The United Kingdom is a country located in Europe, comprising of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Known for its rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and diverse landscape, the UK is a popular tourist destination for people from all over the world. The UK is also home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities, making it an ideal destination for students.
If you are planning to visit the UK, you will need a visa. The visa cost for the UK varies depending on various factors such as the type of visa you need, your nationality, and the purpose of your visit. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how much is visa for UK and everything you need to know before applying.
How much is visa fee for UK in 2023?
The visa fee for UK varies depending on the type of visa you require, the length of your stay, and your nationality. As of 2023, the cost of a Standard Visitor visa, which is the most common visa for tourism, business, or to visit friends and family, is as follows:
- For a short-term visa (up to 6 months), the fee is £95 (approx. $130)
- For a long-term visa (up to 2 years), the fee is £361 (approx. $496)
- For a long-term visa (up to 5 years), the fee is £655 (approx. $899)
- For a long-term visa (up to 10 years), the fee is £822 (approx. $1,127)
Who Needs a Visa to Enter the UK?
If you are a citizen of a country that is not part of the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland, you will need a visa to enter the UK.
However, there are a few exceptions, and some countries have a visa-waiver program, allowing their citizens to enter the UK without a visa for a short period.
How long can you stay in the UK on a visa?
The length of your stay in the UK on a visa depends on the type of visa you have. A Standard Visitor visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to six months. However, if you have a long-term visa, you can stay in the UK for up to two, five, or ten years, depending on the length of your visa.
Types of UK visas available
The UK offers various types of visas to suit different purposes of visit, such as tourism, work, study, family visit, and more. Here are some of the most common types of visas available:
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Standard Visitor Visa
The Standard Visitor Visa is for those who wish to visit the UK for a short period of time, usually for up to six months.
This visa is suitable for people who want to visit family or friends, go on vacation, or attend a business conference or meeting. This type of visa cannot be used for work or study in the UK.
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Work Visa
The UK offers various types of work visas for foreign nationals who want to work in the UK. These include:
- Tier 2 (General) Visa: for skilled workers who have a job offer from a UK employer
- Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) Visa: for employees of multinational companies who are being transferred to a UK branch
- Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) Visa: for temporary workers in specific industries, such as creative and sporting, charity, and religious work.
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Student Visa
The Student Visa is for international students who want to study at a UK educational institution. This visa allows students to stay in the UK for the duration of their studies, plus a few months before and after their course.
To be eligible, students must have an offer from a UK institution, demonstrate their ability to pay for their studies and living expenses, and prove their English language proficiency.
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Family Visa
The Family Visa is for those who want to join their family members who are living in the UK. This includes partners, children, and elderly dependents.
To be eligible, the applicant must provide evidence of their relationship with their family member in the UK, prove that they can support themselves without relying on public funds, and demonstrate their knowledge of the English language.
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Business Visa
The Business Visa is for those who want to start a business or invest in the UK. This includes entrepreneurs, investors, and those who have been endorsed by a UK government department or agency. To be eligible, the applicant must have a viable business plan and show that they have access to sufficient funds to invest in the UK.
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Transit Visa
The Transit Visa is for those who are passing through the UK on their way to another destination. This visa is suitable for those who are changing flights or travelling through the UK by train or coach. The visa is usually valid for up to 48 hours.
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Sportsperson Visa
The Sportsperson Visa is for athletes and coaches who want to come to the UK to participate in sports events, competitions, or coaching roles. This visa is suitable for those who have been endorsed by their sport’s governing body in the UK.
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Creative and Sporting Visa
The Creative and Sporting Visa is for those who want to work in the UK as a creative professional, such as an actor or musician, or as a sports coach or player. To be eligible, the applicant must have a valid job offer and provide evidence of their talent and expertise in their field.
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Medical Visa
The Medical Visa is a type of visa available for those who need to come to the UK for medical treatment or consultation. This visa is suitable for individuals who need to undergo medical treatment that is not available in their home country.
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Ancestry Visa
The Ancestry Visa is for those who can prove that they have a grandparent who was born in the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man. This visa allows them to live and work in the UK for up to five years.
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Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
The Youth Mobility Scheme Visa is for those aged 18 to 30 from specific countries, including Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Monaco, Hong Kong, Republic of Korea, and Taiwan. This visa allows them to live and work in the UK for up to two years.
Uk Visa Requirements
The requirements for a UK visa vary depending on the type of visa you require. However, some common requirements include:
- A valid passport
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover your trip expenses
- A clear reason for your visit to the UK
- Evidence of your ties to your home country, such as a job or property
- A completed visa application form
- Proof of your accommodation in the UK
- A recent passport-sized photograph
- For certain types of visas, such as a student visa, you may also need to provide evidence of your enrolment in a UK institution, and for a work visa, a job offer letter from a UK employer.
How much does it cost to apply for a UK visa extension?
As of 2023, the cost of extending a Standard Visitor visa is £993 (approx. $1,360) for a further six months.If you need to extend your stay in the UK, you can apply for a visa extension. The cost of a visa extension varies depending on the type of visa you have and how long you want to extend your stay.
Are UK visa fees refundable if my application is denied?
If your visa application is denied, the visa fee that you paid is generally non-refundable. This means that even if your visa is rejected, you will not be able to get your money back.
Are there any discounts or waivers available?
In some cases, you may be eligible for a discount or waiver on your visa fee. For example, if you are a child under the age of 18, you may be eligible for a reduced fee. Also, if you are a citizen of a country that has a visa-waiver program, you may not need to pay a fee to enter the UK.
What are the documents required to apply for a UK tourist visa?
To apply for a UK tourist visa, you will need to provide the following documents:
- A valid passport
- A completed visa application form
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover your trip expenses
- Evidence of your accommodation in the UK
- A clear reason for your visit to the UK
- Proof of your ties to your home country, such as a job or property
- A recent passport-sized photograph
What are the documents required to apply for a UK student visa?
To apply for a UK student visa, you will need to provide the following documents:
- A valid passport
- A completed visa application form
- Evidence of your enrolment in a UK institution
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses
- Evidence of your accommodation in the UK
- A clear reason for your study in the UK
- A recent passport-sized photograph
How much bank balance is required for UK visa?
As a general guideline, you should have at least £1,015 (approx. $1,390) in your bank account for a six-month visit to the UK. The amount of bank balance required for a UK visa varies depending on the purpose of your visit and the length of your stay. For a Standard Visitor visa, you will need to show that you have enough funds to cover your trip expenses, such as accommodation, food, and transport.
Conclusion
Obtaining a UK visa can be a complex process, but with the right information and preparation, it can be a straightforward and successful experience. The cost of a UK visa can vary depending on the type of visa, and the applicant’s nationality, among other factors. It’s important to carefully consider the requirements and costs associated with each type of visa before submitting an application.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive guide to the cost of UK visas, as well as other important information related to the visa application process. If you have any further questions or need more guidance, we encourage you to check out our blog for more articles like this.
Our blog is a valuable resource for anyone looking to travel or relocate to abroad, and we strive to provide up-to-date and accurate information to help you make informed decisions about your travel plans. Thank you for reading, and we wish you the best of luck with your UK visa application.
PS: It is important for travelers to carefully research the visa requirements and associated costs well in advance of their trip, in order to avoid any unexpected expenses. To learn more about visa requirements and costs for different countries, check out our travel visa page.
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