Jun 13, 2022
16 min read
The unfortunate reality of traveling is that it's not as easy as everyone makes it out to be. Yeah, sure, planning your trip is easy and probably the best part of traveling. But getting there is a whole other story.
This is especially true for the United Kingdom (UK).
You see, if you don't enjoy visa-free travel, you need to apply for something called the UK Visitors Visa to enter the country. I bet you already knew this.
But now comes the complicated part.
The amount of information provided on the UK gov website is almost overwhelming. Well, for me, it was. I didn't know where to start and where to end.
Luckily, after hours of research and weeks of stress, I successfully applied for my UK Visitors Visa and was well on my way to enjoying a much-deserved trip in the UK.
So in this post, I'll walk you through the entire standard visitor visa application process. My goal is to ensure that you can find everything you need in one place. After this post, I'm confident that you'll be able to apply for your next UK Visitors Visa without any hassle.
Let's get right to it:
Before starting the visa application, there are a few things you need to know. If you're only here for the required documents and application steps, use the provided links to skip over to those sections.
I'll briefly cover the following:
The UK Visitors Visa, also called the Standard Visitors Visa, is an entry permit that allows visitors to enter the UK. It allows you to enter the country for the following purposes:
Quick note: For this post, I'll cover everything you need to know when visiting the UK for tourism.
With your Visitors Visa, you can visit the UK for a maximum of 6 months. I should mention that embassy authorities have the right to issue your visa for a shorter duration. It's best to check your visa before traveling. Once you have your visa, you're allowed to visit England, Wales, and Northern Island.
Another thing:
Many people refer to this type of visa as the UK Tourist Visa. This is because the most common purpose of the UK Visitors Visa is for tourism. So, during this guide, I'll use the term UK Tourist Visa - just to simplify things.
One thing about the GOV website that I do like is that it tells you exactly what type of visa you need when traveling to the UK. Furthermore, the process of finding out is rather simple.
As simple as that.
For US citizens:
US nationals enjoy visa-free travel to the UK. In other words, you can visit the country for 6 months without applying for a visa. However, you can only visit the country visa-free if you do so as a tourist.
If the purpose of your travel is not for tourism, you'll need to apply for another type of visa that aligns with the purpose of your trip. Other types of visas include Student Visas, Work Visas, Residency Permits, etc. So if you don't know what visa you need, follow the steps mentioned above.
For US Green Card holders:
Your home country will determine if you need a visa or not. Let me explain:
Suppose your home country enjoys visa-free travel to the UK. In that case, you don't need to apply for a UK Visitors Visa. Nevertheless, suppose you don't enjoy such benefits, you need to apply for a visa to visit the country.
Don't worry. I'll outline the exact steps you can follow to successfully apply for your UK Tourist Visa (or use Atlys, it's much easier).
Citizens from the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland:
If you reside in the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you're not required to apply for an entry clearance (a visa) to enter the UK. You enjoy visa-free travel to the country for a maximum of 6 months.
Yes. There are some requirements you need to meet before starting your visa application. To be eligible for the UK Tourist Visa, you must:
The earliest you can start your UK Tourist Visa application is 3 months before your departure date. This is also when I recommend starting your visa application.
You need to ensure that you leave enough time for the visa application process, the visa processing time, and to correct any mistakes (like an incomplete application or missing documents).
First, you need to complete your visa application online. Once you've completed your application, you'll need to schedule a visa appointment and submit your documents.
Typically, you'll need to submit your application at your nearest UK Embassy or Consulate. However, most UK Embassies and Consulates outsource their visa services to authorized Visa Application Centers. Alternatively, you can apply through Atlys. Atlys already knows where you need to apply - effectively eliminating any uncertainty.
It's best to check where you need to submit your application since there are plenty of Applications Centers to choose from.
Once you've completed the online application, proved your identity, and submitted all the required documents, your UK Tourist Visa will be processed within 3 weeks.
I should mention this is not the fixed processing time. When I applied for my UK Visa, it took around 6 weeks to be processed. There can be many reasons for a delayed processing time:
There is a way to expedite the visa processing time!
Most application centers offer "priority service" and "super-priority service." However, before selecting these options, check that the application center where you apply offers these services.
Quick note: Bear in mind that you'll need to pay an additional fee for these services. Also, not all application centers/Embassies provide these services.
When applying for the UK Tourist Visa, the visa fee payable depends on the type of visa you apply for and your nationality. I'll list the different types of visas as well as their respective fees:
Just be mindful that these amounts can change at anytime. To check the current fees for a UK Visitors Visa, follow these simple steps:
Unfortunately, the government does not provide a specific amount you'll need to present. However, as a general rule, you should plan to have double the amount you plan to spend on your trip.
For example:
Let's say your trip will cost around $2500 (flight ticket included). In that case, you should present at least $5000 of funds.
Unfortunately, the UK e-Visa is not available for all nations. Only citizens from the following countries qualify for the electronic visa waiver (EVW):
OK, so now that we've covered the basics, let's talk about the required documents. As you probably guessed, your visa application will be unsuccessful if you don't submit the required documents.
Quick tip: Make a document checklist. It's by far the easiest way to ensure you have everything.
When applying for the UK Tourist Visa, you'll need to submit the following required documents:
Quick note: Shipping labels are not a mandatory requirement. You can always submit your application at a VFS Global Center. However, you will need to pay extra when submitting your documents in person (around $400 excluding the visa fee).
Even as you read through this guide, coronavirus restrictions and regulations may have changed already. Because COVID-19 regulations change often, I won't be able to provide the exact requirements you need to meet. However, I can point you in the right direction. Here are 2 options:
You're now ready to apply for your UK Tourist Visa. Next, I'll outline the exact steps you should take and what to expect when completing your visa application steps.
