Travelling to the UK? A Complete Guide to Documents Required for UK Tourist Visa

 

The United Kingdom (UK) is one of the most popular destinations for tourists. From rich history, culture and stunning landmarks to famous museums, galleries and beautiful scenic places, the country has so much to offer. If you are planning to explore the country, then the first step is to get a UK tourist visa or UK visitor visa. So, let’s dive into everything from eligibility criteria to documents required for UK tourist visa. 

UK Tourist Visa: Eligibility Requirements

A UK tourist visa allows individuals to visit the UK for six months for different purposes, such as business, tourism, study or other acceptable activities. In order to apply for a UK tourist visa, you need to check if you are meeting the eligibility criteria. Below are some generic eligibility requirements mentioned to apply for a UK tourist visa:

  • You must hold a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity.
  • Your age must be above 18 years.
  • You must have sufficient bank balance to cover the expenses of your trip for yourself and your dependent (if any).
  • You must have no criminal records or earlier migration violations in any country.
  • Also, you need to provide proof of ties to your home country, such as employment, property ownership or family ties.

If you need a visa consultant for eligibility requirements, then you can connect to Western Overseas, one of the most renowned UK visa consultants.

Documents Required for UK Tourist Visa

While applying for your visa, one of the most crucial steps is to collect and submit documents required for UK tourist visa. It is considered an essential feature of the visa application process. You should ensure that the supporting documents required for UK tourist visa follow the criteria set by the UK Home Office. 

Following is a list of important documents required for UK tourist visa:

  • Passport: You must have a valid passport with a validity of at least six months beyond your period of stay in the country. Also, the passport must have at least one blank page for the visa.     
  • Visa Application Form: You must fill your UK tourist visa or UK visitor visa completely with valid information and include personal details accurately.
  • Funds Availability: You must provide bank statements or payslips for the past six months as proof that you have enough funds to cover the expenses of your stay in the UK. 
  • Passport-size Colour Photograph: You need to provide recent passport-size colour photographs as per specific guidelines.
  • Proof of Accommodation: You must provide a document as proof that shows where you will be accommodated in the UK. 
  • Cover Letter: You should provide a cover letter that includes a detailed explanation of the purpose of your visit to the UK.
  • A Letter of Invitation: If you are staying at your friend or family member’s house in the UK, then you should submit a letter of invitation. Your host must be a UK citizen. 
  • Paid UK Visa Fees: Also, you need to provide the payment receipt of your UK visa fee. 

Additional Documents Required for UK Tourist Visa

  • Employer Documents: If you are employed, then a letter from your employer is needed that includes your position, salary and duration of employment.
  • Business Documents: If you are self-employed, then you need to submit the documents stating the business owner’s name, existence details and Income Tax returns for the past 3 years. 
  • A Letter From Academic Institution: If you are a student, then you must provide a letter from your institution that confirms your enrolment and leave of absence. 

UK Tourist Visa: Application Process

To apply for a UK Tourist Visa, follow the below-mentioned steps.

Step 1: The first step is to create an online account through the visa application website. Then, fill out the application form by providing the right information.

Step 2: Next, pay the application fee for your visa through any accepted payment options.

Step 3: Then, book a biometric appointment at the nearest visa application centre.

Step 4: Submit all the documents required for UK tourist visa, including passport, application form, passport-size photographs, invitation letter, financial documents, accommodation proof and any additional documents.

Step 5: After the submission of your application, wait for the visa processing. The processing time usually takes 15-30 working days, but it may vary.  

Step 6: Once your application is approved, you can collect your visa from the visa application centre. But, if the application is rejected, then you will be notified of the rejection reasons.

UK Tourist Visa Validity

Both short-term and long-term visitor visas are available for the UK. So, if you are planning to visit the country for a short duration, i.e., less than 6 months, then you will need to apply for a UK Standard Tourist/Visitor Visa. For long-term visits, you will be required to apply for the UK tourist (Visitor) visa for 2, 5 & 10 years. Please note that on each visit, you can stay for a maximum of 6 months. Also, your multiple visits would be for the same purpose. 

Moreover, please keep in mind that the rules and regulations of UK tourist visas can be uncertain, so you must consult with our UK visa experts. They will guide you with the right and up-to-date information.  

UK Visitor Visa Fees

UK tourist visa or UK visitor visa fees depend on the visa type. For a better understanding of the UK visa fee details, refer to the table below:    

UK Visitor Visa Type

Duration

Fees in Pound

Fees in Rupees

Standard Visitor Visa

6 Months

£115

Rs. 11,500

Standard Visitor Visa for Medical Reasons

11 Months

£200

Rs. 20,000

Standard Visitor Visa for Academics

12 Months

£200

Rs. 20,000

2-year Long-term Standard Visitor Visa

6 Months Per Visit

£400

Rs. 40,000

5-year Long-term Standard Visitor Visa

6 Months Per Visit

£771

Rs. 77,100

10-year Long-term Standard Visitor Visa

6 Months Per Visit

£963

Rs. 96,300

 

The Bottom Line

So, if you are planning to visit the UK, then you must understand the UK tourist visa requirements, fees, validity and application process. Additionally, ensure that you have submitted the complete and accurate documents required for UK tourist visa. 

To ensure a smooth journey to the UK, you should take expert advice from Western Overseas, one of the best visa consultants that will assist you with your UK tourist visa.