in the UK pays, include their letter, proof of their status and their bank statements.

The standard visa costs £135 and covers visits of up to 6 months. Frequent travellers can choose a long-term visit visa valid for 2 years (£506), 5 years (£903) or 10 years (£1,128), each still limited to 6 months per visit. UKVI can issue a shorter visa than requested, and the fee is not refunded if it does or if the application is refused. No health surcharge is charged for visitors.

The form is completed on GOV.UK in English and saved as you go. After paying, you book a slot at a visa application centre; GOV.UK’s finder links to the centre for your country, and centres can offer optional paid services such as priority processing. You can apply at the earliest 3 months before travel and should not book fixed travel until a decision arrives.

A visa does not guarantee entry: Border Force can ask about your plans, funds and return ticket, so carry copies of key documents. Overstaying, working or studying beyond the visitor rules can lead to refusal of future applications. A visitor already in the UK can only extend up to a 6-month total, for a £1,172 fee.

There is no appeal and no administrative review against a Standard Visitor refusal. The refusal notice lists the requirements UKVI found unmet, most often doubts about your intention to leave, the source of funds or the purpose of the trip. You can apply again at any time with a new fee and evidence that answers those points.