UK Tourist Visitor Visa

UK Tourist Visa - Time to Explore Britain

The UK Tourist Visitor Visa is part of the Standard Visitor Visa category and allows individuals to visit the UK for tourism, leisure, and short-term visits. This visa is required for travellers from visa-required countries who wish to explore the UK, visit attractions, or see friends and family.

What is the UK Tourist Visa?

The UK Tourist Visitor Visa is designed for individuals who wish to visit the UK for a short period (up to six months) for:

  • Holidays and sightseeing.
  • Visiting friends and family.
  • Attending events, festivals, or exhibitions.
  • Short recreational courses (up to 30 days).
  • Receiving private medical treatment.

This visa does not allow visitors to work, study for extended periods, or stay long-term.

Who Needs a UK Tourist Visitor Visa?

You need a UK Tourist Visa if you:

  • Are from a visa national country (i.e., a country where a visa is required to visit the UK).
  • Plan to visit the UK for tourism, leisure, or short-term visits.
  • Do not qualify for visa-free entry.

You do not need a visa if you are from a non-visa national country, but you must still meet visitor rules at the UK border.

What You Can and Cannot Do on a UK Tourist Visa

You can:

  • Stay in the UK for up to six months.
  • Visit for leisure, tourism, or sightseeing.
  • Visit family and friends.
  • Take part in short recreational courses (less than 30 days).
  • Attend business meetings, conferences, or academic exchanges.

You cannot:

  • Work, including paid or unpaid jobs.
  • Study for more than 30 days.
  • Claim public funds or benefits.
  • Marry, enter a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage. You must apply for a UK Marriage Visitor Visa, even if you are a non-visa national. 
  • Extend your visa or switch to another visa category within the UK.

Financial and Accommodation Requirements for the UK Tourist Visa

To apply for a UK Tourist Visitor Visa, you must prove that:

  • You can support yourself financially without working or claiming benefits.
  • You have sufficient funds to cover travel, accommodation, and living expenses.
  • You intend to leave the UK before your visa expires.

If a family member or friend is sponsoring your visit, they should usually provide:

  • Proof of income (payslips, tax records, or bank statements).
  • Proof of residence (rental agreement or mortgage documents).
  • An invitation letter explaining your relationship and the purpose of your visit.

FREE DOWNLOAD: SPONSOR TEMPLATE LETTER

Required Documents for a UK Tourist Visitor Visa

  • Valid passport (must have at least one blank page).
  • Visa application confirmation.
  • Financial proof (bank statements, sponsor letter if applicable).
  • Accommodation details (hotel booking, host’s residence confirmation).
  • Return travel evidence (flight bookings or itinerary).
  • Tourist itinerary (planned activities during your stay).

Additional documents may be required depending on your nationality and visa history.

How to Apply for a UK Tourist Visitor Visa

Step 1: Complete the Online Application

  • Apply via the official UK government website.
  • Select the Standard Visitor Visa – Tourism option.

Step 2: Pay the Visa Fee

  • Visa application fee: £127 ( for a 6-month visa, longer validity are available for additional costs)
  • Priority processing fee (optional): £500 for faster decision

Step 3: Book a Biometric Appointment

  • Attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your home country.
  • Provide fingerprints and a photograph.

Step 4: Submit Supporting Documents

  • Upload the required documents online or provide them at your appointment.

Step 5: Await a Decision

  • Standard processing time: 3 weeks.
  • Priority processing (if selected): 5 working days.

Once approved, you will receive a visa vignette in your passport, allowing you to travel to the UK.

How Long Can You Stay on a UK Tourist Visa?

  • The UK Tourist Visitor Visa allows stays of up to six months, regardless of the duration the visa has been issued.
  • You must leave the UK before your visa expires.
  • Extensions are not permitted, but you can reapply for future visits.

How Immtell Can Help

Applying for a UK Tourist Visitor Visa requires careful preparation, especially when proving financial support, accommodation arrangements, and travel history. Immtell provides expert support to ensure your visa application is accurate and meets all Home Office requirements.

We assist with:

  • Assessing visa eligibility and required documents.
  • Ensuring your financial and accommodation proof meets UKVI standards.
  • Guidance on submitting a strong application for maximum approval chances.

