UK Standard Visitor Visa Requirements & Application Guide
Last reviewed July 2026
The UK Standard Visitor visa covers tourism, family visits, and business trips of up to 6 months. You complete the application online, but you'll still need an in-person visit for biometrics. This guide covers what's required and how the process works end to end.
6mo
Typical validity
~3wk
Standard service
Eligibility summary
For tourism, family visits, or business trips of up to 6 months. You complete the application online, but still need an in-person visit for biometrics — there's typically no interview.
Age-specific rules
- Valid passport
- Financial proof (bank statements, last 6 months)
- Employment status confirmation
- Proof of accommodation
- Detailed travel plan
- Evidence of ties to home country
Passport photo requirements
- Taken within the last month, against a plain light grey or cream background
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open and clearly visible
- No glasses, headwear, or shadows across the face (religious headwear is usually an exception)
- Correct size — GOV.UK specifies exact dimensions for both digital and printed photos
- No filters, red-eye correction, or digital retouching
Processing guidance
Standard service: typically 3 weeks. Book your biometrics appointment via GOV.UK's official centre locator once your documents are ready.
Which visa centre handles your application?
You don't need to guess the operator. GOV.UK's official locator resolves whether VFS Global or TLScontact serves your region and shows your nearest centre.
How to apply, step by step
- 1Check your eligibility and confirm the Standard Visitor visa is right for your trip
- 2Build your personalised document checklist in GetTravixa
- 3Complete the online application form on GOV.UK
- 4Upload your documents to GetTravixa for AI review before you rely on them
- 5Book your biometrics appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre via GOV.UK's official locator
- 6Attend your appointment and submit your supporting documents
- 7Track your embassy-ready status and download your application summary
GetTravixa doesn't book your appointment or submit your application for you — you complete and submit everything yourself. GetTravixa is not an immigration authority, law firm, or consulate, and doesn't guarantee visa approval.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Bank statements that don't cover the full 6-month period UKVI expects
- A travel plan that's vague about where you'll stay or what you'll do
- Booking your biometrics appointment before your documents are actually ready
- Weak or missing evidence of ties to your home country
- Applying for the wrong visa route when longer or multiple-entry validity would suit your trip better