uk embassy visit visa requirements

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Explore the UK: Your Guide to UK Visitor Visa

Anne morris.

• 8 April 2024

IN THIS SECTION

There is no specific ‘visit visa’ for the UK; it’s a general term used colloquially to refer to a number of routes, each designed to accommodate the diverse needs and circumstances of international visitors.

Whether you’re planning to visit the UK for a holiday, sampling UK culture or exploring business opportunities, you’ll need to have secured the correct type of UK visit visa to avoid issues at the border, and to start your time in the UK in the best way.

In this comprehensive guide, we explore the various pathways to visit the UK to help you choose the most appropriate route for your needs.

Section A: Standard Visitor Visa

The UK Standard Visitor Visa is a versatile route catering to visa-nationals who wish to enter the United Kingdom for short stays for tourism, business engagements, or short-term study.

1. What is the Standard Visitor Visa

Travellers from designated visa-national countries need a visa to visit the UK for up to six months.

The Standard Visitor Visa accommodates several purposes:

a. Tourism:  For those visiting the UK for leisure, sightseeing, or to see family and friends.

b. Business:  Business-related activities include attending meetings, conferences, seminars, or interviews.

c. Short-term Study:  This visa allows for short educational courses lasting up to 6 months.

d. Medical Treatment:  Visitors may come to the UK to receive certain types of medical treatment.

e. Academic Visitors: Scientists, researchers, academics, senior doctors, and dentists can participate in specific work-related activities as academic visitors .

f. Paid Engagements:  Visitors who are experts in their field can carry out specific paid engagements or events at the invitation of a UK-based client.

The Standard Visitor visa allows stays of up to 6 months, with multiple visits permissible within the visa’s validity period.

2. Eligibility and Application Process

To be eligible for a Standard Visitor Visa, applicants must prove that they:

a. Plan to leave the UK at the end of their visit.

b. Can support themselves and any dependents for the duration of the trip.

c. Can pay for their return or onward journey and any other costs related to their visit.

d. Have a genuine reason for their visit and will not undertake any prohibited activities, such as receiving public funds, marrying, or entering into a civil partnership.

3. Application Process

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Ensure your trip falls under the activities permitted by the Standard Visitor Visa. Familiarise yourself with the eligibility criteria, such as proving you’ll leave the UK at the end of your visit and can support yourself during your stay.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

Visit the official UK government website to complete the visa application form (VAF) for the Standard Visitor Visa.

The application fee must be paid online as part of your application process. Ensure you receive a confirmation of payment.

Step 3: Book and Attend Your Biometric Appointment

After submitting your online application, you must book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph).

Bring your passport, a printout of your appointment confirmation, and all the required supporting documents to your appointment.

Step 4: Wait for a Decision

Once your application is processed, you will be informed about the decision. Depending on the service options available in your country, your passport will either be returned to you by mail, or you’ll need to pick it up from the VAC.

Step 5: Prepare for Your Trip

If your visa is approved, check the visa vignette in your passport for any errors and understand the conditions of your visa.

Once you have your visa, you can travel to the UK.

4. Required Documents

Applicants must provide several documents, including:

a. A valid travel document or passport.

b. Evidence of the purpose of the visit (e.g., letter of invitation, travel itinerary).

c. Proof of accommodation and return travel.

d. Financial evidence showing enough funds to cover all expenses during the stay.

The specific documents will depend on the nature of your planned activities. For example, as an academic visitor, you may need to provide evidence from your employer outlining the research.

5. Processing Times

Visa processing times can vary, but applicants should generally receive a decision within three weeks of the visa application centre appointment. However, this timeframe may extend during peak travel seasons or due to individual circumstances requiring further scrutiny.

You can read our extensive guide to the Standard Visitor Visa here >>

Section B: Transit Visa

When your travel plans require you to pass through the UK en route to another destination, you might need a Transit Visa.

1. What is the Transit Visa

The UK transit routes are designed for certain travellers who do not intend to stay in the UK but need to pass through its borders.

A Transit Visa is required if you are passing through the UK to another country, will not go through UK border control, and are from a country that does not have a visa exemption for transit.

You will also need a Transit Visa if you are going through UK border control but leaving the UK within 48 hours, even if you are from a country that normally does not require a visa for short stays. This includes changing airports or leaving the airport for any reason.

2. Types of Transit Visa

There are two types of Transit Visa, catering for different types of transiters: the Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) and the Visitor in Transit Visa.

a. Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV)  This visa is for those who don’t pass through UK border control and only need to change planes. The DATV is suitable for travellers whose layover does not involve leaving the airport’s international transit area. It’s valid for up to 24 hours.

b. Visitor in Transit Visa If your layover requires you to pass through UK border control—for example, to change airports or if you’re arriving and departing by different means (plane to train)—you’ll need this visa. It allows a stay of up to 48 hours and is the right choice if you need to enter the UK briefly.

3. Application and Required Documentation

For both types of Transit Visas, the application process involves:

a. Completing an online application Start this process well before your travel dates. Ensure you select the correct visa type based on your transit needs.

b. Scheduling an appointment You must book an appointment at a visa application centre to provide your biometric information.

c. Preparing your documents Essential documents include a current passport or other valid travel identification and proof of your onward journey. This could be a confirmed flight ticket showing your final destination after transiting through the UK.

d. Proof of visa for your onward destination If the country you are travelling to after your UK transit requires a visa, you must provide evidence that you have this visa.

Please read our detailed guide to UK Transit Visas here >>

Section C: Marriage Visitor Visa

If you plan to come to the UK to get married or enter into a civil partnership without intending to stay or settle afterwards, you’ll need a Marriage visitor Visa.

1. What is the Marriage Visitor Visa

The Marriage Visitor Visa is designed for those who wish to celebrate their marriage or civil partnership in the UK without intending to stay long-term.

The Marriage Visitor Visa is valid for 6 months, and you must leave the UK at the end of this period or before the visa expires.

This visa is for couples seeking to celebrate their union in the UK’s picturesque locales or historic venues.

This could include getting married or registering a civil partnership in the UK, holding a symbolic wedding ceremony in the UK, even if legally married elsewhere.

You cannot switch to another visa category from within the UK on this visa, and employment and access to public funds are not permitted during your stay.

The visa is also suitable for individuals attending a marriage or civil partnership as guests if they come from a country that requires a visa to enter the UK and do not plan to stay beyond six months.

2. Application Process

To apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa, you will need to follow these steps:

a. Online Application Start by filling out the visa application form on the UK government website. This form will ask about your travel plans, personal information, and details of your wedding or civil partnership.

b. Fee Payment The application fee for the Marriage Visitor Visa must be paid online during the application process.

c. Book and Attend an Appointment After submitting your online application, you must book an appointment at a visa application centre. Here, you’ll provide your fingerprints and photograph (biometric information) and submit your supporting documents.

3. Supporting Documents

You’ll need to provide several documents with your application, including:

a. A valid passport or travel document.

b. Provide proof of your relationship with your partner, such as communication records or photos.

c. Details of your wedding or civil partnership plans, including dates and venues.

d. Evidence of your financial ability to cover the trip and wedding expenses, such as bank statements.

e. information about where you will stay in the UK.

f. Proof that you intend to leave the UK after your visit, such as a letter from your employer or education institution.

Please read our detailed guide to the Marriage Visitor Visa here >>

Section D: Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

The UK is implementing an ETA scheme for travellers from countries that previously did not require a visa for short stays or transits through the UK.

1. What is Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for the UK

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital authorisation for visa-exempt visitors, allowing them to travel to and enter the UK. It’s designed to pre-screen travellers for security purposes before they arrive at the UK border.

The ETA is required for visiting and transiting passengers, ensuring that individuals without a visa can still be checked before travelling.

Travellers in the UK under the Creative Worker concession will also need an ETA.

The ETA represents a significant shift in the UK’s approach to managing the entry of visa-exempt visitors, aiming to simplify the entry process while maintaining high security and immigration standards akin to other global electronic travel authorisation systems such as the USA’s ESTA programme.

The rollout is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, when it will include all non-visa nationals, including US, EU, and EEA nationals.

2. Who needs an ETA?

The ETA requirement will apply to nationals from countries that do not need a visa for short visits to the UK or transiting. This includes tourists, business visitors, and individuals in transit to other destinations.

The list of nationalities requiring an ETA is constantly evolving. Travellers are advised to check if their country has been included on the UK’s ETA list.

As of April 2024, the ETA applies to nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Jordan.

All relevant travellers, including children and babies, will need an ETA.

In addition, those coming to the UK under the Creative Worker concession will also require an ETA.

Certain groups, such as diplomats or those with other types of official status, may be exempt from the ETA requirement. It’s important to check the latest guidance to confirm whether you need an ETA based on your specific circumstances.

3. How to Apply for an ETA

Applying for an ETA is intended to be a straightforward, user-friendly process:

a. Application form Travellers must complete the application form, which is available on the official UK government website or through the official app.

The form will require basic personal and contact information and answers to questions related to security and immigration history.

b. Application Fee It costs £10 to apply for the ETA, payable online during submission.

c. Documentation Applicants must have their valid passports on hand when completing the form, and a photograph must be uploaded.

d. Approval and Notification After applying, travellers will receive their ETA approval electronically, typically within three days.

Authorisation is linked to the passport used during the application process. While no physical document is required at the border, it is advisable to save an image of the confirmation to your phone or print out a copy to avoid issues when travelling.

Please read our detailed guide to the UK ETA here >>

Section E: ADS Agreement for Chinese Tour Groups

Chinese citizens planning to come to the UK as part of a tourist group should look at the Chinese tour group visa for streamlined visa application processing.

1. What is the ADS Agreement for Chinese Tour Groups

The Approved Destination Status (ADS) Agreement is a bilateral tourism arrangement between the United Kingdom and China. Established to encourage and simplify the process for Chinese tourists wishing to visit the UK in groups, the ADS Agreement plays a crucial role in boosting cultural exchange and tourism between the two nations. It facilitates streamlined visa application processes for Chinese citizens touring the UK as part of organised groups.

The ADS Agreement allows Chinese tour groups to apply for UK visas faster and more efficiently than the standard visitor visa application procedure through an accredited process. The visa allows visits of up to 30 days.

This agreement is designed for tour groups with at least five people and is organised by travel agencies approved and recognised under the ADS scheme.

These travel agencies are vetted and authorised by both the Chinese and UK governments, ensuring a high standard of service and reliability.

2. Benefits for Chinese Citizens Touring the UK in Groups

The ADS scheme encourages cultural exchange by facilitating group tours to the UK, allowing Chinese citizens to explore British culture, history, and landmarks.

