Skip to main content
Europe Visa Check

UK Visa Guide

Requirements and application process for a UK visa.

Who Needs a UK Visa?

If you're not from a visa-exempt country, you'll need a UK visa to visit, work, study, or live in the United Kingdom. Unlike the UK ETA (for visa-exempt travelers), a UK visa requires a full application process including biometrics and often an interview.

Even if you're from a visa-exempt country, you'll need a visa if you want to work, study for more than 6 months, or settle in the UK.

UK ETA vs UK Visa

If you're from a visa-exempt country (US, EU, Australia, etc.) and just visiting for tourism or short business trips, you need a UK ETA instead — not a visa. The UK visa is for longer stays, work, study, or nationalities that aren't visa-exempt.

UK Visa at a Glance

💷
Visitor Visa £115+ Standard visitor visa
📅
Processing 3 weeks Standard processing time
⏱️
Stay 6 months Standard visitor visa
🛂
Biometrics Required At visa application center

Types of UK Visas

The UK has many visa categories depending on your purpose:

  • Standard Visitor Visa: Tourism, visiting family, business meetings, medical treatment (up to 6 months)
  • Student Visa: Studying at a UK institution for more than 6 months
  • Skilled Worker Visa: Working for a UK employer with a sponsorship
  • Family Visa: Joining family members in the UK
  • Transit Visa: Passing through the UK to another country

Each visa type has different requirements, costs, and processing times.

Common UK Visa Costs

Feature Fee Processing
Standard Visitor (6 months) £115 3 weeks
Standard Visitor (2 years) £432 3 weeks
Standard Visitor (5 years) £771 3 weeks
Standard Visitor (10 years) £963 3 weeks
Student Visa £490 3 weeks
Skilled Worker £719+ 3 weeks
Transit Visa £64 3 weeks

How to Apply for a UK Visa

  1. 1

    Check Your Visa Type

    Determine which visa category matches your purpose. Use the UK government's visa checker tool.

  2. 2

    Gather Required Documents

    Collect your passport, photos, proof of funds, accommodation details, travel itinerary, and any purpose-specific documents.

  3. 3

    Complete the Online Application

    Fill out the application form on GOV.UK and pay the visa fee.

  4. 4

    Book a Biometrics Appointment

    Schedule an appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide fingerprints and photo.

  5. 5

    Attend Your Appointment

    Bring your passport, appointment confirmation, and supporting documents. Some applicants may have an interview.

  6. 6

    Wait for Decision

    Standard processing is about 3 weeks. You can track your application online.

Required Documents for Standard Visitor Visa

  • Valid passport — with at least one blank page
  • Passport-sized photos — meeting UK photo requirements
  • Proof of financial means — bank statements showing you can support yourself
  • Accommodation details — hotel bookings or invitation letter from host
  • Travel itinerary — return flights (or onward travel)
  • Employment proof — letter from employer or proof of self-employment
  • Ties to home country — evidence you'll return (property, family, job)

Visa Refusals

If your UK visa application is refused, you'll receive a letter explaining why. Common reasons include insufficient funds, incomplete documents, or doubts about your intention to leave the UK. You can usually reapply after addressing the issues, though some refusals carry immigration bans.

Related Information

UK ETA

For visa-exempt travelers

After Brexit

How UK rules changed

UK Hub

All UK travel information

UK Visa FAQs

Do US citizens need a UK visa?
No, US citizens are visa-exempt for visits up to 6 months. They need a UK ETA instead. However, US citizens need a visa for work, long-term study, or settlement.
How long does UK visa processing take?
Standard processing is about 3 weeks. Priority service (5 working days) and super priority service (24 hours) are available at additional cost in some locations.
Can I extend my UK visitor visa?
Generally no. Standard visitor visas cannot be extended beyond 6 months. In exceptional circumstances (medical emergencies), you may apply for an extension.
Do I need an interview for a UK visa?
Not always. Most straightforward visitor visa applications are decided based on documents alone. However, the visa officer may request an interview if they need more information.
What if I'm refused a UK visa?
You'll receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons. You can usually reapply after addressing the issues. For some visa types, you may have a right to appeal or administrative review.
Can I work on a UK visitor visa?
No. A visitor visa does not allow you to work, be paid, or access public funds in the UK. For work, you need a work visa with employer sponsorship.

Related Information

Schengen Visa Guide ETIAS Guide Schengen Area Guide Travel Insurance

Last updated: