Standard Visitor Visa — Complete Guide & Document Checklist
The UK Standard Visitor visa is the most accessible way to visit the UK for tourism, family visits, business meetings, or other short-term purposes. This guide explains who qualifies, which documents you need, processing times, and the full cost. Use VisaVault to prepare your application pack with a personalised checklist and covering letter.
Do I qualify for the Standard Visitor visa?
Valid passport
Your passport must be valid for your intended stay and, ideally, for 6 months beyond your planned departure date.
Clear purpose of visit
You must have a specific reason to visit the UK: tourism, visiting family or friends, business meetings, graduation ceremony, medical treatment, or other justified purpose.
Sufficient funds
You must be able to demonstrate you can cover the cost of your stay (accommodation, travel, living expenses) without working in the UK.
Intend to return home
You must show evidence of ties to your home country and demonstrate your intention to return after your visit: employment, family, property, or other commitments.
No criminal record or immigration breaches
You must not have been refused a UK or Schengen visa, overstayed, or breached immigration conditions in the past. Disclosure of any such history is mandatory.
No intention to study or work
The Standard Visitor visa does not permit study or employment in the UK. Work, even a few hours of volunteering, is a breach of your visa conditions.
Document checklist
VisaVault generates a personalised version of this list for your exact circumstances.
Valid passport
Must be valid for your intended stay and, ideally, 6 months beyond departure.
Travel itinerary or accommodation booking
Confirmation of your planned dates, flights, and where you will stay (hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or invitation letter from UK host).
Financial evidence
Bank statements or proof of funds covering your living expenses for the duration of stay. Amount depends on stay length and accommodation type; typically £500–2000 for a 2-week visit.
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking, Airbnb confirmation, or letter of invitation from UK host with proof of their UK residence (utility bill, council tax bill).
Proof of ties to home country
Employment letter, property deed, family ties documentation, or evidence you have commitments you will return to after your visit.
Proof of status (for some nationalities)
Some nationalities may need additional documents such as a TB test certificate if from a listed country.
Invitation letter (if visiting family/friends)
If staying with UK family or friends, request a letter from your UK contact confirming they invite you and can host you.
Travel history
Your passport with previous visas and entry/exit stamps demonstrates responsible travel history and strengthens your application.
Get your personalised checklist
Answer 3 quick questions and we'll send your tailored document list by email.
Question 1 of 3
Which visa type are you applying for?
Costs and processing times
Visitor visa (6 months)
£135
Visitor visa (2 years)
£475
Visitor visa (5 years)
£848
Visitor visa (10 years)
£1,059
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Not applicable — visitors do not pay IHS
VisaVault document pack
£99 one-off
Typical processing time
Approximately 3 weeks (15–30 working days) — no priority service available
Frequently asked questions
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