One of the primary benefits of the ADS Agreement is the simplified and expedited visa application process for group members, making it easier for Chinese tourists to plan and book their UK tours.

The cost of visas and processing fees are also typically lower for ADS tour groups compared to individual applications.

Compared with travelling as an individual, ADS-accredited tour groups provide safety and convenience, with arrangements for accommodation, transport, and itineraries handled by experienced travel agencies.

3. How to Apply through an ADS-Licensed Travel Agent

a. Find an ADS-Licensed Travel Agent Under the ADS Agreement, Chinese tourists interested in travelling to the UK should start by identifying a travel agency in China with an ADS license. These agencies are authorised to organise tour groups to the UK under this specific agreement.

b. Choose a Tour Package Select a tour package that fits your interests and schedule. ADS-licensed travel agents offer packages covering different attractions, cities, and durations.

c. Application Process The travel agency will handle the visa application process on behalf of the group. This typically includes collecting necessary documentation from each traveller, filling out application forms, and submitting the applications to the UK visa authorities.

d. Prepare Required Documents Travellers will need to provide personal and travel documents to the travel agency, which may include a valid passport, completed visa application forms, and possibly additional information depending on the specific requirements of the tour package.

e. Wait for Approval Once the travel agency submits the visa applications, the group must wait for approval from the UK visa authorities. The travel agency will keep the group informed about the status of their application and any further steps needed.

Read our extensive article on Chinese Tour Group Visa here >>

Section F: Summary

Embarking on a journey to the United Kingdom, a land steeped in history and bursting with cultural diversity, requires careful planning—especially when navigating the complexities of visa requirements. The correct visa grants you entry and ensures your trip aligns with your intentions, whether you’re soaking in the sights, diving into business ventures, or celebrating love.

The diverse range of visa options, from the Standard Visitor Visa to the specific provisions under the ADS Agreement for Chinese tour groups, caters to international visitors’ varied needs and purposes.

Understanding the nuances of each visa type can significantly impact your travel experience, ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws and avoiding unnecessary complications.

As regulations and requirements are subject to ongoing changes, staying informed about the latest visa policies and procedures is paramount.

For expert advice and assistance in navigating the complex landscape of UK immigration and visas, DavidsonMorris can help. As recognised specialists in UK immigration, we provide guidance, support, and the most current information to ensure your visit to the UK is planned with confidence and peace of mind. Contact our experts today.

Section G: FAQs about Visiting the UK

Do I need a visa to visit the UK? It depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Many countries are visa-exempt for short stays, but you may still need to apply for a visa if you plan to work, study, or stay longer than the allowed period.

How long can I stay in the UK with a Standard Visitor Visa? The Standard Visitor Visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months per visit. For certain activities, like academic research or accompanying a child studying in the UK, you may be able to stay longer.

Can I extend my visa while in the UK? Most visitor visas, including the Standard Visitor Visa, cannot be extended. You must leave the UK before your visa expires. However, in exceptional circumstances, such as for medical reasons, you may be able to apply for an extension.

What is the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), and do I need one? The ETA is a new requirement for visa-exempt visitors to the UK designed to enhance border security. The scheme is being rolled out in phases, and visitors from certain countries will need to obtain an ETA before their travel.

How do I apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa? You can apply online through the UK government’s official website. You’ll need to provide evidence of your wedding plans in the UK, prove that you intend to leave after your visit, and show that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay without working.

What documents do I need for a Transit Visa? For a Transit Visa, you’ll typically need your current passport, proof of your onward journey (such as flight tickets), and sometimes a visa for your next destination if required.

Can I work in the UK with a Visitor Visa? No, you cannot take up employment, produce goods, provide services, or do business in the UK if you have entered on a visitor visa. This includes voluntary work and internships.

How can I find an ADS-licensed travel agent for a trip from China to the UK? Both the Chinese and UK governments approve ADS-licensed travel agents. A list of licensed agents is usually available through the Chinese National Tourism Administration or the UK Embassy’s website in China.

What if my visa application is denied? If your visa application is denied, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the refusal. You can apply again, but it’s essential to address the reasons for the refusal in your new application.

Where can I get current information and assistance with my UK visa application? For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the UK government’s official immigration website. DavidsonMorris can guide you through the application process for personalised assistance and legal advice.

Section H: Glossary of Terms Related to Visiting the UK

Approved Destination Status (ADS) Agreement:  A bilateral agreement between the UK and China that facilitates group tours from China to the UK through accredited travel agencies.

Biometric Information:  Unique physical characteristics, such as fingerprints and photographs, are used for identification during the visa application process.

Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV):  A type of UK visa required by certain nationals who are transiting through the UK without passing through border control, valid for up to 24 hours.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA):  A new entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals traveling to the UK, involving a pre-travel authorisation process to enhance border security.

Marriage Visitor Visa:  A visa that allows individuals to get married or register a civil partnership in the UK during a short stay without the intention of settling in the UK afterwards.

Standard Visitor Visa:  A visa for tourists, people visiting family and friends, business visitors, and short-term students, allowing a stay of up to 6 months in the UK.

Transit Visa:  A visa required for those passing through the UK en route to another country, available as either a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) or a Visitor in Transit Visa.

Visitor in Transit Visa:  A visa for travelers who need to pass through UK border control while on their way to another country, allowing a stay of up to 48 hours.

Visa Application Center (VAC):  Authorised centres where visa applicants can submit their biometric information and supporting documents as part of the visa application process.

Visa Exemption:  A policy that allows citizens of certain countries to enter the UK without a visa for short stays or specific purposes, subject to conditions.

Section I: Additional Resources

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration The official government site for visa applications, immigration rules, and detailed guides on different visa types.

VisitBritain https://www.visitbritain.com/en The national tourism agency provides travel advice, highlights top attractions, and offers planning tools for visitors.

NHS Choices https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/visiting-or-moving-to-england/how-to-access-nhs-services-in-england-if-you-are-visiting-from-abroad/ Information on healthcare services for visitors in the UK, including how to access medical treatment and emergency services.

UK Border Control https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control Guidance on what to expect when arriving in or leaving the UK, including customs regulations.

Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.

She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.

Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator , and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals

• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ TUPE Meaning: A Guide for UK Employers
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• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ When Does TUPE Apply? An Employer's Guide

About DavidsonMorris

As employer solutions lawyers, DavidsonMorris offers a complete and cost-effective capability to meet employers’ needs across UK immigration and employment law, HR and global mobility .

Led by Anne Morris, one of the UK’s preeminent immigration lawyers, and with rankings in The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners , we’re a multi-disciplinary team helping organisations to meet their people objectives, while reducing legal risk and nurturing workforce relations.

Legal Disclaimer

The matters contained in this article are intended to be for general information purposes only. This article does not constitute legal advice, nor is it a complete or authoritative statement of the law, and should not be treated as such. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information is correct at the time of writing, no warranty, express or implied, is given as to its accuracy and no liability is accepted for any error or omission. Before acting on any of the information contained herein, expert legal advice should be sought.

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The United Kingdom is amongst the most frequently visited destinations for travellers in the world. What adds to UK’s allure is its proximity with the Schengen region that opens up seamless tourism opportunities for travellers if they combine their UK travel with a visit to continental Europe, to behold its many brilliant landscapes and landmarks. In order to make your UK visa application process hassle-free and convenient, UK Visas and Immigration and VFS Global offer you an exclusive array of value-added services.

This is in addition to the Premium Lounge facility and the On Demand Mobile Visa services available at the UK visa application centres.

Choose from any of these time-saving services:

Keep Your Passport When Applying

If you need to apply for multiple visas, such as a UK / Schengen combination, or wish to make a short trip while waiting for your UK visa to be processed,

you will find the ‘Keep My Passport When Applying’ service at the UK Visa Application Centre very helpful. After enrolling your biometrics and submitting your visa application at the UK visa application centre, if you have opted for this service, your passport is handed back to you.

This is extremely useful if you want to carry on with another country’s visa application formalities, as this service allows you to keep your passport with you.

You can keep your passport with you until the UK embassy makes a decision regarding your visa, one way or the other.

Once the decision is made, you will be called once again to complete the procedures as required by the embassy.

The visa application centres of UK and Schengen countries are often conveniently located next to each other at the VFS Global centres. This facility enables applicants to finish the visa formalities of multiple countries along with that of UK in a single day.

Super Priority and Priority Visas

Need a visa at short notice? The Super Priority and Priority Visa services are options for those who need to travel urgently.

For Priority Visa applicants, the process takes 3–5 days, while for Super Priority Visa applicants, this speeds up to a single business day. Super Priority Visa Service is available at VFS Global’s UK visa application centres in New Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai. Do note that the eligibility for application for either of these services may vary.

Length of stay permitted

With the general visitor visa you are permitted to stay in the UK for up to 6 months.

There is also an option to apply for a long-term visitor visa, but you will need to prove that it is essential for you to travel to the UK frequently during a longer period of time. You can apply for a 1, 2, 5 or 10 year long-term visitor visa and you will be permitted to stay a length of 6 months each trip.

No Visa Required

European Economic Area (EEA): A visa is not required when you are a citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA) which comprises the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland

Other Visa Exempt countries: You also do not need a visa for the purpose of tourism, including visiting friends or family, and can stay in the United Kingdom for a maximum of 6 months when you are a citizen and hold a passport of one of the following countries:

American Samoa, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Croatia, Dominica, El Salvador, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Holy See (Vatican), Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, Namibia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uruguay, US Virgin Islands, USA, Vanuatu, Venezuela

General Visitor Visa

If you are from outside above mentioned countries, the general visitor visa is what you will need to visit the United Kingdom, as a tourist (visiting for leisure) planning to go on holiday, or if you are visiting family or friends that are not permanent residents in the UK.

The dos and don’ts

You are permitted to study a course for up to 30 days, as long as it is not your main reason for travelling to the UK

Please see HERE for full details and restrictions on permitted courses

Don’ts

You are not allowed:

- to apply for public funds during your stay - to register a civil partnership, marry or give notice of a marriage or civil partnership - to get private medical care - to perform unpaid or paid work during your visit - to live in the UK for long periods of time by applying for frequent visa and visits

Length of time for application

It should take no longer than 3 weeks for you to get a decision on you visa. However, you are permitted to apply for this visa up to 3 months prior to your scheduled travel date.

Please check HERE for how long it may take to process a visa in your country.

