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Table of Contents
What is a tourist visa?
A tourist visa is a kind of travel authorization that lets you visit a foreign country for a short time and specific reasons, such as sightseeing, recreation, business, or family visits.
Each country has its own visa policy that determines who needs a tourist visa and what documents and criteria they must meet to get one.
In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the UK tourist visa, including:
- Who needs a UK tourist visa to visit?
- What is the Standard Visitor visa, and how does it work
- How to apply for a UK tourist visa and what are the requirements
- What are the permitted activities and limitations of a UK tourist visa
- Tips for a successful UK tourist visa application
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Category
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Definition
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Examples
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Visa nationals
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Non-visa nationals
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EU/EEA nationals
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However, the UK’s exit from the European Union (Brexit) may affect the rules for EU/EEA nationals from January 1, 2021. According to the current guidance, EU/EEA nationals will not need a visa for short trips of up to six months to visit the UK. Still, they will need to apply for a visa or a status under the new immigration system if they want to stay longer or work, study, or settle in the UK.
Standard Visitor Visa Explained
Suppose you are a visa national or a non-visa national who wants to visit the UK for more than six months or for a purpose other than tourism, leisure, business, or family visits. In that case, you must apply for a Standard Visitor visa. This is the UK’s main type of tourist visa, replacing the previous categories of General Visitor, Business Visitor, Family Visitor, Child Visitor, and other visitor visas.
What Can You Do with A Standard Visitor Visa?
The Standard Visitor visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to six months, possibly extending your stay for another six months in some cases. You can use the Standard Visitor visa for various purposes, such as:
- Tourism and sightseeing
- Visiting friends and relatives
- Business meetings, conferences, and events
- Academic research or exchange
- Medical treatment
- Short-term study (up to 30 days)
- Creative and sporting activities (up to 30 days)
- Marriage or civil partnership (up to six months)
Application Process and Requirements
You can apply for a Standard Visitor visa online. You will need to provide various documents to support your application, such as:
- A valid travel document, such as a passport or national identity card
- A recent photograph of yourself
- Evidence of your financial situation, such as bank statements, pay slips, or tax returns
- Evidence of your purpose of visit, such as an invitation letter, a booking confirmation, or a registration form
- Evidence of your ties to your home country, such as a letter from your employer, a property deed, or a return ticket
- Evidence of your accommodation in the UK, such as a hotel reservation, a rental agreement, or a letter from your host
- Evidence of your medical condition if you are seeking medical treatment in the UK
In some cases, you may also need to provide additional documents, such as:
- A tuberculosis test result if you are from a country where tuberculosis is prevalent
- Biometric information, such as your fingerprints and photograph, if you are applying for a visa for more than six months
- A criminal record certificate if you are applying for a visa for more than six months and you are over 18 years old
- A parental consent letter if you are under 18 years old and travelling alone or with someone other than your parent or guardian
You must submit your application and documents online and then make an appointment at a visa application centre in your country, where your biometrics will be taken and your documents scanned.
You may also have to attend an interview, where you will be asked questions about your details, travel plans, and intentions in the UK.
Generally, you can expect to receive a decision within three weeks of submitting your application, but it may take longer in some situations.
Activities And Restrictions for UK Standard Visitor Visa Holders
Suppose you have a UK Standard Visitor visa. In that case, you can enjoy a range of activities in the UK, such as sightseeing, visiting friends and relatives, attending business events, and taking short courses.
Otherwise, you could face serious consequences, such as losing your visa, being banned from future visas, or being removed from the UK. Therefore, it is essential to understand what permitted activities and limitations are with a UK Standard Visitor visa.
With a UK Standard Visitor visa, you can:
- Explore the UK’s attractions, landmarks, and countryside
- Visit your friends and relatives who live in the UK
- Take part in business meetings, conferences, and events related to your work or profession
- Conduct academic research or exchange as part of your studies or employment
- Receive medical treatment from a private or public health provider
- Enroll in a short course of study (up to 30 days) that does not lead to a qualification or credit
- Perform as an artist or a sportsperson (up to 30 days) as part of an event or festival
- Get married or register a civil partnership (up to six months) if you have given notice of your intention to do so
With a UK Standard Visitor visa, you cannot:
- Work or seek employment in the UK, either paid or unpaid, unless the visitor rules permit it
- Study for more than 30 days or for a course that leads to a qualification or credit
- Access public funds or benefits, such as welfare payments, housing assistance, or free healthcare
- Live in the UK for long periods or make the UK your main home
- Change or extend your visa unless you are applying for a marriage or civil partnership visa or you need to extend your stay for medical reasons
Tips For a Successful UK Tourist Visa Application
If you want to visit the UK as a tourist, you may need to apply for a visa, depending on your nationality and purpose of visit. The most common type of tourist visa is the Standard Visitor visa, which allows you to stay in the UK for up to six months and do activities such as sightseeing, visiting friends and relatives, attending business meetings, and getting married. To increase your chances of getting your visa approved, follow these steps:
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Step
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Description
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Plan and apply early
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Check the requirements and conditions
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Complete the application form accurately and honestly
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Prepare your documents carefully and thoroughly
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Attend your appointment and interview confidently and politely
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By following these steps, you can improve your chances of getting your UK tourist visa approved and enjoy your trip to the UK. However, you should also remember that the immigration officer makes the final decision on your visa application, and there is no guarantee that you will get your visa. Therefore, you should not make non-refundable travel arrangements until you receive your visa confirmation and passport.
It depends on the type of visa, the country where you apply, and the peak season. Generally, it can take 15 working days to 3 months or more.
The standard visitor visa fee is estimated to be about £95 for up to 6 months. However, additional fees for priority service, courier service, biometric enrolment, or a health surcharge may exist.
You need to submit your completed online application form, your valid passport, your biometric information, your proof of financial means, your travel itinerary, your accommodation details, and any other supporting documents that show the purpose and duration of your visit.
If you are planning a trip to the United Kingdom (UK), you might need a UK tourist visa to enter the country. The UK is a diverse and attractive destination for travellers from all over the world. You can discover the rich history and culture of London, admire the natural beauty of Scotland, or immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Wales and Northern Ireland. But before you get ready to go, you should check the UK tourist visa requirements and conditions for your nationality.
Conclusion
We hope this article has been helpful and informative. If you have any questions or concerns about your UK tourist visa application, you can contact us or visit our website at Legend Consults.