Get Expert Help for Your UK Tourist Visa - On DEMAND!

Access step-by-step video guides, document templates, expert reviews, and legal support to help you apply for a UK Tourist Visitor Visa with confidence. All in simple English, available on demand, 24/7 and at a fraction of the usual cost.

Further Reading

Apply for a UK Visitor Visa And Visit the UK

Comprehensive Guide to the UK Visitor Visa in 2025

UK Tourist Visa From India

Guide to Apply for a UK Tourist Visa From India

Guide to Documents Required for a UK Tourist Visa from India

Everything you need to know when applying for a UK Tourist visa from India

UK Business Visitor Visa

Understanding the UK Business Visitor Visa

UK Business Visitor Visa: A Guide to Successful Applications

Navigate the UK Business Visitor Visa Requirements with Confidence

Who can sponsor me in the UK? | Eligibility

Who Can Act as a Sponsor for a UK Visa?

The UK Immigration Process: A Guide for Newcomers

Your Essential Guide to Navigating the UK Immigration Process with Confidence

It’s been a game changer

"We needed help to build a team, Immtell helped us understand what we could and should do to recruit from overseas. It’s been a game changer for our property company.”

Richard Lee, Property Management

Gavin is AMAZING!

He showed up on time, he is extremely informed about the whole immigration process and provides valuable insights and provides a plethora of options for your specific case. Definitely would work with him again!

Alicia Cedron

I don't have words...

I don't have words to thank Gavin and his team. I have been struggling to get my priority slot for past one month. But Gavin made it happen in just one day. It completely feels like magic come live. Thanks a lot Immtell team for your help. Do the same and fantastic work in future. All the best.

Anbu Arasan

Turnaround incredibly quick!

We recently used Gavin's services for our business and he was fantastic, the turnaround was incredibly quick, and he was more than helpful throughout. Would absolutely recommend.

Hannah

Smooth & Fast Service

Gavin has been truly amazing in assisting me with my priority cos slots. I have been trying for more than 3 weeks to get one but couldn’t. Gavin helped me get it in very first attempt. It was lovely working with him. Definitely would recommend him if you want a smooth and fast service.

Damini Naidu

Rajiv Patel

Immtell took the stress out of sponsoring our new data scientist from India. From requesting our defined CoS to visa approval, every step was handled with professionalism and speed. A brilliant partner for any sponsor.

Financial Services

Matt O’Connell

We didn’t know where to begin with sponsoring overseas talent. Immtell guided us from sponsorship licence application through to onboarding our first international UX designer. Their advice was always clear, timely and spot on.

Creative/Digital

Salma Bibi

The sponsor duties training delivered by Gavin at Immtell was engaging, practical and tailored to our team. It gave us peace of mind and helped us tighten up our internal checks.

MedTech

James Flint

We’ve used Immtell for several Skilled Worker visa renewals. They’re proactive, responsive and never miss a detail. A reliable extension of our HR team.

Transport & Logistics

Louise Garner

Our sponsor licence audit with Immtell was a wake-up call. Gavin and the team helped us address gaps and gave us practical advice. We now feel completely confident if the Home Office were to knock on the door.

Renewable Energy

David Lin

We were struggling to get approval on our CoS requests until we started working with Gavin and Immtell. They helped us frame the justification clearly and get things over the line quickly. Gavin's understanding of Home Office expectations is second to none.

Engineering & Robotics

Natalia Petrova

We’re a boutique firm that needed expert advice on sponsoring overseas legal professionals. Immtell’s support was invaluable, and their training helped us build confidence internally to manage our responsibilities.

Legal

Olivia Hart

Thanks to Immtell, we now sponsor several international teachers across our network. They made a complex regulatory process easy to understand and implement. Highly recommended for the education sector.

Education

Claire Thompson

We approached Immtell to help us secure a sponsor licence as we scaled our research team. Their insight and clear guidance made a complex process feel straightforward. Within weeks, we had our licence and were ready to hire globally.

Life Sciences

Marcus Wright

We took advantage of Immtell’s remote compliance check and were blown away by the detail. The resulting report highlighted issues we hadn’t even considered and gave us the tools to fix them before they became problems

Architecture & Design

Adanna Okafor

Immtell supported us through our sponsor licence application at a time when we urgently needed to recruit care staff from overseas. The advice was practical, clear, and always tailored to our sector. Thanks to their help, we were able to bring in our first international recruits and continue growing our care team.