Documents needed

When applying you’ll need:

- 2 passport sized photos - a valid travel document (passport or other travel ID) - an address or details of where you plan to live during your stay, along with a travel itinerary - proof that you are able to financially support yourself during your trip (bank statements, payslips etc.)

Please note: You will need a blank page in your passport for the visa to be added. Also, if the documents you are supplying are not in English or Welsh you need to get a certified translation of these.

The standard general visitor visa costs £83 to apply for.

The long-term visitor visas cost:

- 1 year: £300 - 2 year: £300 - 5 years: £544 - 10 years: £737

British Visa and Immigration website

For full details on UK Visas and to check if you need a visa to visit the United Kingdom you can visit the official British Visa and Immigration website .

Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

How much bank statement is required for UK visit visa

Updated: September 8, 2023

When it comes to how much bank statement is required for UK visit visa, there is a lot of confusion out there. Mainly because UKVI does not provide proper guidelines on bank statements. Not just on how many months of statements, but how much cash should you have, what kind of transactions are allowed, etc.

In this article, you will learn everything about bank statements for UK visit visa.

How much bank statement is required for UK visit visa?

You must submit 6 months of bank statements that clearly show your monthly salary and financial commitments. There must not be any large deposits of cash other than your salary. Total savings must be at least twice your proposed UK trip expenses.

After examining hundreds of UK visa refusal letters from my readers, I have figured that there are a few things that you must definitely satisfy in your bank statements. Let’s look at these in more depth.

BANK STATEMENT FOR UK VISA

The Entry Clearance Officers (ECOs) must make sure that the UK visit visa applicant has sufficient funds to support and maintain themselves for the entire duration of their stay in the UK. Bank statements work as evidence to prove that the applicant has sufficient funds. 

The ECOs pay close attention to the total cost of the trip, monthly income, monthly expenses and any other financial commitments such as mortgage, dependents, etc. They want to see that you are a genuine traveler, you will travel within your means and you will not exhaust all your savings.

The ECOs are primarily looking at the following criteria in your bank statements.

Let’s look at each of these criteria in detail. 

How much money per day do you need for UK visitor visa?

The UK is an expensive country. A hotel room would cost at least £50 per night. Food is about £10-20 per meal. Add transportation, entry tickets to attractions, shopping, etc. So, total expenses can range from £100-150 per day per person.

DAILY BUDGET REQUIREMENT £100-150 per day per person

This £100-150 per day per person is only for the visa. When you actually travel, you can minimize your daily expenses and spend a lot less than that.

How much do you need to earn to get a UK visitor visa?

UKVI does not provide guidance on acceptable monthly income. But, after going through hundreds of refusal letters, I figured that your monthly income must be at least half of your total UK trip expenses. 

INCOME REQUIREMENT Your monthly income must be at least half of your proposed total UK trip expenses

EXAMPLE: Say your proposed UK trip expenses excluding the airfare is £2,000. Your monthly income must be at least £1,000. Anything less than that can lead to ECO assuming that it’s not realistic for you to take this trip.

Make sure your monthly salary is directly deposited into your bank account. This results in a salary deposit transaction in your statements. This proves that you have a consistent monthly income.

If you are paid in cash or check, deposit the cash or check in your bank account on a specific date every month. You can withdraw again from your bank account for your expenses, but that consistent salary deposit every month must definitely be there in your bank account. 

How much do you need to save to get a UK visitor visa?

Apart from monthly net income, your monthly disposable income is also important. Monthly disposable income is basically your savings. If you save too little per month, that’s an indicator that a UK trip is not realistic for your financial situation.

SAVING/DISPOSABLE INCOME REQUIREMENT Your monthly savings/disposable income must be a good percentage of your net monthly income

EXAMPLE: Say your proposed UK trip expenses is £2,000. Your monthly net income is £1,000. Your monthly living expenses are £950. That means you can only save about £50 a month. Even if you have enough savings for your trip, your savings per month (£50) are too small. ECOs will assume that a UK trip is too expensive and not realistic for your financial situation.

How much bank balance do you need to show for UK visitor visa?

You must show that you have sufficient funds in your bank account. As a rule of thumb, you must have more than twice your proposed total UK trip expenses in your bank account. 

FUNDS REQUIREMENT Your funds must be more than twice your proposed total UK trip expenses

EXAMPLE: Say your proposed UK trip expenses excluding the airfare is £2,000. You must have at least £4,000 in your savings. Anything less than that can raise questions and lead to visa refusal.

Again, UK Visas and Immigration does not specify what is acceptable in terms of funds. So this is something I understood from referring to many visa refusal letters. 

What cash saving patterns ECOs are looking for?

You must show that your savings are continually growing and that too consistently. If they are not, then the ECO may assume that you might have borrowed the money to make it look like you saved it yourself. 

EXAMPLE: Say your salary is £2,000 per month. After all expenses, you save around £500 a month. Sometimes more, sometimes less, about usually around £500. You are saving continually but also consistently.

One more thing to keep in mind is that your savings must be large enough or at least a good percentage of your income.

What is funds parking and how to avoid it?

Funds parking refers to borrowing money from someone to show as if it’s your own money. ECOs suspect any large deposits in your bank account other than your salary as parked funds. 

EXAMPLE: Say your ending balance in your bank account has been £4,000 for the last 6 months. That means, your savings haven’t grown at all. This makes the ECO suspect that you might have borrowed money 6-7 months ago just to show that you have sufficient savings in your bank account.

If you had a large cash deposit from the sale of a property, investment, etc., you must provide documentary evidence to prove that it’s your money. 

Also, if you had unexpected expenses such as hospitalization, purchase of property, investment in stocks or fixed deposits, etc. you must explain them properly in your cover letter for UK visa as well. 

What to do if you DO NOT have sufficient funds? 

If you do not have sufficient funds for your UK trip, I suggest the following.

• Delay your trip until you have saved up enough. If you plan to travel to the UK next year, start saving up from now and you will have enough saved up by then.
• Shorten your trip to manage within the funds you have. If you plan to travel for 10 days, shorten it to 7 days or even 5 days. Try to cram in more sightseeing every day so you can manage your 10-day itinerary in just 5 days. 
• Lastly, use a sponsor to cover some of your expenses. Keep in mind that sponsorship from family members and immediate relatives can work well. Sponsorship from unrelated, distant relatives, friends, people who met on the internet, acquaintances, etc. will not work.

What to do if your salary is too low?

Should you put away your dream of traveling to the UK just because your salary is too low? Not really, but here are a few things you can do.

• Delay your trip until your salary goes up. Yearly salary hikes are common in most places. Or ask for a pay raise.
• Shorten your trip to manage within your salary limits. If your salary is £500, then plan to stay only 7 days, not more.
• Use a sponsor. As I mentioned above, sponsorships from family members or immediate relatives work well.

Why do you need 6 months of bank statements?

Bank statements are not just about how much cash you have in your bank. They tell a lot about your financial and personal circumstances. From your bank statements, ECOs can assess your sources of income, financial commitments and current lifestyle. 

This information is extremely important for ECOs to decide whether they can support themselves during their UK trip. At least 6 months of bank statements are necessary to assess this formation. 

If you lay down 6 months of bank statements in front of you, you can clearly see patterns such as your spending habits and saving goals. 

Keep in mind that these 6 months of bank statements must start from the latest and go backward 6 months. Let’s look at an example.

Say you are applying for your UK visa on 14 Nov 2021 and your latest statement was for October. You must submit statements from May to October. 

Does UK embassy verify bank statement?

If UKVI suspects fraudulent bank statements, they can contact the bank to verify the authenticity of the statements. They have built relationships with banks over time and can take the help of third-party agencies to verify such information.

Manipulating or providing fraudulent bank statements will lead to visa refusal and a permanent ban from entering the UK. 

Illegal migration and human trafficking are on the rise. Therefore, ECOs do their due diligence with visa applications. Document verification costs them money and time. There is a reason why the UK tourist visa is the most expensive and time-consuming visa process. 

Is online bank statement acceptable for UK visa?

Yes, online bank statements downloaded from the bank website are perfectly acceptable. Online bank statements are a norm in most countries these days. I assume UKVI has connections with major banks in the world either directly or through third-party agencies. If need be, they can make inquiries and verify the authenticity of your bank statements. 

A mere download of a list of transactions from your account will not work. Your online bank statements must include all the necessary information such as the bank name, bank address, bank phone numbers, full name, address, statement dates, transactions, balances, etc.

If any of the information is not included, you must request bank statements from the bank that include all necessary details.

Keep in mind that providing fraudulent bank statements will lead to a permanent ban from entering the UK.

Do bank statements need to be stamped for UK visa?

If you are applying from a country with high UK visa refusal rates, I advise providing certified bank statements. These are bank statements printed on the bank letterhead, stamped and signed by the bank authorities. Sometimes instead of signing and stamping, a cover letter signed by the head of the bank branch is provided.

Certified bank statements help to convince the ECO that your bank statements are authentic.

What if you have multiple bank accounts, one for salary and one for savings? 

If you have multiple bank accounts, you will have to submit 6 months of statements from each bank or account. If done incorrectly, this could lead to document bloat, which means the ECOs may overlook the most important bank statements. 

Try to use only one bank account for salary, expenses and savings. If you have to use two banks or accounts, mention this clearly in your cover letter so ECOs do not overlook important bank statements.

Do bank statements in foreign language need to be translated for UK visa?

Yes. If your bank statements are in a foreign language, you must provide a certified translation of them in English. If you have several pages of bank statements that need translating, it can get quite expensive. This is usually the case when downloading monthly statements from the bank’s website.

One way to handle this is to ask the bank to print the last 6 months of transactions as one statement. This will remove any repeated information such as bank address, etc. that usually appears on each monthly statement. This will reduce the bank statements to only a few pages. Translating and certifying these pages shouldn’t be that expensive.

Can you show joint account for UK visa?

A joint account is acceptable when both account holders are applying for UK visas together. The income and saving limits must also be doubled in that case. This is usually the case with couples, either both or one of them is earning. Either way, you must explain that your account is a joint account in your cover letter to avoid ECO making any decisions with partial information.

If only one account holder is applying for the visa, the ECO may assume that the applicant does not have sole access to the funds and may refuse the visa. Again, this is a tricky situation and must be clearly explained in the cover letter.

How to show bank statement if you are self-employed?

All the above rules apply to self-employed as well. Make sure to get paid from your clients directly in your bank account. If you earn cash, deposit your cash into your bank account first before using it for personal expenses. You can withdraw later for your expenses.

If you receive small cash several times a month, consolidate all the cash and deposit once a week or month. If you have multiple bank accounts, consolidate them too.

