Tourist Visa for the United Kingdom

The UK offers several categories of visitor visas, depending on the purpose and duration of your stay. Here are the primary tourist visa types for the UK:

1. 1. Standard Visitor Visa

This is the most common visa for tourists planning to visit the UK for up to six months for vacation, visiting family, or attending business meetings.

• • Duration: Valid for up to 6 months, but can be granted for shorter stays based on the purpose of your visit.
  • Single or Multiple Entry: You can request a multiple-entry visa if you plan to visit the UK more than once during the visa’s validity period.

1. 2. Long-Term Standard Visitor Visa

If you plan to visit the UK frequently, you can apply for a long-term visitor visa, valid for 2, 5, or 10 years.

• • Duration of Stay: Even with a long-term visa, you can only stay up to 6 months on each visit.
  • Purpose: Intended for those who have regular business or family visits but don’t plan to settle in the UK.

1. 3. Permitted Paid Engagement Visa (PPE)

This visa allows you to enter the UK for short-term paid work as an expert in your field (e.g., guest lecturers, artists, entertainers).

• • Duration: Up to 1 month.
  • Eligibility: You must have a formal invitation from a UK-based organization or client.

1. 4. Marriage Visitor Visa

This visa is for those who wish to get married or register a civil partnership in the UK but do not intend to live there afterward.

• • Duration: Up to 6 months.
  • Eligibility: Proof of intent to marry in the UK within the visa duration.

Eligibility Criteria

General Requirements for a UK Tourist Visa:

• • Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in the UK.
  • Purpose of Visit: Clear purpose for visiting, such as tourism, family visit, or business engagement.
  • Proof of Financial Stability: You must show that you can support yourself financially during your stay, including accommodation and travel costs.
  • Ties to Home Country: Evidence that you have strong ties (e.g., employment, family, property) to your home country and will return after your visit.
  • No Criminal Record: A clean criminal record and, if requested, a police clearance certificate.
  • Health Requirements: In some cases, you may need to provide a tuberculosis test result or undergo a medical examination.
  • Invitation Letter: If you’re visiting family or friends, an invitation letter from your host in the UK may be required.

Application Process

Step 1: Consultation and Eligibility Assessment

• • Contact Real Gateway of Migration: We begin by assessing your eligibility for a UK tourist visa based on your personal situation and the purpose of your visit.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

• • Documents Needed:
    • Valid passport with at least one blank page.
    • Proof of financial means (e.g., bank statements, pay slips).
    • Travel itinerary (including accommodation and return flight details).
    • Purpose of visit (tourism, family visit, or business).
    • Invitation letter (if applicable).
    • Medical exam results (if required).
    • Proof of ties to your home country (e.g., job contract, property ownership).

Step 3: Submit Your Application

• • Online Application: We assist in completing the visa application online through the UK government portal.
  • Biometrics Appointment: Schedule and attend a biometrics appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide fingerprints and photographs.
  • Pay Fees: Pay the visa application fee online during the application process.

Step 4: Visa Processing

• • Processing Times: The standard processing time for UK visitor visas is typically 3 weeks, but can vary based on your location and application volume.
  • Follow-up: We keep you updated throughout the process and handle any additional requests from UK visa authorities.

Step 5: Receive Decision

• • Visa Grant: Once approved, you will receive a vignette (sticker) in your passport allowing you to travel to the UK.
  • Travel to the UK: Present your visa and supporting documents at the UK border for entry clearance.