UK visitor visa fees increased on 8 April 2026, with the Standard Visitor visa rising from £127 to £135 for a 6-month visa. This guide covers the complete cost breakdown for 2026, including all long-term options (2, 5, and 10-year visas now £506, £903, and £1,128 respectively), priority service charges, country-specific costs from India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Canada, and the USA, plus tips on choosing the most cost-effective option for your travel pattern.
UK visitor visa fees changed on 8 April 2026 across all categories. Applications submitted on or after that date are charged at the new rates; applications started before but submitted after will pay the new rate. Always verify the current fee on visa-fees.homeoffice.gov.uk on the day you submit, since paying the wrong amount can result in rejection or processing delays. Pay in pounds sterling — the Home Office uses an exchange-rate policy that converts to your local currency at OANDA live bid plus 4%, reviewed weekly.
UK Visitor Visa Fees 2026: Complete Schedule (8 April 2026 Rates)
The Standard Visitor Visa allows visits up to 6 months for tourism, business meetings, family visits, or short-term study. The Home Office sets visitor visa fees that apply globally regardless of nationality, though your total cost will vary depending on country-specific VFS service charges and chosen optional services.
| Visa Duration | Fee (Pre-Apr 2026) | Fee (8 Apr 2026) | Max Stay Per Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 months | £127 | £135 | 6 months |
| 2 years | £475 | £506 | 6 months per visit |
| 5 years | £848 | £903 | 6 months per visit |
| 10 years | £1,059 | £1,128 | 6 months per visit |
Other Visitor Visa Categories (8 April 2026 Fees)
Beyond the Standard Visitor visa, specialised categories exist for specific purposes. All saw fee increases on 8 April 2026:
| Visa Type | Fee (8 Apr 2026) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage Visitor Visa | £135 | Marry or register civil partnership in UK |
| Permitted Paid Engagement | £135 | Paid speaking, arts events (1 month max) |
| Private Medical Treatment (>6 months, up to 11 months) | £234 | Extended private medical treatment |
| Visiting Academic (>6 months, up to 12 months) | £234 | Academic research and visits |
| Direct Airside Transit Visa | £41.50 | Pass through airport without UK border control |
| Visitor in Transit (Landside) | £74.50 | Pass through UK border (within 48 hours) |
UK 6-Month Visitor Visa Fee 2026
The UK 6-month visitor visa fee is £135 from 8 April 2026 (up from £127). This single payment covers a Standard Visitor visa allowing tourism, business, family visits, or short study up to 6 months. The fee is the same for adults and children, and applies to all nationalities globally. Optional priority service costs an additional £500.
The 6-month Standard Visitor visa is the default option for most UK visitors. Your UK visa application form automatically calculates this fee at the payment stage. The £135 fee covers entry to England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, Jersey, and Guernsey on a single application.
Total Cost Examples (6-Month Visa)
| Combination | Total Cost (8 Apr 2026) |
|---|---|
| 6-month + Standard Processing | £135 |
| 6-month + Priority Service | £635 (£135 + £500) |
| 6-month + Super Priority Service | £1,135 (£135 + £1,000) |
| Family of 4 (6-month, standard) | £540 (£135 × 4) |
Children pay the same fee as adults — there is no reduced rate for under-18s applying for visitor visas.
2, 5 and 10-Year Long-Term Visitor Visa Fees
From 8 April 2026, the UK 2-year visitor visa costs £506, the 5-year costs £903, and the 10-year costs £1,128. All allow multiple entries with a maximum stay of 6 months per visit. The 10-year visa works out at £112.80 per year — significantly cheaper than repeated 6-month applications for frequent travellers.
The long-term UK visitor visa provides excellent value for frequent travellers. While the upfront cost is higher, the cost per year decreases significantly with longer validity periods.
2-Year Visitor Visa Fee 2026
The UK 2-year visitor visa costs £506 from 8 April 2026 (up from £475). This works out at £253 per year — slightly cheaper than two annual £135 visas (£270). Best value if you'll visit the UK 2-4 times within two years and have stable circumstances.
5-Year and 10-Year Visitor Visa Fees
The UK 5-year visitor visa costs £903 (£180.60 per year) and the 10-year costs £1,128 (£112.80 per year) from 8 April 2026. The 10-year visa offers the best per-year value for frequent travellers but has no refunds if circumstances change.
| Duration | Total Fee (8 Apr 2026) | Cost Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| 6 months | £135 | £270/year (if visiting twice) |
| 2 years | £506 | £253/year |
| 5 years | £903 | £180.60/year |
| 10 years | £1,128 | £112.80/year |
When to Choose Each Visa Duration
- 6-month visa (£135): Best for one-time visits or uncertain travel plans
- 2-year visa (£506): Ideal if you'll visit 2-4 times over two years
- 5-year visa (£903): Good for regular family visits or ongoing business relationships
- 10-year visa (£1,128): Best per-year value for frequent travellers with stable circumstances
UK Visitor Visa Fees by Country (India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Canada, USA)
The UK government visa fee is £135 for a 6-month visa worldwide (8 April 2026 rate) — same regardless of nationality. However, total costs vary by country due to VFS service charges and local currency conversion. Approximate totals: India ~₹15,300, Pakistan ~PKR 50,000-55,000, Nigeria ~₦230,000-260,000, Canada ~CAD 235, USA ~USD 175. Always verify the exact local currency amount on visa-fees.homeoffice.gov.uk on the day you apply.