How to show bank statements if you are a business owner?

ECOs assume that business funds are for business purposes and not available for personal use. This is especially true if you are traveling to the UK on a personal holiday trip. Therefore, you must have a clear distinction between your business funds and personal cash. 

Make sure to separate your business and personal accounts. Pay yourself a monthly salary into your personal account. Maintain a consistent financial pattern in your personal account. As a business owner, you must submit your business bank statements and personal bank statements for your UK visa.

Alternatively, you can provide a letter from you or any other business partners that the business funds are available for your personal use. In this case, just your business bank statements are sufficient.

UKVI does not provide proper guidelines on how much bank statement is required for UK visit visa. After referring to hundreds of UK visa refusal letters, I figured that ECOs are looking for certain patterns in your bank statements. ECOs are primarily looking for your sources of income, spending habits, financial commitments and saving goals. These factors are essential for ECOs to decide whether you are a genuine visitor and have sufficient funds for your trip.

There you have it. Everything you need to know about bank statements for UK visit visa. If you have any questions, leave a comment below. I will answer them as soon as I can.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

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288 Comments

abdalla elgazzar says

March 3, 2023 at 11:37 am

Hello, good day! I am eligible for complimentary 6 nights in Four Seasons Hotel London at park lane where I can use their service at no charge due to my eligibility to the employee travel program benefits. I can attach a confirmation letter from Four Seasons London and I think my spending would be 500 GBP for my visit to the UK.

I have income from the company and some regular money from my family and a pension from social insurance all come into my bank account. In the application, it says how much money do you have in savings. What is its meaning? I have 2 saving accounts. Should I add the total amount of money? what documents are required for a short visa application?

I don’t spend much money in my country. This is because I am working in a hotel beside my home about 5 minutes away, so no need for transportation and complimentary dedicated meals at the employee restaurant. I live with my mother in a wonderful home she makes payments for all living expenses so I feel good for my life in Egypt.

Thirumal Motati says

March 6, 2023 at 7:01 am

Hi Abdalla! You can mention that you have 6 nights complimentary at the Four Seasons in your cover letter. Also, attach a letter or booking confirmation from the hotel.

Yes. Add the savings from both accounts and mention that amount in your application. Then mention that you have two savings accounts in your cover letter and provide 6-month bank statements from both bank accounts.

You will have to explain in your cover letter why your monthly expense are low. Provide a copy of house ownership from your mother as well.

December 30, 2022 at 3:59 pm

hi, your blog is quite detailed and helpful, I am a self-employed lawyer, planning to travel to the UK in Feb after my 6-month bank statement is complete. I have been consistently saving and depositing money into my bank account as per standard, however, most of my transactions were in the form of cash deposits about 80% of them, rest are bank transfers. My question is do I need proof for each of that cash deposits? some of them or none of them? Won’t the assumption be enough that my profession is a lawyer and receive mostly cash from hundreds of clients I consolidate them and deposit them 2 or 3 times a month?

December 31, 2022 at 12:22 pm

Hi Ali! Yes, based on your profession, ECO may expect that you would receive payments in cash. But they would also expect to see if you indeed received that money from your clients. I believe you will have some form of proof for the payments received, such as a contract, invoice or receipt. You can attach those as proofs.

Nidhi chugh says

December 22, 2022 at 12:27 am

I want to invite my parents to UK and will sponsor their complete trip. Still, I need to show the bank statements of my father? He runs a cash-based business, however, he has savings in his account. What I should write in the cover letter? He doesn’t have any business registration. Could you please respond, will appreciate :)

December 23, 2022 at 5:55 am

Hi Nidhi! Unfortunately, just showing savings is not enough. He will have to show the source of those funds. It’s difficult to prove if the source of funds is a cash-based business. The best you can do is to provide as much documentation as possible to prove that he runs a cash-based business, the source of the funds in his bank is his cash-based business and he owns properties/investments in his country. This will help convince the ECO that he will return back to his country after his UK trip.

Apart from that, having decent travel history to visa-difficult countries such as UK, US, Canada, Schengen, etc. will help take some of that weight off of his financial requirements.

December 21, 2022 at 9:06 pm

Hi, I am sponsoring my brother and his family for a UK visitor visa. While uploading the documents on VFS, what should I upload in finance evidence as my brother doesn’t have enough money in his account? I am already uploading my bank statements in the sponsor evidence category. Shall I upload my bank statements in finance evidence? Will that work? Or should we also upload his bank statements given there is no saving in his account? Awaiting for your response.

December 23, 2022 at 6:01 am

Hi Nidhi! You will have to upload his bank statements for financial evidence. He doesn’t have to have great savings since you are sponsoring him. But his statements must show a sufficient amount to support himself or buy a ticket back home in case you decide not to support him after he lands in the UK. I’m not saying you will not support him while he is in the UK, but this happens quite a lot. So the UKVI is very strict about the financial situation of the applicant even if they have a sponsor.

December 16, 2022 at 6:28 pm

Hi Thirumal, very well explained. Thank you. I would like to sponsor my mother-in-law to UK. My mother-in-law has a saving account where she has a regular income from rent. She also has a fixed deposit (fd) account. Does she need to show the source of fund for it as well? If so how, because she has deposited in it long back

December 23, 2022 at 8:32 am

Hi Aathi! Well, not really necessary. But it all depends on the ECO. If your mother-in-law’s income from rent meets the financial requirements necessary for her visa, I suggest not showing or mentioning her FD in the application. This will eliminate any questions arising from the source of funds of her FD. But if she will have to mention her FD, I suggest explaining the source of funds for her FD in the cover letter.

Fortunetours says

November 22, 2022 at 9:38 pm

QN1. During applying do I submit only and all original documents or photocopied ones (passport, id)?

QN2. What do you mean by numbers on the bank statements, income tax documents, and invoices?

QN3. Do these criteria apply when applying for tourist visas to other countries like USA, Canada, Australia, And how much is required to be spent in those countries per day?

November 23, 2022 at 4:20 am

Hi Fortunetours! To answer your questions –

Q1. You will submit only “photocopies”.

Q2. If you are employed, your salary should match your employment letter, payslips, bank statements and tax records. For example, your employment letter says that you earn £24,000 per year before taxes. Then your monthly salary slip should reflect that, about £2,000 per salary slip every month. This amount should also reflect in your bank statements, about £2,000 deposited every month and finally, your tax records should reflect your yearly taxable income, which is £24,000.

So in conclusion, if you manipulate or forge documents for the visa, you will be caught. ECOs are trained, so they can analyze the documents and figure out any manipulations. If you have additional income, you will have to have proper documentation to prove that. If not, do not mention that additional income in the visa application.

Q3. No. This is financial requirement applies only to UK visitor visa application.

Teneille Van Der Merwe says

November 5, 2022 at 9:44 pm

Hi there! My visitor visa has been refused. I feel disheartened but going to apply again. I’ve waited 8 weeks for a decision and I am supposed to leave in 4 weeks. I made the mistake of only sending immigration the money in my savings account which is not the same account my monthly earnings go into. In my new application since we can’t make lump sum deposits. Would I show bank statements for my daily account and my savings account (which is with another bank). My mom has offered to sponsor my trip as well. My flights are already booked and paid for. If she is sponsoring part of my trip do I send her bank statements as well as mine? Any help would be greatly appreciated

November 7, 2022 at 5:56 am

Hi Teneille! The numbers you mention in your UK visa application must match your bank statements. Therefore, you must provide all the bank statements related to your claimed earnings and savings. If you have enough earnings and savings, there is no need to use your mom’s sponsorship. If you introduce your mom on your application, you will have to provide a whole lot of documentation including her bank statements and employment (the source of her funds). Therefore, seek sponsorship from your mom only if necessary.

sameera says

October 24, 2022 at 4:22 am

If we have a bulk amount which genuinely transferred to the account and if we can show the source of the fund clearly is that ok to apply for a visit visa using that fund?

November 7, 2022 at 7:43 am

Hi Sameera! Yeah, absolutely. As long as you explain and provide documentary evidence of the large deposit, you will be fine.

September 28, 2022 at 4:59 pm

Hi. Thank you so much for your good information here. I’m on a skilled worker visa, and I have applied for a visit visa for my father-in-law. He is self-employed and we her business provided the following documents in the application: – Bank Statement – Official Business License related to my business – business tenancy agreement for store and storage – Pension/insurance payment confirmation letter

However, the application was refused for the following reasons:

“1)Whilst I note you have submitted various business documents, the documents you have submitted do not demonstrate that your business generates any income. The documents you have submitted do not demonstrate you are in receipt of any income from your business.

2) After reviewing your bank documents, I note the transaction history demonstrates numerous unsourced deposits. The documents you have submitted do not demonstrate the origin of the funds contained in your account or that they are related to your business. ”

I think the decision is unreasonable. As these reasons are proof of each other! I’m going to apply for a pre-action protocol letter. Do you think there is any chance for change in the decision?

October 7, 2022 at 5:38 am

Hi Kana! Even though those two reasons are proof of each other, PAP will usually be refused in such cases. What they would like to see is an intermediary document. For employment, there are payslips. For business, there must be something similar. These can be invoices, receipts, payment confirmations, client contracts, etc. These receipts/invoices work as intermediary documents between business registration and business bank statements. Without these receipts/invoices, the deposits in the business bank account will look like unsourced deposits. And, of course, the business and transaction details must match between all these documents.

Olorunwa Goddey says

September 18, 2022 at 3:57 am

Good job Mr. My company is sponsoring my trip to the UK. Do I still need to provide my bank statement? If I have to, I have two accounts with the same bank. One is for my salary and the other is for my savings. And I have up to a million in naira (personally). What can you advise me on? Thanks!

September 19, 2022 at 2:51 am

HI Olurunwa! Even if you are traveling for business, ECOs emphasize the applicant’s personal circumstances. Therefore, proving your personal financial capability is important. You will have to provide both of your personal accounts. Make sure neither of these accounts has large deposits of cash that you cannot prove with evidence.

Denise says

September 14, 2022 at 5:08 am

Thank you for your informative blog! My husband and I are South African citizens applying for a visa to visit family in the UK in December. We have a joint account that holds our savings but the account is in my husband’s name. We both have access to the account at any time. Should we transfer this money to each of our accounts for now? Or just mention it in our cover letter with proof of the money in the accounts?

September 19, 2022 at 3:16 am

Hi Denise! Do not transfer any cash from your husband’s savings account. This can get complicated and requires explanation and evidence. You haven’t mentioned if you both are employed or just your husband. If you both are employed then you use your salary accounts for each of your applications combined with your husband’s savings account.

