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 fee is £135 (up from £127) — with no reduced rate for children under 5. This guide covers parental consent letters, C-Visit accompanied rules, care arrangements for unaccompanied minors, and how to invite your parents to visit on a Standard Visitor Visa.
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. 2. Visitor visas do NOT permit regular schooling — only recreational courses up to 6 months; for an independent fee-paying school, the Parent of a Child Student route applies for ages 4-11 (see Alternative Routes below). 3. Visitor visas do NOT require the IHS — it applies only to visas over 6 months; visitors pay the NHS 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
- UK Visitor Visa for Parents 2026
- 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 UK 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 every child application.
Immigration officers scrutinise child applications closely to confirm genuine temporary visits and adequate welfare provisions. The visa covers family visits, holidays, and short-term study courses up to 6 months — but not regular schooling, work, or public funds. For longer school placements, see the Alternative Routes section.
What Are the UK Child Visitor Visa Requirements 2026?
Children under 18 must show a genuine intention to visit temporarily, adequate financial support, parental consent from everyone with parental responsibility, and suitable care and accommodation arrangements in the UK. The child must intend to leave at the end of the visit.
The legal framework sits in Appendix V of the Immigration Rules. When a child travels without both parents, the UK visa application form must establish appropriate care and reception arrangements — consent documentation is what approvals turn on.
Eligibility Criteria for UK Child Visitor Visa
- Age: under 18 at the time of application
- Purpose: tourism, family visits, or short-term study up to 6 months
- Temporary visit: clear intention to leave when the visit ends
- Financial support: sufficient funds from parents, sponsors, or guardians
- Care arrangements: adequate travel, reception, and care provisions in the UK
- Parental responsibility: a parent or guardian at home remains responsible for the child
- Parental consent: written consent from all persons with parental responsibility
Documents Required for UK Child Visitor Visa
The document requirements must demonstrate both the legitimacy of the visit and proper welfare arrangements:
- Valid passport: with a blank page and validity covering the stay
- Passport photo: recent colour photograph meeting UK specifications
- Financial evidence: bank statements, payslips, or a sponsor letter proving adequate funds
- Travel itinerary: flight bookings showing arrival and departure dates
- Accommodation proof: hotel booking or invitation letter from the UK host (see our UK visitor visa sponsor guide)
- Parental consent letter: signed by parent(s) or legal guardian(s)
- Birth certificate: proving the relationship with parents or guardians
- School letter: confirming enrolment and approved absence (recommended)
- Accompanying adult letter: if travelling with someone other than a parent
Application Process for UK Child Visitor Visa
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Complete online application | On gov.uk — a parent applies on the child's behalf |
| 2 | Pay visa fee | £135 for 6 months from 8 April 2026 (same fee at all ages) |
| 3 | Book biometrics appointment | At a Visa Application Centre — a parent must accompany |
| 4 | Submit documents | Consent letter, care arrangements, and financial evidence |
| 5 | Await decision | Processing typically takes 3 weeks |
Apply 4-6 weeks before travel to absorb potential UK visa decision delays. Children travelling for UK school term starts (September, January) face peak demand — apply early.
How Much Does a UK Child Visitor Visa Cost in 2026?
From 8 April 2026 the child visitor visa costs £135 for 6 months (up from £127). There is no reduced fee for children under 5 — every applicant pays the same rate. Longer-term visas (2, 5, or 10 years) cost more but still cap each stay at 6 months.
A common misconception is that fees for under-5s are reduced or waived. They are not — the Home Office charges children and adults identically, which adds up quickly for families with several children.
| 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 the full schedule across visitor categories, see the UK visitor visa fees 2026 guide. Multi-year visit visa options offer better value per year for families making frequent trips.
What is a C-Visit Child Accompanied Visa?
The C-Visit Child Accompanied visa is issued when a child under 18 travels with an identified adult responsible for their care during the journey and stay. The adult's details are endorsed on the child's vignette — arriving with a different adult risks refusal at the border.
The Home Office operates stringent child safeguarding under Section 55. Immigration officers verify 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 whenever a child under 18 travels without both parents — alone, with one parent, or with another adult. It must come from everyone with parental responsibility and set out the travel arrangements, care provisions, and explicit consent for the trip.
