UK Standard Visitor Visa Fees
The UK Standard Visitor Visa allows individuals to visit the UK for a short period for tourism, business meetings, short study (up to six months), or visiting family and friends. The visa can also be used for permitted paid engagements or private medical treatment. Although long-term visas offer multi-year validity, each visit remains limited to six months unless otherwise specified. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements for the intended activity and demonstrate they will leave the UK at the end of their visit.
| Visitor visa type | Fee (from 9 Apr 2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor Visa – up to 6 months | £127 | Stay per visit usually up to 6 months |
| Standard Visitor Visa – long-term, up to 2 years | £475 | Multiple entries; each visit up to 6 months |
| Standard Visitor Visa – long-term, up to 5 years | £848 | Multiple entries; each visit up to 6 months |
| Standard Visitor Visa – long-term, up to 10 years | £1,059 | Multiple entries; each visit up to 6 months |
| Visiting academic (over 6 months, up to 12 months) | £220 | For eligible academics undertaking permitted activities |
| Private medical treatment (over 6 months, up to 11 months) | £220 | Evidence from a UK medical provider required |
Transit Visas and Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Transit visas and Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) apply to travellers passing through the UK en route to another destination. The type of permission required depends on whether the traveller remains airside or passes through UK border control. ETAs are now mandatory for certain non-visa nationals before travel to the UK, valid for two years or until passport expiry. These permits ensure secure and pre-authorised travel while transiting through or briefly entering the UK.
| Product | Fee (from 9 Apr 2025) | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) | £39 | For certain nationalities transiting airside without entering the UK |
| Visitor in Transit (landside) | £70 | For landside transit where you pass through UK border control |
| Joining ship or aircraft as crew | £70 | For seafarers and aircrew joining a vessel or aircraft |
| Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) | £16 | Required for eligible non-visa nationals before travel; validity typically 2 years or until passport expiry |
Study Application Fees (Outside the UK)
Study visa routes allow international students to undertake educational programs in the UK, from short English language courses to full-time university degrees. Applicants must have an offer from an approved sponsor and meet financial and English language requirements. Fees vary based on the duration and type of study, with dependants paying the same amount as the main applicant. Short-term English study routes are available for courses up to 11 months.
| Route | Fee (from 9 Apr 2025) |
|---|---|
| Student (including dependants) | £524 |
| Child Student | £524 |
| Short-term English (over 6 and up to 11 months) | £214 |
Optional Priority Services (Outside the UK)
Applicants can choose optional priority services to expedite the processing of visa decisions. Availability depends on the Visa Application Centre (VAC) and the type of visa being applied for. Priority services offer faster decision times but do not guarantee approval. Fees for these services are charged in addition to standard application fees and may vary by location.
| Service | Fee | Typical outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Priority Visa – Settlement | £500 | Expedited processing for settlement applications |
| Priority Visa – Non-Settlement (e.g., Visitor, Work, Study) | £500 | Expedited processing where offered |
| Super Priority Visa | £1,000 | Fastest available decision where offered |
Paying Fees and Refunds
Visa fees are paid online as part of the application process. Payment methods and accepted currencies may vary depending on the Visa Application Centre handling the application. Applicants should note that most fees are non-refundable once biometrics have been submitted, even if the visa is refused. Refunds may only be available if the Home Office cannot deliver the paid priority service within the promised timeframe.
- Fees are paid online during your application; currency conversion and card issuer charges may apply via the Visa Application Centre provider.
- Application fees are generally non-refundable once biometrics are given, even if refused. Priority fees may be refunded if the service level cannot be met.
Explore UK Visa Types
The UK offers multiple visa categories based on purpose of travel, length of stay, and eligibility. Understanding each route helps applicants choose the correct category for their situation. The links below provide overviews of key visa routes and their eligibility requirements.
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