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UK Tourist Visa Information | Visit the UK for Tourism

UK Tourist Visa Information

Visit the United Kingdom for tourism, leisure or to see family and friends. Learn about Standard Visitor Visa requirements and application process.

UK Visitor Visa Types

Different visitor visa options based on your travel purpose

Standard Visitor Visa

For tourism, visiting family/friends, short business trips, or medical treatment

Duration

Up to 6 months (longer for medical treatment)

Cost

£115 for 6 months, £400 for 2 years, £771 for 5 years, £963 for 10 years

Work Rights

No work allowed (except limited business activities)

Marriage Visitor Visa

For getting married or entering civil partnership in the UK

Requirements

Proof of marriage/civil partnership plans, return ticket

Duration

Up to 6 months, must leave UK after ceremony

Restrictions

Cannot switch to another visa or stay long-term

Permitted Paid Engagement Visa

For short paid work or appearances in the UK

Eligibility

Experts invited by UK organization, artists, entertainers

Duration

Up to 1 month, must be arranged before travel

Requirements

Invitation letter, contract, proof of expertise

General Requirements

Standard Visitor Visa requirements for all applicants

Financial Requirements

Proof you can support yourself during your stay

Bank statements showing sufficient funds (typically £1,000+ per month of stay)

Proof of accommodation or invitation from host in UK

Return/onward travel ticket or funds to purchase one

Documentation

Documents needed to support your application

Valid passport (at least 6 months remaining)

Employment verification or business documents

TB test results if from listed country

Other Requirements

Additional conditions for UK visitor visas

No intention to live in UK through frequent visits

Genuine intention to leave UK after visit

Good immigration history (no previous overstays)

Application Process

How to apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa

1

Check Eligibility

Verify you meet all requirements before applying

2

Prepare Documents

Gather financial evidence, travel plans, accommodation details

3

Apply Online

Complete application form and pay visa fee

4

Biometrics

Attend visa application center for fingerprints and photo

5

Submit Documents

Upload or bring supporting documents to appointment

6

Decision

Receive decision within 3 weeks (standard service)

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about UK tourist visas

Do I need a visa to visit the UK?

Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality:

  • Visa required: Citizens of most Asian, African, Middle Eastern and South American countries
  • No visa required: EU/EEA citizens, USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea and some others (but may need electronic travel authorization from 2024)
  • Transit visa: Some nationalities need visa even for airport transit

Check the official UK government website for your specific nationality requirements.

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

Standard Visitor Visa durations:

  • Standard visa: Up to 6 months (most common)
  • Long-term visas: 2, 5 or 10 years (multiple entries, but max 6 months per visit)
  • Medical treatment: Up to 11 months if approved for private medical treatment

The immigration officer at border control ultimately decides your permitted length of stay, which may be shorter than your visa validity.

Can I extend my UK tourist visa?

Extensions are possible only in limited circumstances:

  • Medical reasons: If receiving ongoing private medical treatment
  • Academic reasons: To complete research or study as a visiting academic
  • Exceptional circumstances: Like natural disasters preventing return

You cannot extend just for tourism or to visit family longer. You must apply before your current visa expires and pay the extension fee.

What can I do and not do on a UK tourist visa?

Allowed activities:

  • Tourism and leisure activities
  • Visit family/friends
  • Business meetings/conferences
  • Short recreational courses (up to 30 days)
  • Private medical treatment

Not allowed:

  • Paid or unpaid work
  • Marriage/civil partnership (need Marriage Visitor Visa)
  • Study at a school/university
  • Live in UK through frequent visits
  • Access public funds
How much bank balance is required for UK tourist visa?

There's no fixed amount, but you must show:

  • Sufficient funds: Typically £1,000-£1,500 per month of stay
  • Financial stability: Regular income/savings with enough left after trip
  • Accommodation costs: Additional funds if staying in hotels
  • Sponsorship: If someone else is paying, their financial documents needed

The key is showing you can afford the trip without working in UK or accessing public funds.

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