The child visitor visa UK allows children under 18 to visit the United Kingdom for up to six months for tourism, family visits, or short-term study. Whether your child is travelling with you, with another adult, or alone, understanding the specific requirements for parental consent, care arrangements, and the correct visa category is essential for a successful application. This guide covers everything from the 2026 visa fees to consent letter templates and how to bring your parents to the UK on a visitor visa.
Understanding the UK Child Visitor Visa in 2026
The UK child visitor visa falls under the Standard Visitor Visa category and enables children under 18 to enter the United Kingdom for short-term purposes. The Home Office takes child welfare extremely seriously under Section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009, requiring proper care arrangements and parental consent for all child visa applications.
Immigration officers carefully scrutinize child visitor visa applications to ensure genuine temporary visits and adequate welfare provisions. The visa allows children to visit family, take holidays, or undertake short-term study courses of up to 6 months, but does not permit regular schooling, work, or access to public funds.
What Are the UK Child Visitor Visa Requirements?
Children under 18 applying for a UK visitor visa must demonstrate a genuine intention to visit temporarily, have adequate financial support, provide parental consent from all persons with parental responsibility, and show suitable care and accommodation arrangements in the UK. The child must intend to leave at the end of their visit.
When a child is traveling to the UK without both parents, the visa application process requires establishing appropriate care and reception arrangements. Satisfying parental consent requirements through proper documentation is essential for approval.
Eligibility Criteria for UK Child Visitor Visa
- Age: Must be under 18 years old at time of application
- Purpose: Valid reasons include tourism, family visits, or short-term study (up to 6 months)
- Temporary Visit: Clear intention to leave the UK after the visit ends
- Financial Support: Sufficient funds without needing public support (from parents, sponsors, or guardians)
- Care Arrangements: Adequate travel, reception, and care arrangements in the UK
- Parental Responsibility: A parent or guardian in the home country must remain responsible for the child's care
- Parental Consent: Written consent from all persons with parental responsibility
Documents Required for UK Child Visitor Visa
The supporting documents for a child visitor visa application must demonstrate both the legitimacy of the visit and proper welfare arrangements:
- Valid Passport: With at least one blank page and validity covering the intended stay
- Passport Photo: Recent colour photograph meeting UK visa photo requirements
- Financial Evidence: Bank statements, payslips, or sponsor letter from parent/guardian proving adequate funds
- Travel Itinerary: Flight bookings showing arrival and departure dates
- Accommodation Proof: Hotel booking or invitation letter from UK host
- Parental Consent Letter: Signed letter from parent(s) or legal guardian(s) granting permission to travel
- Birth Certificate: To prove relationship with parents/guardians
- School Letter: Confirming the child's enrollment and approved absence (recommended)
- Accompanying Adult Letter: If travelling with someone other than a parent, a letter from that adult explaining the arrangement
Application Process for UK Child Visitor Visa
The application process follows the standard visitor visa procedure, with additional requirements for parental consent and care arrangements:
How Much Does a UK Child Visitor Visa Cost in 2026?
The UK child visitor visa fee is £127 for a 6-month visa in 2026. There is no reduced fee for children under 5—all applicants pay the same rate regardless of age. Longer-term visitor visas (2, 5, or 10 years) are available at higher fees but still allow maximum stays of 6 months per visit.
A common misconception is that UK visa fees for children under 5 are reduced or waived. This is not the case—the Home Office charges identical fees for children and adults. For families with multiple children, this can represent a significant expense when planning UK visits.
For complete fee information across all visa categories, see the UK visa fees 2026 guide. Note that long-term visitor visas offer better value per year for families making frequent visits to the UK.
What is a C-Visit Child Accompanied Visa?
The C-Visit Child Accompanied visa is issued when a child under 18 travels to the UK with an identified adult who is responsible for their care during the journey and stay. The accompanying adult's details are endorsed on the child's visa vignette, and the child may be refused entry if arriving with a different adult.
The UK Home Office operates stringent child safeguarding policies under Section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009. Immigration officers are vigilant about verifying care arrangements and may contact Local Authority Children's Services or police if welfare concerns arise.
C-Visit Child Accompanied vs Unaccompanied
When is a Parental Consent Letter Required for UK Visa?
A parental consent letter is required when a child under 18 is travelling without both parents—whether alone, with one parent, or with another adult. The letter must come from all persons with parental responsibility and detail the child's travel arrangements, care provisions, and explicit consent for the trip.
Parental consent documentation is a crucial component of any UK visa application for children. It ensures the child's welfare and verifies that legal guardians are fully informed and consent to the travel plans.
When Parental Consent IS Required
- Child travelling alone: Consent letter from both parents (or the parent with sole custody)
- Child travelling with one parent: Consent letter from the other parent
- Child travelling with grandparent/relative: Consent letter from both parents
- Child travelling with family friend: Consent letter from both parents plus care arrangement details
- Tier 2 or Tier 4 dependent children: Consent relating to care arrangements in the UK
When Parental Consent is NOT Required
If both parents (or a parent with sole custody/parental responsibility) are applying for and accompanying the child, a separate parental consent letter is typically not required. However, this should still be documented in the application form.