When Parental Consent IS Required
- Child travelling alone: consent from both parents (or the parent with sole custody)
- Child travelling with one parent: consent from the other parent
- Child travelling with grandparent/relative: consent from both parents
- Child travelling with family friend: consent from both parents plus care arrangement details
- Dependent children of other visa holders: consent covering UK care arrangements
When Parental Consent is NOT Required
If both parents (or a parent with sole custody) are applying for and accompanying the child, a separate consent letter is typically unnecessary — though the arrangement should still be stated 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
The parent with legal custody or sole parental responsibility must consent; where custody is shared, both parents usually must. If one parent cannot be contacted or refuses, provide court orders establishing sole custody or a statutory declaration explaining the circumstances. Inconsistent consent documentation is one of the most common UK visa refusal reasons for child applications.
UK Visa Parent Consent Letter Template
The template below meets UK visa requirements — customise the bracketed sections with your 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
- Inconsistent information: all details must match the other application documents
- Missing signatures: everyone with parental responsibility must sign
- Vague arrangements: be specific about accommodation and care
- No supporting documents: include the birth certificate and relationship evidence
- Template language only: personalise the letter to your circumstances
What Are the Care Arrangements for Minors Travelling Alone?
When a child travels to the UK alone, the application must document who will receive them at the airport, where they will stay, and who is responsible for their welfare. For stays over 28 days with non-relatives, private fostering rules apply and the local authority must be notified.
Private Foster Care Requirements
If your child will stay with a host family or private foster carer beyond 28 days, the official guidance on looking after someone else's child sets out the council notification duties. The application needs:
- Foster carer details: full name, address, date of birth, relationship to the child
- Parental authorisation: written consent from parents or guardians
- Local authority notification: confirmation the council has been informed
- Welfare assessment: evidence an assessment has been or will be conducted
Host Family Arrangements
A UK host family must provide a letter verifying their identity, address, and care arrangements. This applies particularly to:
- School exchange programmes: host family details plus school correspondence
- Charity-organised visits: the organisation provides host family checks and details
- Extended family stays: relationship proof and sponsor documentation
How to Get a UK Visitor Visa for Parents in 2026
Your parents apply for a Standard Visitor Visa (£135 for 6 months from 8 April 2026) from their country of residence — never from within the UK. They need an invitation letter from you, proof of ties to their home country, financial evidence, and clear travel intentions.
Inviting parents is one of the most common family visitor scenarios. Whether you are a British citizen, settled, or on a work visa, you can sponsor their application — the official Standard Visitor guidance sets out the baseline rules, and the application must show your parents genuinely intend to return home.
UK Visitor Visa Requirements for Parents
- Valid passport: at least 6 months beyond the intended stay
- Financial evidence: bank or pension statements, or your sponsor statements
- Invitation letter: purpose of visit, relationship, duration, and accommodation
- Relationship proof: birth certificate or other parent-child evidence
- Accommodation details: your home or a hotel booking
- Ties to home country: property, employment, family, pension arrangements
- Travel history: previous visas and stamps showing compliance
Parent Visitor Visa Fees from 8 April 2026
| Visa Type | Fee (8 Apr 2026) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 6-Month Visit Visa | £135 | Single visit or occasional trips |
| 2-Year Long-Term | £506 | Parents planning 2+ visits per year |
| 5-Year Long-Term | £903 | Regular visitors (best value over 5 years) |
| 10-Year Long-Term | £1,128 | Frequent visitors (~£112.80/year) |
For regular visitors, long-term visas save serious money: a 10-year visa works out to £112.80 per year against £270 per year for repeated 6-month applications. For parents making several trips a year, UK multiple entry visa options add flexibility.
Can You Apply for a Parent Visitor Visa on Their Behalf?
You can help complete the online form, gather documents, and supply your invitation letter and sponsor details — but your parents must attend the biometrics appointment themselves at a visa application centre in their country of residence.
