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UK Standard Visitor Visa for Ethiopian citizens: Complete guide for 2023
iVisa
8 min read
Updated on Jan 23, 2024

Traveling to the United Kingdom is a dream for many Ethiopian citizens. Whether for tourism, visiting family, or attending business events, the UK offers diverse opportunities and experiences. As an Ethiopian national, you must apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa to make this dream a reality.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential information about said UK Standard Visitor Visa for Ethiopian citizens, including the application process, requirements, and visa application fee. Rely on our services for professional assistance from start to finish and get your UK visa hassle-free.

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What is the UK Standard Visitor Visa?

This is one of the most popular UK visas since it covers tourists traveling for the most common reasons: tourism, business, and visiting family and friends. You must apply online for this UK Standard Visitor Visa and attend an appointment at a UK Visa Application Center or Embassy, where you’ll provide biometric information, submit your documents, and, if necessary, undergo an interview.

Does it seem like a lot? Count on our services to have experts guiding you throughout the application process and increase your chances of visa approval.

UK Visa - Ethiopia: Do Ethiopian citizens need a Standard Visitor Visa for the United Kingdom?

Yes, if you're an Ethiopian citizen planning to visit the United Kingdom, you’ll need a Standard Visitor Visa. This visa is specially designed for short-term stays and allows you to explore the beauty of the UK, engage in business meetings, attend conferences, seek medical treatment, and more.

Other citizens may be eligible for the UK ETA. Use our Visa Checker Tool to determine the visa options available based on your nationality.

Benefits of a UK Standard Visitor Visa for Ethiopian citizens

The UK Standard Visitor Visa, also known as the UK Visit Visa, opens the door to an unforgettable experience in the United Kingdom. Depending on the purpose of your trip, you can choose from various types of UK Visitor Visas and enjoy a range of exciting activities:

  • Tourism and leisure: A valid visa allows travelers to experience the UK's rich history, culture, and tourist attractions.

  • Business opportunities: If you're an Ethiopian entrepreneur or professional, this visa allows you to attend business meetings and conferences or explore potential business ventures in the UK.

  • Family and friends visits: Strengthen personal bonds by visiting family members or friends residing in the UK.

  • Enroll in short courses: This travel document works as a student visa, letting you enjoy a school exchange program or enroll in a course of up to 30 days, for example, a dance or an English course. Also, it allows research in the UK for up to six months if it’s relevant to your study (Bachelor's, Master's, or doctorate degree level) to visit the country.

  • Seek healthcare: Receive medical treatment and consultations with British doctors.

  • Volunteer work: Engage in volunteer activities for up to 30 days with a registered charity institution.

  • Transit in the UK: You can make stopovers at a UK airport without the need for additional transit visas if you have the Standard Visitor Visa.

Learn more details about this UK visa in the video below:

Remember, you cannot work or take long courses in the UK with this visa.

Benefits of applying for a UK Standard Visitor Visa with us

When applying with us, you count on added value services that will help you in your journey for a smooth and error-free application:

  • Best chances of visa approval – We’ll assist you in submitting a flawless application, increasing your chances of getting the visa approved.

  • Flexible form completion – Take your time to complete the visa application form at your own pace. Take breaks whenever you need and save your progress for later.

  • Guaranteed appointment scheduling – Save time and effort as we promptly secure your visa appointment, sparing you the hassle of searching for available dates.

  • Expert agent support – If you have any doubts or worries during the application process, our team of experts is here to provide you with end-to-end assistance and support.

  • Real-time order tracking – Easily monitor the progress of your visa application through your iVisa account, staying updated at all times.

UK visa requirements for Ethiopian citizens

You must provide documentation to prove your travel purpose and eligibility. We’ll send you a tailored document list with all the items you must carry to the visa appointment. In the meantime, here is an overview of the UK visa requirements for Ethiopian citizens.

UK Visitor Visa: Eligibility criteria for Ethiopian citizens

As a citizen of Ethiopia you are eligible for the UK Standard Visitor Visa. However, in addition to nationality, you must meet other eligibility requirements, which include:

  • Intention to leave the UK: You must demonstrate your plans to depart the UK at the end of your visit.

  • Financial capability: You must prove you have the means to support yourself and any dependents during your trip. If someone else will be funding your journey, you must provide evidence of their financial support.

  • Return or onward journey: You must show that you can pay for your return or onward trip from the UK.

  • Short-term stay: Your visit should not involve living in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, nor should you intend to travel with indefinite leave.

