Section A: Standard Visitor Visa Overview
The Standard Visitor route covers short trips to the UK for tourism, business activity, family visits, private medical treatment, short study (courses up to 6 months, or recreational courses up to 30 days are allowed where not the main purpose of the trip) and a defined set of other permitted activities. It does not allow employment, selling goods or services, or long-term study, which require an alternative visa. Permission is usually granted for up to 6 months per visit. Long-term visit visas are available with 2, 5 or 10 year validity, but each entry is still limited to a stay of up to 6 months.
If the applicant is under 18 when applying for a long-term visit visa, the Home Office limits validity so it runs only until 6 months after the 18th birthday. Families often miss this rule and the fee is not refundable if less validity is granted than expected.
Visitors do not pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. NHS treatment is chargeable unless an exemption applies, so travel health cover remains advisable.
Visa nationals need a Standard Visitor visa before travel. Non-visa nationals should check the Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme, which is separate from a visitor visa and carries its own rules and fee.
Read our full guide to the UK Standard Visitor visa here >
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
The UK visitor visa is in fact one of the most frequently refused categories. Usually this is because applicants can underestimate the importance of consistent explanations in the form and the supporting evidence. Put the preparation work into the application and supporting submission to avoid requests for further investigation that can delay processing and invite further scrutiny.
Section B: UK Visitor Visa Fees
When applying for a Standard Visitor visa, you will have to pay the requisite application fee. This is charged by the UK Home Office to cover the cost of application processing and administration. How much you need to pay will depend on a number of factors, but it will be important that you pay the correct fee, as your application could otherwise be delayed.
Visitor visa pricing is set nationally in GBP and displayed locally in your application journey in the relevant currency. For country-specific displays, use the official fees tool on GOV.UK to avoid exchange-rate confusion: visa-fees.homeoffice.gov.uk. Current Home Office rates are set out below, but as these are subject to change, always check the .gov website when making your application.
1. How much is a UK Standard Visitor visa?
The application fee for a Standard Visitor visa up to 6 months is £127. Long-term visit visas cost £475 for 2 years, £848 for 5 years and £1,059 for 10 years. The visiting academic visa for more than 6 months and up to 12 months is £220. Private medical treatment visits for more than 6 months and up to 11 months are £220. Long-term visas still limit each stay to a maximum of 6 months.
| Visa type | Duration | Fee (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor visa | Up to 6 months | £127 |
| Standard Visitor for medical reasons | More than 6 months, up to 11 months | £220 |
| Standard Visitor for academics | More than 6 months, up to 12 months | £220 |
| Long-term Visitor visa | Valid up to 2 years | £475 |
| Long-term Visitor visa | Valid up to 5 years | £848 |
| Long-term Visitor visa | Valid up to 10 years | £1,059 |
| Priority visa service | Decision in 5 working days | £500 |
| Super priority service | Decision by end of next working day | £1,000 |
Priority and super priority are optional faster-decision services offered in some locations only. Availability varies by country and route, and places are limited. Always rely on the option shown in your application journey at the time you apply.
For under-18s, fees are the same as adults. Long-term visitor visas granted to applicants who are under 18 at the date of application will only run until 6 months after the 18th birthday and fees are not refunded if less validity is granted for that reason.
2. Additional UK Visitor Visa Costs
Beyond the main visa application fee, applicants may face several extra charges depending on the country of application and the optional services chosen. These costs are separate from the Home Office fee and are usually paid to the commercial partner operating the visa application centre, such as TLScontact or VFS Global.
a. Faster decision services
The standard processing time for a visitor visa is around three weeks once biometrics have been given. If you need a quicker decision, you can pay for a faster service where available. The priority service costs an additional £500 and aims to deliver a decision within five working days. The super priority service costs an extra £1,000 and aims to provide a decision by the end of the next working day. Both are subject to local availability, and using them does not guarantee faster results if UKVI needs to carry out additional checks or request further information.
b. Visa application centre service fees
Visa application centres charge for optional conveniences such as document scanning, premium lounge access, or out-of-hours appointments. These are commercial add-ons and not Home Office charges. The prices vary by location and are displayed during booking on the TLScontact or VFS website.
c. Biometric enrolment
Outside the UK, the cost of enrolling biometrics is built into the application process. Applicants pay no separate Home Office biometric fee, but local service charges may apply if you choose optional appointment upgrades or enhanced packages at the centre.
d. Courier services
If you prefer your passport to be returned by courier after a decision, you can pay for this service directly to the visa application centre. Charges depend on distance and delivery method.
e. Translation of documents
All supporting documents must be in English or Welsh. If they are not, you need certified translations. Translation costs are set by the provider, not UKVI, and can vary widely.