Muhammad says

August 23, 2022 at 12:50 pm

Hi, I want to apply for uk visit visa for 6 months from Bahrain ( I am a Pakistani national living in Bahrain). I have a good salary and a regular income. But I do community savings. So my saving is in my community and I can withdraw my money from the head of the community whenever I want. Now I want to travel to the UK in November. so can I just take my money from the community saving and specify in my cover letter while applying that this money is from community savings?

August 26, 2022 at 9:26 am

Hi Muhammad! Just mentioning it in your cover letter will not be enough. You will have to provide evidence. If the community provides any kind of passbook or statement, or even an official letter, you can submit that.

Alexandra says

August 20, 2022 at 6:38 pm

Good afternoon, (I already had a 6-month visa for the UK) if my passport expires in 2026, it is true that I cannot apply for the 5-year visa due to the expiration date. Do I apply for the 2 years? I would like to go there every time I can travel through Europe.

August 26, 2022 at 12:44 pm

Hi Alexandra. No, it’s not true. Also, you have about 4 years on your current passport, so you can apply for a 5-year visa. After your current passport expires, you can still travel to the UK but you will have to carry your current and new passports together. Or you can opt to have then transfer your visa to your new passport for a fee in 2026.

August 3, 2022 at 12:12 pm

Hi Thirumal! I have read your article and you are amazing. I work in Dubai, but my company doesn’t provide NOC to its employees and my salary is $950 but saves $450 every month for the last 6 months. My brother is inviting me to the UK in December. But my residence visa will expire in January 2023. In 2010, I got rejected in Ghana, when he was inviting me and my mom to attend his inauguration ceremony and was given an appeal, but I ignored it.

My question is; 1) Since my UAE residence visa is going to expire in January 2023, is it possible for me to apply in October, with the entry month being December? 2) Do I have to add my bank statement, though he’s sponsoring everything? 3) Do I have to inform them about my last rejection? 4) Since my company is not issuing NOC, can I apply without any rejection?

August 4, 2022 at 9:26 am

Hi Fiifi! 1) If your residence permit is expiring in Jan 2023 and you plan to travel to the UK in Oct 2022, your visa will likely be refused. You will have to first renew your UAE residence permit in that case. 2) Yes. You must add your bank statements even if your brother is sponsoring your trip. This is to prove that you can support yourself in case your brother decides not to support you after you land in the UK. 3) Yes. You will have to mention your previous UK visa refusal in your application form. 4) NOC is not mandatory. But you will somehow have to prove your employment and also that you will still have employment when you return. Usually, this can be done with an employment letter and a leave approval letter. If you can’t either of them, then it can lead to visa refusal.

Saloni says

August 25, 2022 at 1:19 am

Hi sir, thanks for the good information. Kindly guide me. I have a UK visitor visa refusal with the family reason of big transactions. Now I clear all confusion to the embassy officer on a written cover letter but when I apply for the first time, I provided a bank statement of 6 months. Now can I provide 3-month bank statements of savings and current account?

August 26, 2022 at 9:30 am

Hi Saloni! 6-month bank statements are recommended but you can submit 3-month statements too. But keeping in mind your previous refusal on the grounds of large transactions, I suggest submitting 6-month otherwise, ECO may assume that you are hiding something.

Matthew Obayemi says

August 26, 2022 at 12:30 am

Hello Thirumal. Thanks for your insightful responses. In my case, I am self-employed and I have a brother who is a UK resident willing to sponsor my trip. He owns his house and will also accommodate me for the duration of my stay which is 3 weeks, also my flights and maintenance. My monthly income after conversion is about £330 pounds. But over the course of 6 months, I haven’t had sufficient savings for the trip, due to heavy expenses and my brother just decided to invite me over last month. But he is sponsoring my entire trip and providing his bank statements to prove he can afford to. I hope to travel in 2 months, and I’m now looking to save in the next 2 months consistently about £600 of my own money. Will there be any issues with my own financials? Please advise me on what to do. Thanks.

August 26, 2022 at 6:54 am

Hi Matthew! The savings must be consistent over the months. That’s why you will provide 6-month bank statements. If ECOs notice that you haven’t saved for 4 months and suddenly you are saving up your entire salary, it would look suspicious. Since your brother is sponsoring you, you don’t need to meet the financial requirements mentioned in this article. Just make sure your savings are consistent and you will be fine.

Hadeer says

July 20, 2022 at 1:27 pm

Hello, I am applying for a visa for my PLAB 2 exam in November. I currently don’t have a job so I was thinking about a financial supporter or a money gift to support my visit. If the gifted money covers my stay in the UK, will it be a better option than financial support as the money is already in my account? Will I need to provide a 6-month bank statement for my financial provider? If the money stays in my account from now till November that’s about 4 months will this solve my problem.

July 21, 2022 at 6:34 am

Hi Hadeer! Seek sponsorship instead of gift money. Gift money will most likely get your visa refused. Even if you receive gift money and wait out 4 months, still your beginning balance will be high with no monthly income, your visa will likely be refused. I covered all these points in detail in this article. So, your best best is to seek sponsorship from an immidiate family member such as parent, sibling or spouse living either in your home country or in the UK.

Ajeet singh says

July 14, 2022 at 2:37 am

Hello Thirumal, thank you for all your detailed guides and responses. I am planning for a standard visitor visa for my Plab 2 exam in the UK in February 2023. But unfortunately, neither I nor any of my immediate family members have sufficient funds in their bank accounts. My close cousin has sufficient funds in his account and is willing to sponsor me. Will this affect the chances of getting the visa? Is there some specific way to show personal/professional relationship with sponsor? Moreover one of my cousins who is a UK citizen is also willing to sponsor me. Please guide. Your response will be greatly appreciated.

July 18, 2022 at 2:14 pm

Hi Ajeet! You can seek sponsorship from either your cousin in your country or your cousin in the UK. You have to provide proof of relationship. Usually, it’s easy to proof of relationship for immediate family members but for cousins, it can be difficult.

June 26, 2022 at 9:16 pm

Hi, thanks a lot for sharing this valuable information with us. Some questions for your kind support. My elder child is studying in UK on a student visa. We, the parents and the younger child need to visit her under a tourist visa. Q1 If both parents together sponsoring the full trip how should we produce the sponsor letters? Q2 Sponsor letter has to be attached with each application? Q3.Does each application need a covering letter mentioning companions? Q4.Do we need to mention about the child who is learning there in the covering letter?

June 27, 2022 at 9:13 am

Hi Mak! Q1) For your application, you will submit a cover letter and a sponsor letter from your wife. Similarly, for your wife’s application, she will submit a cover letter and a sponsor letter from you. For your younger child’s application, both of you will write one sponsor letter with two signatures. Q2) Yes, especially if both of you are paying for the entire trip. Q3) Yes. Each application must have a cover letter, mentioning the companions, sponsors, etc. Your companion details also need to be mentioned in your UK visa application. Q4) Yes, since you are going to the UK to visit your elder child, you will mention about her in your application and cover letter.

Pavitra Pandey says

June 16, 2022 at 12:49 pm

Hello, your post is very informational. My father is self-employed and earns profit from the shop but in ITR we have to show earnings from interest and FD, etc, How do I prove that income in the visa application? He has FD in 5-6 different banks, Indian post, etc. Do I have to add statements of accounts of all 5 banks? Please help.

June 17, 2022 at 2:09 pm

Hi Pavitra! Primarily you will have to provide his business proofs and 6-month personal bank statement. If the numbers in his ITR are not matching with his business income since it also includes his FD income, then yes, you will have to add statements from all of those 5 banks. But these can be just a one-month statement or bank certificates.

June 12, 2022 at 9:47 am

Hi, thank you for your kind gesture in replying to comments and questions.

Please I’m due to deliver in September and my husband and I want to invite my mother in law over for visiting. I’m on a tier 2 skilled worker visa. We plan to fully sponsor her trip, in my bank account I have about £5,500 and my husband has about £1,500 in his. Please is that enough to sponsor her for 6 weeks?

Also, my husband recently sent about 1,000,000 naira to my father-in-law and my father-in-law decided to send it to my mother-in-law’s account. She’ll be using her bank account statement for the visa purpose, please will that be an issue? My father-in-law is going to write a letter of consent for his wife and also show his landed property too. Just to add my mother-in-law is a housewife so no monthly income. But my father-in-law also doesn’t have a good bank statement to present for her visa purpose.

Please I will need your kind advice on whether we are good to go with my above expectations. Looking forward to your reply, thank you so much.

June 13, 2022 at 5:14 pm

Hi Peace! The savings you and your husband have should be fine for sponsoring your mother-in-law. But depositing cash in your father-in-law’s or mother-in-law’s account would pose a problem. ECOs do not usually like large cash deposits other than their salary. I have explained that in this article.

If your mother-in-law is a housewife and doesn’t have her own income, I suggest using your father-in-law’s bank statements. They don’t need to be perfect since you are sponsoring her visa, but they should not have large cash deposits other than his salary.

Your father-in-law can provide his consent, marriage certificate, bank statements, and land property to prove his ties. Any other proof showing that your father-in-law will remain at home during your mother-in-law’s trip will also help demonstrate her family ties.

Emmanuel says

May 31, 2022 at 8:39 pm

Hi Thirumal,

Here is my circumstance

Closing balance from salary account 3,600GBP Travel expenses (airfare inclusive) = 2,000GBP Personal saving account = 5,200GBP

Visited UK 4 times and USA once;

As a logistics manager. there are funds paid into my salary account for outstations logistics expenses and others by my company. These fund deposits made my account statement looks a bit complicated. What are my chances for a successful application? Is there something I can do about my statement aside using a cover letter for explanation

June 7, 2022 at 10:26 am

Hi Emmanuel! Cover letter is the only option. Make sure you explain all “non-salary” deposits along with documentary proofs. You can also briefly mention about them in your “extra information” section in your UK visa application.

Sowemimo Olajide says

May 29, 2022 at 12:01 pm

I have 4,600,000 in my personal account. My UK trip expenses are 2M. Should I remove the excess from my account or leave it there? Hope it will not be queried.

May 31, 2022 at 7:58 am

Hi Sowemimo! You must leave the excess. Your UK trip expenses must be less than half of your savings. 2M is less than half of 4.6M. So your numbers and balances are correct. If you remove any cash, your total balance will fall. This may lead to your expenses becoming more than half of your savings, which would jeopardize your chances of approval.

