How to Apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa

To apply for a UK Standard Visitor visa, apply online at gov.uk/standard-visitor, pay the fee, then attend a visa application centre to give your biometrics. Most short visits cover up to 6 months, and decisions from outside the UK usually take about 3 weeks.

What the Standard Visitor visa covers

The Standard Visitor visa is for people who want to come to the UK for a short time. It covers tourism, visiting family or friends, business activities, and short study. Most visits last up to 6 months.

If you visit the UK often, longer visit visas also exist. You can apply for a 2 year, 5 year, or 10 year visit visa. These still limit each single stay to 6 months, but they let you travel back and forth over a longer period.

You pick the type that fits your travel plans when you fill in the online form.

Step by step

The process runs online first, then moves to an in-person or app step for your biometrics. Here is the usual order:

• Read the guidance and start your application at gov.uk/standard-visitor.
• Fill in the online form with your personal details and your travel plans.
• Pay the visa fee online.
• Book an appointment at a visa application centre.
• Attend the appointment to give your biometrics, or use the UK Immigration ID Check app if you are told you can.
• Upload or hand over your supporting documents.
• Wait for the decision, then collect your passport or documents.

Confirm every step and each requirement on gov.uk, because the rules can change.

Fees

Fees depend on the length of the visa. As a guide, expect around 135 GBP for a short visit visa of up to 6 months, around 506 GBP for a 2 year visa, around 903 GBP for a 5 year visa, and around 1128 GBP for a 10 year visa.

These are approximate figures. Fees change, so always check the current amount on gov.uk before you pay.

One helpful point for visitors: you do not pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. That charge applies to some longer stays, not to Standard Visitor applications.

Biometrics

After you apply and pay, you need to give your biometrics. Biometrics are your fingerprints and a photo. The UK uses these to confirm who you are.

You usually book and attend an appointment at a visa application centre. Depending on where you are, this is run by TLScontact or VFS Global. Bring your passport and any documents you are asked to bring.

Some applicants can use the UK Immigration ID Check app instead of visiting a centre. Gov.uk will tell you during your application if this option is open to you.

The TB test

People who live in certain countries must include a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate with their application. If your country is on the list, you take the test at an approved clinic before you apply, then include the certificate.

Check whether this applies to you on the gov.uk TB test country list. If your country is not on the list, you do not need a TB test for this visa.

Documents that help

A caseworker looks at whether your trip is a genuine visit, whether you have enough money for the trip, and whether you have clear reasons you will leave the UK at the end. Documents that support these points can help. You might include:

• Your current passport or travel document.
• Bank statements or payslips that show you can cover your costs.
• Details of where you will stay, such as a hotel booking or an invitation from family or friends.
• Your travel plans, including dates.
• Proof of your ties at home, such as a job letter, study enrolment, or family responsibilities.
• A TB test certificate if your country requires one.

Gov.uk lists what to provide for your situation. Read that list closely and only send what is asked for.

How long it takes

Standard processing for a visit visa applied for from outside the UK is usually about 3 weeks. Priority and super priority services can give you a faster decision, but they cost extra.

Times can shift with demand, so check the current processing times on gov.uk and plan your trip with room to spare.

FAQ

How long can I stay on a Standard Visitor visa?
Most visits allow a stay of up to 6 months. Longer 2, 5, and 10 year visas let you travel over a longer period, but each single stay is still limited to 6 months.

Do I need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge?
No. Standard Visitor applicants do not pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.

What decides whether I get the visa?
Decisions rest on whether your visit is genuine, whether you have enough funds, and whether you have clear reasons you will leave the UK when your visit ends.

How Code X Elite can help

Code X Elite provides clerical document preparation only. We help you organise and prepare your own application documents so they are tidy and complete. We are not lawyers, we do not give immigration advice, and we do not decide your case. You submit your own application, and the final decision rests with UK authorities. Always confirm current rules, fees, and requirements on gov.uk.

Want a hand getting your paperwork in order? Learn more on our UK Standard Visitor visa page, start your document preparation, or browse our other guides.