Apply for the United Kingdom visa online now

Find the right United Kingdom visa for your trip. Apply online with iVisa and skip the hassle.

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Our United Kingdom visa application process

How to apply for your United Kingdom visa with iVisa

Complete your online application

Answer a few simple questions, find out whether you need a United Kingdom ETA, a United Kingdom Standard Visitor Visa, or another UK visa or document. Then, upload your documents, and pay securely. You can save your progress and come back anytime. Most people finish in less than 10 minutes.

We’ll guide you through any unclear steps during the application process.

We review your application

The UK visa system is known for being strict – your photo must be the right size, and your passport scan must be clear.

Don’t worry – we review your whole application to catch anything that might cause delays.

We submit it for government processing

We’re not the UK government, but we submit your application to them and are here for you along the way if any problems occur.

Get your United Kingdom ETA or visa

Once your application is approved, we’ll notify you right away and let you know how to use your UK ETA or visa for your trip.

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Visa types needed for United Kingdom

UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
UK Standard Visitor Visa
UK Partner and Family Visa*
UK Student Visa*
UK Work Visa*
UK Transit Visa*

UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

Purpose: The UK ETA is a mandatory digital travel authorization for visa-exempt nationals traveling to the United Kingdom for tourism, business meetings, short-term study, or transit.

When to apply: It’s recommended to apply at least a few days before your travel date. Most travelers receive a decision the same day.

Duration and extensions: Each visit can last up to 180 days. The UK ETA is not extendable. If the validity period expires or if you change passports, you will need to apply for a new UK ETA.

Entries: Multiple entrieds allowe, as long as the ETA and the passport it’s linked to remain valid.

Ports of entry: Any official United Kingdom port of entry.

Delivery format: An approved ETA is electronically linked to your passport and exists only as a digital record, without the need for any physical document, sticker, stamp, or visa vignette.

UK Standard Visitor Visa

Purpose: The UK Standard Visitor Visa allows eligible travelers to visit the United Kingdom for tourism, business meetings, short courses, or family visits. A valid multiple-entry UK visa that has already been used to enter the UK may also allow entry to the British Virgin Islands for short stays.

When to apply: It’s recommended to apply at least 4 to 6 weeks before your planned travel date.

Once you've submitted your biometrics, the processing time is usually between 15 and 30 days.

Duration and extensions: The visa is typically valid for 6 months, 2 years, 5 years, or 10 years, depending on your situation and application details. Each visit is limited to 180 days.

Entries: The Visitor Visa is generally issued as a multiple-entry visa.

Ports of entry: Any official United Kingdom port of entry.

Delivery format: This is a physical visa vignette placed in your passport, which immigration officers will verify upon arrival.

UK Partner and Family Visa*

For partners/spouses, fiancés, or dependents of UK citizens or settled individuals coming to live permanently or temporarily.

*We currently don't offer these visas.

UK Student Visa*

For studying at accredited UK educational institutions (courses longer than 6 months).

*We currently don't offer this visa.

UK Work Visa*

For employment in the UK under categories like Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Innovator, Youth Mobility, and UK Ancestry. It's typically 1 to 5 years and is renewable.

It generally requires employer sponsorship, salary thresholds (for Skilled Worker), or recognized personal credentials (for Global Talent).

*We currently don't offer this visa.

UK Transit Visa*

For travelers transiting through a UK airport en route to another country, without passing through UK border control.

Typically valid for 24–48 hours depending on the type of transit visa issued, and for a single entry.

Required for travelers from visa-required countries even for short airport transfers. Some travelers may be eligible for Transit Without Visa (TWOV) depending on their nationality and connecting flights.

*We currently don't offer this visa.

United Kingdom visa policy

Visitors from countries that enjoy visa-free access to the United Kingdom, including the United States, most EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and more, must apply for the UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) for short tourism or business trips of up to 180 days per visit.

Many other foreign nationals, including citizens from India, China, and South Africa, must obtain a UK Standard Visitor Visa before traveling to the United Kingdom for tourism, business, medical treatment, study, work, or other purposes.

General United Kingdom visa requirements are:

Passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival and at least two blank pages
Recent photo
Valid email address
Travel details (such as flight information and accommodation address)
Proof of sufficient financial means for the duration of stay

United Kingdom visa prices

UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

Prices starting from $85.99

Valid for 2 years after issued

Multiple entry

Stay up to 186 days per entry

Get it as fast as 15 minutes

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

Time it takes to apply

10 minutes

iVisa approval rate

99%

Main reason for denials

Insufficient funds

Why choose iVisa?