Applicants should also budget for travel costs to and from the visa application centre and any associated expenses such as printing or document certification. None of these charges are refundable if the visa is refused.
Checking the appointment booking portal for your location before submitting your application will give the most accurate indication of total cost.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Most visitor refusals linked to payment issues stem from applicants using outdated figures or assuming exchange rates. The Home Office updates its fee tables without notice, so relying on online forums or old guidance is risky. Get the fee level right and avoid inviting further scrutiny.
Section C: How to Pay the UK Visitor Visa Fee
Your visitor visa application will not progress until the correct fee has been paid and confirmed through the online system. Applicants should keep a record of the transaction confirmation page or payment email as proof. If your payment fails or is duplicated, contact the UKVI international helpline or your commercial partner’s customer service using the details in your account.
1. Payment Methods
The payment step appears automatically within the Access UK application portal and is completed before biometrics are booked. The Home Office does not accept direct bank transfers or postal payments for visitor visa fees.
a. Credit or debit card
The most common method of payment is by credit or debit card during the online application. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are generally accepted, along with some local digital wallets depending on the country. The payment screen will confirm accepted options. If payment fails, wait for the page to reset before trying again to avoid duplicate charges.
b. Payment through TLScontact or VFS Global account
If the local application centre uses a commercial partner platform, payment may be processed through your TLScontact or VFS account once the online application is complete. These partners handle biometric appointments and optional services. They do not set or receive the visa application fee itself, which is paid directly to UKVI through the GOV.UK system, but they collect payment for any extra services you choose.
c. No cash or bank transfer payments
The Home Office does not allow cash payments at UK visa application centres or direct transfers to government accounts. If you see this suggested locally, treat it with caution and confirm through official GOV.UK or partner websites.
2. How to avoid payment issues
Problems with payment are a common reason for delay. If the incorrect fee is paid, the application is paused until the right amount is received, and in some cases, it can be cancelled outright. The same applies if the transaction fails partway through. Once processing begins, fees are not usually refundable, even if you withdraw your application or it is refused. Refunds are only considered where a paid faster-decision service was not delivered, a duplicate payment was made, or the Home Office was unable to process the application due to its own error.
Before submitting payment, check the exact fee on the official GOV.UK visa fees page or through the Access UK application system. The figure shown there is the only amount accepted.
To reduce the risk of payment issues or additional costs, applicants should:
a. Double-check the application form
Ensure the correct visa type and duration are selected before submission. Errors can result in paying the wrong fee and needing to reapply.
b. Prepare documents before payment
Incomplete or outdated documents can cause processing delays. Confirm all required documents are ready and meet the visitor visa requirements to avoid wasted fees from refused applications.
c. Apply early
Allow enough time for the standard 3-week processing window. Submitting close to the travel date often forces use of paid faster-decision services.
d. Watch for currency conversion fees
Where payment is taken in a local currency, card providers may charge conversion costs. Use a card with favourable exchange rates where possible.
e. Keep biometric appointment details accurate
Missed or rescheduled appointments can incur commercial service fees. Check confirmation details carefully and attend on time.
f. Track communications from UKVI and TLScontact/VFS
Caseworkers may email for further information. Late responses can delay decisions and lead to extra administrative fees if rebooking or re-enrolment is required.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Fee errors delay applications more often than complex eligibility points. For example, failed or partial transactions can leave cases in limbo until resolved, but the Home Office will not start processing until the fee clears, so confirming payment success is critical.
Section D: After Paying the Visitor Visa Application Fee
Once payment has been confirmed, your visitor visa application continues through several stages before a decision is issued. Each step must be completed accurately and in sequence to avoid delays.
After submitting the application and paying the fee, you will be prompted to book an appointment at your chosen visa application centre, operated by TLScontact or VFS Global. During this appointment, you provide your biometric information (fingerprints and a digital photograph) and submit your supporting documents. Appointment slots are booked online through your account, and early booking is recommended as slots fill quickly during peak periods.
Before attending, gather the evidence required to support your application. This usually includes a valid passport, proof of financial means, accommodation details, and travel itinerary. If visiting family or friends, you may also need an invitation letter from your host in the UK. Documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by certified translations. Bring all originals or clear copies, as instructed in your booking confirmation.
Arrive at the visa application centre on time and with all documents listed in your appointment confirmation. Staff will check your paperwork, collect biometrics, and scan or retain supporting evidence as required. If you are late or unprepared, you may need to rebook and pay additional local service fees. Phones, bags and food are not usually permitted in the biometric area.