KSharad says

May 25, 2022 at 2:29 pm

Hi Thirumal, thanks for sharing very useful info on the UK visa. I am applying for a tourist visa for myself and my wife, whose entire travel costs I will sponsor. We will be traveling to the UK as tourists and also be visiting our daughter who is currently studying in the UK. My queries are: 1) My wife is a homemaker with no regular income but she has savings in a scheduled cooperative bank- would that be acceptable as proof of savings and hence should her application state that I am the sponsor? 2) Should we declare that we will be staying with our daughter, though we may actually opt to stay in a B&ampB when in the place she currently resides? Elsewhere during our visit, she would also be accompanying us. In that case, will an invitation letter be necessary? Many thanks in advance. 3) What documents would be needed from my employer? 4) Will bank statements, payslips and ITR for 3 years be sufficient documents or should property documents also be submitted?

May 26, 2022 at 7:56 am

Hi KSharad! (1) If your wife is a homemaker, do not show her own bank statements. Instead, show your own bank statements for her. Since you both will be traveling together and you will be taking care of her expenses as well, just showing your own bank statements for her would be sufficient. If you show her cooperative bank statement, then the ECO might want to see the source of those funds. Then it can get complicated.

(2) If your income and savings are sufficient enough to stay in a hotel, I suggest saying that you will stay in a hotel/B&b. If you mention that you will stay with your daughter, then you must produce her flat/house lease agreement and utility bill. You can add a letter of invitation from your daughter which will work as proof of your purpose for the trip. You can also add a copy of her passport and UK study visa/residence permit.

(3) You would need a letter of employment indicating your current role, how long you have been employed, your salary, your job duties, etc. And a letter of leave approval indicating your leave details, dates and the date on which you must report back to your job.

(4) If you own any properties, submit those as well. Properties and investments work as economic ties with your country. Similarly, if you are renting, then you can provide a rental contract.

Here is the list of documents you both must provide – Your employment letter – Your leave approval letter – Your bank statements – Your property ownership documents – Your daughter’s birth certificate (proof of relationship) – Your daughter’s passport ID page – Your daughter’s UK visa or residence permit – Your daughter’s university letter or ID (proof that she is studying in the UK) – A cover letter

Provide these extra documents for your wife’s application – Your marriage certificate (proof of relationship) – A sponsor letter from you

May 28, 2022 at 5:05 pm

Thank you SO much dear for the quick, detailed and helpful response! Greatly appreciated!

May 31, 2022 at 7:40 am

You’re welcome!

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United Kingdom

Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

United kingdom - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in the United Kingdom due to terrorism.

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in the United Kingdom. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

There is also a risk of isolated violence by dissident groups in Northern Ireland, focused primarily on police and military targets.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to the United Kingdom.

If you decide to travel to the United Kingdom:

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and Twitter.com/Travelgov
• Review the  Country Security Report  for the United Kingdom.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel and return to the United States.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

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Quick Facts

Must be valid for the duration of your stay in the United Kingdom   (If you have onward travel to countries outside the United Kingdom, you should check the passport validity requirements for each additional country on their respective information pages.)

Must have at least one page

Not required for stays less than six months.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy london.

33 Nine Elms Lane London, SW11 7US United Kingdom Telephone: +(44)(20) 7499-9000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(44)(20) 7499-9000 Fax: +(44) (20) 7891-3845 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Edinburgh, Scotland 3 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BW Scotland Telephone: 013-1556-8315 / from the United States: 011 (44)(13) 1556-8315 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  020-7499-9000 / from the United States: 011 (44)(20) 7499-9000 Fax: 0131-557-6023 /from the United States: 011 (44) 131-557-6023 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Belfast, Northern Ireland Danesfort House, 223 Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5GR Northern Ireland, United Kingdom Telephone: 028-9038-6100 / from the United States: 011 (44)(28) 9038-6100 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 01253-501106 / from the United States: 011 (44) 1253-501106 Fax: 028-9068-1301 / from the United States: 011 (44)(28) 9068-1301 Email: [email protected]

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Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

• To enter the United Kingdom, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay.
• Starting June 2019, U.S. passport holders will be able to use the ePassport Gates upon arrival in the United Kingdom. U.S. citizens who had previously registered for the UK’s Registered Traveller Service (RTS) should now also use the ePassport Gates on arrival in the UK.
• If you are planning onward travel after departing the UK, note that many other countries require at least six months’ remaining validity on your passport to enter. If you are bound for Continental Europe, please see our  U.S. travelers in Europe page for additional details.
• Visas for specific categories of visitors must be obtained prior to travel. Visit the  UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website to determine if you need a visa to enter the United Kingdom. We cannot intervene on your behalf when you apply for a UK visa, nor can we advocate for your admission into the UK if you are denied entry.
• Students and prospective students should visit the  UKVI website  to determine if they need a visa.
• For some U.S. travelers, especially students, an entry stamp is required.  Please consult this website  for more information.
• Unpaid and paid workers, interns, volunteers, charity workers, and temporary workers can find information about obtaining a visa on the  UKVI website .
• Visitors traveling to the United Kingdom to get married, even if they do not plan to reside there, must obtain a visa in advance. See the  UKVI website  for visa information.
• Surcharges apply to certain categories of visas, generally those involving work, study, or residency for more than six months. More information is available on the  UKVI website  and in our Health section below.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of the United Kingdom.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible near-term attacks in Europe. The UK Security Service publishes specific reasons for any changes in the threat level and recommended actions for the public via its  UK threat levels website .

There is the potential for  isolated violence  related to the political situation in Northern Ireland. The Police Service of Northern Ireland assesses there is a continued threat of violence from dissident groups in Northern Ireland, focused primarily on police and military targets, and may involve the use of  firearms  and  explosives . Tensions may be heightened during the summer marching season (April to August), particularly on and around the July 12 public holiday.

Avoid areas of demonstrations  if possible, and be careful within the vicinity of demonstrations. Demonstrations occur frequently in and around city centers and areas where tourists frequent. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate to violence.

The phone number for  police/fire/ambulance emergency services  is  999  in the United Kingdom and  112  in Gibraltar. You should also use these numbers to report security threats or suspicious packages. Also see information for  contacting police from abroad .

• Be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
• Be vigilant, as  pickpocketing ,  mugging,  and “snatch and grab” theft of mobile phones, watches and jewelry can occur.
• Do not leave bags unattended in restaurants, pubs, hotel lobbies, and parked cars.
• Be alert to other criminal schemes, such as  impostors  posing as undercover police officers and “fining” tourists for bogus minor offenses. A legitimate Metropolitan Police Services officer will never demand an immediate cash payment.
• Use only licensed Black Cabs or pre-ordered car services (minicabs) . Unlicensed taxis or private cars posing as taxis may offer low fares, but in some instances, travelers have been  robbed  or  sexually assaulted  while using these cars. See Transport for London for additional information on cabs and car services .
• Avoid using ATMs that look temporary in structure or location  or are located in isolated areas – they may not be legitimate. Use ATMs located inside a bank branch.

Scams : Before sending any money to individuals you have never met in person, visit the  Embassy London website  for more information about  internet financial scams  and how to protect yourself.

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime : Report crimes to the local police at 999 (United Kingdom) or 112 (Gibraltar) and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(44) (20) 7499-9000.

• Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide our information on  victim compensation programs in the United States
• The Victim Support website  is maintained by an independent UK charity to help people cope with the effects of crime
• A Northern Ireland-based independent charity maintains a similar  victim support website
• In Scotland, victims of crime should contact  Victim Support Scotland
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support if you are destitute
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. 

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

• You will be arrested if you bring pocket knives, blades, mace or pepper spray canisters, or any part of a gun into the United Kingdom . Please refer to the UK government publication  Travelling to the UK , which details the items visitors are prohibited from bringing into the United Kingdom.
• Penalties against  alcohol-related  and other  in-flight  crimes committed aboard aircraft to and from the United Kingdom are stiff and are enforced with  prison sentences . Please also see  our information on U.S. customs regulations  covering your return to the United States.
• Controlled Substances: UK law prohibits possession and trafficking of controlled substances and narcotics, including some substances that may be legal to possess under the law of certain U.S. states. More information on controlled substances is available here . Individuals who violate UK drug laws may face penalties including fines or prison sentences.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained in the United Kingdom, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Special Circumstances:

• The legal drinking age in the United Kingdom is 18. Parents and organizers of school trips should read our  Students Abroad website  to help plan a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Scotland’s “drink drive limit” law was amended to a lower level (roughly .05 BAC) and is stricter than the rest of the United Kingdom (roughly .08 BAC). This means that  driving after even one drink  can result in a charge of driving under the influence.
• The United Kingdom has very strict gun control laws, and importing firearms is extremely complicated.  Information on applying for a firearm and/or shotgun certificate can be found on the  London Metropolitan Police Firearms licensing webpage .  Licenses from England or Wales may not be valid in Scotland; please check with the appropriate authorities.  For firearms certificates for Scotland, please check with  Police Scotland .

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in the United Kingdom.

See our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance:

• UK law requires that all public service providers (except in the transportation sector) make “reasonable adjustments” to ensure their services are available to persons with disabilities.  Nevertheless, code exemptions permit many older buildings to have steps up from the street.
• Getting around in cities may be difficult at times because sidewalks can be narrow and uneven.
• Most London Underground and UK National Rail System stations are not readily accessible for people with disabilities.  Many stations do not have elevators, and have stairways and long corridors for changing trains or exiting to the street. Many UK buses are equipped with lowering platforms for limited-mobility or sight- or hearing-disabled travelers.
• Many taxis have swivel-entry seats or retractable ramps to ease entry.
• Disabled parking permits (known as “blue badges”) are issued by local government councils throughout the country. Visit the  UK government website  for contact information. Some councils may not offer permits to temporary visitors.

The  Transport for London  and  National Rail  websites provide information for passengers with disabilities.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  women travelers .

While medical services are widely available,  free medical care  under the National Health System (NHS) is allowed only for UK residents, certain EU nationals, and some visa holders.

An NHS surcharge is assessed on certain visa applicants at the time of application.  Tourists and short-term visitors will not be assessed the surcharge, but will be charged 150 percent of the cost of any medical treatment they receive from the NHS. Unpaid balances of £1,000 or more can result in being barred from return to the United Kingdom.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills, and U.S. Medicare is not valid overseas.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides  coverage overseas . Most care providers overseas only accept  cash payments . See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage overseas.

• We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

Carry  prescription medication  in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Traveling with sufficient supplies to last the duration of your trip is recommended. Mailing prescriptions is prohibitive and may be delayed or rejected by British customs.

