The United Kingdom, made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, is an island nation in northwestern Europe. England – the birthplace of Shakespeare and The Beatles – is home to the capital, London, a globally influential centre of finance and culture. England is also the site of Neolithic Stonehenge, Bath’s Roman spa and centuries-old universities at Oxford and Cambridge. From her unique identity, the United Kingdom presents itself as a place for culture as she welcomes everyone from diverse backgrounds. The English Premier League is another interesting activity for lovers of football to visit and have fun in the UK.
What are the Documents Required for UK Visitor Visa Applications?
Submitting documents for a visa varies from one visa application to the other. However, UK Visa supporting documents checklists can help applicants to identify the most common documents one will need list includes:
- Passport
- Photographic identification
- Bank statements
- Utility bills
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of employment
- Tax information
- Travel details
- Biometric information
- Driving licence
- Educational certificates
- Paid UK Visa fees
- Certified translations of documents where the original language is not English/Welsh
Documents Required By Minors (Under-18s)
Under-18s must provide additional documents as part of their UK visa application. This includes:
- Proof of parental consent if travelling without a parent (a copy of their parent’s passport and a signed letter from the parent)
- Birth certificate
- Adoption papers (if the applicant is adopted)
The Cost of a UK Tourist Visa Application
Standard Visitor Visa fees are £103-£861. Short-term Visitor Visas tend to cost around £103 as the visiting period cannot exceed 6 months. For long-term visas of this type, the cost increases as the permitted length of stay increases. For example, a stay of up to 2 years may cost £387 whereas a Visitor Visa with 10-year validity could cost £861.
UK Spouse Visas cost £1048 from inside the United Kingdom and £1538 from abroad. If dependant children are involved, the applicant must pay the same fee per child (£1048 or £1538).
Working Visas are extremely varied in cost. Temporary Work Visas tend to cost around £267 yet Skilled Worker Visa fees are close to £644.
How to Apply For UK Visa Online
UK Visa applicants from any country can submit an online application at gov.uk by following the link for the correct visa.
Individuals may need to provide a detailed history of family life, employment, education and immigration status. There will be instructions to submit certain documents for the application to be considered.
Before submitting the form, the applicant will need to pay the visa fee and book a biometrics appointment in their country of residence.
Once the form is sent off, the applicant will receive a decision from the Home Office in line with the suggested processing times. They will either be offered a UK visa, invited to an interview for further questioning or rejected.