UK Standard Visitor Visa

About this visa

Standard Visitor is the UK’s main short-stay route for tourism, visiting friends/family, and certain permitted business activities. It’s designed for genuine temporary visits and typically allows a stay of up to 6 months per visit.

The UK approach is heavily document-based: your file should clearly show (1) your purpose and plan, (2) your finances and who pays, and (3) strong reasons you will return to Georgia (job/study/family/property/obligations).

Common pitfall: inconsistent story (dates, budget, employment, or ties) across your application form and documents. Build one clear narrative and let documents support it.

Comparison: Unlike the USA (often interview-based) and unlike Canada (different portals and biometrics), the UK flow is typically online application + biometrics appointment + document submission. If you are considering multiple destinations, compare requirements for Japan, USA, and Canada and pick the most realistic strategy for your profile.

If you travel frequently, consider the long-term option: UK long-term visitor visa. For transit-only trips, see UK transit visa.

Varies (check UKVI times)

Required Documents

📄Basic Documents

Valid passport

Completed online application (UKVI)

Biometrics appointment and submission

💰Financial Documents

Bank statements (recent months)

Proof of income (salary slips / tax / business)

🛡️Civil and Security Documents

Proof of ties to Georgia (family/property/obligations)

📋Other Documents

Translations to English (if documents are not in English)

optional

Application Process

1

Confirm purpose

Confirm permitted activities and your visit plan (tourism/visiting/business).

2

Build your itinerary

Prepare a realistic itinerary and accommodation plan.

3

Strengthen finances & ties

Show stable finances and strong ties to Georgia with clear evidence.

4

Submit online (UKVI)

Complete the online application carefully and keep facts consistent.

5

Biometrics & documents

Attend biometrics appointment and submit/upload documents per instructions.

6

Track & prepare for travel

Track status and prepare border-ready evidence for your trip.

Important Tips & Advice

Keep one consistent story across form + documents (dates, job, budget).

Match trip budget to your real income and bank activity; explain unusual deposits.

Show strong ties to Georgia (employment/study/family/property/obligations).

Use clear structure: cover letter, checklist, and grouped evidence.

Avoid non-refundable bookings until a decision is issued.

Processing Fees

Application fee

Official UK Standard Visitor visa fee (outside the UK). Fees can change; confirm before applying.

£127 (up to 6 months)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the UK visitor visa fee?

The official Standard Visitor fee is £127 for up to 6 months. Long-term visitor options cost more (2/5/10 years). Fees can change, so confirm before you apply.

Can I work on a Standard Visitor visa?

No. You cannot do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as self-employed (with very limited exceptions like certain permitted paid engagements).

Do I need to book flights before applying?

You should show a realistic plan, but avoid non-refundable purchases until you have a decision. Provide an itinerary and budget that match your finances.

What is the difference between 6-month and long-term visitor visas?

Long-term visas (2/5/10 years) give longer validity, but you still normally stay up to 6 months per visit. They suit frequent travelers with a stable profile.

What are the main refusal reasons?

Common reasons are unclear purpose, weak ties to Georgia, or finances that do not match the trip plan. Make one consistent story and support it with documents.