Applying for a 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

69,000+ reviews

10 years of experience

98% visa approval rate

Certified customer reviews

Travelers to United Kingdom rated this product a 4.9 out of 5 based on 421 reviews.

4.9 out of 5

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Suraish Singh

May 5, 2026

"Luis is a super guy who will guide you through the process with ease. I could not get my laptop camers to take my picture and Luis chose another option via Whatsapp and walked me through the whole process without a problem."
Cheryl Hamilton

May 13, 2026

"IVisa provides such quick turn around in completion of necessary travel documents - even when you make a mistake - that I was actually able to complete a critical document in only a few hours! I was happily shocked!"
Melinda Yeaman

March 17, 2026

"iVisa made it simple to understand the process and they kept me informed the whole way through if they needed things like a clearer photograph of documents etc. I would thoroughly recommend using them."
Robin Ingram

April 6, 2026

"Streamlined operation. Easy to fill out and quick turnaround on approval."
Bozana

November 13, 2025

"Very simple and short proces."
Hazel Jackman

May 13, 2026

"Keep up the good work"
Sharifah Masniah

March 25, 2026

"Great, simple & fast"
Raylene

December 11, 2025

"Excellent service ."
Fernando Toriani

March 18, 2026

"Excellent service."
Hector

March 19, 2026

"Very good"

See all 421 reviews

FAQs

What is a UK ETA, and how is it different from a visa?

The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a digital travel permit for short-term tourism or business stays. Unlike a visa, the process is fully online, faster to obtain, and available only to travelers from eligible countries. If you’re not eligible for the ETA, you’ll need to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa instead.

The UK Standard Visitor Visa application starts online, but an in-person is generally required to prove your identity and submit your biometrics and documentation. An interview is only required in rare circumstances.

Who needs a UK ETA versus a Standard Visitor Visa?

Travelers from countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and most EU nations only require a UK ETA for short visits.

Citizens from visa-required countries such as India, China, Nigeria, and Pakistan must apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa before traveling.

Check your eligibility during the online process on iVisa and start your application instantly.

How long is the UK ETA or Visitor Visa valid?

The UK ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires. You can use it for multiple trips, but each stay must be under 180 days.

The Uk Standard Visitor Visa also allows you to visit for up to 180 days per trip. However, the total validity of the visa itself depends on the type you choose. If you visit regularly, you can apply for a multiple-entry visa valid for 2, 5, or 10 years.

How long does it take to get approved for a UK ETA or a UK Standard Visitor Visa?

The UK government states that ETA applications are processed within three working days, though many are approved the same day you apply.

UK Standard Visitor Visas typically take 15 to 30 working days to process after your biometrics appointment.

At iVisa, we conduct an expert review of your ETA or visa application to reduce errors and delays.

What documents are required for a UK ETA application?

You’ll need a valid biometric passport, a digital passport photo, personal and travel information, and payment method.

We guide you through the application with our simplified process and are available through chat when you have questions.

Can I work in the UK with an ETA or Standard Visitor Visa?

No. Both the ETA and Standard Visitor Visa only allow you to visit, study short-term, or attend business meetings.

You strictly cannot work, take paid employment, or settle in the UK under these permits. It is important to note that while the ETA and visa usually allow multiple entries, quick successive visits may be monitored and can be seen as living in the UK without permission.

Do children need their own UK ETA or visa?

Yes. Each traveler, including children and infants, needs to have for their own ETA or visa. Parents can apply on their behalf.

iVisa allows you to easily apply as a family in one go, by clicking "Add another person" during the process.

What happens if my UK ETA or visa is refused?

If your application is refused, you’ll receive details explaining why by email. Depending on the reason, you usually have to apply for the UK Standard Visitor Visa instead, allowing you to give more details on your circumstances.

Do I need a UK ETA if I’m just transiting?

Some travelers may need a UK ETA to transit even if they are not leaving the airport. Some nationalities may need a transit visa instead, depending on their route and immigration status.

We recommend checking this with your airline.

Will I be asked questions at the UK border?

Yes. Border officers may ask about the purpose of your visit, your planned activities, proof of funds, your accommodation, and your return plans. It’s important to answer clearly and truthfully.