UK Visitor Visa 2027: Requirements and Steps

What a UK Visitor Visa Lets You Do

From Big Ben and Buckingham Palace to the Scottish Highlands and the beaches of Cornwall, the UK is one of the world’s favourite travel destinations. The Standard Visitor visa lets you come to the UK for tourism, to visit family and friends, or for short business trips like meetings and conferences. You can usually stay for up to six months on each visit, but you cannot work, live in the UK or use public funds. You can also take a short course of study of up to 30 days.

Visitor Visa or ETA: Which One You Need

Your nationality decides what you need. Citizens of visa-free countries, including EU countries, the USA, Canada and Australia, don’t need a visa for short visits, but they now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), a quick online permission that costs £20 and is valid for two years. Citizens of other countries must apply for a Standard Visitor visa before they travel. Use the official checker on the GOV.UK website to see which applies to you.

Requirements and Documents

You must show that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit, and that you can pay for your trip without working. You usually need a valid passport, proof of your money, such as recent bank statements, details of where you will stay, and your travel plans. Officers look closely at your ties to your home country, such as your job, family, property or studies, so include strong proof of these. Avoid large, unexplained deposits in your bank account before you apply, because they can raise doubts.

How to Apply Step by Step

First, fill in the online application on the official GOV.UK website, which you can do up to three months before your trip. Next, pay the visa fee, which is £135 for a six-month visa since 8 April 2026. Then book an appointment at a visa application centre to give your fingerprints and photo, and bring your supporting documents. A decision usually comes within about three weeks after your appointment, and you can pay extra for a faster decision in many countries. If you visit the UK often, you can also apply for a long-term visitor visa valid for two, five or ten years.

If Your Visa Is Refused

The most common reason for refusal is that the officer is not convinced you will return home after your visit. Other common reasons are not enough money, unclear travel plans, and missing or inconsistent documents. A refusal stays on your record, so every future UK application must mention it. Before you apply again, read the refusal letter carefully and fix the problems it mentions.

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