The Child Visitor Visa UK allows children under 18 to visit the United Kingdom for up to 6 months for tourism, family visits, or short-term study. From 8 April 2026, the visa fee is £135 (up from £127) — with no reduced rate for children under 5. Whether your child is travelling with you, with another adult, or alone, this 2026 guide covers parental consent letter requirements, C-Visit accompanied rules, care arrangements for unaccompanied minors, and alternative routes for children needing longer UK stays.
Source: Home Office fees table — gov.uk (effective 8 April 2026)
1. Children under 5 do NOT pay reduced fees — every child pays the full £135 just like adults. 2. Visitor visas do NOT permit regular schooling — only recreational courses up to 6 months. If your child needs to attend an independent fee-paying UK school for longer, the Parent of a Child Student visa route applies for ages 4-11 (see the Alternative Routes section below). 3. Visitor visas do NOT require Immigration Health Surcharge — IHS only applies to visas over 6 months; visitor visa holders pay for any NHS treatment directly.
- Child Visitor Visa UK Requirements 2026
- UK Visitor Visa Fees for Children 2026
- C-Visit Child Accompanied Visa Explained
- Parental Consent Letter for UK Visa
- UK Visa Parent Consent Letter Template
- Care Arrangements for Unaccompanied Minors
- Bringing Parents or Other Family Members to the UK
- Alternative Routes for Children Coming to the UK
- Frequently Asked Questions
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 scrutinise 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. For longer school placements, alternative routes apply (see the Alternative Routes section below).
What Are the UK Child Visitor Visa Requirements 2026?
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 travelling to the UK without both parents, the UK visa application form 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 document requirements 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 (see our UK visitor visa sponsor guide)
- 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 enrolment 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 follows the standard visitor visa procedure, with additional requirements for parental consent and care arrangements:
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Complete Online Application | Submit form on gov.uk website (parent applies on child's behalf) |
| 2 | Pay Visa Fee | £135 for 6-month visa from 8 April 2026 (same fee for all ages) |
| 3 | Book Biometrics Appointment | At a Visa Application Centre (VAC) — parent must accompany |
| 4 | Submit Documents | Including parental consent, care arrangements, and financial evidence |
| 5 | Await Decision | Processing typically takes 3 weeks |
Apply at least 4-6 weeks before intended travel to allow processing time and absorb any potential UK visa decision delays. Children travelling for UK school term starts (September, January) face peak demand — apply early to avoid disappointment.
How Much Does a UK Child Visitor Visa Cost in 2026?
From 8 April 2026, the UK child visitor visa costs £135 for a 6-month visa (up from £127). 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 represents a significant expense when planning UK visits.
| Visa Duration | Previous Fee | Fee from 8 Apr 2026 | Max Stay Per Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 Months | £127 | £135 | 6 months |
| 2 Years | £475 | £506 | 6 months |
| 5 Years | £848 | £903 | 6 months |
| 10 Years | £1,059 | £1,128 | 6 months |
For complete fee information across all visitor visa categories, see the UK visitor 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
| Aspect | Accompanied | Unaccompanied |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Arrangement | With named adult on vignette | Travelling alone |
| Vignette Endorsement | Adult's details endorsed | UK carer's details noted |
| Entry Requirement | Must arrive with named adult | UK carer must receive child |
| Documentation | Relationship proof with adult | Foster care/host family details |
| Duration | Up to 6 months | Up to 6 months |
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
- Dependent children of other visa holders: 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. Inadequate or inconsistent consent documentation is one of the most common UK visa refusal reasons for child visitor visa applications. For country-specific approval probability data that helps calibrate expectations, see our UK visa success rate guide.
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 visitor 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
Bringing Parents or Other Family Members to the UK
If you also want to bring your parents, siblings, grandparents, or other adult relatives to visit, they apply for a Family Visitor Visa (£135 from 8 April 2026) under the same Standard Visitor framework. Each adult applicant submits their own application with your invitation letter as sponsor, evidence of their own ties to the home country, and proof of financial means or your sponsorship.
Child visitor applications are often submitted alongside parent or family member applications — for example, an entire family visiting UK-based relatives, or grandparents accompanying a grandchild. Each applicant requires a separate visa application and fee, but you can prepare a single invitation letter covering all visitors. For complete guidance on inviting parents and adult family members, including sponsor letter templates and evidence requirements, see our dedicated Family Visitor Visa UK guide.
Alternative Routes for Children Coming to the UK
If your child needs more than a short visit, alternative UK visa routes apply. Children aged 4-11 attending UK independent fee-paying schools require a Child Student Visa, with one accompanying parent eligible for the Parent of a Child Student visa. For children of British citizens, the Parent of a British Child visa leads to settlement. Marriage Visitor visas apply when children attend a UK wedding.
The Child Visitor Visa covers short stays only. For children with different circumstances, the correct route depends on age, school type, and family relationships:
| Route | For | Settlement? |
|---|---|---|
| Child Visitor Visa | Short stay (≤6 months) — tourism, family visits, short courses | No |
| Family Visitor Visa | Adult relatives (parents, siblings, grandparents) visiting UK family | No |
| Parent of a Child Student Visa | Parent accompanying child (4-11) at UK independent fee-paying school | No |
| Parent of a British Child Visa | Parent of UK citizen or settled child | Yes (5 years) |
| Marriage Visitor Visa | Children attending family wedding/civil partnership in UK | No |
- Child visitor visa costs £135 from 8 April 2026 (up from £127) — 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
- Visitor visas do NOT require Immigration Health Surcharge — only visas over 6 months do
- Long-term visas (2/5/10 years) offer better value for families making frequent visits
- For children attending UK schools longer than 6 months, alternative routes apply
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a UK child visitor visa cost in 2026?
From 8 April 2026, the UK child visitor visa costs £135 for a 6-month visa (up from £127). There is no reduced rate for children under 5. Longer-term visas are: £506 for 2 years, £903 for 5 years, and £1,128 for 10 years. A family of four would pay £540 in fees for 6-month visitor visas (4 × £135).
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 Child Student Visa, with one parent able to accompany via the Parent of a Child Student visa for ages 4-11.
What is the UK visa fee for a child under 5?
The UK visitor visa fee for children under 5 is £135 for a 6-month visa from 8 April 2026 — 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. 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 £135 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 weeks from the biometrics appointment.
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.
Do children need to pay Immigration Health Surcharge for a visitor visa?
No. The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) only applies to visas longer than 6 months. Since the standard Child Visitor Visa is for stays up to 6 months, no IHS is required. However, visitor visa holders are not entitled to free NHS treatment beyond emergency care — travel insurance covering medical treatment is strongly recommended. IHS only applies if your child is on a longer-term visa such as Child Student or Dependent visa.