UK Visitor Visa for Retired Parents
- Pension evidence: regular pension income demonstrating financial stability
- Property ownership: a home in the country of residence shows ties
- Other family members: spouse, children, or grandchildren remaining at home
- Sponsor support: your financial evidence if you are covering their costs
What If a Parent Visitor Visa is Refused?
The refusal notice will state the reasons — typically weak ties to the home country, thin financial documentation, or doubts about the visit's genuineness. Your parents can reapply immediately, addressing the specific concerns. For extending an existing stay in exceptional circumstances, see our UK visit visa extension guide.
Alternative Routes for Children Coming to the UK
If your child needs more than a short visit, a different route applies. Children aged 4-11 at UK independent fee-paying schools need a Child Student Visa, with one parent eligible to accompany. Children of British citizens, adopted children joining settled parents, and children attending a UK wedding each have their own route.
| Route | For | Settlement? |
|---|---|---|
| Child Visitor Visa | Short stay (≤6 months) — tourism, family visits, short courses | 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) |
| Adopted Child Settlement Visa | Child adopted overseas joining settled adoptive parents | Yes (immediate) |
| Marriage Visitor Visa | Children attending family wedding/civil partnership in UK | No |
- Child visitor visa costs £135 from 8 April 2026 — no discounts for under-5s
- Parental consent letter required when the child travels without both parents
- C-Visit endorsement specifies whether the child is accompanied or unaccompanied
- Private fostering notification required for stays over 28 days with non-relatives
- Parent visitor visa (£135) needs an invitation letter and proof of home-country ties
- Long-term visas offer better value for parents who visit frequently
- For schooling beyond 6 months or settlement, alternative child routes apply
From 8 April 2026: £135 for 6 months (up from £127), with no reduced rate for under-5s. Longer-term options are £506 for 2 years, £903 for 5 years, and £1,128 for 10 years. A family of four pays £540 for 6-month visitor visas (4 × £135).
No — visitor visas bar regular schooling. Children may take recreational courses up to 6 months that do not lead to an academic qualification. For regular schooling or study beyond 6 months, the child needs a Child Student Visa, with one parent able to accompany via the Parent of a Child Student route for ages 4-11.
£135 for a 6-month visa from 8 April 2026 — identical to the adult rate. There is no discount for infants or young children, and each child needs a separate application and fee. Longer-term visas are also charged at the standard rates.
Yes, on a C-Visit Child Unaccompanied visa — with strict conditions: a signed consent letter from everyone with parental responsibility, documented care arrangements covering who receives and looks after the child, and local authority notification under private fostering rules for stays over 28 days with non-relatives. Airlines apply their own unaccompanied minor policies too.
Complete the online gov.uk form on your child's behalf, pay the £135 fee, and book a biometrics appointment at a Visa Application Centre — you must accompany your child. Submit the passport, consent letter (if applicable), financial evidence, accommodation details, and itinerary. Decisions typically arrive within 3 weeks of biometrics.
Yes — your parents apply for a Standard Visitor Visa from their home country with your invitation letter, proof of their finances or your sponsorship, evidence of home-country ties, and accommodation details. The visa costs £135 for 6 months from 8 April 2026; long-term options suit parents who visit regularly.
A valid passport, financial evidence (bank or pension statements, or your sponsor statements), your invitation letter detailing the visit and accommodation, relationship proof such as birth certificates, evidence of home-country ties (property, employment, family), and travel history. Sponsors should add UK address proof, employment details, and bank statements.
A visitor visa issued to under-18s travelling with an identified adult responsible for their care, whose details are endorsed on the child's vignette. If the child arrives at the border with a different adult, entry may be refused and welfare inquiries conducted — the endorsement exists for child safeguarding.
Up to 6 months per visit — even on a 2, 5, or 10-year long-term visa. Extensions are only possible in exceptional circumstances. Spending 6 months out of every 12 in the UK suggests living here by stealth and can lead to refusals of future applications.
No — the IHS applies only to visas over 6 months, so child visitor visas are exempt. Visitors are not entitled to free NHS treatment beyond emergency care, so travel insurance covering medical treatment is strongly recommended. IHS applies only on longer routes such as Child Student or Dependent visas.