Overview
What you need to know
The Standard Visitor visa lets you visit the UK for tourism, seeing family or friends, short business trips, or attending conferences, and normally allows a stay of up to 6 months per visit. You apply online before you travel, then attend an appointment at a visa application centre to give your fingerprints and photo (biometric information). You can apply from up to 3 months before you travel, and you'll usually get a decision within about 3 weeks.
Visa types
Which visa do you need?
Standard Visitor
For tourism, visiting family or friends, short business trips, or attending conferences. You cannot work or study for an extended period on this visa.
Max stay
6 months per visit
Validity
Single or multiple entry, up to 10 years
Requirements
What you need to prepare
Documents Viselia prepares with you
- 1Completed visa application form (VAF1A)
- 2Cover letter explaining purpose and duration of visit
- 3Travel itinerary with planned dates and destinations
- 4Accommodation confirmation (hotel bookings or invitation letter)
- 5Flight reservation or travel dates confirmation
Documents you bring to the embassy
- 1
Additional requirements
Other things to keep in mind
Valid passport
Hold a passport or travel document valid for the whole of your stay.
Genuine visitor intent
Satisfy the Home Office you are a genuine visitor who will leave the UK at the end of your visit.
Sufficient funds
Show you can support yourself (and any dependants) and pay for your trip without working.
Ties to home country
Demonstrate ties such as work, family, or property that will take you back home.
Permitted activities only
You may not do paid work or study for an extended period on this visa.
Processing & fees
What to expect
Typical processing time
15–21 days
Priority processing (5 working days) available at additional embassy cost.
Embassy application fee
£135
Standard Visitor Visa. Paid directly to UKVI — not charged by Viselia.
How it works
Your application journey
- 1
Share your details
Tell us your travel plans and upload your documents through your secure Viselia dashboard.
- 2
We prepare your application
Our experts complete your forms, review your documents, and build a submission-ready file.
- 3
Review & submit
You review everything, then we guide you through booking your appointment and submitting to the embassy or consulate.
- 4
Track to decision
Track your application status in your dashboard right through to your visa decision.
Have your file prepared properly
One specialist handles your file. You approve before anything is finalised.
Government fee: £135
Paid directly to the embassy or consulate — this fee is not charged by Viselia.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
You'll usually get a decision within about 3 weeks (roughly 15 working days) after giving your biometrics, though peak periods can take longer.
£135 for the Standard Visitor Visa (up to 6 months). Paid directly to UKVI — not charged by Viselia. Viselia's service fee is separate.
No — the decision rests with UK Visas and Immigration, and no agent can guarantee an outcome. Viselia maximises your chances through accurate forms and thorough documentation.
That you are a genuine visitor, can fund your trip, and will leave at the end of your stay.
From up to 3 months before you travel.