Every year, several foreigners visit the United Kingdom for various purposes like sightseeing, studying, leisure, or working. Even though many Western countries, especially the European countries, can enter the UK without a visa. The rest of the world must obtain a UK tourist visa to enter the United Kingdom.
However, obtaining a UK tourist visa permits you to enter the country either by sea, land, or air. Before you are given a visa, you must fulfill all the requirements that the particular visa demands. It’s also important that you make your trip a safe and legal one by following all the rules and regulations set by the UK.
Furthermore, obtaining a UK tourist visa affords you numerous benefits such as visiting family and friends, exploring the rich culture of the country, and sightseeing, among other things. The application process requires you to submit correct documents, demonstrate your financial capability, and a genuine intent to return to your home country.
In this article, we’ll discuss the types of UK tourist visas, the required documents, and the step-by-step guide to apply for and obtain a UK tourist visa. Let’s get started!
What is a UK Tourist Visa?
A UK tourist visa is the authorization issued to individuals by the UK and it allows them to visit for business, leisure, or medical treatment. However, a visitor in the UK must ensure a clear understanding of the activities they are allowed to engage in. Now that we know what the UK tourist visa is, let’s dive into details on how to obtain one.
Types of UK Tourist Visas for Foreigners
Below, we have compiled the types of UK tourist visas that are available for foreign nationals. Read on!
- Standard Visitor (Tourist) Visa: This is the most common tourist visa for people who want to visit the UK for leisure, tourism, and other short-term purposes. You can’t stay in the country for more than six months with a single entry.
- Visit for Business Purposes: This type of visa is for workers who want to attend conferences or interviews in the UK. For up to six months.
- Visit for Study Purposes: This is a type of visa for individuals who intend to study at an educational institution like a university. However, the study course must not exceed 12 months.
- Visit as an Academic: This is issued to academics who are part of a research team or engage in an exchange for up to 12 months.
- Visit for Medical Reasons: This is for individuals receiving medical treatment at a private institution (for up to 11 months).
However, each of the UK tourist visas has different requirements for the application process.
Eligibility Criteria for UK Tourist Visa
To have a successful application and obtain a UK tourist visa, you must demonstrate the following.
- Intent to Visit: Your visit to the UK must come with a genuine intention for tourism, leisure, or other permitted short-term purposes.
- Financial Capability: It must be stated in your application if you have enough funds to cover the expenses of your trip. Expenses like accommodation, feeding, transportation, and daily spending without waiting for the UK’s public funds.
- Ties to Your Home Country: Additionally, you must state your ties to your home country, such as family, employment, property, and other obligations. This would however assure the officer of your intention to return to your home country.
- Immigration History: A good immigration history, like obeying previous visa conditions can help strengthen your application.
The Required Documents for a UK Tourist Visa Application
After meeting the eligibility criteria to obtain your preferred UK tourist visa, you’ll also need to prepare your travel documents for your application. Listed below are the required documents you will need for the visa application process. Scroll down!
- Valid International Passport: You will need to leave at least one blank page on your passport for your visa. Furthermore, your international passport must be valid for the duration of your planned stay. It must also be valid for three months after you plan to return from the UK.
- Visa Application Form: You must complete an online visa application form for your preferred tourist visa on the UK government’s official website.
- Passport-size Photographs: You must present your recent passport-sized color photographs that meet the UK’s photo requirements.
- Proof of Financial Capability: You must demonstrate your financial capability by presenting your bank statements or other financial documents. Meanwhile, this is just to show your ability to cover all the costs of your trip.
- Travel Itinerary: Furthermore, you must present a detailed account of your proposed travel plans. For instance, your flight reservations, accommodation bookings, and any planned activities you intend to engage in while in the UK.
- Employment Letter: You must also present an official document from your employer to confirm your position at your company, your job role, salary, and approved leave.
- Ties to Your Home Country: Evidence of all ties you have to your home such as employment letters, property ownership documents, or family-related documents must be presented. However, this is to demonstrate that you intend to return to your home country after visiting the UK.
- Travel History: All previous travel history, such as previous visas and stamps in your passport, if applicable, must be included.
- Invitation Letters: However, if you’re visiting friends or family in the UK, you will need to obtain an invitation letter from your UK host.
- Proof of Accommodation: You must also present your hotel reservations or a letter of invitation from your host if you’ll be staying with family or friends.
- Purpose of Visit: You must present a letter explaining your planned activities while in the UK. Or other reasons for your visit, which could be for medical, tourism, study, or business purposes.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a UK Tourist Visa
We will discuss the step-by-step process of how you can apply for and obtain a UK tourist visa. However, you should be aware that visa application processes do change. Therefore, you should always check the official UK government website for the most current information on your preferred tourist visa before applying.
1. Determine Your Visa Type and its Eligibility
You will need to decide on the specific type of UK tourist visa that best suits your travel purpose. Also, ensure that you have met the eligibility requirements for your preferred visa category.
2. Gather Your Required Documents
Before you start your application, collect all necessary documents based on the requirements of your preferred visa type. Meanwhile, the common documents you need include your international passport, application form, financial documents, evidence of connection to your home country, and travel plans.
3. Complete the Online Application Process
You will create an account on the official UK government website for visa applications. Furthermore, you’ll fill out your visa application form with your accurate personal details, travel records, and preferred visa type.
4. Pay the Application Fee
To conclude your application, you must pay the relevant visa application fee online as required by your preferred visa type.
5. Schedule a Biometric Appointment
You will need to schedule your appointment slot at a VAC (Visa Application Centre) in your country. Moreover, biometric details are a copy of your fingerprints and your photograph.
6. Compile and Organize Your Documents
Arrange all your documents according to the specified order and requirements. An immigration lawyer can help you with this or you can do it yourself by following the instructions on your biometric slip.
7. Submit your Application at a VAC
Visit the nearest VAC on the appointed date with your organized documents, biometric appointment confirmation, and passport. Furthermore, you will submit your application and provide biometric data. In some cases, you may need to go for an interview and must be present as scheduled.
8. Track Your Application Status
Use the tracking services provided by the VAC to always check the status of your application.
9. Receive a Decision
However, when a decision has been made on your visa application, you will receive a notification on the email provided in your details. If your application is approved, you’ll receive your passport with the visa on it.
Extending a UK Tourist Visa
If your visa application has been approved and your stay in the UK is less than six months. You have the possibility of extending your stay, which will permit you to remain for a total of six months. However, to seek an extension, irrespective of your country of origin, you’ll need to submit an application fee of £1,000. Furthermore, the application process requires that you are within the UK and apply before your present visa lapses.