This comprehensive Standard Visitor Visa UK guide covers everything you need to know about visiting the United Kingdom in 2026. Whether you are planning a tourist holiday, family visit, or short business trip, this guide explains the visa requirements, application process, fees, and provides sample travel itineraries to strengthen your application.
Source: Home Office Immigration System Statistics, year ending September 2025
Standard Visitor Visa UK Guidance 2026
The Standard Visitor Visa UK is the main route for tourists, family visitors, and business travellers who need permission to enter the United Kingdom. This visa category replaced the previous system of separate tourist, family, and business visitor visas, consolidating them into a single application process under the Immigration Rules Appendix V. The visa allows you to stay for up to 6 months per visit and can be issued as a single-entry, dual-entry, or multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years.
According to Home Office Immigration System Statistics (year ending September 2025), the UK processed 2,796,854 visitor visa applications with 2,232,149 granted, reflecting a 79% global grant rate. India, China, Turkey, Nigeria, and Pakistan are the top five source countries by application volume. Understanding the requirements and presenting a strong application is essential, particularly for nationalities with lower approval rates.
What is the UK Visa Process?
The UK visa process involves completing an online application on gov.uk, paying the visa fee (£127 for a 6-month Standard Visitor), booking a biometrics appointment at a visa application centre (VAC), submitting your supporting documents, and waiting for a decision. Standard processing takes approximately 3 weeks from your biometrics appointment.
Understanding the step-by-step UK visa process is essential for a successful application. The Standard Visitor Visa is applied for entirely online through the official gov.uk Standard Visitor portal, and you must complete your application before travelling to the UK. Visa-exempt nationals who do not require a visa should instead check whether they need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
- Step 1: Check whether you need a visa — visa nationals must apply, while non-visa nationals now require an ETA
- Step 2: Complete the online visa application form on gov.uk, answering all questions fully and accurately
- Step 3: Pay the visa fee — £127 for the standard 6-month visitor visa
- Step 4: Book and attend your biometrics appointment at a visa application centre (VAC)
- Step 5: Submit your passport and supporting documents
- Step 6: Wait for a decision — standard processing takes approximately 3 weeks
- Step 7: Collect your passport with visa vignette or receive eVisa confirmation
EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals who previously enjoyed free movement to the UK now require an ETA (£16) for short visits. Those who wish to work, study, or settle in the UK must apply for the appropriate visa through the standard application process. EU/EEA/Swiss nationals can use two smartphone apps for their UK applications: the UK ETA App for ETA applications and the UK Immigration: ID Check App for visa applications — neither requires an appointment at a visa application centre.
Standard Visitor Visa UK Requirements
To qualify for a Standard Visitor Visa, you must demonstrate that you meet the eligibility criteria set out in the Immigration Rules. The Home Office will assess whether you are a genuine visitor with legitimate reasons to enter the UK and sufficient ties to your home country to ensure your return.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements?
You must be a genuine visitor who intends to leave the UK at the end of your visit, can support yourself financially without working or accessing public funds, can pay for your return journey, and will only undertake permitted activities such as tourism, family visits, or business meetings. You must not intend to live in the UK through frequent or successive visits.
- Genuine intention: You must genuinely intend to visit the UK for a permitted purpose
- Will leave the UK: You must demonstrate strong ties to your home country ensuring your return at the end of the visit
- Sufficient funds: You can financially support yourself and any dependents during the trip without working or accessing public funds
- Return travel: You can pay for your return or onward journey
- Permitted activities: Your planned activities fall within the scope of what visitors are allowed to do, such as tourism, business meetings, family visits, or private medical treatment
- 180-day rule: You must not live in the UK through frequent or successive visits — the Home Office monitors whether visitors spend more than 180 days in any 12-month period
What is the 180-Day Rule for UK Visitors?
Although each Standard Visitor Visa allows stays of up to 6 months per visit, the Home Office expects visitors not to spend more than 180 days in the UK within any rolling 12-month period. Spending close to 6 months on every visit may lead to questioning at the border or future visa refusals, as it suggests you are effectively living in the UK rather than visiting.
The 180-day rule is not a formal legal limit written into the Immigration Rules but is a practical guideline used by UK Border Force officers. If you hold a long-term visitor visa (2, 5, or 10 years), you can make multiple entries, but each visit should be proportionate and you should spend the majority of your time outside the UK. Visitors who repeatedly stay for 5-6 months may face refusal of entry or cancellation of their visa.