Domiciliary Care

It’s been a game changer

"We needed help to build a team, Immtell helped us understand what we could and should do to recruit from overseas. It’s been a game changer for our property company.”

Richard Lee, Property Management

Gavin is AMAZING!

He showed up on time, he is extremely informed about the whole immigration process and provides valuable insights and provides a plethora of options for your specific case. Definitely would work with him again!

Alicia Cedron

I don't have words...

I don't have words to thank Gavin and his team. I have been struggling to get my priority slot for past one month. But Gavin made it happen in just one day. It completely feels like magic come live. Thanks a lot Immtell team for your help. Do the same and fantastic work in future. All the best.

Anbu Arasan

Turnaround incredibly quick!

We recently used Gavin's services for our business and he was fantastic, the turnaround was incredibly quick, and he was more than helpful throughout. Would absolutely recommend.

Hannah

Smooth & Fast Service

Gavin has been truly amazing in assisting me with my priority cos slots. I have been trying for more than 3 weeks to get one but couldn’t. Gavin helped me get it in very first attempt. It was lovely working with him. Definitely would recommend him if you want a smooth and fast service.

Damini Naidu

Rajiv Patel

Immtell took the stress out of sponsoring our new data scientist from India. From requesting our defined CoS to visa approval, every step was handled with professionalism and speed. A brilliant partner for any sponsor.

Financial Services

Matt O’Connell

We didn’t know where to begin with sponsoring overseas talent. Immtell guided us from sponsorship licence application through to onboarding our first international UX designer. Their advice was always clear, timely and spot on.

Creative/Digital

Salma Bibi

The sponsor duties training delivered by Gavin at Immtell was engaging, practical and tailored to our team. It gave us peace of mind and helped us tighten up our internal checks.

MedTech

James Flint

We’ve used Immtell for several Skilled Worker visa renewals. They’re proactive, responsive and never miss a detail. A reliable extension of our HR team.

Transport & Logistics

Louise Garner

Our sponsor licence audit with Immtell was a wake-up call. Gavin and the team helped us address gaps and gave us practical advice. We now feel completely confident if the Home Office were to knock on the door.

Renewable Energy

David Lin

We were struggling to get approval on our CoS requests until we started working with Gavin and Immtell. They helped us frame the justification clearly and get things over the line quickly. Gavin's understanding of Home Office expectations is second to none.

Engineering & Robotics

Natalia Petrova

We’re a boutique firm that needed expert advice on sponsoring overseas legal professionals. Immtell’s support was invaluable, and their training helped us build confidence internally to manage our responsibilities.

Legal

Olivia Hart

Thanks to Immtell, we now sponsor several international teachers across our network. They made a complex regulatory process easy to understand and implement. Highly recommended for the education sector.

Education

Claire Thompson

We approached Immtell to help us secure a sponsor licence as we scaled our research team. Their insight and clear guidance made a complex process feel straightforward. Within weeks, we had our licence and were ready to hire globally.

Life Sciences

Marcus Wright

We took advantage of Immtell’s remote compliance check and were blown away by the detail. The resulting report highlighted issues we hadn’t even considered and gave us the tools to fix them before they became problems

Architecture & Design

Adanna Okafor

Immtell supported us through our sponsor licence application at a time when we urgently needed to recruit care staff from overseas. The advice was practical, clear, and always tailored to our sector. Thanks to their help, we were able to bring in our first international recruits and continue growing our care team.

Domiciliary Care

It’s been a game changer

"We needed help to build a team, Immtell helped us understand what we could and should do to recruit from overseas. It’s been a game changer for our property company.”

Richard Lee, Property Management

Gavin is AMAZING!

He showed up on time, he is extremely informed about the whole immigration process and provides valuable insights and provides a plethora of options for your specific case. Definitely would work with him again!

Alicia Cedron

I don't have words...

I don't have words to thank Gavin and his team. I have been struggling to get my priority slot for past one month. But Gavin made it happen in just one day. It completely feels like magic come live. Thanks a lot Immtell team for your help. Do the same and fantastic work in future. All the best.