After your appointment, you can track progress online through your TLScontact or VFS Global account. You will also receive email updates as your application moves through each stage. For most visitor visas, UKVI aims to decide applications within three weeks of the biometric appointment, though additional checks may extend this timeframe.
Once your application has been processed, you will be notified by email that a decision has been made. Do not travel to collect your passport until instructed by your visa application centre. If you paid for a faster-decision service, your result should arrive within the service timeframe, though it may take longer if UKVI requests additional evidence.
Your passport will be returned with a visa vignette sticker if your application has been approved. Check that your name, dates, and visa type are correct before travelling. Any mistakes should be reported immediately to the visa application centre. If your application is refused, the refusal notice will explain the reasons and any available next steps.
Once you have your visa, make final checks before departure. Keep copies of your visa, passport and supporting documents, and make sure your travel insurance and return tickets are in order. Each entry is limited to a stay of up to six months, and visitors are not permitted to work or access public funds while in the UK.
Completing each of these stages in full ensures that your visa application is processed correctly and that your permission to enter the UK is issued without unnecessary delay.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
The only secure route is payment through the GOV.UK application system or authorised partner portal. Do not use unofficial agents or third-party intermediaries to make payments; you’re exposing yourself to fraud and data risks.
Section E: Are Visitor Visa Fees Refundable or Transferable?
Visitor visa fees are generally non-refundable once the application has been submitted and biometrics have been given. The fee covers the cost of processing, regardless of the outcome, and is not returned if you withdraw your application or if it is refused. The same applies if your circumstances change after submission, such as deciding not to travel.
1. Refund Rules
Visitor visa fees are generally non-refundable once submitted. Limited exceptions apply, such as a duplicate payment or a paid faster-decision service that was not delivered.
Refunds are not automatic, and you need to request one through the official route. For UKVI fees, use the GOV.UK cancellation/refund process from your application account. For optional services bought from TLScontact or VFS, use the provider’s online refund form shown in your appointment portal. Do not contact the visa application centre desk about UKVI fee refunds, as they cannot process these. Refunds are paid back to the original method once approved and timings depend on the payment provider.
a. Service not delivered
If you paid for the priority or super priority service and UKVI did not make a decision within the advertised period, you can request a refund of the additional service fee. The application fee itself is not refunded, only the service charge. Refunds are processed to the original payment method once approved.
b. Duplicate payments
If you accidentally made more than one payment for the same application, you can apply for a refund of the extra amount. You will need to provide both payment receipts and your application reference number for verification.
c. Administrative error
If the Home Office or commercial partner cannot process your application due to a technical or administrative issue, such as a system error preventing biometrics, you may be eligible for a refund. This is assessed on a case-by-case basis and requires supporting evidence.
2. Non-transferable fees
Visa application fees cannot be transferred between people, reused for another visa type, or carried over to a new application if your plans change. Each application is treated as a separate case linked to a specific individual and visa category.
If you decide to apply under a different route after submitting your payment, you will need to start a new application and pay the new fee. Similarly, if someone else in your family or group also needs a visa, they must each submit their own application and pay separately.
Applicants should review all details carefully before paying and submitting their application to avoid losing money due to errors or changes of plan.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Refunds are rare, even for simple mistakes. You want to take every step before you hit apply to make surveyor application is correct and the fee you are paying is right.
Section F: Summary
The visitor visa remains one of the most commonly used yet closely scrutinised UK visa routes. Applications can fail for simple administrative oversights rather than complex eligibility issues. Payment accuracy, document consistency and credible explanations all determine how smoothly an application progresses. The current Home Office fee for a six-month visitor visa is £127, rising to £475 for two years, £848 for five years and £1,059 for ten years. Longer validity never changes the six-month limit per entry. Fees are the same for adults and children, though long-term visas for those under 18 expire six months after the 18th birthday.
Visitors do not pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, but they remain responsible for any medical costs incurred in the UK. Optional costs, such as priority processing, courier returns and premium lounges, are commercial add-ons and vary by location. Applicants should only rely on the official GOV.UK fee tool and avoid third-party information. Refunds are rare and require formal requests through the correct channel.
The most common mistakes (paying the wrong amount, missing biometrics or submitting inconsistent documents) cause delays that could have been avoided. Paying the correct fee, preparing accurate evidence, and following the online process step-by-step gives the strongest chance of a timely decision. Taking care at each stage demonstrates credibility and professionalism, both of which influence how a visitor visa application is viewed by UK Visas and Immigration.
Section G: Need Assistance?
DavidsonMorris are UK immigration specialists. For expert guidance with your UK Standard Visitor visa application, from checking eligibility, to support with completing the application form, compiling documentation and ensuring the correct visitor visa fee is paid, contact us or book a fixed-fee telephone consultation.
