How Much Is a Tourist Visa for the UK?

The Standard Visitor Visa

The most common visa for tourists is the Standard Visitor Visa. This visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to six months. As of 2024, the cost for this visa is £115. However, there are several options and add-ons that could affect the overall cost.

1. Extended Stays: If you plan to stay longer than six months, you can apply for an extended visa. For example, a visa that allows you to stay for up to two years costs £400. A five-year visa costs £771, and a ten-year visa costs £963.

2. Priority Services: If you’re in a hurry, the UK offers priority services for an additional fee. This service can significantly reduce the processing time from the standard 15 working days to just five. The priority service usually costs around £220 extra. For super-priority services, which aim to process your application within 24 hours, the fee is £956 on top of the visa cost.

3. Additional Costs: While the visa fee is a significant part of your application, there may be additional costs involved, such as paying for biometric information, which is often around £19.20.

Other Types of Visitor Visas

If you’re visiting for a specific reason, such as for business or as an academic visitor, the fees might differ:

1. Business Visitor Visa: Similar to the Standard Visitor Visa, but specifically for business-related activities like attending meetings or conferences. The cost is the same, £115, for a six-month stay.

2. Academic Visitor Visa: If you’re an academic on sabbatical and visiting the UK to conduct research, you might apply for this visa. The costs are similar, but this visa allows you to stay for up to 12 months, costing £230.

Exemptions and Reductions

Certain applicants might be eligible for reduced fees or even exemptions. For instance, if you’re from a low-income country, you might qualify for a reduced fee. Additionally, some applicants from countries with specific agreements with the UK might pay lower fees or no fees at all.

Hidden Costs: What’s Not Included

When budgeting for your UK trip, it’s essential to consider not just the visa fee but also the hidden costs that might arise:

**1. Travel Insurance: While not mandatory, it’s highly recommended to have travel insurance when visiting the UK. This can add an extra £50-£100 to your travel expenses, depending on your age, health, and the duration of your stay.

**2. Medical Surcharge: The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a fee that some visa applicants must pay to access the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. However, for tourists on a Standard Visitor Visa, this surcharge does not apply. If you’re applying for a different type of visa or planning an extended stay, you might need to factor in this cost.

**3. Currency Conversion Fees: If you’re paying for your visa from outside the UK, your bank or credit card company might charge you a currency conversion fee, which can be an additional 2-3% of the total amount.

Conclusion

The cost of a tourist visa for the UK can vary widely depending on your specific needs and circumstances. While the base cost of a Standard Visitor Visa is £115, additional services and longer stays can increase this significantly. Always plan ahead and consider all potential costs to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to the UK.