What Must the Consent Letter Include?
- Child's full name, date of birth, and nationality
- Parent/guardian's full name, address, and contact details
- Accompanying adult's details (if applicable)
- Travel dates and itinerary
- Accommodation and care arrangements in the UK
- UK contact person's details
- Explicit consent statement
- Signature and date from consenting parent(s)
Divorced or Separated Parents
When parents are divorced or separated, the parent with legal custody or sole parental responsibility must provide consent. If custody is shared, consent from both parents is typically required. In cases where one parent cannot be contacted or refuses consent, provide evidence such as court orders establishing sole custody, or a statutory declaration explaining the circumstances.
UK Visa Parent Consent Letter Template
The following template provides a comprehensive format for parental consent letters that meets UK visa requirements. Customise the bracketed sections with your specific details:
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[City, Country, Postal Code]
[Date]
To: UK Visa Application Centre / Entry Clearance Officer
Re: Parental Consent for [Child's Full Name]
Child's Passport Number: [Passport Number]
Child's Date of Birth: [DOB]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I, [Your Full Name], holder of Passport No: [Your Passport Number], residing at [Your Address], hereby confirm that I am the [mother/father/legal guardian] of [Child's Full Name].
I give my full consent for [Child's Full Name] to travel to the United Kingdom [with/without] [Name of Accompanying Adult, if any] from [Travel Date] to [Return Date]. The purpose of this visit is [holiday/family visit/short-term study/etc.].
The arrangements for my child's travel, reception, and care in the UK are:
• Flight: [Airline, Flight Number, Departure/Arrival Details]
• Accommodation: [Address where child will stay]
• UK Contact: [Name, Address, Phone, Relationship]
I confirm that I have made all necessary arrangements for [Child's Full Name]'s safe travel and stay in the United Kingdom, and that I consent to these arrangements.
Supporting documents enclosed: [Birth certificate, relationship proof, etc.]
For any queries, please contact me at [Phone] or [Email].
Yours faithfully,
[Your Signature]
[Your Full Name - Typed]
Common Mistakes in Parental Consent Letters
Avoid these frequent errors that can lead to visa refusal:
- Inconsistent information: Ensure all details match other application documents
- Missing signatures: All persons with parental responsibility must sign
- Vague arrangements: Be specific about accommodation and care provisions
- No supporting documents: Include birth certificate and relationship evidence
- Template language only: Personalise the letter to your specific circumstances
What Are the Care Arrangements for Minors Travelling Alone?
When a child under 18 travels to the UK alone, detailed care arrangements must be documented including who will receive the child at the airport, where they will stay, and who is responsible for their welfare. For stays over 28 days with non-relatives, private fostering regulations apply and the local authority must be notified.
Care arrangements for unaccompanied minors are scrutinised carefully by immigration officers. The documentation required depends on who will care for the child in the UK and the duration of the stay.
Private Foster Care Requirements
If your child will be staying with a host family or private foster carer for more than 28 days, the following documentation is required:
- Foster carer details: Full name, address, date of birth, and relationship to child
- Parental authorisation: Written consent from parents/guardians
- Local authority notification: Confirmation that the council has been informed
- Welfare assessment: Evidence that an assessment has been or will be conducted
Host Family Arrangements
For children staying with a host family in the UK, the family must provide a letter verifying their identity, address, and care arrangements. This applies particularly to:
- School exchange programmes: Host family details and school correspondence required
- Charity-organised visits: Organisation must provide host family checks and details
- Extended family stays: Relationship proof and sponsor documentation
How to Get a UK Visitor Visa for Parents in 2026
To bring your parents to the UK for a visit, they must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa (£127 for 6 months). Key requirements include an invitation letter from you, proof of their ties to their home country, evidence of financial means, and clear travel intentions. Parents cannot apply from within the UK—they must apply from their country of residence.
Inviting parents to visit the UK is one of the most common reasons for family visitor visa applications. Whether you're a British citizen, settled resident, or on a work visa, you can sponsor your parents for a visitor visa. However, the application must demonstrate that your parents genuinely intend to visit temporarily and will return home.
UK Visitor Visa Requirements for Parents
Your parents must provide the following documents for their visitor visa application:
- Valid passport: With at least 6 months validity beyond the intended stay
- Financial evidence: Bank statements, pension statements, or sponsor's bank statements showing sufficient funds
- Invitation letter: From you, detailing the purpose of visit, relationship, intended stay duration, and accommodation arrangements
- Relationship proof: Birth certificate, family photographs, or other evidence of the parent-child relationship
- Accommodation details: Where they will stay in the UK (your home or hotel booking)
- Ties to home country: Property ownership, employment, other family members, pension arrangements
- Travel history: Previous visas and travel stamps showing compliance with immigration rules
Parent Visitor Visa Fees 2026
For parents who plan to visit regularly, long-term visitor visas offer significant savings. A 10-year visa at £1,059 works out to just £105.90 per year, compared to £254 per year for repeated 6-month visas.