UK visitor visa fees apply globally — the Home Office charges the same £135 (6-month) rate to applicants from every country. However, your total application cost varies due to country-specific VFS Global service charges, exchange rate fluctuations (UKVI uses OANDA live bid plus 4%), and optional add-on services available at local Visa Application Centres.
Visitor Visa Fees in Local Currencies
| Country | 6-Month Visa (Local Currency) | VFS Service Fee (Approx) | Total Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | ~₹15,300 (£135) | ₹2,000-3,500 | ~₹17,300-18,800 |
| Pakistan | ~PKR 47,000 (£135) | PKR 6,000-8,000 | ~PKR 53,000-55,000 |
| Nigeria | ~₦220,000 (£135) | ₦20,000-35,000 | ~₦240,000-255,000 |
| Canada | ~CAD 235 (£135) | CAD 30-45 | ~CAD 265-280 |
| USA | ~USD 175 (£135) | USD 25-40 | ~USD 200-215 |
| Ghana | ~GHS 2,100 (£135) | GHS 400-600 | ~GHS 2,500-2,700 |
| Kenya | ~KES 22,500 (£135) | KES 4,000-6,000 | ~KES 26,500-28,500 |
Local currency amounts above are approximations only. UKVI uses live exchange rates updated weekly (OANDA live bid plus 4%), so the exact local-currency amount you pay will vary slightly from the figures shown. Always verify the exact amount on visa-fees.homeoffice.gov.uk on the day you submit your application.
Why Total Costs Vary by Country
- Exchange rate: UKVI applies OANDA live bid + 4%, so the local-currency amount fluctuates weekly
- VFS service fees: The third-party visa application centre charges vary significantly between countries
- Optional add-ons: Document scanning, courier delivery, premium lounge access — pricing varies by VFS centre
- Biometric appointment fees: Sometimes bundled into VFS fee, sometimes separate
UK Priority and Super Priority Visa Fees
UK Priority Visa Service costs £500 extra for a decision within 5 working days. Super Priority costs £1,000 extra for a next-working-day decision. These are added to your standard visa fee and are subject to availability at your application location. Priority service fees did NOT change on 8 April 2026 — only the standard visa fees increased.
Standard UK visitor visa processing takes approximately 3 weeks. For urgent travel, the UK priority visa service offers faster decisions at additional cost.
| Service | Extra Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Included | 3 weeks (15 working days) |
| Priority | £500 | 5 working days |
| Super Priority | £1,000 | Next working day |
Total Cost with Priority Services (8 April 2026)
| Combination | Total Cost |
|---|---|
| 6-month + Standard | £135 |
| 6-month + Priority | £635 |
| 6-month + Super Priority | £1,135 |
| 2-year + Priority | £1,006 |
| 5-year + Super Priority | £1,903 |
| 10-year + Priority | £1,628 |
Additional UK Visitor Visa Application Costs
Beyond the visa fee, expect to pay VFS service centre charges (varies by country, typically £20-50), optional services like document scanning (£5-£15), courier delivery (£15-£25), and SMS tracking (£2-£5). Visitors do NOT pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. Visa-exempt nationals pay £20 for an Electronic Travel Authorisation instead of a visa.
VFS Global Service Charges
VFS Global and TLScontact operate the Visa Application Centres where you submit biometric data. Their service fees are charged separately from the Home Office visa fee:
- Document scanning: £5-15 per document
- Courier return: £15-25 for passport delivery
- SMS tracking: £2-5 for application status updates
- Premium lounge: £25-50 for enhanced appointment experience
- Form filling assistance: £15-30 for help completing the application
Immigration Health Surcharge: Does It Apply?
Standard Visitors do not pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This surcharge only applies to visas longer than 6 months, such as work and study visas.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): £20 from 8 April 2026
Nationals from visa-exempt countries (USA, Canada, Australia, EU, and most developed economies) require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) instead of a visitor visa.
- ETA Fee: £20 (increased from £16 on 8 April 2026)
- Validity: 2 years or until passport expires
- Processing: Usually within 3 working days
- Application: Online via UK ETA app or gov.uk
If you need a visitor visa (most non-European nationals from outside developed economies), the ETA does not apply — you'll use your visitor visa instead. See our required supporting documents guide for what to prepare alongside fee payment.
