United Kingdom Visa Requirements

It depends on your nationality. Citizens from about 85 countries including the US, Canada, Australia, EU member states, Japan, and South Korea can visit for up to 6 months without a visa. Most other nationalities, including India, China, Nigeria, and Pakistan, need a Standard Visitor Visa.

Standard visitor visa applications take approximately 3 weeks from the biometrics appointment. Priority service (£500 extra) delivers a decision within 5 working days. Super Priority service (£1,000 extra) provides a decision by the end of the next working day.

The Standard Visitor Visa costs £127 for stays up to 6 months. Long-term multi-entry visas are available: 2 years (£475), 5 years (£848), or 10 years (£1,059). Student visas cost £490, and Skilled Worker visas range from £719 to £1,636 depending on the duration.

Yes, all UK visa applications start online at gov.uk. After completing the application and paying the fee, you book an appointment at a visa application centre (VAC) to submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo) and supporting documents.

Core requirements include a valid passport with at least one blank page, proof of sufficient funds (bank statements), accommodation details, and travel itinerary. Employment documentation and evidence of ties to your home country significantly strengthen applications.

Approval rates vary significantly by nationality. Visitors from low-risk countries like the US, UAE, and EU nations see approval rates above 95%. Applications from India average 82%, China 90%, while Nigeria and Pakistan face higher refusal rates around 45-55%.

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a new requirement starting February 25, 2026, for visitors who currently do not need a visa. It costs £16, is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, and allows multiple visits of up to 6 months each. Apply through the UK ETA app.

No, the Standard Visitor Visa does not permit any paid or unpaid work in the UK. You can attend business meetings, conferences, and interviews, but working requires a separate work visa with employer sponsorship.