Can You Apply for a Parent Visitor Visa on Their Behalf?
You can assist your parents with their application by helping them complete the online form, gathering documents, and providing your invitation letter and sponsor details. However, your parents must attend the biometrics appointment themselves at a visa application centre in their country of residence. You cannot submit the application on their behalf remotely.
UK Visitor Visa for Retired Parents
Retired parents can apply using the Standard Visitor Visa. Key considerations include:
- Pension evidence: Show regular pension income to demonstrate financial stability
- Property ownership: Owning a home in the country of residence shows ties
- Other family members: Evidence of spouse, other children, or grandchildren remaining in home country
- Sponsor support: If you're covering their expenses, provide your financial evidence
What If a Parent Visitor Visa is Refused?
If your parent's visitor visa application is refused, the refusal notice will specify the reasons. Common reasons for visitor visa refusal include insufficient evidence of ties to the home country, inadequate financial documentation, or concerns about the genuineness of the visit. Your parents can reapply immediately, addressing the specific concerns raised. For complex cases, understanding your chances of getting a visa after refusal can help plan the next steps.
- Child visitor visa costs £127 for 6 months—no discounts for children under 5
- Parental consent letter required when child travels without both parents
- C-Visit endorsement specifies whether child is accompanied or unaccompanied
- Private fostering notification required for stays over 28 days with non-relatives
- Parent visitor visa (£127) requires invitation letter and proof of ties to home country
- Long-term visas offer better value for parents planning frequent visits
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a child go to school on a visitor visa in the UK?
No, children on a visitor visa cannot attend regular schooling in the UK. However, they can participate in recreational courses lasting up to 6 months (180 days) that do not contribute towards an academic qualification. For regular schooling or academic study exceeding 6 months, the child would need a Student visa or a Child Student visa, depending on their age and circumstances.
What is the UK visa fee for a child under 5?
The UK visitor visa fee for children under 5 is £127 for a 6-month visa—the same as for adults. There is no discounted rate for infants or young children. Longer-term visas are also available at the standard rates: £475 for 2 years, £848 for 5 years, and £1,059 for 10 years. A family with multiple children should budget accordingly, as each child requires a separate visa application and fee.
Can a minor travel to the UK without parents?
Yes, minors under 18 can travel to the UK alone on a C-Visit Child Unaccompanied visa. However, strict requirements apply: a signed parental consent letter from all persons with parental responsibility, detailed care arrangements for who will receive and look after the child in the UK, and for stays over 28 days with non-relatives, notification to the local authority under private fostering regulations. Airlines may also have their own unaccompanied minor policies.
How do I apply for a UK visa for my child?
As a parent or legal guardian, you complete the online application on gov.uk on your child's behalf, pay the £127 fee, then book a biometrics appointment at a Visa Application Centre. You must accompany your child to the appointment. Required documents include the child's passport, your parental consent letter (if applicable), financial evidence, accommodation details, and travel itinerary. Processing typically takes 3-4 weeks from the biometrics appointment.
Can I bring my parents to the UK for a visit?
Yes, you can invite your parents to visit you in the UK by supporting their Standard Visitor Visa application. Your parents apply from their home country, providing an invitation letter from you, proof of their financial means or your sponsorship, evidence of their ties to their home country, and accommodation details. The visa costs £127 for 6 months, or consider a long-term visitor visa (2, 5, or 10 years) for parents who plan to visit regularly.
What documents are required for UK visitor visa for parents?
Key documents for a parent visitor visa include: a valid passport, financial evidence (bank statements, pension documents, or sponsor's bank statements), an invitation letter from their child in the UK detailing the visit purpose and accommodation, relationship proof such as birth certificates, evidence of ties to their home country (property, employment, other family), and previous travel history. If you're sponsoring your parents, include your UK address proof, employment details, and bank statements.
What is a C-Visit child accompanied visa?
The C-Visit child accompanied visa is a UK visitor visa issued to children under 18 who are travelling with an identified adult responsible for their care. The accompanying adult's details are endorsed on the child's visa vignette. This is important for child safeguarding—if the child arrives at the UK border with a different adult than the one named on the vignette, entry may be refused and further inquiries will be conducted to ensure the child's welfare.
How long can parents stay in the UK on a visitor visa?
Parents can stay in the UK for up to 6 months per visit on a Standard Visitor Visa. Even with a long-term visa (2, 5, or 10 years), each individual visit is limited to 6 months maximum. There is no option to extend a visitor visa except in exceptional circumstances. Parents should not live in the UK for extended periods—spending 6 months out of every 12 in the UK may raise concerns about using visitor status incorrectly and could lead to refusal of future applications.