Completing the online visa application form can take some time.
Therefore, I recommend completing your application in one sitting.
Here's what you'll need to do:
From reading the title, you probably already know what to do. First, ensure that you collect all the required documents before starting your visa application. Next, upload your documents to your laptop/desktop, as you'll have the option to submit them online.
Remember, make copies of all your documents. Then, should you misplace something, you'll have a backup.
As I previously mentioned, you start your application online (on the UK visas and immigration website). First, you need to create an account by entering your email address and password. Then comes the tedious part.
The UK Visitors Visa application form:
The amount of information you need to provide is almost absurd. I understand why it's required, but this is probably the most information I've ever submitted during an application. But not to worry, I'll briefly discuss what you can expect.
The visa application has 5 main parts you need to complete:
1. The Application:
Here you need to provide details on the following:
2. Documents:
The application form provides a small checklist of the documents you must have. However, it does not provide all the required documents - I know, it's confusing. So just be sure to collect all the required documents I mentioned above.
3. Declaration:
Once your visa is approved, there are certain conditions you'll need to meet and maintain. The declaration indicates that you agree with the conditions outlined by the UK Government.
4. Pay:
Here is where you need to pay the visa application fee. Currently, the payment methods include:
5. Further Actions:
After completing the application form and paying the visa fee, you'll move on to the next section. This is where you'll be able to schedule your visa appointment. This brings me to the next step...
Like most visa applications, you'll need to schedule a UK Visa appointment. Once you've completed your online application form, you'll have the option to book your appointment at a VFS Global Center.
Here's the important part:
You must provide all your required documents at least 24 hours before attending your appointment. So, when scheduling your appointment, be sure to leave enough time to mail your required documents to the UKVI Visa Processing Hub in New York (145 West 45th Street, Fl 5, New York, NY 10036). If you fail to do this, it will delay the visa processing time.
I recommend starting your visa application at least 2 months before your intended trip. This allows you to complete the application and ship your required documents well before your scheduled visa appointment.
"How do I schedule a UK Visa Appointment?"
Quick note: At the end of your online application, you'll be informed of the exact documents you'll need to upload.
"Why do I need a UK Visa Appointment?"
At the appointment, you'll need to submit your biometric information. Speaking of...
On the day of your appointment, you'll need to travel to the Visa Application Center to submit your biometric information.
Your biometric information includes:
"What does it cost?"
When applying for your UK Visitors Visa from outside the UK, the biometric collection fee is included in your visa fee. On the other hand, if you apply within the UK, you'll need to pay £19.20.
'What do I need to submit at my UK Visa Appointment?"
All you need to bring is your appointment confirmation. Which looks something like this:
Authorities will not check your supporting documents at the appointment, as it's processed at the UKVI hub.
Now all you can do is wait for your visa to be processed. Typically, this takes around 3 weeks. Once your visa has been processed, you'll receive a notification via email.
Quick note: At the start of the online application, you'll need to confirm your email address.
The last step. Get your UK Tourist Visa. After your visa has been approved (congrats!), you'll receive a notification, and your passport will be mailed back to you (using the shipping labels you provided).
Once you receive your passport, you'll find your no UK Visitors Visa attached to it.
Quick note: You can track your passport using your UPS number.
Phew!
A lot to remember, right? But don't worry, if you follow the steps outlined in this guide, you'll be able to successfully apply for your UK Visitors Visa in no time. Remember, there is an easier way to apply for your UK Visitors Visa.
The United Kingdom is made up of 4 countries. These countries include England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
You cannot switch from a Standard Visitor visa to another type of visa. You can only extend your stay for specific reasons, for example, needing further private medical treatment. Suppose you want a visa to do something other than visiting, for example, work or longer-term study. In that case, you'll need to leave the UK and make a new application.
Check the UK Gov website for further information.
You can come to the UK as a Standard Visitor:
When applying for your visa, you must meet the UK's Immigration Rules requirements.
If you are filling out an online application form, it can take up to 40 minutes to complete. We recommend using Atlys, as this will only take you around 10 minutes to complete your application.
Once you have filled out your visa application form, you can expect to wait around 15 calendar days to receive feedback from the Embassy.
The fastest way to get a UK Visa is to complete an online form for your visa application. To make the application process faster, you can start collecting your documents beforehand.
Yes. If you are a citizen of the United States Of America, you can travel to the UK without applying for a visa. However, you are only allowed to travel for tourism purposes and for a short time. The decision on admission into the UK is made by the British authorities in accordance with British law.
There are many different types of visas for people traveling to the UK. However, the most common visa types include:
This visa is used if you study short courses that will last for 6 months or less. It is possible to extend this visa if necessary. Note that you will have to prove that you have been accepted for a UK course and that you will be able to provide for yourself financially during your stay.
If you marry or register a civil partnership in the UK, you can apply for this visa. However, note that you cannot stay in the country with this visa.
A study visa can be divided into 2 types of visas. The General Student (Tier 4) Visa and the Child Student (Tier 4) Visa. These visas are granted to international students who have been offered a scholarship or placement at any of the recognized UK education establishments. Note that you will need to provide all relevant documents with your student visa application form to apply for this type of visa. Remember, you'll need to prove you have enough money to support yourself (without working or help from public funds)
People who intend to work in the UK for longer than 5 years are required to apply for this visa. Different types of purposes fulfill the requirements for this type of visa.
These are just a few visas available in the UK. You can contact your nearest UK embassy or consulate for more information on the types of visas and their requirements.
No. Visitors are not permitted to use the NHS for free, so some form of medical insurance must be obtained before departure.