The UK Visitor Visa is the most common visa category for short-term travel to the UK. Whether you’re visiting for tourism, business, medical treatment, or academic purposes, this visa allows you to stay for up to six months per visit.
In 2025, the UK Visitor Visa fees remain largely unchanged from late 2024. However, frequent travelers may benefit from long-term visitor visas, which allow multiple visits over 2, 5, or 10 years.
Table of Content:
✅ Types of UK Visitor Visas
✅ Latest UK Visitor Visa fees in 2025
✅ Eligibility criteria and application process
✅ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Types of UK Visitor Visas
The UK Visitor Visa is designed for short-term travel and includes several subcategories:
1. Standard Visitor Visa (for most short-term trips)
✔ Purpose: Tourism, visiting family/friends, business meetings, short-term study (up to 6 months)
✔ Max Stay: 6 months per visit
✔ Cost: £115
✔ Best for: Tourists, business travelers, and short study programs
2. Long-Term Visitor Visas (Multiple Entries Allowed)
If you frequently travel to the UK, you may benefit from long-term visitor visas, which allow multiple visits while limiting each stay to 6 months per trip.
3. Academic Visitor Visa (6–12 months)
✔ Purpose: Research, teaching, academic visits
✔ Max Stay: Up to 12 months
✔ Cost: £200
✔ Best for: Academics, researchers, professors
4. Private Medical Treatment Visa (Up to 11 months)
✔ Purpose: Private healthcare treatment in the UK
✔ Max Stay: Up to 11 months
✔ Cost: £200
✔ Best for: Patients seeking long-term medical care in the UK
5. UK Transit Visas (For Layovers)
For travelers passing through the UK without entering the country:
UK Visitor Visa Application Process
Step 1: Check Eligibility
To apply for a UK Visitor Visa, you must:
✔ Have a valid passport
✔ Provide evidence of your travel plans and reason for visit
✔ Show proof of financial means to support yourself
✔ Confirm intent to return to your home country
Step 2: Apply Online
- Visit the UK Home Office website (gov.uk)
- Fill out the online visa application form
- Pay the visa fee
- Schedule a biometric appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre
Step 3: Submit Supporting Documents
✔ Passport with at least one blank page
✔ Travel itinerary (flight and accommodation bookings)
✔ Bank statements (proof of financial stability)
✔ Employer letter (if traveling for work)
✔ Invitation letter (if visiting family/friends)
Step 4: Attend the Visa Appointment
Visit a UK Visa Application Centre to submit biometrics (fingerprints and photograph).
Step 5: Wait for a Decision
Processing time: 3–6 weeks (standard) or 5–10 days (priority processing)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much does a UK Visitor Visa cost in 2025?
The Standard Visitor Visa (6 months) costs £115, while long-term visas range from £432 (2 years) to £963 (10 years).
2. How long can I stay in the UK with a visitor visa?
You can stay for up to 6 months per visit. If you need a longer stay, you must apply for an extension or a different visa type.
3. How long does it take to process a UK Visitor Visa?
- Standard processing: 3–6 weeks
- Priority service: 5–10 days (extra fees apply)
4. Can I work in the UK with a Visitor Visa?
No. The UK Visitor Visa does not allow work. If you intend to work, you must apply for a UK Work Visa.
5. Can I study on a Visitor Visa?
Yes, but only for short courses (up to 6 months). Longer courses require a Student Visa.
6. Can I extend my UK Visitor Visa?
Extensions are only possible in specific cases, such as medical treatment. For regular visits, you must leave the UK and apply for a new visa.
7. Do I need a transit visa for the UK?
If you have a layover in a UK airport, you may need a Transit Visa unless exempted by your nationality.
8. What documents are required for a UK Visitor Visa?
✔ Passport
✔ Travel itinerary
✔ Financial proof (bank statements, employment letter)
✔ Accommodation details
✔ Letter of invitation (if visiting family/friends)
9. What happens if my UK Visitor Visa is rejected?
You’ll receive a refusal letter explaining the reason. You can:
✔ Correct the mistakes and reapply
✔ Seek immigration advice if needed
10. Can I switch to another visa category while in the UK?
No. You cannot switch to another visa from a Visitor Visa. You must leave the UK and apply for a new visa from your home country.
Final Thoughts
The UK Visitor Visa is the best option for tourists, business travelers, and short-term students. In 2025, fees remain affordable, with multiple long-term visa options available for frequent travelers.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Standard Visitor Visa (£115) allows stays of up to 6 months.
✔ Long-term visas (2, 5, or 10 years) allow multiple visits, but each stay must not exceed 6 months.
✔ Apply early to avoid delays, as standard processing takes 3–6 weeks.
Need Help with Your UK Visa Application? Contact a visa expert today for guidance on eligibility, document preparation, and visa approval!