Certain prescriptions available in the United States are classified as a "controlled drug"  in the United Kingdom and cannot be brought into the country without applying for and obtaining a prior license. This includes prescriptions for medical marijuana or products containing CBD and THC.  Please visit the https://www.gov.uk/travelling-controlled-drugs for additional information. 

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended for international travel by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Road conditions in the United Kingdom can differ significantly from those in the United States.

• In contrast to the United States, UK traffic drives on the left.  Read the  Highway Code  before driving.
• Emergency call boxes  (orange telephone booths with “SOS” printed on them) are found at half-mile intervals along motorways. White and blue poles point in the direction of the nearest call box. Call boxes dial directly to a motorway center. Use these phones rather than a personal cell phone, because motorway center personnel will immediately know your exact location.
• Generally,  pedestrians do not have the right of way  and should not expect vehicles to stop for them.

Many U.S. citizen pedestrians are injured, some fatally, every year in the United Kingdom, because they forget that oncoming  traffic approaches from the opposite direction  than in the United States.  Exercise extra care when crossing streets; remain alert and look both ways before stepping into the street.

Traffic Laws: 

• UK penalties for driving under the influence of  alcohol  or  drugs  are strict and often  result in prison sentences .
• Using a  hand-held cell phone  or similar device while driving is  illegal  in the United Kingdom. Only hands-free phones may be used. You will be  fined , or in the case of an accident,  arrested  and serve time in  prison .
• The speed limit on highways/motorways in the United Kingdom is 70 mph, or lower when posted.
• You will be  detained  and  arrested  if you cannot provide a UK address to receive a subpoena or are about to depart the United Kingdom and have to be brought to court quickly for a motoring offense.
• In Central London, a congestion charge is levied on all drivers who pass through the congestion zone. You will be  fined  or  arrested  if you do not pay the charge. See  Transport for London  for more information about driving in London.

Public Transportation:  Public transport in the United Kingdom is extensive.

• Information on disruptions to London transportation services can be found on the  Transport for London  website.
• Information about the status of National Rail Services can be found on the  National Rail Enquiries  website.
• Bus and train service information in Northern Ireland can be found on the  Translink  website.
• Bus and train service information in Scotland can be found on the  Traveline Scotland  website.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. For specific information concerning UK driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, refer to the  UK Department for Transport  website or the  Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency  website.

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of the United Kingdom’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of United Kingdom’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to the United Kingdom should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at  www.marad.dot.gov/msci . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website and the NGA broadcast warnings website (select “broadcast warnings”).

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on X (formerly known as "Twitter") and Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in the United Kingdom . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Passports, visas and API

If you're looking to make a smooth start to your journey, you need to make sure you have the right documents, such as a valid passport and the relevant visas.

To help, we've summarised some of the key considerations and requirements here, but it's not a full list of all possible requirements around the world. It's your responsibility to ensure you have the right documents to be allowed to travel.

Passports and ID cards

To travel on an international flight your passport must:

• Be valid for the required time after your planned return date . This is often at least three or six months after the day you plan to leave your destination. Check the Expiry Date on your passport.
• Meet the specific passport validity requirements for your destination. Check the IATA Travel Centre for more information.
• Be signed by its owner. Please ensure each passport is signed with the owner's signature . You may be denied entry or fined in some countries for travelling with an unsigned passport. More information is available for UK passport holders at HM Passport Office .

If you are not an EU national and wish to travel on an international flight to an EU member state (except Ireland) or any of the following Schengen zones — Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, or Vatican City — your passport must:

• Have been issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country . Check the Date of Issue on your passport and see the UK Government advice for further information.

If you are not an EU national and wish to travel on an international flight to anywhere other than an EU member state (excluding Ireland) or one of the Schengen zones listed above , your passport must meet the entry requirements of the destination country. Please check the UK Government advice for entry requirements for specific countries.

Children's passports

Children need their own passports to travel internationally, including infants under two. Infant and children's passports are only valid for five years, so please check the expiry date before departure.

EU, EEA or Swiss national ID cards

These are are no longer accepted as valid documentation for entering the UK, unless you’re exempt. Please check the latest UK Government advice for more details.

Please note, it’s your responsibility to ensure you have valid documentation when you travel. If you fail to comply with these requirements, you may not be allowed to travel, or you may be refused entry at your destination and have to pay associated costs.

You do not require a passport to travel within the UK, but you will need to carry one type of photographic ID when travelling with us. Examples include:

• Valid passport
• Valid driving licence, either provisional or full
• Valid EU national identity card
• Valid armed forces identity card
• Valid police warrant card or badge

Children under the age of 16 do not need to show identification when travelling on domestic flights. The adult they are travelling with must travel with photographic identification and be able to confirm their identity.

Children aged 14 and 15 years who are flying alone will need to show identification when travelling on domestic flights. Find more information on the requirements for young flyers travelling alone, including a copy of our consent form.

If you are a citizen of the UK, Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands or Isle of Man and were born in these areas, you do not need a passport to travel between these destinations, but you do require some form of photographic identification, such as a driving licence.

All other travellers require a valid passport to travel between these destinations.

Processing times for passports vary but it may take six weeks or longer to receive a passport after applying, so we advise that you wait until your passport has arrived before making a booking. Many countries offer fast-track applications where required.

If you need a passport or need to renew an existing one you can apply directly to your nation’s passport office. In the UK, that’s the UK passport service .

If there is a place on your passport for you to sign, please sign your passport with your signature. Your passport is not valid until it is signed . For British passports, you can learn more from HM Passport Office .

If you’d like help with your application , British Airways has partnered with VisaCentral, a company that will do all of the hard work for you. VisaCentral can help with passport renewals and replacements, name changes, second passports and new passports for children. Plus, as a British Airways customer you’ll get a 30% discount on the service fees.

Visas and other travel documentation

How to check if you need a visa

Depending on your nationality and the purpose of your journey, you may need a visa, or an equivalent form of authorisation, for every country you enter as part of your journey — even if you are only in transit or connecting from one flight to another in the airport of that country without going through border control — known as a transit visa.

This is in addition to a valid passport.

There are several ways you can check if you need a visa:

Check if you need a visa via the IATA Travel Centre  — it's free to check and also includes passport and health requirements, as well as customs, currency and airport information.

If you need a visa, our partner VisaCentral can help  — it's free to check and they’ll tell you exactly what documents you need to get one. Plus, as a British Airways customer, you’ll get a 30% discount on VisaCentral service fees should you need help with an application.

Check if you need a transit visa to connect through the UK  — even if you’re only connecting from one flight to another, you may need a transit visa, such as a Direct Airside Transit (DATV) visa or a Visitor in Transit visa, to connect through the UK.

Check if you need a visa via the Sherpa online search tool below . Sherpa can also help obtain many e-visas, and advise of other possible information you may need for your travels.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

An ETA will soon be required for people travelling to the UK who do not need a visa, including children and babies. It will be electronically linked to your passport and will give you permission:

To visit the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or to study.

To visit the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession .

To transit through the UK – including if you’re not going through the UK border control.

An ETA will be required from 15 November 2023 when travelling from certain countries, with more being added to the scheme over time. Please check if you require an ETA .

Read further information and apply for an ETA or watch more about ETA .

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Please note that Sherpa is a third party service provider that may apply fees for such services. The information provided on this page is for information purposes only and could be subject to change at very short notice. It is your responsibility to check and observe all the health and entry requirements applicable to your journey and you should always check the latest travel guidance from your government before you travel and the guidance provided by the relevant public authorities of your destination. Failure to meet applicable requirements means that British Airways will not be able to carry you, and compensation and care and assistance provisions will not apply. 

Entry requirements and other travel documents

If you're a citizen of a country covered by the Visa Waiver Programme (such as the UK) you are able to travel to the USA with an Electronic System Travel Authorisation (ESTA) instead of a visa.

Make sure you apply for your ESTA at least 72 hours before your departure. You may not be allowed to travel if you arrive at the airport without an ESTA.

You will need a valid e-Passport to use ESTA. These have a microchip symbol on their front cover. ESTAs are valid for multiple journeys for up to two years or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner.

Apply for an ESTA

More about the Visa Waiver Program and ESTAs

When you need a visa

You will need to apply for a visa to travel to the United States and should contact your local US Embassy in the following circumstances:

• If you are a citizen of a country not covered by the Visa Waiver Programme.
• If you have dual nationality with one passport being issued by a country eligible under the Visa Waiver Programme and the other issued by Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria.
• If you have an ESTA and have visited Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria since 1 March 2011.

Help with your ESTA application

Our partner VisaCentral can take the hard work out of applying, and offers a safe, secure and easy way to obtain your ESTA. Benefits of using its service include:

• Specialist support – access to a visa specialist via phone or email if you have questions regarding your application.
• Automated monitoring - applications not instantly approved automatically get resubmitted or assigned to a visa specialist for review; there’s no need to re-apply.
• Discounted rate – get a 30% discount on VisaCentral's handling fees as a British Airways customer.

Many visitors need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization to travel to Canada. You can check Canada’s entry requirements before flying.

Alternatively, our partner VisaCentral can quickly, securely and easily obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization for you.

If you're travelling to China, you'll need to check what type of visa you require. Transit visas are available if you are staying for less than 144 hours.

If you have a British passport, find out more about visa requirements when travelling to or through China.

If you have a passport from any other country, please ensure you check with your nearest Chinese Embassy .

Alternatively, our partner VisaCentral can quickly, securely and easily obtain a Visa for you.

If you are travelling to India, you may be able to obtain an eTourist Visa online, just four days before you travel. The visa will be valid for 60 days and you will need to present a printed copy when you check in to be able to travel.

Find out more and apply for India e-Tourist Visa.

Alternatively, our partner VisaCentral can quickly, securely and easily obtain an eTourist Visa for you.

While we make every effort to keep this information up to date, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) visa restrictions can change at short notice. Please check the IATA Travel Centre before you book.

Get a visa through VisaCentral.

If you are a pilgrim

If you are a Hajj or Umrah pilgrim, you must enter KSA through Jeddah with a valid Hajj or Umrah visa. Travel must be between the official pilgrimage travel dates.

You cannot:

• travel for Hajj using an Umrah visa
• travel for Umrah using a Hajj visa
• enter, transfer or transit through Riyadh
• travel outside of the official pilgrimage dates determined by the Saudi authorities each year

If you are travelling from the UK, we recommend to book through our specialist partner Masterfare who can arrange your flight and Hajj/Umrah visa through a KSA Ministry of Hajj approved agent.

