A lot of people want to visit the UK but are not able to meet up because of issues surrounding how to get a UK tourist visa. As you have landed this article will provide you with all the details you need in order to plan and make your move to the UK.
But before we go into the details of getting a UK Tourist visa and the requirements and application process thereof, let’s run a quick summary of the basic facts you need to know.
How Much Does the UK Tourist Visa Cost
The cost of a UK tourist visa depends on the applicant’s nationality. This is vital and you need to put it behind your mind.
However, we have gathered the list of the important visas and their applicable fees as follows:
- 6-month UK Visa: $135.00 (USD)
- 2-year UK Visa: $509.00 (USD)
- 5-year UK Visa: $907.00 (USD)
- 10-year UK Visa: $1133.00 (USD)
Also be mindful that as times change, so do the prices of things. The fees above are only applicable are the fees charged as of the time of writing this article.
Always member to check with the UK Embassy or Consulate nearest you for the latest prices.
UK Visa Required Documents
The list of documents required for a UK visa is not very long. Below are some of the documents you will need:
- A completed UK Visa application form
- 2 passport-sized photographs
- Valid travel documents
- A complete travel itinerary
- An invitation letter (where applicable)
- Proof of financial sufficiency
- A cover letter (this is not mandatory)
- Proof of employment
- A return flight ticket
UK Visa Application Process
Voila! You are now ready to go. Let’s go through some of the UK Visa application processes in these simple steps.
Step 1: Gather all Required Documents
You know what to do even from the title of the step. The first thing to do is to gather all the important documents required as stated in the section above.
Make sure the documents are on your laptop so that you will be able to upload them online.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application
Visit the online visa application website on the UK visas and Immigration service. The first thing you’ll need to do is to create an account on the portal. Follow the application steps accordingly.
Step 3: Schedule a Visa Appointment
You will need to schedule an appointment for the UK visa just as it is with other visa application processes. You can book your appointment online, once you have completed the online application form. In addition, you have the option of booking at a VFS Global Center.
Step 4: Attend your Visa Application
Visit the UK Embassy nearest to you for your appointment. During this step, your biometrics will be captured.
The following biometric information will be captured:
- A digital photo of your face
- Your fingerprints
The biometric data capture fee is usually included in the visa fee, for applicants applying outside the UK. If you are applying within the UK, you’ll need to pay an extra £19.20.
Step 5: Wait for the Visa Processing Time
After completing steps 1 to 4, you just sit back and wait for your visa to be processed. It usually takes three weeks and a notification will be sent to you by mail once the process is complete.
Step 6: Get Your UK Tourist Visa
This is the last step. Congratulations on reaching this milestone. You’ve successfully applied for a UK tourist/visitor visa.
You can check a list of countries you can visit with a UK passport without a visa.
Congratulations and safe trips to the United Kingdom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for UK visa online?
Yes, you can apply and pay for the UK visa online. If you are coming with dependents, each of them has to apply and pay separately.
How long UK visa takes?
Once you have successfully completed the online application, you will need to wait for at least 3 for your UK visa to be processed.
Is it hard to get a UK visa?
It is hard to get a UK visa because of the level of scrutiny and strictness of the visa application process. The UK visa and Immigration receives thousands of applications annually that don’t pass the requirements.
