United Kingdom Tourist Visa
Standard Visitor Visa · For Pakistan citizens
Planning a trip to the UK as a Pakistani citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the Standard Visitor Visa application: required documents, current fees of £127, processing times of 3 weeks, and strategies to improve your chances. With a 55% approval rate for Pakistani applicants, thorough preparation and strong documentation are essential for success.
UK Tourist Visa for Pakistani Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Pakistan citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your current passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay in the UK
Complete the online visa application form on the gov.uk website
Bank statements showing sufficient funds to cover your trip and daily expenses
Documentation proving your employment status and income
Details of your planned activities and accommodation in the UK
Evidence demonstrating your intention to return to Pakistan
Fingerprints and photograph taken at VFS Global visa application centre
Tuberculosis test certificate from an approved clinic in Pakistan
Recommended (Optional)
Letter from your host in the UK confirming your accommodation arrangements
Certified translations of any non-English documents
Application Process
All applications must be submitted online through the UK government portal.1 The process involves four main steps:
1. Complete Online Application
Fill out the visa application form at gov.uk, providing information about your travel plans, finances, employment, and background. Be completely honest about any previous visa applications or refusals to any country. Pay the £127 fee online.12
2. Book Biometrics Appointment
After submitting your application, book an appointment at a VFS Global visa application centre.5 Centres operate in Islamabad (Park Road, Chattha Bakhtawar), Lahore (MCT Madina Corporate Tower, Queens Road), Karachi (Bahria Complex IV, Clifton), and Mirpur (Hanif Plaza, Sector D-4).5
3. Attend Appointment
At your appointment, you will provide your fingerprints and have your photograph taken.1 Bring your passport and all supporting documents. You can use the Document Scanning Service to have your passport returned the same day. The VFS centres are open Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 17:00.5
4. Wait for Decision
Standard processing takes 3 weeks from your biometrics appointment.4 You will receive an email when a decision has been made, and your passport will be available for collection at the VFS centre or can be couriered to your address.5
Fees
| Service | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor Visa (6 months) | £127 | 3 weeks |
| Priority Service | +£500 | 5 working days |
| Super Priority Service | +£1,000 | Next working day |
| 2-Year Long-Term Visa | £475 | 3 weeks |
| 5-Year Long-Term Visa | £848 | 3 weeks |
| 10-Year Long-Term Visa | £1,059 | 3 weeks |
VFS Global charges an additional service fee of approximately PKR 6,500.5 Optional services like SMS updates, courier delivery, and premium lounge access cost extra.
What You Need to Prove
According to UK Immigration Rules, you must demonstrate that you are a genuine visitor.3 This means showing:
- Genuine intention to visit for a permitted purpose and leave at the end of your stay3
- Sufficient funds to cover all costs without working or accessing public funds3
- Ability to pay for your return journey and any other costs relating to your visit3
- Strong ties to Pakistan showing compelling reasons to return home3
- Valid travel document with at least one blank page for the visa3
Pakistani applicants face additional scrutiny on home country ties, so providing comprehensive evidence of your connections to Pakistan is essential.
Processing Times
The current processing time for Standard Visitor Visa applications from Pakistan is 3 weeks.4 This is measured from the date of your biometrics appointment.
Processing may take longer if:4
- Information in your application requires further consideration
- You need to provide additional evidence
- Supporting documents need verification
- You need to attend an interview
If you need a faster decision, you can pay for Priority (5 working days) or Super Priority (next working day) service. These services are subject to availability.6
After Your Visa is Approved
Once approved, your visa will be placed in your passport. Check the validity dates carefully. You can enter the UK any time during the validity period and stay for up to 6 months per visit.
At the UK border, you may be asked to show:
- Return flight tickets or onward travel arrangements
- Proof of accommodation
- Evidence of funds for your stay
- Details of your travel plans and itinerary
- Contact details of people you are visiting
Immigration officers have the final say on entry, so carry supporting documents even after your visa is approved.
If Your Visa is Refused
If refused, you will receive a letter explaining the specific reasons. Common reasons include insufficient evidence of funds, weak ties to Pakistan, or inconsistencies in your application. You can:
- Reapply with improved documentation addressing the issues raised. Wait until you can genuinely strengthen your application.
