Date published: 28.07.2025
In this article, you will find a complete list of tourist visas to the United Kingdom. We explain who each visa type is suitable for, what documents are required, how to avoid refusals, how much it costs, and what difficulties may arise. At the end — advice from Consultant platform lawyers to help you successfully complete the entire process.
A tourist visa is a short-term visa that allows citizens of other countries to visit the United Kingdom without the intention of residing or working there. The visa is issued for different purposes, and the type depends on the purpose of the visit.
Standard Visitor Visa
This is the most universal visa, which allows for:
- Travel and leisure;
- Visiting friends or relatives;
- Short-term study (up to 6 months);
- Business trips: attending conferences, negotiations;
- Medical treatment;
- Participation in sports or cultural events.
Duration: up to 6 months (there are options for 2, 5, and 10 years — with a limit of 6 months per visit).
Cost: £115 (standard 6-month visa application).
Marriage Visitor Visa
Designed for individuals who want to:
- Come to the UK to get married or register a partnership, without intending to stay.
Conditions:
- The couple must intend to marry within the validity period of the visa;
- Afterwards, both individuals must leave the UK.
Duration: up to 6 months.
Cost: £115.
Permitted Paid Engagement Visa
For professionals invited to:
- Give lectures, consultations, performances, or participate in cultural or scientific events for which they are paid.
Note: this visa is not for long-term employment, only for one-off short visits.
Duration: up to 1 month.
Cost: £115.
What is required to obtain a tourist visa?
Mandatory documents:
- A valid international passport;
- Explanation of the purpose of the trip;
- Proof of finances (bank statements, sponsorship letter);
- Evidence of return (employment, studies, property, family, etc.);
- Confirmation of accommodation in the UK (hotel booking, invitation);
- Travel itinerary (if available).
What are the most common difficulties?
- Insufficient financial justification (no bank statements);
- Suspected immigration intentions (e.g., no ties to home country);
- Weak or missing invitation;
- Previous refusals or visa violations;
- Incorrectly completed application or inconsistent answers.
How to increase your chances of success?
- Prepare a full set of documents;
- Clearly and truthfully state the purpose of the trip;
- Provide strong evidence of ties to your country of residence (job, children, property);
- Explain who is funding the trip;
- If possible — consult a lawyer to avoid formal mistakes.
Can a tourist visa be extended?
In general — no. Tourist visas cannot be extended.
For new trips, you must reapply.
If frequent visits are planned — you may apply for a long-term tourist visa (2, 5, or 10 years).
A UK tourist visa is not just permission for leisure. It is a strictly regulated process where every detail matters. It is important to choose the correct type of visa, justify the purpose of the trip honestly and logically, and provide convincing supporting documents.