If you are travelling from another country, or you book on ba.com, it is your responsibility to ensure you get the correct pilgrimage visa from a KSA Ministry of Hajj-approved Hajj or Umrah agent.

If you do not have the correct documentation, or have booked to travel outside the official pilgrimage dates, you will not be allowed to travel or be able to get a refund.

Non-pilgrim visitors

If you are not Muslim, you can enter Jeddah or Riyadh at any time using a business or visit visa.

If you are Muslim, are using a business or visit visa during Hajj, or are travelling in the 6-week period up to and including Hajj, you must enter KSA through Riyadh.

If you are Muslim with a business or visit visa, you will need a Hajj visa to travel during the official pilgramage travel dates.

These restrictions do not apply to residents or citizens of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

KSA visa restrictions change at short notice. Please check the IATA Travel Centre before you book.

Some countries' immigration departments require additional documentation for all children under 18 years travelling into, out of or transiting their country. This varies depending on the country so please check before you travel on the IATA Travel Centre. Just make sure you use the date of birth of your child to receive the correct information.

If you need a visa for your journey, you can apply directly with the embassy or high commission of the country you want to travel to — visit their website or local consulate to learn more about the process.

Alternatively, our partner VisaCentral can do all of the hard work for you:

• it's a safe, secure and easy way to obtain your visa
• it can help save time — VisaCentral will stand in line at the embassy or consulate on your behalf
• you'll get a 30% discount on handling fees as a British Airways customer

Advance Passenger Information (API)

Many countries require us to collect some passport and travel information about who's flying into their country. The information you provide is sent securely to the necessary government authorities.

You will need to supply some or all of the following details:

• your full name (as it appears on your passport)
• your date of birth
• your gender
• your nationality
• your passport number
• your passport expiry date
• the country that issued your passport
• your country of residence.

Additionally, when travelling to the US, you will need to provide:

• the destination address of your first night’s stay
• Alien Registration Number (Green Card) for those who have US residency
• Traveler Redress Number if you have one (this enables travellers who have experienced problems entering the US to avoid future difficulties).

If you're a US citizen and have a 'Global Entry' number, you don't need to provide this as part of your API. When you arrive in the US your Global Entry status will be recognised when you use the dedicated Immigration kiosk.

Some governments require us to provide them with information from flight bookings, which will contain additional passenger details to those listed above.

You can add Advance Passenger Information to your booking on ba.com using Manage My Booking . If there is any information you need to provide, you'll see a red exclamation mark against the passenger information section at the top of the page.

Legal statement for US flights

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the US Department of Homeland Security requires us to collect information from you for purposes of watch list screening, under the authority of 49 U.S.C. section 114, and the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. Providing this information is voluntary; however, if you don't provide it, you may be subject to additional screening or denied transport or authorisation to enter the post-security area. TSA may share information you provide with law enforcement or intelligence agencies or others under its published system of records notice. For more on TSA Privacy policies, or to view the system of records notice and the privacy impact assessment, visit tsa.gov .

Travel Schemes

If you are a national of one of the below countries you can join the 'Registered Traveller' scheme and enjoy faster entry to the UK, as long as you have a biometric passport.

When you apply, the UK Border Force carries out checks to see if you are eligible to join. If accepted, you won't need to fill out a landing card for the UK. You'll be able to enter the UK at the ePassport gates or the UK/EU lanes at several UK airports, including all London airports, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester.

UK citizens can get through US passport control faster by joining Global Entry, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) programme. The scheme allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers arriving in the United States. Benefits include:

• no processing queues
• no requirement to complete a paper customs declaration form
• reduced waiting times
• TSA Pre✓® Eligibility (faster, more efficient security screening at participating US airports).

Membership lasts for five years and the application process includes background checks (at a non-refundable cost of £42 payable to the UK government), online enrolment with the US Customs and Border Protection Agency (at a non-refundable cost of USD100) and attendance at a face to face interview at an official enrolment centre.

More about Global Entry and FAQs

We participate in the TSA Pre✓® programme for customers with a Known Traveller Number (KTN) departing from US airports. TSA Pre✓® is a faster, easier security screening process at US airports. Once enrolled, you will be able to speed through security without removing shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets.

Who is eligible?

• Members of the Global Entry scheme.
• US citizens and US lawful permanent residents enrolled in TSA Pre✓®, NEXUS or SENTRI. 
• Canadian citizens who are members of NEXUS. 

Enter your Global Entry, TSA Pre✓®, NEXUS or SENTRI membership number (your KTN) into your booking each time you travel to demonstrate your eligibility. You can add your KTN during online check-in via Manage My Booking on ba.com, at an airport desk or by contacting us .

Even if you are eligible for TSA Pre✓® as a member of a trusted traveller programme, TSA Pre✓® does not guarantee expedited screening.

Find out where TSA Pre✓® is available .

Where a TSA Pre✓® lane is not available, you can show your TSA Pre✓® boarding pass and may receive a form of expedited screening in a standard lane.

You can now submit an electronic arrival card via the Web Service and Mobile App before you arrive in Singapore. You will then be able to head directly to immigration clearance, allowing you to avoid unnecessary delays and save time at the airport.

Student visas

Most international students need a student visa to study in the UK. Finding out whether you need a visa to study is easy, simply check the UK government website .

Your visa will allow you to live and study in the UK for the duration of your course.

Applying for your student visa

If you are 16 or over and want to study a course at higher education level in the UK lasting longer than six months, you will most likely need to apply for a student visa through the Student Route .

This costs £490 per applicant. If you want a priority or super-priority service, it will cost more.

Follow this step-by-step guide to applying for your student visa:

Step 1 : apply to your chosen university and receive an unconditional offer

Apply to your chosen university (or universities) and receive an unconditional offer.

Step 2 : get your Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS)

Once you have received your unconditional offer, and you have accepted it, your university will give you a document called a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (or CAS). This will cost £25.

Step 3 : begin the application process

Once you have your CAS, you can begin the visa application process. You can apply for your student visa up to six months before your course starts. You must pay an application fee (£490 for students) and have a current passport.

European students : If you’re from an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, you can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app on a smartphone to complete the identity stage of your application.

Step 4 : calculate your fee and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

As part of your application, if you will stay in the UK and study for more than six months, you will need to pay a fee called an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

The surcharge for a student visa will be a fee of £776 per year for each full year you are in the UK . Where your stay in the UK includes part of a year, you would be charged £388 for periods of 1-6 months and £776 for periods of 6-12 months.

The amount you have to pay depends on how much leave you’re granted. You can find out how much you will be expected to pay by using the fee calculator on the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website.

European students: if you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you may be able to apply for a refund for the cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Check the GOV.UK website to find out if you are eligible to do so. Please also note that deciding to do paid part-time work in the UK during your studies could impact your eligibility for a refund, so consider this before requesting the refund.

Step 5 : prove your knowledge of the English language (if required)

As part of your student visa application, you may need to prove your knowledge of the English language. Different universities have different requirements, so check what form of English language evidence you will need with your university.

Step 6 : complete your application and have it accepted before you arrive in the UK

You must complete your application and have it accepted before you arrive in the UK.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Many international students in the UK take a part-time job, work placement or internship alongside their studies. For most courses, you will be allowed to work for up to 20 hours per week during term time. Before you consider looking for work, check your visa and biometric residence permit and check your university’s rules to see if there are any restrictions to the type of work or number of hours you can do.

European students : If you do decide to do part-time work in the UK, this could impact your eligibility for a refund on your Immigration Health Surcharge payment, so make sure you consider all of this when thinking about if you plan to work alongside your studies in the UK.

Find out more about the hours and types of work you can do on the UKCISA website .

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) published an update in October 2023, detailing that the following students are allowed to have dependants with them in the UK:

• students who have financial sponsorship from a government to study a course lasting 6 months or longer
• students studying above degree level at a higher education provider with a track record of compliance on a course lasting 9 months or longer and, if the course start date is on or after 1 January 2024, the provider has confirmed the course is a PhD or other doctoral qualification, or a research-based higher degree
• students who have permission, or had permission within the last 3 months to study on a full-time course of 6 months or longer, and who are now applying for permission to study a full-time course of 6 months or longer where either: the partner or child applying has been the student’s dependant in that period or the child applying was born since the last grant of permission to the student, and they are applying at the same time as the student or the dependant partner

Note: students whose child was born in a timeframe set out at Appendix Student ST 31.2 are allowed to have that child as a dependant with them in the UK.

In order to be eligible to bring dependants on a scholarship, the scholarship must be:

• a government-funded scholarship
• from a central government department
• covering all fees and living costs for the student

For further information, please visit the UK Home Office Student and Child guidance document, page 95 and 96.

Updates regarding immigration and visa rules were announced on 4 December by the Home Secretary. And, on 21 December 2023, further details were published about changes that might affect individuals already in the UK. Until immigration rules are officially updated, current thresholds and policies above remain in place.

Visit the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website for details on which students are eligible to bring dependants.

You will also find a summary of changes announced by the Home Office to immigration rules and how these will affect students and their family members on the UKCISA website ' Student update: changes to the Immigration Rules, December 2023 '.

The date your student visa ends depends on the length of your course. Make sure you know when your visa is due to expire so you can plan your next steps accordingly.

You may be able to extend your student visa if you’re eligible, for example, to continue your studies in the UK. You may also be able to switch to another type of visa if you want to stay and work in the UK.

Visit our after your studies pages to learn more about your options after you graduate.

Other types of visa

Visitor route.

If you’re studying in the UK at an accredited institution for less than six months, you can do this as a visitor. Many students (including those from the European Union and other eligible countries) won’t need a visa for courses lasting less than six months.

Students from some countries must apply for a standard visitor visa to do a short course in the UK. Check if you need a visa to study in the UK . A standard six-month visitor visa will cost £115.

If someone you know is coming to visit you on holiday to the UK, they may need to apply for a visitor visa. Find out more about a visitor visa .

Short-term Student Route

Short-term student visas are available to students who want to study English language courses that are between six and 11 months long. Find out more about the short-term study visa .

Child Student Route

If you're aged between four and 17 years old, you can apply for a child student visa to study at a school in the UK. Find out more about child study visas .

Need support with your student visa or anything related?

Contact your university's international office. Your university will advise you about your visa application, so if you have any questions, feel free to contact your university's international office for support. Some universities have dedicated immigration advisors that are on hand to support international students with their visa applications.

From our social channels Learn more

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Join us as we take you through the support available, from the student union to the library, the careers service to wellbeing services, academic support and more.

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