UK Visa Supporting Documents

Documents Required to Visit the UK (2025)

When travelling to the UK in 2025, you must show that you are a genuine visitor with legitimate reasons for travel. You will need to provide evidence that your visit is for an allowed activity, that you have enough financial means to support yourself, and that you will leave the UK at the end of your stay. The documents you submit help the Home Office confirm your eligibility under the UK Visitor Visa rules.

• You are travelling to the UK to engage in a permitted activity and will leave the country after your visit.
• You have sufficient funds to pay for your travel, accommodation, and other expenses during your stay.

Originals, clear scans, or photocopies are acceptable for most documents. However, passports must always be originals.

Translation requirements (2025)

If any document is not in English or Welsh, you must include a complete certified translation that the Home Office can independently verify. Each translation must include:

• A signed statement by the translator confirming it is an accurate translation of the original document.
• The date of translation.
• The translator’s full name, signature, and contact details.

If you are applying as a family or group, you do not need to submit duplicate copies of the same documents for every applicant.

Note: Submitting documents does not guarantee that your visit visa or border entry will be approved. The decision is based on the full assessment of your circumstances and evidence.

1. Travel document (passport)

You must provide a valid passport or other official travel document when applying for a UK visa or entering the United Kingdom. Your passport must:

• Be valid for the entire duration of your stay.
• Contain at least one blank page for visa endorsement.
• Show proof of your identity and nationality.

Some passport holders may be asked to provide additional proof of identity or nationality depending on their country of origin.

2. Providing evidence of personal and private circumstances

You must prove that you are a genuine visitor entering the UK for a permitted purpose, that you will leave after your stay, and that you have the financial means to cover your expenses. You should also include details about your background, employment, or studies in your home country.

The following are examples of documents you may include with your 2025 Visitor Visa application. This list is not exhaustive.

• For business, study, or professional visits: evidence of your activity in the UK, such as invitations, event participation letters, or details of your role at meetings, performances, or exchanges.
• Letter of purpose: a letter describing what you will do in the UK, your intended duration, and who will pay your expenses.
• Proof of employment or student status: documents confirming your job or enrollment outside the UK, such as:
  • A letter from your employer on company letterhead confirming your job title, salary, and duration of employment.
  • A letter from your school or university confirming your enrollment and leave approval.
• For self-employed visitors: proof of business registration, recent invoices, or tax documents showing ongoing activity.
• Travel history: previous passports or visas showing lawful travel to other countries.
• Proof of legal residence: if you apply from a country where you are not a citizen, include proof of your residence status.
• Financial evidence: documents demonstrating access to sufficient funds to support your trip, such as:
  • Recent bank statements
  • Building society passbooks or savings account letters
  • Employer letter confirming employment details (start date, salary, job title, contact information)

3. If you are under 18 (minor visitors)

If you are a child under 18, you must include documents proving your relationship with at least one parent or legal guardian. These may include:

• Birth certificate, adoption certificate, or court guardianship papers.
• A copy of your parent or guardian’s passport photo page showing their signature and passport number (if they are not applying with you).
• Any official document linking you to the parent or guardian.

3.1 If you are travelling without a parent or guardian

If you are travelling alone or with someone other than your parent or legal guardian, you must show that your parents or guardians are aware of your travel plans and have given permission.

Your application will be refused if you fail to provide this consent. You must include a signed letter from a parent or legal guardian confirming:

• Permission to travel to the UK.
• Details of who is accompanying you — if an adult, include their full name and passport number.
• Who will be responsible for you while you are in the UK.

4. If you are sponsored

If another person or organization (the sponsor) is paying for your travel, accommodation, or living expenses, you must provide evidence of sponsorship. This includes:

• The type of support being provided (e.g., covering flights, accommodation, daily expenses).
• How the support is being given (financial transfer, pre-booked services, etc.).
• The relationship between you and your sponsor (for example, relative, friend, employer, or host organization).
• Proof that the sponsor is lawfully present in the UK, such as a British passport, visa, or residence permit.

Note: A Home Office decision maker can request additional documents or clarification at any point in the process. Always respond promptly and accurately to avoid delays.

Translation checklist

All non-English or non-Welsh documents must be translated by a certified translator. Each translation should include:

• A signed declaration of accuracy.
• The date of translation.
• The translator’s full name, contact information, and signature.

Key points for 2025

• All documents must be clear, legible, and current.
• Digital copies are acceptable where permitted, but passports must be original.
• Financial documents should cover recent months and show ongoing income or savings.
• Supporting letters should be dated and on official letterheaded paper.
• Translations must be complete and certified.

Updated:

October 2025