Tourist Visa
UK Tourist Visa: Requirements and Steps.
If you’re planning a short trip to the UK, it’s best to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa. This tourist visa serves multiple purposes including vacationing, sightseeing, and leisure activities. If you’re from a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA), this visa will let you stay in the UK for up to six months.
How to Apply
Before you dive into the application process, first check if you actually need a visa. EEA, Swiss, and Commonwealth citizens generally don’t require one. You can check your eligibility here on our website.
If you do need a tourist visa, you can start the application process by filling the enquiry form. After choosing your preferred language, you’ll be asked to enter your home country.
Step 1: Fill Out the Online Form
It is an online application. Our advisor can help with this process and complete the form on your behalf to make sure there are no mistake.
You will fill in all the required fields like your name, nationality, reason for visiting the UK, and other details. If there’s a mismatch between your form and attached documents, your application will be declined.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents.
After you’ve filled out the online form, print a copy. Next, gather all the necessary supporting documents applicable to your visa category. It differes, depending on the purpose of visit.Our advisor can guide you to make sure you meet the required criteria.
Step 3: Book a Bio-Metric appointment with the visa centre.
You’ll need to book an appointment at the nearest visa center depending on where you live.
Step 4: Attend the Interview
Step 5: Visa Outcome
After completing the previous steps, you’ll receive a letter/email indicating the result of your application. A successful application gets you a sticker, known as a vignette, on your passport. If denied, you’ll get a letter stating the reason.
Common reasons for denial include missing documents, applying for the wrong visa, or lacking sufficient financial evidence. You can appeal the decision, if your refusal letter gives you right to do that or correct your errors and apply fresh.
Initial Consultations
Explore your eligibility: Book The Initial Consultation Session with our immigration advisor.
Validity and Extension
A Standard Visitor Visa is generally valid for six months. Academics can get a one-year visa. If you wish to extend your stay, you can apply for an extension. For long-term stays, consider a Long-Term UK Visa, which can last two, five, or ten years.
You can usually stay upto six months in a year.
Processing Time and Cost
It typically takes up to three weeks to process a tourist visa. We recommend applying at least three months before your planned trip. The cost for a short-term tourist visa is £127.