Standard Visitor Visa UK Requirements in 2025

The Standard Visitor Visa UK is a popular route for people looking to travel to the UK for tourism, business meetings, short-term study, private medical treatment, or visiting family. If you’re planning a visit in 2025, understanding the updated requirements, fees, and process is crucial to avoiding refusal or delays. Here’s a simple, up to date guide to help you apply with confidence.

What Is a UK Standard Visitor Visa?

The UK Standard Visitor Visa lets you stay in the UK for up to 6 months per visit, even if your visa is valid for a longer period (2, 5, or 10 years). It covers a range of activities like:

• Visiting friends or family
• Sightseeing or tourism
• Attending conferences or meetings
• Receiving private medical treatment
• Taking a short course or exam
• Participating in a paid engagement (e.g. performances or events)

This visa does not allow you to work, live permanently, or access public funds.

More info at the Home Office

Who Needs a Standard Visitor Visa UK ?

Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality. Citizens from countries like the USA, Australia, and much of the EU are non-visa nationals and can enter the UK without applying beforehand, typically for up to 6 months.

If you’re from a visa national country, you must apply for a UK Visitor Visa before travelling.

You can check your eligibility using the UKVI tool.

UK Visitor Visa Categories

There’s more than one type of visitor visa, depending on your reason for travelling:

Tourist and Family Visit

For sightseeing or visiting friends/family. You must show your intention to return home and prove you can fund your trip.

Business Visitor

Covers meetings, training sessions, and short-term consulting. It also includes attending interviews or signing contracts.

Medical Treatment

This visa is for those coming for private healthcare. NHS access is not allowed unless you’re eligible through a reciprocal agreement.

Short-Term Study

For courses lasting up to 6 months. Students must provide an acceptance letter and details of the course.

Paid Engagements

If you’re invited for a one-off paid event (e.g. musician, speaker, lawyer), this visa covers engagements within the first 30 days of your stay.

UK Visitor Visa Requirements

To get your visa approved, you’ll need to meet the following conditions:

• Prove you’ll leave the UK after your visit
• Show a clear reason for your trip (e.g. tourism, meeting, treatment)
• Provide financial evidence showing you can pay for your trip without using public funds
• Prove you have ties to your home country, like a job, family, or property
• Confirm you won’t work or live in the UK permanently

Required Documents for a Standard Visitor Visa UK

Here’s a list of key documents needed for your application:

• Current passport (with a blank page)
• Travel history for the last 10 years
• Bank statements or payslips
• Employment letter or proof of self-employment
• Accommodation details (hotel booking or host address)
• Travel itinerary and return ticket
• Invitation letter (if visiting someone or attending an event)
• Evidence of ties to your home country
• Documents in English or with certified translations
• For minors: parental consent letter, ID, and host details

Every application is different, so you may need additional paperwork. Using qualified immigration solicitors in Manchester can help avoid costly mistakes.

How to Apply for a UK Visitor Visa

Applying is done online:

• Complete the visa form on the UK government website
• Pay the visa fee
• Book an appointment at a local visa application centre
• Attend your appointment to submit biometric data (fingerprints & photo)
• Upload your documents or bring them in person (as required)
• Wait for a decision (usually within 3 weeks)

Some applicants are also invited for an interview to discuss their travel plans.

 Need help with your application? Get support from Solicitors in Manchester.

Visa Fees and Processing Times (2025)

Here’s a breakdown of visa fees in 2025:

• Standard Visitor Visa (6 months) – £115
• Medical Visit (up to 11 months) – £200
• Academic Visit (up to 12 months) –  £220
• 2 year multi-entry – £475
• 5 year multi-entry – £848
• 10 year multi-entry – £1,059

Priority Services:

• Priority (5 working days): £500
• Super Priority (next working day): £1000

Always check UKVI for the latest fees.

Common Reasons for Visa Refusals

Visa refusals happen often due to:

• Incomplete forms
• Missing or weak supporting documents
• Doubts about intention to return home
• Insufficient funds
• Unclear or inconsistent information

You can apply again, but you’ll need to address the refusal reasons and pay again. For repeat refusals, legal support is strongly recommended.

Can I Extend My UK Visitor Visa?

Normally, you cannot extend a visitor visa beyond 6 months. However, there are a few exceptions:

• Medical patients receiving ongoing treatment
• Academics on a 12 month visa
• Emergency situations (e.g. flight cancellations or illness)

Extensions cost £1,000 and require updated documents. Those considering staying longer may need to apply for ILR or a long-term visa route.

What Happens if I Overstay?

Overstaying is serious. It can:

• Affect future visa applications
• Lead to a ban from the UK
• Damage your chances of getting visas for countries like the US, Canada, and EU

If you’re facing visa issues, contact immigration solicitors in Manchester immediately for advice.

Real Life Examples

• Visiting Family in Manchester Farah, from Pakistan, applied to visit her brother. She included an invitation letter, proof of his accommodation, and her own payslips. Her visa was granted for 6 months.
• Short-Term Course in London Carlos from Brazil applied for a visitor visa to attend a 4-week film workshop. He showed proof of the course, accommodation booking, and funds. Visa approved.
• Private Medical Treatment An elderly patient from the UAE applied to visit a private clinic in London. She submitted medical documents, treatment plans, and financial proof. She received an 11-month visa but was ineligible for NHS care.

How Our Immigration Solicitors in Manchester Can Help

We’ve helped hundreds of people apply for visitor visas and succeed. We assist with:

• Checking your documents
• Booking visa appointments
• Drafting cover letters and representations to the Home Office
• Fast-tracking applications where possible

Call 0161 464 4140 or  Book a Consultation Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit the UK multiple times?

Yes, if you hold a 2-, 5- or 10-year visa, but each stay must not exceed 6 months.

Can I work in the UK on a visitor visa?

No. You cannot work, start a business, or do unpaid work.

Can I study on a visitor visa?

Yes, but only for courses less than 6 months. For longer courses, apply for a Student Visa.

What if my visa is refused?

You can reapply anytime, unless you’re banned. Address the refusal points clearly in your new application.

Can children apply for a visitor visa?

Yes. Minors need extra documents, including parental consent and a clear travel plan.

Ready to Start Your UK Visa Application?

Whether you’re visiting the UK for tourism, study, medical reasons or to see family, getting the visa application right the first time is essential. A refusal can affect more than just your UK travel plans.

Get trusted, local advice from qualified immigration solicitors in Manchester. Call now on 0161 464 4140 or Book your appointment today