Planning a visit to the UK in May 2025? Whether you’re traveling for tourism, business, or to visit family, it’s essential to understand the UK’s entry requirements. This guide provides comprehensive information on the Standard Visitor Visa and the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), including eligibility, fees, processing times, and application steps.
🇬🇧 UK Visitor Visa Options
1. Standard Visitor Visa
- Purpose: For travelers from countries not on the UK’s visa-waiver list.
- Duration: Stay up to 6 months; long-term options available (2, 5, or 10 years).
Suitable For:
- Tourism
- Visiting family or friends
- Short-term study (up to 30 days)
- Business activities
Application Process:
- Complete the application form on the GOV.UK website.
- Pay the visa fee online.
- Book and attend a biometric appointment.
- Submit required documents.
2. Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
- Purpose: For citizens of visa-exempt countries.
- Duration: Stay up to 6 months; valid for 2 years or until passport expiry.
Suitable For:
- Tourism
- Business
- Short-term studyFaegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLPLatest news & breaking headlines
Application Process:
- Apply online or via the UK ETA app.
- Provide passport details and a digital photo.
- Answer security questions.
Pay the £10 fee (increasing to £16 from April 9, 2025).Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP+5David Gray LLP+5Home Office Media+5
Eligibility Criteria
- Genuine Visitor Intent: Provide evidence you’ll leave the UK at the end of your stay (e.g., return ticket, employment ties, property ownership).
- Financial Means: Demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay.
- Accommodation Details: Provide hotel bookings or an invitation letter.
- Health & Character: Good health and no serious criminal record.
- Passport Validity: Valid for the entire duration of your trip.Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP+3website+3Home Office Media+3
Fees Overview
| Visa Type | Validity | Fee (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor (≤ 6 months) | Single or multiple entries | £127 |
| Long-term Visitor (2 years) | Multiple entries | £674 |
| Long-term Visitor (5 years) | Multiple entries | £1,235 |
| Long-term Visitor (10 years) | Multiple entries | £1,540 |
| Electronic Travel Authorisation | Up to 6 months per visit | £10 (rising to £16 from April 9, 2025) |
Processing Times
- Standard Visitor Visa: Most decisions made within 8 weeks of application.
- ETA: Typically 3 working days after submission.
- Priority Service: Decisions in 5–10 working days (additional fee applies).
Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your planned travel to account for any delays or requests for further information.
Required Documents
- Passport bio-page: Valid for full stay; clear scan.
- Invitation or Itinerary: Hotel booking, tour bookings, or invitation.
- Financial Evidence: Bank statements (last 3 months), payslips.
- Accommodation Proof: Booking confirmation or host invitation letter.
- Employment/Study Ties: Letter from employer/university enrollment.
- Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended.
- ETA Eligibility Proof (for ETA): Passport country eligibility confirmation.David Gray LLP+4nypost.com+4Tour Partner Group+4
Step-by-Step Application Process
A. Standard Visitor Visa
- Register & Apply Online: Create or log into your account on the GOV.UK Standard Visitor visa page.
- Complete the Application Form: Provide personal details, travel history, and trip itinerary.
- Upload Supporting Documents: Submit required documents.
- Pay the Fee: Use a credit/debit card to pay the applicable fee online.
- Book an Appointment: Schedule a visit at a local Visa Application Centre for biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
- Submit Documents & Biometrics: Attend your appointment with originals and copies of required documents.
- Await Decision: Track your application online. You’ll receive an email or SMS once your visa is granted.
B. Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
- Access the ETA Portal: Go to the official UK ETA page or use the UK ETA mobile app.
- Fill in Your Details: Enter passport information, personal data, and answer security questions.
- Pay the Fee: Complete payment (£10, increasing to £16 on April 9, 2025).
- Receive ETA: Approval is usually within 3 working days. No biometrics required.David Gray LLP
Important Notes
- Children: Every traveler, including children, requires their own ETA or visa.
- Extensions: Extensions are rarely granted. You must apply before expiry and demonstrate exceptional reasons.
- Work or Study: Work is prohibited; study is limited to short courses (≤ 30 days).
READ MORE:
- Your Guide to the UK ETA Electronic Travel Authorisation 2025
- EU Citizens: New UK Travel Rules Take Effect April 2025
- UK Visa Application Fee Calculator Now Live for New Applicants