- Request administrative review within 28 days if you believe an error was made. This costs £80.
- Seek professional help from an immigration lawyer for complex cases.
There is generally no right of appeal for visitor visa refusals.1 A refusal does not permanently prevent future applications, but you must clearly address the concerns raised in any new application. Declare your previous refusal honestly in all future applications to any country.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Weak Ties to Home Country
Unable to demonstrate strong reasons to return to Pakistan after the visit, such as stable employment, property ownership, or family obligations. This is the leading cause of refusal for Pakistani applicants.
How to avoid: Include employment letter showing tenure of 2+ years, property documents if you own any, evidence of family dependents, CNIC copies of immediate family in Pakistan, or ongoing business commitments with contracts.
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Bank statements do not show enough funds, demonstrate suspicious patterns such as large unexplained deposits, or do not align with stated income. Caseworkers look for consistent savings over time.
How to avoid: Show 6 months of statements with consistent balance and regular income. Avoid large deposits in the weeks before applying. Ensure bank balance comfortably covers all trip costs plus buffer of at least 50%.
Incomplete or Inconsistent Documentation
Application contains missing documents, contradictory information, or unexplained gaps. Information does not match across different documents, or salary in employment letter differs from bank credits.
How to avoid: Double-check all dates and details match across documents. Provide explanation letters for any gaps. Ensure salary in employment letter matches bank statement credits exactly.
Previous Immigration Issues
History of visa refusals, overstays, or violations in the UK or other countries raises concerns about compliance with immigration rules. Any deception in previous applications is treated very seriously.
How to avoid: Be completely honest about previous issues. Provide evidence of changed circumstances and explain how your situation has improved since any previous refusal. Never hide past refusals.
Unconvincing Travel Purpose
The stated purpose of visit seems implausible, or the itinerary does not match the visa duration or applicant's profile. Vague or generic reasons for visiting raise red flags.
How to avoid: Provide a clear, detailed, and realistic itinerary. If visiting family or friends, include invitation letters with their UK immigration status and proof of relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in the UK on a tourist visa?
The Standard Visitor Visa allows you to stay for up to 6 months per visit. However, you cannot live in the UK through frequent or successive visits. Immigration officers may question you if you spend more time in the UK than in Pakistan.
Can I work on a UK tourist visa?
No, the Standard Visitor Visa does not permit any form of paid or unpaid work in the UK. This includes freelance work, even for clients outside the UK. If you need to work, you must apply for an appropriate work visa.
How long does UK visa processing take from Pakistan?
Standard processing takes 3 weeks from your biometrics appointment. Priority service (£500) delivers a decision within 5 working days. Super Priority service (£1,000) provides a decision by the end of the next working day.
What is the UK tourist visa fee for Pakistanis in 2025?
The Standard Visitor Visa fee is £127 for stays up to 6 months. Long-term visas are available: 2 years (£475), 5 years (£848), or 10 years (£1,059). VFS Global service charges apply separately.
Do I need to book flights before applying?
No, you are not required to book flights before applying. The UK government advises against booking non-refundable travel until your visa is approved.
Where can I apply for a UK visa in Pakistan?
VFS Global operates UK visa application centres in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, and Mirpur. You must book an appointment online after submitting your application on gov.uk.
What is the approval rate for UK visas from Pakistan?
The approval rate for UK visitor visas from Pakistan is approximately 55%. This means about 45% of applications are refused. Strong financial evidence and demonstrating clear ties to Pakistan are crucial for approval.
What happens if my visa is refused?
You will receive a refusal letter explaining the specific reasons. You can reapply with improved documentation addressing the issues raised. There is generally no appeal right for visitor visas, but you can request an administrative review in some cases.
Do I need a TB test for a UK tourist visa from Pakistan?
A TB test is required for stays of 6 months or more. For shorter visits, it is not mandatory. Tests must be from an IOM-approved clinic in Pakistan, with locations in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.
Can I extend my UK tourist visa?
In most cases, you cannot extend a Standard Visitor Visa. You are expected to leave the UK before your visa expires. Extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances such as medical emergencies.