Apply for your UK Standard Visitor Visa online

Expert-reviewed UK Standard Visitor Visa application. No complex paperwork required with iVisa.

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United Kingdom Visitor Visa requirements

The UK Standard Visitor Visa is required for travelers from countries not exempt from visa requirements who wish to enter the United Kingdom for tourism, visiting family and friends, business meetings, short-term study (up to 6 months), or private medical treatment.

This visa involves a formal application process and a mandatory biometric appointment. As of 2026, the UK government has transitioned many visa categories to the UKVI eVisa system; however, for first-time Standard Visitor applicants, a physical vignette (sticker) in the passport is still standard after the identity check.

Required documents for the UK Standard Visitor Visa

To apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa, you typically need the following documents and/or information:

A valid passport (valid for the duration of your stay in the UK)
Bank statements or payslips from the last 6 months (to prove financial sufficiency)
Proof of residence in the country you are applying from
Details of your travel itinerary and where you will stay
Ties to your home country (employment letter, property deeds, or student enrollment)
Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if you are from a country where this is mandatory)
A recent passport-style photograph
A valid email address

Requirements may vary depending on nationality.

United Kingdom Visitor Visa pricing and validity

UK Standard Visitor Visa

Prices starting from $399.99

Valid for 6 months after issued

Multiple entry

Stay up to 180 days per entry

Get it as fast as 30 days

Fast facts

Average time it takes to apply

20 minutes

iVisa approval rate

99%

Main reason for denials

Insufficient financial proof or lack of ties

Our UK Standard Visitor Visa application process

How to apply for your UK Standard Visitor Visa with iVisa

Complete the online application

Check if you need the UK Standard Visitor Visa and fill out your details using our simplified process on our website or through our app.

We review your application

Select your preferred processing speed, pay securely with one of our flexible payment options, and upload the required documents. Our experts will review your application and catch any mistakes before submitting.

We submit it for government processing

We are not the UK government, but will submit your application to them on your behalf. You will then need to attend a biometric appointment to provide your fingerprints and photo.

Receive your UK Standard Visitor Visa

Once approved, you’ll receive your passport back with the visa vignette (sticker) inside, allowing you to travel to the United Kingdom.

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Why choose iVisa?

Applying for UK Standard Visitor Visa on your own can be confusing and time-consuming. iVisa simplifies the process, reduces errors, and gives you peace of mind.

Benefit	Applying by yourself	iVisa
Simple, easy forms	Not included	Included
24x7 support from visa experts	Not included	Included
Error detection to prevent rejections	Not included	Included
World's easiest passport scan	Not included	Included
Multiple payment methods	Not included	Included

1.4M happy customers

24/7customer support

70,000+ reviews

10 years of experience

98% visa approval rate

Verified United Kingdom Visitor Visa reviews

Travelers to United Kingdom rated this product a 4.8 out of 5 based on 5 reviews.

4.8 out of 5

Brecken E.

May 15, 2025

"ivisa simplified the uk visa application process for me. The instructions were clear, communication was prompt and professional and my documents were carefully reviewed. I want to highlight the staff in particular—they were courteous, efficient, and incredibly supportive. Their assistance made the entire experience smooth and worry free. I highly recommend their services to anyone in need of dependable visa help."
Max C.

April 2, 2025

"Absolutely fantastic service with a highly efficient team! what stood out the most was their continuous follow up and feedback throughout the process. They turned what could have been a difficult and overwhelming experience into a smooth, stress free one. huge thanks to the entire team!!!"
Gracie S.

December 9, 2024

"The form was straightforward and simple to complete"
Connell A.

October 4, 2024

"Excellent service with a fully customer focused team available 24/7. Communication through WhatsApp was fast and the managers were incredibly friendly and supportive!"
Alessandra E.

January 16, 2025

"The company was very responsive to any questions and completed the job promptly"

See all 5 reviews

Frequently asked questions about the United Kingdom Visitor Visa

Do I need a UK Standard Visitor Visa or a UK ETA?

It depends on your nationality. Citizens from "visa national" countries (such as China, India, and South Africa) must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa.

Conversely, citizens from "non-visa national" countries (such as the US, Australia, and EU nations) now require a UK ETA instead of a full visa. Use our visa checker to confirm your status.

How will I receive the UK Standard Visitor Visa?

The visa is a physical sticker (vignette) placed in your passport. You must submit your passport during your biometrics appointment or mail it to a designated Visa Application Centre (VAC) to have the visa attached.

How long can I stay in the United Kingdom with a Visitor Visa?

You can stay for up to 180 days (6 months) per visit. Even if you hold a long-term 2, 5, or 10-year visa, you are generally limited to 6 months per entry and cannot live in the UK through frequent successive visits.

How long does UK Standard Visitor Visa processing take?

After attending your biometrics appointment, the UK government typically makes a decision within 15 to 45 working days. With iVisa, we help you avoid errors that may delay your application by performing an expert review and ensuring all documents meet current Home Office standards.

Do children/minors need a UK Standard Visitor Visa?

Yes. Every traveler, including infants, must have their own visa. You can easily manage applications for your entire family together through the iVisa platform.

Do I need to attend an interview to get a UK visa?

Most Standard Visitor Visa applicants do not need an interview. However, you must attend a biometrics appointment in person to provide your fingerprints and a digital photograph.

Do I need the UK Standard Visitor Visa to transit in the United Kingdom?

Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and whether you pass through UK Border Control.

Airside Transit: Many visa-national citizens require a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) even if they don't leave the airport.
Landside Transit: If you must clear immigration to collect luggage, change airports, or stay overnight, you generally need a Transit Visitor Visa or a Standard Visitor Visa.

What happens if my UK Standard Visitor Visa application is denied?

If denied, you will receive a "Refusal Letter" explaining the decision. Common reasons include "lack of ties to home country" or "unclear source of funds." Because government fees are non-refundable, iVisa’s review is designed to catch these issues before submission.

Can I extend my UK Standard Visitor Visa?

In most cases, no. You cannot extend a standard 6-month stay. Extensions are only granted in very specific circumstances, such as unforeseen medical emergencies or for specific academic purposes.

Do I have to hand in my passport during the application?

Yes. You must provide your physical passport so the UK government can place the visa vignette inside it. Most applicants leave their passport at the Visa Application Centre for about three weeks. Many centers offer a "Keep My Passport" service for an additional fee if you need it for other travel while waiting for the decision.