UK Tourist Visa Requirements, Fees & Documents (Latest Update)

Planning a trip to the UK in 2025 for tourism, visiting family, or a short holiday? The UK Standard Visitor Visa (also called the Tourist Visa) allows stays up to 6 months. Some nationalities need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) instead. This guide explains the latest requirements, fees, documents, and tips for a successful application in simple English.

Who Needs a UK Tourist Visa?

• Visa-Exempt Nationalities: Citizens of the EU, EEA, Switzerland, US, Canada, Australia, Japan, and others can visit for up to 6 months without a visa but may need an ETA (£16, valid for 2 years or until passport expiry). Check www.gov.uk for your nationality’s rulesស
• Visa-Required Nationalities: Others (e.g., India, Pakistan) need a Standard Visitor Visa. Indian citizens, for example, must apply for this visa for tourism.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a UK Tourist Visa, you must:

• Have a valid passport (at least 6 months validity, 2 blank pages).
• Prove you’ll leave the UK after your visit (e.g., show ties to your home country like a job or property).
• Show enough money to cover your trip (no public funds allowed).
• Not plan to work, marry, or live in the UK for extended periods.

Required Documents

• Passport: Valid for your entire stay with 2 blank pages.
• Financial Proof: Bank statements (last 6 months, showing INR 3,00,000 or ~£3,000 for Indian applicants) to cover accommodation, travel, and daily expenses (£100–150/day).
• Travel Itinerary: Return flight tickets, hotel bookings, or invitation letter from UK-based family/friends.
• Application Form: Completed online via www.gov.uk.
• Photos: 2 recent passport-size photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm, white background).
• Translations: Certified English translations for non-English/Welsh documents.
• Additional Documents: Depending on purpose (e.g., invitation letter for family visits, travel history for past 10 years, or TB test certificate for stays over 6 months).

Visa Fees (Effective April 9, 2025)

• Standard Visitor Visa (6 months): £127 (up from £115).
• 2-Year Long-Term Visitor Visa: £475 (up from £432). Allows multiple 6-month visits.
• 5-Year Long-Term Visitor Visa: £848 (up from £771). Allows multiple 6-month visits.
• 10-Year Long-Term Visitor Visa: £1,059 (up from £963). Allows multiple 6-month visits.
• Priority Service: £184 extra for faster processing (5–7 days).
• Super Priority Service: £919 extra for same-day processing.
• Biometric Fee: £19.20 (if required at a Visa Application Centre).
• Courier/Translation Fees: Additional costs may apply for passport return or document translation.
• Note: Fees are non-refundable, even if the application is rejected. Payment is via credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express).

Application Process

1. Check Eligibility: Confirm if you need a visa or ETA at www.gov.uk.
2. Gather Documents: Collect passport, financial proof, itinerary, etc. Ensure translations if needed.
3. Apply Online: Complete the form on www.gov.uk or Visa4UK website. Save progress if needed.
4. Pay Fees: Pay online during application. You’ll get a GWF reference number.
5. Book Appointment: Schedule a biometric appointment (fingerprints, photo) at a VFS Global Visa Application Centre (VAC).
6. Attend Appointment: Bring passport, appointment confirmation, and documents. The VAC may keep your passport during processing.
7. Track Status: Check progress via the UKVI website or VAC tracking service. Expect a decision within 3–8 weeks (faster with priority services).

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

• Who Needs It: Required for visa-exempt nationals (e.g., US, Canada, Australia) from January 8, 2025, for tourism, business, or short stays. Not needed for airside transit or Common Travel Area residents with valid status.
• Cost: £16, valid for multiple 6-month visits over 2 years or until passport expiry.
• Process: Apply via the GOV.UK app or website. Provide biographic, biometric, and contact details. If rejected, apply for a Standard Visitor Visa.
• Warning: Use only www.gov.uk to avoid scams charging extra fees.

Tips to Avoid Rejection

• Apply Early: Start 3 months before travel to avoid delays.
• Complete Documents: Ensure all documents are accurate, recent, and translated if needed. Missing or incorrect documents are a top reason for refusal.
• Show Ties to Home Country: Provide job letters, property deeds, or family ties to prove you’ll return.
• Financial Stability: Show consistent funds (avoid sudden large deposits) to cover £3,000–£4,500 for a 30-day trip.
• Clear Purpose: Explain your visit clearly (e.g., tourism, family visit) with a detailed itinerary.
• Avoid Scams: Use only official GOV.UK websites for applications and ETAs.
• Check Brexit Rules: EU/EEA/Swiss nationals need an ETA and valid passport. Some can use ID cards until December 31, 2025.
• Track Application: Use the GWF number to monitor status and avoid missing biometric appointments.

Why These Rules?

The UK tightened visa rules in 2025 to manage immigration and ensure visitors leave after their stay. The ETA system, expanded on January 8, 2025, enhances border security by pre-screening visa-exempt travelers. Fee increases (7% on April 9, 2025) reflect rising processing costs.