UK Visit Visa Applications

Every year, the UK welcomes millions of visitors from around the world. Whether you’re planning a holiday, visiting family, attending a short course, or exploring business opportunities, the UK Visit Visa is your gateway to entering the country legally and safely. This guide offers a clear overview of visa requirements, fees, eligibility, and entitlements for applicants.
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What is a UK Visit Visa?

A UK Visit Visa, also known as the Standard Visitor Visa, allows you to enter the UK for a temporary period for tourism, family visits, business meetings, short-term study, medical treatment, or other permitted reasons.

To qualify for a UK Visit Visa, you must meet the following basic requirements:

  • You intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit.
  • You have enough funds to support yourself (and any dependents) during your stay without accessing public funds or working.
  • You can afford the cost of your return or onward journey.
  • You have genuine reasons for your visit (e.g., holiday, family visit, business, study under 6 months, etc.).

Visit Visa Purpose Requirements

You must clearly state and provide documentation for the purpose of your visit. Common permitted reasons include:

  • Tourism or holiday
  • Visiting friends or family
  • Attending a conference or business meeting
  • Medical treatment
  • Short-term study (up to 6 months)
  • Participating in exchange programs or school visits

For a study under 6 months, ensure the course is at an accredited institution. You cannot work, get married, or access public funds on a Standard Visitor Visa.

UK Visit Visa Processing Time

The processing time and eligibility rules vary depending on your location and visa type.

Applying from Outside the UK

  • You can apply up to 3 months before your intended travel date.
  • Most applications are processed within 3 weeks, but this may vary depending on your country of application.

Priority Visa Services

  • Fast-track or priority services may be available for quicker decisions (as fast as 5 working days or even 24 hours in some regions).
  • Additional fees apply, and availability may be limited, so apply early if needed.

UK Visit Visa Fee and Other Costs

Here’s a breakdown of common fees for a UK Standard Visitor Visa:

1. Visa Application Fee

  • The fee is £115 for a Standard Visitor Visa (up to 6 months).

  • For longer durations (2, 5, or 10-year visas), higher fees apply.

2. Biometric Appointment

  • Attend a biometric appointment to provide fingerprints and a photo.
  • Fees vary by country and can range from £50 to £200 depending on your visa center and location.

3. Optional Fees

  • Priority Processing Service
  • Translation of documents (if not in English)
  • Document scanning or courier charges

Unlike student visas, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is not required for short-term visitor visas.

Visit Visa Rights and Restrictions

Once approved, your visitor visa outlines what you’re allowed—and not allowed—to do in the UK.

What You Can Do

  • Travel to the UK for tourism, family visits, or business meetings
  • Study for a short course (up to 6 months at an accredited institution)
  • Receive private medical treatment
  • Volunteer for a registered UK charity (if conditions are met)

What You Cannot Do

  • Work or take up paid/unpaid employment
  • Marry or enter into a civil partnership
  • Access public funds or state pensions
  • Stay longer than the visa period, or extend your visit frequently
  • Enroll in long-term academic courses

Always follow visa guidelines. Overstaying or violating visa terms can lead to re-entry bans.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I apply for a UK Visit Visa?
Apply up to 3 months before your planned travel date. Earlier applications give you more flexibility.
The fee for a 6-month visa is £115. Longer validity visas (2, 5, or 10 years) cost more.
You can stay for up to 6 months. For medical treatment or academic visitors, longer stays may be allowed under specific routes.
Yes, but only for a short course up to 6 months at an accredited institution.
You can attend business meetings or conferences, but you cannot work or be employed. Paid or unpaid work is not allowed.
Most decisions are made within 3 weeks of applying, but priority options are available in some countries for faster results.
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Crown Visa is dedicated exclusively to helping clients secure UK visa approvals. Our proven track record reflects our expertise and in-depth knowledge of the UK immigration system. Whether you’re an employer seeking skilled workers from abroad or an individual wishing to reunite with family in the UK, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.