The UK visa fees for visit visas, when applying from outside the UK, remain consistent in 2024, with no changes observed from the fees active on January 31, 2024. For a standard short-term visit visa of up to 6 months, the fee is £115.
Navigating the cost of a UK visa involves understanding the different categories available, especially for those planning a visit. The fees are largely determined by the length of stay you intend to apply for. It's important to note that these figures specifically pertain to visit visas applied for from outside the United Kingdom.
UK Visit Visa Fees from 31 January 2024
The following table details the various visit visa categories and their corresponding fees, which have been in effect since January 31, 2024:
| Visas and applications made outside the UK | Fee from 31 January 2024 |
|---|---|
| Visit visa – short up to 6 months | £115 |
| Visit visa – long up to 2 years | £400 |
| Visit visa – long up to 5 years | £771 |
| Visit visa – long up to 10 years | £963 |
Understanding Your Visa Options
When planning your trip to the UK, selecting the correct visit visa category is crucial. The fee structure reflects the duration of the visa's validity.
- Short-term Visit Visa (up to 6 months): Ideal for tourism, visiting family, business meetings, or short courses. This is the most common type of visit visa.
- Long-term Visit Visas (2, 5, or 10 years): These are suitable for individuals who plan to make multiple visits to the UK over an extended period. While these visas offer longer validity, it's important to remember that they do not allow for continuous residence. Each visit typically has a maximum stay of 6 months.
Important Considerations for Applicants
- Application Process: All applications for UK visas from outside the UK are generally made online through the official UK government website.
- Additional Costs: Beyond the application fee, applicants might incur other costs, such as:
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): While often required for longer-term visas, visit visas are generally exempt from the IHS for stays of up to 6 months. For longer-term visit visas (2, 5, 10 years), the IHS is typically not required either, as each individual stay under these visas is still limited to 6 months.
- Premium Services: Optional services like priority processing, walk-in services, or specific appointment times at visa application centres.
- Document Translation: If your supporting documents are not in English or Welsh, certified translations will be needed.
- No Refunds: Visa application fees are generally non-refundable, even if your application is refused or withdrawn.
- Check Official Sources: Visa fees and regulations can be subject to change. Always verify the latest information directly from the official UK government website, such as GOV.UK immigration and nationality fees.
By carefully choosing the appropriate visa length based on your travel plans, you can ensure you pay the correct fee and meet the requirements for your visit to the UK.