Anbu Arasan

Turnaround incredibly quick!

We recently used Gavin's services for our business and he was fantastic, the turnaround was incredibly quick, and he was more than helpful throughout. Would absolutely recommend.

Hannah

Smooth & Fast Service

Gavin has been truly amazing in assisting me with my priority cos slots. I have been trying for more than 3 weeks to get one but couldn’t. Gavin helped me get it in very first attempt. It was lovely working with him. Definitely would recommend him if you want a smooth and fast service.

Damini Naidu

Rajiv Patel

Immtell took the stress out of sponsoring our new data scientist from India. From requesting our defined CoS to visa approval, every step was handled with professionalism and speed. A brilliant partner for any sponsor.

Financial Services

Matt O’Connell

We didn’t know where to begin with sponsoring overseas talent. Immtell guided us from sponsorship licence application through to onboarding our first international UX designer. Their advice was always clear, timely and spot on.

Creative/Digital

Salma Bibi

The sponsor duties training delivered by Gavin at Immtell was engaging, practical and tailored to our team. It gave us peace of mind and helped us tighten up our internal checks.

MedTech

James Flint

We’ve used Immtell for several Skilled Worker visa renewals. They’re proactive, responsive and never miss a detail. A reliable extension of our HR team.

Transport & Logistics

Louise Garner

Our sponsor licence audit with Immtell was a wake-up call. Gavin and the team helped us address gaps and gave us practical advice. We now feel completely confident if the Home Office were to knock on the door.

Renewable Energy

David Lin

We were struggling to get approval on our CoS requests until we started working with Gavin and Immtell. They helped us frame the justification clearly and get things over the line quickly. Gavin's understanding of Home Office expectations is second to none.

Engineering & Robotics

Natalia Petrova

We’re a boutique firm that needed expert advice on sponsoring overseas legal professionals. Immtell’s support was invaluable, and their training helped us build confidence internally to manage our responsibilities.

Legal

Olivia Hart

Thanks to Immtell, we now sponsor several international teachers across our network. They made a complex regulatory process easy to understand and implement. Highly recommended for the education sector.

Education

Claire Thompson

We approached Immtell to help us secure a sponsor licence as we scaled our research team. Their insight and clear guidance made a complex process feel straightforward. Within weeks, we had our licence and were ready to hire globally.

Life Sciences

Marcus Wright

We took advantage of Immtell’s remote compliance check and were blown away by the detail. The resulting report highlighted issues we hadn’t even considered and gave us the tools to fix them before they became problems

Architecture & Design

Adanna Okafor

Immtell supported us through our sponsor licence application at a time when we urgently needed to recruit care staff from overseas. The advice was practical, clear, and always tailored to our sector. Thanks to their help, we were able to bring in our first international recruits and continue growing our care team.

Domiciliary Care

It’s been a game changer

"We needed help to build a team, Immtell helped us understand what we could and should do to recruit from overseas. It’s been a game changer for our property company.”

Richard Lee, Property Management

Gavin is AMAZING!

He showed up on time, he is extremely informed about the whole immigration process and provides valuable insights and provides a plethora of options for your specific case. Definitely would work with him again!

Alicia Cedron

I don't have words...

I don't have words to thank Gavin and his team. I have been struggling to get my priority slot for past one month. But Gavin made it happen in just one day. It completely feels like magic come live. Thanks a lot Immtell team for your help. Do the same and fantastic work in future. All the best.

Anbu Arasan

Turnaround incredibly quick!

We recently used Gavin's services for our business and he was fantastic, the turnaround was incredibly quick, and he was more than helpful throughout. Would absolutely recommend.

Hannah

Smooth & Fast Service

Gavin has been truly amazing in assisting me with my priority cos slots. I have been trying for more than 3 weeks to get one but couldn’t. Gavin helped me get it in very first attempt. It was lovely working with him. Definitely would recommend him if you want a smooth and fast service.

Damini Naidu

Rajiv Patel

Immtell took the stress out of sponsoring our new data scientist from India. From requesting our defined CoS to visa approval, every step was handled with professionalism and speed. A brilliant partner for any sponsor.

Financial Services

Matt O’Connell

We didn’t know where to begin with sponsoring overseas talent. Immtell guided us from sponsorship licence application through to onboarding our first international UX designer. Their advice was always clear, timely and spot on.

