This comprehensive Standard Visitor Visa UK guidance covers everything you need to know about visiting the United Kingdom in 2026. Whether you're planning a tourist holiday, family visit, or short business trip, this guide explains the visa requirements, application process, fees, and provides sample itineraries to strengthen your application. The Standard Visitor Visa allows stays of up to 6 months per visit and is the most common route for entering the UK as a visitor.
UK Standard Visitor Visa 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. 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.
What is the UK Visa Process?
The UK visa process involves completing an online application on gov.uk, paying the visa fee (£127 for 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 UK visa process is essential for a successful application. The Standard Visitor Visa is applied for entirely online through the official gov.uk portal, and you must complete your application before travelling to the UK.
- Step 1: Check if you need a visa (visa nationals) or an ETA (non-visa nationals)
- Step 2: Complete the online visa application form on gov.uk
- Step 3: Pay the visa fee (£127 for 6-month Standard Visitor)
- Step 4: Book and attend your biometrics appointment at a VAC
- Step 5: Submit your passport and supporting documents
- Step 6: Wait for decision (typically 3 weeks standard processing)
- Step 7: Collect your passport with visa or receive eVisa confirmation
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.
Eligibility Requirements
- Genuine intention: You must genuinely intend to visit the UK for a permitted purpose
- Leave the UK: You will leave the UK at the end of your visit
- Sufficient funds: You can 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 are permitted for visitors
Document Checklist for Standard Visitor Visa
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 Travel Itinerary Required for UK Visa?
Yes, a travel itinerary is strongly recommended for UK visa applications. While 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.
Your travel itinerary should include day-by-day plans showing where you'll go, what you'll do, and where you'll stay. It should align with your accommodation bookings and flight tickets to present a consistent picture of your visit.
Flight Itinerary for UK Visa
A flight itinerary for UK visa applications should show your planned arrival and departure dates. You can provide a confirmed booking or a "dummy" flight itinerary showing intended travel dates. Many applicants use flexible or refundable bookings to avoid losing money if the visa is refused. The itinerary must show both entry and exit from the UK.
Your flight itinerary should clearly show the departure city, arrival airport in the UK, travel dates, and return flight details. If someone else is booking your flights, ensure the booking confirmation shows your name as the passenger.
Sample UK Visa Itinerary (10 Days)
Below is a sample itinerary for a 10-day UK tourist visa application. Adapt this template to your specific plans:
- 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 show
- Day 4: British Museum, National Gallery, afternoon tea
- Day 5: Day trip to Oxford by train – university colleges, Ashmolean Museum
- Day 6: Visit family/friends in [City] – staying overnight at their home
- Day 7: Return to London, Camden Market, Natural History Museum
- Day 8: Day trip to Bath – Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, Jane Austen Centre
- Day 9: Shopping at Oxford Street and Harrods, Hyde Park, farewell dinner
- Day 10: Check out, last-minute sightseeing, depart from Heathrow
Financial Requirements for Standard Visitor Visa
Demonstrating sufficient funds is crucial for your Standard Visitor Visa application. The Home Office does not specify a minimum amount, but you must show you can cover all trip costs 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—not just a recent large deposit. 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
- Employment letter: Confirming your job, salary, and approved leave dates
- Payslips: Recent payslips (3-6 months) showing consistent income
- Self-employed: Business registration, tax returns, company bank statements
- Property ownership: Deeds or mortgage statements showing assets
- Sponsor support: If sponsored, include sponsor's bank statements and commitment letter
UK Visitor Visa Fees 2026
The UK visa fees for Standard Visitor visas depend on the duration of validity you're applying for. All visitor visa fees are non-refundable, even if your application is refused or you withdraw it.
For detailed information about long-term visitor visas and whether they're right for your travel plans, see our dedicated guide. Note that applicants under 18 will only receive a long-term visa valid until 6 months after their 18th birthday, and the fee is not refundable.
Processing Times
The standard visa processing time is approximately 3 weeks from your biometrics appointment. However, processing may take longer during peak travel seasons or if additional checks are required. If your application is taking longer than expected, see our guide on UK visa delays.
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 include:
- Insufficient funds: Unable to demonstrate adequate finances for the trip
- Weak ties to home country: No compelling reason to return after the visit
- Incomplete application: Missing documents or unanswered questions
- Inconsistent information: Discrepancies between application and documents
- Previous immigration violations: Overstaying or breaching visa conditions
- Undisclosed refusals: Failing to declare previous visa refusals
If your application is refused, you cannot appeal but you can reapply immediately after addressing the reasons for refusal. For more information, see our guide on your chances of getting a visa after refusal.
- Standard Visitor Visa costs £127 for up to 6 months (2026 fees)
- Always provide a detailed travel itinerary with your application
- 6 months of bank statements showing consistent finances are essential
- Standard processing takes approximately 3 weeks
- Each visit is limited to 6 months maximum, regardless of visa validity
For complete guidance on the application process, visit the official gov.uk Standard Visitor visa page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 visit must not exceed 6 months. The UK Border Force officer determines your actual permitted stay upon entry.
Is a travel itinerary required for UK visa application?
While not technically mandatory, a travel itinerary is strongly recommended and can significantly strengthen your application. It demonstrates genuine tourist intentions and helps visa officers understand your planned activities. Include day-by-day plans, accommodation bookings, and flight details that align with your stated purpose of visit.
Can I work on a Standard Visitor Visa UK?
No, you cannot work (paid or unpaid) on a Standard Visitor Visa. You also cannot study for more than 30 days unless it is not the main purpose of your visit. Permitted activities include tourism, family visits, attending business meetings and conferences, and receiving private medical treatment. For permitted paid engagements, you need a PPE visa endorsement.
How much bank balance is required for UK visitor visa?
There is no fixed minimum bank balance requirement. You must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your trip costs including accommodation, food, transport, and activities without accessing public funds or working. As a general guideline, £100-£150 per day plus accommodation and flights is typical. Your bank statements should show consistent income over 6 months, not just a recent large deposit.
Can I extend my Standard Visitor Visa in the UK?
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 visa expires. If an extension is granted, you still cannot exceed 6 months total stay (or 11 months for medical visitors).
What happens if my UK visitor visa is refused?
If refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons. There is no right of appeal for visitor visa refusals. However, you can reapply immediately after addressing the issues raised. Your refusal will be recorded and must be declared in future applications. Consider seeking professional advice if you've been refused, especially for complex cases.
Can I switch from a visitor visa to another visa type in the UK?
Generally, no. Visitors cannot switch to most other visa categories while in the UK. You must leave and apply from your home country for work visas, student visas, or family visas. Limited exceptions exist, such as switching to a fiancé(e) visa in certain circumstances. Attempting to switch when not permitted can result in your application being refused and may affect future applications.
How long does UK visitor visa processing take?
Standard processing takes approximately 3 weeks from your biometrics appointment. Priority service (£500 extra) aims for a decision within 5 working days, and Super Priority (£1,000 extra) aims for next working day. Processing times may be longer during peak seasons or if additional checks are needed. Apply well in advance of your travel date.