Document Checklist for Standard Visitor Visa
The supporting documents you submit play a crucial role in demonstrating your eligibility. While the Home Office does not provide a mandatory checklist, the following documents are strongly recommended:
| Document Type | Details Required |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Must be valid for the duration of your stay with at least one blank page |
| Bank Statements | Last 6 months showing regular income and sufficient funds |
| Employment Evidence | Employment letter confirming role, salary, and approved leave; payslips; or business registration if self-employed |
| Travel Itinerary | Flight bookings, hotel reservations, and day-by-day planned activities |
| Accommodation Proof | Hotel bookings or sponsor's invitation letter with proof of their address and status |
| Ties to Home Country | Property ownership, family commitments, ongoing employment, or enrolled education |
| Previous Travel History | Old passports showing compliance with previous visa conditions |
Travel Itinerary for UK Visa
A well-prepared travel itinerary is one of the most important supporting documents for your Standard Visitor Visa application. It demonstrates that you have genuine plans for your visit and helps visa officers understand the purpose and structure of your trip.
Is a Travel Itinerary Required for UK Visa?
A travel itinerary is strongly recommended for UK visa applications although not technically mandatory. Providing a detailed itinerary significantly strengthens your application by demonstrating genuine tourist intentions, planned activities, and a clear timeline for your visit. Applications without itineraries may face additional scrutiny from visa officers.
Your travel itinerary should include day-by-day plans showing where you will go, what you will do, and where you will stay. It should align with your accommodation bookings and flight tickets to present a consistent picture of your visit. Inconsistencies between your itinerary and other documents can raise concerns about the genuineness of your application.
How to Write a Flight Itinerary for UK Visa
A flight itinerary for a UK visa application should show your planned arrival and departure dates, departure city, arrival airport in the UK, and return flight details. You can provide a confirmed booking or a flexible/refundable reservation. Many applicants use "hold" bookings to avoid financial loss if the visa is refused.
Your flight itinerary must show both entry to and exit from the UK. If someone else is booking your flights, ensure the confirmation shows your name as the passenger. Some visa application centres accept flight itineraries (showing intended dates) rather than confirmed paid bookings, which is particularly useful for applicants who want to avoid the financial risk of purchasing non-refundable tickets before receiving their visa.
Sample UK Visa Itinerary (10 Days)
Below is a sample travel itinerary for a 10-day UK tourist visa application. Adapt this template to your own specific plans, ensuring your itinerary matches your accommodation bookings and stated purpose of visit:
- Day 1: Arrive London Heathrow, transfer to hotel in Westminster, evening walk along South Bank
- Day 2: Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Borough Market, dinner in Covent Garden
- Day 3: Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, West End theatre show
- Day 4: British Museum, National Gallery, afternoon tea in Mayfair
- Day 5: Day trip to Oxford by train — university colleges, Ashmolean Museum, Bodleian Library
- Day 6: Visit family or friends in [City] — staying overnight at their home
- Day 7: Return to London, Camden Market, Natural History Museum, evening in Soho
- Day 8: Day trip to Bath — Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, Royal Crescent, Jane Austen Centre
- Day 9: Shopping at Oxford Street and Harrods, Hyde Park walk, farewell dinner
- Day 10: Check out of hotel, last-minute sightseeing, depart from London Heathrow
If your visit includes purposes beyond tourism — such as attending a business conference, receiving private medical treatment, or participating in a short course — include these details in your itinerary with relevant supporting evidence such as conference invitations, hospital appointment letters, or course enrolment confirmations.
Financial Requirements for Standard Visitor Visa
Demonstrating sufficient funds is one of the most critical aspects of your Standard Visitor Visa application. The Home Office does not specify a fixed minimum bank balance, but you must show you can cover all trip costs — including flights, accommodation, food, transport, and activities — without working or accessing public funds in the UK.
What Financial Evidence Do You Need?
You need bank statements for the last 6 months showing your name, account number, regular income deposits, and a healthy balance. Statements should demonstrate consistent financial activity over the full period, not just a sudden large deposit before the application. If someone else is funding your trip, include their financial documents and a sponsorship letter.