Section H: FAQs
What is the current fee for a UK Standard Visitor visa?
The fee for a Standard Visitor visa valid for up to six months is £127. Long-term visitor visas cost £475 for two years, £848 for five years and £1,059 for ten years. Academic and medical visits of over six months are £220 each.
Do I have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for a visitor visa?
Visitor visas are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge. However, visitors are expected to cover the cost of any NHS treatment they receive unless exempt, so private medical insurance is advisable.
Can I get a refund if my visitor visa is refused?
Visitor visa fees are generally non-refundable. Refunds are only considered in limited cases, such as a duplicate payment or a paid faster-decision service not delivered within the expected timeframe.
How long does it take to process a visitor visa?
The usual processing time for a visitor visa is around three weeks after biometrics are given. Priority and super priority services can reduce this timeframe where available, though these are optional and not guaranteed in every country.
How do I pay the visitor visa fee?
Fees are paid online through the Access UK system using a credit or debit card. Payment is required before you can book your biometric appointment. Cash or bank transfer payments are not accepted.
Can I extend my visitor visa from inside the UK?
Visitor visas cannot usually be extended beyond the permitted stay. The only exceptions are for certain medical treatment cases or exceptional personal circumstances. Most visitors are required to leave the UK and reapply from abroad.
Do children pay the same visitor visa fee as adults?
The application fee is the same for all applicants regardless of age. However, long-term visitor visas for children under 18 are only valid until six months after their 18th birthday, and no refund is given for the unused period.
What happens if I pay the wrong visa fee?
If the incorrect fee is paid, your application may be paused or cancelled until the correct payment is received. It is important to check the fee displayed in your Access UK application before paying.
Where can I find the latest visa fees?
The official list of current visa fees is published on GOV.UK and updated regularly. Always check the fee tool on visa-fees.homeoffice.gov.uk before submitting your application.
How can I contact UKVI about a payment issue?
You can contact UKVI using the details on the GOV.UK “Contact UKVI” page or through your TLScontact or VFS Global account if the issue relates to a commercial service payment. Visa application centre staff cannot process UKVI refunds at the counter.
Section I: Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Standard Visitor visa | A short-term visa for tourism, business meetings, family visits, private medical treatment or short study of up to 30 days, usually allowing a stay of up to six months. |
| Long-term Visitor visa | A multiple-entry visitor visa valid for 2, 5 or 10 years, with each visit limited to a maximum stay of six months. |
| Access UK | The official online system used to complete and pay for UK visa applications outside the UK. |
| Visa Application Centre (VAC) | A local office run by TLScontact or VFS Global where applicants provide biometrics and submit supporting documents. |
| Biometric information | Fingerprints and a digital photograph collected to confirm an applicant’s identity during the visa process. |
| Priority service | An optional faster-decision service costing £500 that aims to provide a decision within five working days, where available. |
| Super priority service | An optional faster-decision service costing £1,000 that aims to provide a decision by the end of the next working day, where available. |
| Commercial partner | Private providers such as TLScontact and VFS Global that manage visa application centres and optional service packages. |
| Proof of financial means | Documents such as bank statements or payslips showing an applicant has enough funds to cover their stay without using public funds. |
| Certified translation | A translation of a document into English or Welsh that includes a signed confirmation from the translator that it is accurate and complete. |
| Refund request | The formal process to apply for the return of a fee, available only in limited circumstances such as duplicate payment or a paid service not delivered. |
| Visa refusal | A decision by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) not to grant the visa, explained in a written notice outlining the reasons for refusal. |
Section J: Additional Resources & Links
| Resource | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) | Official government portal for applying for UK visas and checking eligibility requirements. | https://www.gov.uk/apply-uk-visa |
| Standard Visitor visa overview | Official GOV.UK page explaining permitted activities, eligibility and restrictions for visitor visas. | https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor |
| Visa fees table | Up-to-date list of current UK visa fees in GBP, with country-specific conversion options. | https://www.gov.uk/visa-fees |
| Find a visa application centre | Search tool for locating TLScontact or VFS Global visa application centres worldwide. | https://www.gov.uk/find-a-visa-application-centre |
| Pay for your visa | Instructions for paying visa fees securely through GOV.UK and accepted payment methods by country. | https://www.gov.uk/pay-for-uk-visa |
| Track your visa application | How to check the status of your visa and receive updates after biometrics submission. | https://www.gov.uk/track-visa-application |
| Request a refund | GOV.UK refund request form for duplicate payments or undelivered faster-decision services. | https://www.gov.uk/visa-fee-refund |
| Contact UKVI | Contact details for the UKVI helpline inside and outside the UK for application queries. | https://www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk |
