Short visit to the UK (tourism, family, permitted business); up to 6 months.
Process
UK Standard Visitor visa — step by step
The Standard Visitor visa covers tourism, visiting family/friends, business meetings and short study (up to 6 months). Apply online, pay the fee, and attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) for biometrics; most applicants are not interviewed.
Last updated: 2026-08-31
Apply online on gov.uk
Complete the Standard Visitor visa application on the official portal (gov.uk). Use the exact name and details from your passport. Save the application number — you need it to book the appointment and pay.
Pay the visa fee
Pay the fee online: £115 for a 6-month visa; long-term options (2/5/10 years) cost more but per-entry stay is still max 6 months. The fee is non-refundable even if refused.
Book a VAC appointment
Book a free core appointment at a Visa Application Centre (run by VFS Global/TLScontact) via the official portal. Paid extras (priority service, prime-time, document scanning) are optional. Wait for biometric slots varies by centre.
Upload documents & attend biometrics
Upload supporting evidence online (passport, itinerary, accommodation, funds, employment, ties to home country, invitation letter if visiting family/business). Attend the VAC in person to give fingerprints and a digital photo. Documents can also be scanned at the VAC for a fee.
Wait for the decision
Standard processing is about 3 weeks for most countries; some take longer. Priority service (decision in 5 working days) and Super Priority (next working day) are paid options where available. Do not book non-refundable travel until decided.
Collect passport & verify
Collect from the VAC or courier. Check the vignette: validity dates and number of entries (usually single, converted to a Biometric Residence Permit only for long-term visas). A 6-month visa grants up to 6 months per stay, not 6 months total.
Where you are most likely to get stuck
- !Looking like you intend to live in the UK is a top refusal reason — show strong home-country ties and a clear reason to leave.
- !Long-term visas (2/5/10 years) do not allow staying that long continuously — each entry is up to 6 months and frequent long stays raise suspicion.
- !Using public funds (the NHS) or working is prohibited on a Standard Visitor visa.
- !Documents not in English must be certified-translated; uncategorised uploads can slow the decision.
General information, not legal advice; rules change — verify with official sources.
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