- Bank statements: 6 months of statements showing regular income and transactions from your personal account
- Employment letter: Confirming your position, salary, length of service, and approved leave dates
- Payslips: Recent payslips (3-6 months) showing consistent salary payments
- Self-employed: Business registration, recent tax returns, and company bank statements
- Property ownership: Title deeds or mortgage statements demonstrating assets and ties to your home country
- Sponsor support: If a UK-based sponsor is funding your visit, include their bank statements, employment letter, and a signed undertaking letter
UK Visitor Visa Fees 2026
The UK visa fees for Standard Visitor visas depend on the duration of validity you are applying for. All visitor visa fees are non-refundable, even if your application is refused or you withdraw it. For a detailed breakdown by visa duration, see our comprehensive visitor visa fees guide.
| Visa Duration | Fee (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 6 months | £127 | Standard visitor visa — single, dual, or multiple entry |
| 2-year long-term | £475 | Multiple entry, 6 months maximum per visit |
| 5-year long-term | £848 | Multiple entry, 6 months maximum per visit |
| 10-year long-term | £1,059 | Multiple entry, 6 months maximum per visit |
| Priority Service | +£500 | Decision within 5 working days (subject to availability) |
| Super Priority | +£1,000 | Decision by next working day (subject to availability) |
For long-term visitor visas, each visit is still limited to a maximum of 6 months. Applicants under 18 will only receive a long-term visa valid until 6 months after their 18th birthday, and the higher fee is not refundable if a shorter visa is issued. Chinese nationals applying in mainland China may receive a 2-year visa for the standard £127 fee under the UK-China visa scheme.
How Long Does UK Visitor Visa Processing Take?
Standard visa processing takes approximately 3 weeks from your biometrics appointment. Priority service (additional £500) aims for a decision within 5 working days, and Super Priority (additional £1,000) targets the next working day. Processing times may be longer during peak seasons or if additional security checks are required.
Apply well in advance of your planned travel date — at least 4-6 weeks before departure to allow for standard processing plus any unexpected delays. If your application is taking longer than expected, see our guide on UK visa delays for advice on next steps, including how to escalate your case.
Visitor Visa Success Rate and Statistics
Understanding your likelihood of approval can help you prepare a stronger application. The Home Office publishes detailed statistics on visa outcomes by nationality, which reveal significant variation in grant rates across different countries.
What is the UK Visitor Visa Approval Rate?
The overall UK visitor visa grant rate is 79%, with 2,232,149 visas granted out of 2,796,854 applications in the year ending September 2025. However, approval rates vary significantly by nationality — from 96% for South African applicants to just 48% for Bangladeshi applicants. Understanding your country's specific approval rate can help you identify areas to strengthen in your application.
| Nationality | Applications | Grant Rate |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 80,816 | 96% |
| China | 519,918 | 91% |
| Turkey | 248,009 | 90% |
| India | 677,699 | 82% |
| Nigeria | 171,933 | 61% |
| Pakistan | 157,570 | 58% |
| Ghana | 47,407 | 57% |
| Bangladesh | 39,733 | 48% |
India alone accounts for 677,699 applications — the highest of any nationality — with 120,531 refusals despite an above-average 82% approval rate. For applicants from countries with lower grant rates, presenting thorough financial evidence, strong ties to your home country, and a detailed travel itinerary is particularly important. For a full breakdown across all nationalities, see our UK visa success rate guide.
Common Refusal Reasons and How to Avoid Them
Understanding why applications are refused can help you avoid common pitfalls. The most common UK visa refusal reasons for visitor visa applications relate to financial evidence, ties to home country, and inconsistencies in the application.
- Insufficient funds: Unable to demonstrate adequate finances to cover the entire trip including flights, accommodation, and daily expenses
- Weak ties to home country: No compelling evidence of employment, property, or family obligations requiring your return
- Incomplete application: Missing documents, unanswered questions, or gaps in your supporting evidence
- Inconsistent information: Discrepancies between your application form answers and supporting documents
- Previous immigration violations: History of overstaying or breaching visa conditions in the UK or other countries
- Undisclosed refusals: Failing to declare previous visa refusals from any country — this is treated as deception
If your visitor visa application is refused, you cannot appeal but you can reapply immediately after addressing the specific reasons given in your visitor visa refusal letter. For detailed guidance on reapplying, see our guide on your chances of getting a visa after refusal. For particularly complex cases involving previous refusals or immigration history, consider seeking professional advice from immigration solicitors who specialise in complex visitor visa applications.
- The Standard Visitor Visa costs £127 for up to 6 months (2026 fees), with long-term options available for 2, 5, or 10 years
- The global grant rate is 79%, but approval rates vary significantly by nationality
- Always provide a detailed travel itinerary with flight bookings and day-by-day plans
- Six months of bank statements showing consistent finances are essential — avoid large unexplained deposits
- Standard processing takes approximately 3 weeks; apply at least 4-6 weeks before travel
- Each visit is limited to 6 months maximum, and the 180-day rule applies to frequent visitors
For complete official guidance on the application process, eligibility criteria, and permitted activities, visit the gov.uk visas and immigration pages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Standard Visitor Visa UK
How long can I stay in the UK on a Standard Visitor Visa?
You can stay for a maximum of 6 months per visit on a Standard Visitor Visa. This limit applies regardless of whether you have a 6-month, 2-year, 5-year, or 10-year visa. Long-term visas allow multiple entries, but each individual visit must not exceed 6 months. The UK Border Force officer at your port of entry determines your actual permitted stay duration.
Is a travel itinerary required for UK visa application?
While not technically mandatory, a travel itinerary is strongly recommended and can significantly strengthen your Standard Visitor Visa application. It demonstrates genuine visitor intentions and helps caseworkers understand your planned activities. Include day-by-day plans, accommodation bookings, and flight details that align with your stated purpose of visit. Applications without itineraries may face additional scrutiny.
Can I work on a Standard Visitor Visa UK?
No, you cannot undertake paid or unpaid work on a Standard Visitor Visa. You also cannot study for more than 30 days unless the study is not the main purpose of your visit. Permitted activities include tourism, family visits, attending business meetings and conferences, receiving private medical treatment, and participating in certain sporting or creative events. For permitted paid engagements, you need a separate PPE visa endorsement.
How much bank balance is required for UK visitor visa?
There is no fixed minimum bank balance requirement for the UK visitor visa. You must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your entire trip costs including accommodation, food, transport, and planned activities without accessing public funds. As a general guideline, budgeting £100-£150 per day plus accommodation and flights is typical. Your bank statements should show consistent income and spending patterns over 6 months, not just a recent large deposit.
What is the UK visitor visa success rate?
The overall UK visitor visa grant rate is 79% according to Home Office Immigration System Statistics (year ending September 2025). However, approval rates vary significantly by nationality. South Africa enjoys a 96% grant rate, while Bangladesh has the lowest at 48%. India processes the most applications (677,699) with an 82% approval rate. Understanding your country-specific grant rate can help you identify areas to strengthen in your application.
Can I extend my Standard Visitor Visa in the UK?
Visitor visa extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances, such as ongoing medical treatment or being unable to travel due to unforeseen events. You cannot extend simply because you want to stay longer. Applications must be made before your current leave expires. If an extension is granted, your total stay still cannot exceed 6 months (or 11 months for medical visitors receiving private treatment).
What happens if my UK visitor visa is refused?
If your Standard Visitor Visa is refused, you will receive a refusal letter explaining the specific reasons. There is no right of appeal for visitor visa refusals made outside the UK. However, you can reapply immediately after addressing the issues raised in the refusal notice. Your refusal will be recorded on your immigration history and must be declared honestly in all future applications. Consider seeking professional immigration advice if you have been refused, especially for complex cases.
Can I switch from a visitor visa to another visa type while in the UK?
In most cases, no. Visitors cannot switch to other visa categories while in the UK. You would normally need to leave and apply from your home country for work visas, student visas, or family visas. Very limited exceptions exist, such as switching to certain family routes in specific circumstances. Attempting to switch when not permitted will result in your application being refused and may negatively affect future visa applications.
How long does UK visitor visa processing take?
Standard processing takes approximately 3 weeks from your biometrics appointment. Priority service (£500 additional) aims for a decision within 5 working days, and Super Priority service (£1,000 additional) targets the next working day. Processing times may be longer during peak travel seasons (summer and December) or if additional security checks are needed. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your planned travel date to allow sufficient time.
Do I need a flight booking before applying for a UK visitor visa?
You do not need a confirmed, non-refundable flight booking before applying. A flight itinerary showing your intended travel dates is sufficient. Many applicants use flexible or refundable bookings, airline "hold" options, or travel agency itineraries that can be cancelled without penalty. This approach protects you financially if your visa is refused. The key requirement is to show planned entry and exit dates that are consistent with your overall application.