Who Pays the Visa Fee? Sponsor and Personal Funding
The visa fee can be paid by the applicant directly or by a UK-based sponsor. If a sponsor pays, declare this on the application form and include the sponsor's payment evidence in your supporting documents. See our guide to UK visitor visa sponsorship for full details on who can sponsor and the documents required. Business visitors typically have the fee paid by their UK-based business visitor host or employer.
The fee must be paid in pounds sterling at submission. Most applicants pay via debit or credit card through the online application portal. Some VFS centres support local currency payment with the conversion calculated at the Home Office's exchange rate policy. If your visit will be longer than 6 months, you may need a visit visa extension rather than a fresh application — different fees apply.
- Standard 6-month Visitor Visa: £135 from 8 April 2026 (was £127)
- Long-term: £506 (2yr) / £903 (5yr) / £1,128 (10yr)
- Priority service adds £500; Super Priority adds £1,000 — unchanged
- VFS service charges add £20-50 depending on your country
- No Immigration Health Surcharge for visitor visas
- ETA fee is £20 for visa-exempt nationals (was £16)
- 10-year visa offers best value at £112.80/year for frequent travellers
- Children pay the same fee as adults — no reduced rate
- Fees are non-refundable regardless of decision
For UK visa fees across all categories (work, study, family, settlement), see our complete UK visa fees overview. For settlement and ILR fees specifically, see our Home Office fees for ILR, BRP and citizenship guide. For the official current fee schedule, visit the Home Office immigration and nationality fees page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a UK visitor visa cost in 2026?
From 8 April 2026, a UK visitor visa costs £135 for 6 months, £506 for 2 years, £903 for 5 years, or £1,128 for 10 years. These are government fees applying globally regardless of nationality. Additional costs include VFS service centre charges (typically £20-50) and optional services like courier delivery. Children pay the same fee as adults.
When did UK visitor visa fees increase to £135?
UK visitor visa fees increased on 8 April 2026, with the 6-month Standard Visitor visa rising from £127 to £135. All long-term variants also increased proportionally. Applications submitted on or after 8 April 2026 pay the new rates; applications submitted before that date paid the old £127 rate.
Is a 2-year UK visa cheaper than two 6-month visas?
Yes. Two separate 6-month visas cost £270 total (£135 × 2), while a single 2-year visa costs £506 but covers up to four trips over two years. If you'll visit at least twice within two years, the 2-year visa costs £253 per year versus £270 per year for repeated 6-month applications, plus you save the time of multiple applications.
What is the priority visa fee for the UK?
The UK Priority Visa Service costs an additional £500 on top of your standard visa fee, targeting a decision within 5 working days. For example, a 6-month visitor visa with priority processing costs £635 total (£135 + £500). Super Priority costs £1,000 extra for a next-working-day decision. Priority fees did not change on 8 April 2026.
How much is the UK visitor visa fee from India?
The UK government visa fee is £135 for 6 months — same as for any other nationality. In INR this is approximately ₹15,300 (varies with exchange rate). Including VFS service charges of ₹2,000-3,500, total cost from India is approximately ₹17,300-18,800. Indian applicants do not get a discount or pay a premium based on nationality.
How much is the UK visitor visa fee from Pakistan?
The UK visa fee from Pakistan is £135 for a 6-month visitor visa (approximately PKR 47,000 at typical exchange rates). Including VFS service charges of PKR 6,000-8,000, total cost is approximately PKR 53,000-55,000. The visa fee is identical regardless of nationality — only VFS charges and exchange rates create local cost variation.
Do children pay the same UK visitor visa fee as adults?
Yes, children pay the same visa fees as adults. A 6-month visitor visa for a child costs £135, identical to the adult fee. For a family of four applying for 6-month visas, the total government fee would be £540 (£135 × 4), plus any VFS service centre charges per applicant.
Are UK visitor visa fees refundable if refused?
No, UK visa fees are non-refundable regardless of outcome. If your application is refused or you withdraw it, you will not receive a refund. The only exception is priority service fees (£500 or £1,000) which may be refunded if UKVI fails to meet the processing timeline, though the standard visa fee remains non-refundable in all cases.
Do I need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for a visitor visa?
No, Standard Visitor Visa applicants are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) regardless of visa length. The IHS only applies to visa categories lasting more than 6 months continuous stay (such as work visas and student visas), which visitor visas don't permit. Visitors can access NHS emergency treatment, but routine care typically requires payment or travel insurance.
Is the 10-year UK visitor visa worth the cost?
A 10-year visa costs £1,128 (£112.80/year), while two 6-month visas annually would cost £270/year. If you'll visit at least once per year for 5+ years and your circumstances are stable, the 10-year visa offers significant savings plus convenience. However, there are no refunds if you can no longer travel, so consider whether your situation might change before committing.