UK Standard Visitor Visa: Required documents for citizens from Ethiopia

To apply for the UK Standard Visitor Visa, Ethiopian citizens need to submit the following documents as part of their application:

  • Valid passport – It must be an ordinary passport valid for up to six months beyond the intended stay. Please note that applying with a refugee passport/alien’s passport is impossible.

  • Completed visa application form.

  • National ID.

  • Proof of finances – There is no specific amount, but you must foresee how much your trip will cost and present bank statements, annual income, and other financial documents showing sufficient funds to cover expenses.

  • Proof of residence – It could be a green card, a residence permit, or a visa sticker in your passport (if applicable).

  • Travel Itinerary – A detailed itinerary outlining the purpose and planned activities during the stay in the UK.

  • Accommodation details: Proof of accommodation arrangements in the UK, such as hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a host.

  • Proof of employment (if applicable) – For employed applicants, a letter from their employer stating their position, salary, and approved leave for the travel period.

  • Details of any criminal, civil, or immigration offenses you may have committed.

Please keep in mind that additional documents may be required based on your circumstances.

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UK Visa: How long can Ethiopian citizens stay in the UK?

With a UK Standard Visitor Visa, Ethiopian citizens can typically stay in the United Kingdom for up to 180 days in Total. This Multiple Entry visa is valid for 180 days after issued. However, the immigration officer will determine the actual duration of your stay based on your visit purpose and individual circumstances. For instance, if you seek medical treatment and apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa, you may be allowed to stay in the country for up to 11 months.

What are the costs and processing times for the UK Standard Visitor Visa in Ethiopia?

When applying with us, the UK Standard Visitor Visa for citizens of Ethiopia costs USD $341.99. This includes our service fee of USD $214.99 and the government fee of USD $127.00.

The processing time consists of two stages:

  • iVisa processing time: 30 days, during which your form will be completed, reviewed by our iVisa Experts, and a visa appointment will be scheduled.

  • Government processing time: After the visa appointment, the government takes typically 1 to 3 weeks to analyze your visa application.

How to apply for the UK Standard Visitor Visa in Ethiopia?

To apply for the United Kingdom Standard Visitor Visa with our assistance, follow these simple steps:

  • Step 1: Provide your basic details and travel information on our website or iVisa app. Review the details carefully to avoid errors and proceed with paying the visa fees.

  • Step 2: Complete the UK visa application form and upload the required documents. Our iVisa Experts will review it and schedule a visa appointment.

  • Step 3: Attend the visa appointment at the UK Embassy or Visa Application Center (VAC) to provide biometric data and undergo the interview. We’ll assist you in finding the nearest location, preparing for the interview, and providing tips for a successful appointment.

After your interview, the UK immigration authorities will need your passport to issue the approved UK Visitor Visa.

Tips for a successful UK Standard Visitor Visa application in Ethiopia

For a smooth and successful UK Standard Visitor Visa application, consider the following tips:

  • Complete and accurate information: Provide all required information accurately and truthfully on the visa application form.

  • Supporting documents: Include all relevant supporting documents to substantiate the purpose of your visit and financial sufficiency.

  • Travel itinerary: Present a comprehensive travel itinerary outlining the planned activities during your stay in the UK.

  • Ties to Ethiopia: Highlight ties to your country, such as family, employment, or property, to demonstrate your intention to return after the visit.

  • Seek professional guidance: Rely on our iVisa Experts' assistance to ensure all aspects of the application are properly addressed.

Common reasons for UK Standard Visitor Visa refusals in Ethiopia

Some common reasons for UK Standard Visitor Visa refusals include:

  • Insufficient financial proof: Failing to provide satisfactory evidence of financial sufficiency for the visit.

  • Lack of genuine intentions: Not convincingly demonstrating the true purpose of the visit.

  • Previous visa violations: A history of violating visa rules or overstaying in any country may negatively impact the UK Visitor Visa application.

  • Criminal record: Applicants with a criminal record or previous convictions may face visa refusal, especially if their past offenses are severe or raise security concerns.

Where can I find more information about the UK Visitor Visa?

  • For questions or concerns regarding the UK Standard Visitor Visa or other travel documents, contact us via online chat or email at [email protected].

  • Check out our UK Travel Guide for more valuable tips and tricks to prepare to visit the United Kingdom. Have a blast!

Disclaimer
  • iVisa is NOT affiliated with any government agency. This site does not provide legal advice and we are not a law firm. None of our customer service representatives are lawyers and they also do not provide legal advice. We are a private, internet-based travel and immigration consultancy provider dedicated to helping individuals travel around the world. You may apply by yourself directly on the various government websites. The source of information: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration

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