Despite the infamous rainy weather, the UK remains a popular tourist destination for visitors worldwide. There is so much to see and do – from visiting iconic landmarks to a day of shopping down Oxford Street.
So, if you are planning this year’s summer holiday, why not consider visiting the UK? You may need a UK visitor visa, so it is wise to organise your application before the summer season gets into full swing.
In this guide, we will walk you through the process, providing essential tips on successfully obtaining a UK visitor visa.
Understanding the UK Visitor Visa
UK visitor visas are only mandatory if you are travelling from a country on the ‘visa national’ list. If you are exempt, you will require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which is new documentation needed to prove your UK travel permissions.
A visitor visa allows you to sightsee, meet friends and family, study short courses and conduct certain business activities. While the summer holidays are only a few months long, you can stay in the UK for up to six months. After this point, you will need to return to your home country.
Visitor Visa UK Application Checklist
If you do not have the right documentation, the Home Office will reject your application. To avoid this, make sure you have:
- Valid passport or travel document
- The dates when you are travelling to the UK
- Your booked accommodation
- How much you think the trip may cost
- Your home address and length of stay
- Your parents’ names and dates of birth (if applicable)
- 3 months of bank statements with proof of funds
- Details of any criminal or immigration offences
- TB test results (if applicable)
You may need to submit other information, such as your travel history over the last ten years. This will be confirmed within the application.
If your child has completed primary education (ages 5-11), you must extend your visa to carry on to secondary education. This level of education lasts 6 years and results in GCSE qualifications.
Further and higher education, like A-levels and degrees, requires a child student or student visa, depending on the age of your child at the time.
What Is the Earliest Time You Can Apply for a Visitor Visa?
You can apply for a UK visitor visa as early as three months before you travel. The usual processing time is around three weeks, but it may take longer if the UKVI is experiencing increased visa demand.
July and August are incredibly popular months to visit, and naturally, visa processing times can be longer during this peak season. To avoid delays and ensure your travel plans stay on track, we strongly recommend preparing your visa application well in advance.
Have all your documents ready so you can apply as soon as applications open three months before your trip.
What to Expect After Applying
After a few weeks, the Home Office will contact you with its decision on your application. If successful, you can start planning your summer holiday travel arrangements!
What if My Visitor Visa Application is Declined?
If your application is declined, you have the right to get an immigration decision appeal on very specific grounds only. The Home Office can refuse your application on several grounds, such as inaccurate documentation and/or failure to meet eligibility requirements. At this point, you should talk to your immigration adviser to plan out your next steps.
Want to Visit the UK this Summer? Contact Holmes & Partners Today.
Summer holidays should be about excitement and anticipation, not the stress of visa applications. Our experienced immigration consultants will guide you through every step to ensure that your application is accurate and completed on time.
Contact us today to discuss your UK travel plans and how we can help get you there.