Creative/Digital

Salma Bibi

The sponsor duties training delivered by Gavin at Immtell was engaging, practical and tailored to our team. It gave us peace of mind and helped us tighten up our internal checks.

MedTech

James Flint

We’ve used Immtell for several Skilled Worker visa renewals. They’re proactive, responsive and never miss a detail. A reliable extension of our HR team.

Transport & Logistics

Louise Garner

Our sponsor licence audit with Immtell was a wake-up call. Gavin and the team helped us address gaps and gave us practical advice. We now feel completely confident if the Home Office were to knock on the door.

Renewable Energy

David Lin

We were struggling to get approval on our CoS requests until we started working with Gavin and Immtell. They helped us frame the justification clearly and get things over the line quickly. Gavin's understanding of Home Office expectations is second to none.

Engineering & Robotics

Natalia Petrova

We’re a boutique firm that needed expert advice on sponsoring overseas legal professionals. Immtell’s support was invaluable, and their training helped us build confidence internally to manage our responsibilities.

Legal

Olivia Hart

Thanks to Immtell, we now sponsor several international teachers across our network. They made a complex regulatory process easy to understand and implement. Highly recommended for the education sector.

Education

Claire Thompson

We approached Immtell to help us secure a sponsor licence as we scaled our research team. Their insight and clear guidance made a complex process feel straightforward. Within weeks, we had our licence and were ready to hire globally.

Life Sciences

Marcus Wright

We took advantage of Immtell’s remote compliance check and were blown away by the detail. The resulting report highlighted issues we hadn’t even considered and gave us the tools to fix them before they became problems

Architecture & Design

Adanna Okafor

Immtell supported us through our sponsor licence application at a time when we urgently needed to recruit care staff from overseas. The advice was practical, clear, and always tailored to our sector. Thanks to their help, we were able to bring in our first international recruits and continue growing our care team.

Domiciliary Care

It’s been a game changer

"We needed help to build a team, Immtell helped us understand what we could and should do to recruit from overseas. It’s been a game changer for our property company.”

Richard Lee, Property Management

Gavin is AMAZING!

He showed up on time, he is extremely informed about the whole immigration process and provides valuable insights and provides a plethora of options for your specific case. Definitely would work with him again!

Alicia Cedron

I don't have words...

I don't have words to thank Gavin and his team. I have been struggling to get my priority slot for past one month. But Gavin made it happen in just one day. It completely feels like magic come live. Thanks a lot Immtell team for your help. Do the same and fantastic work in future. All the best.

Anbu Arasan

Turnaround incredibly quick!

We recently used Gavin's services for our business and he was fantastic, the turnaround was incredibly quick, and he was more than helpful throughout. Would absolutely recommend.

Hannah

Smooth & Fast Service

Gavin has been truly amazing in assisting me with my priority cos slots. I have been trying for more than 3 weeks to get one but couldn’t. Gavin helped me get it in very first attempt. It was lovely working with him. Definitely would recommend him if you want a smooth and fast service.

Damini Naidu

Rajiv Patel

Immtell took the stress out of sponsoring our new data scientist from India. From requesting our defined CoS to visa approval, every step was handled with professionalism and speed. A brilliant partner for any sponsor.

Financial Services

Matt O’Connell

We didn’t know where to begin with sponsoring overseas talent. Immtell guided us from sponsorship licence application through to onboarding our first international UX designer. Their advice was always clear, timely and spot on.

Creative/Digital

Salma Bibi

The sponsor duties training delivered by Gavin at Immtell was engaging, practical and tailored to our team. It gave us peace of mind and helped us tighten up our internal checks.

MedTech

James Flint

We’ve used Immtell for several Skilled Worker visa renewals. They’re proactive, responsive and never miss a detail. A reliable extension of our HR team.

Transport & Logistics

Louise Garner

Our sponsor licence audit with Immtell was a wake-up call. Gavin and the team helped us address gaps and gave us practical advice. We now feel completely confident if the Home Office were to knock on the door.

Renewable Energy

David Lin

We were struggling to get approval on our CoS requests until we started working with Gavin and Immtell. They helped us frame the justification clearly and get things over the line quickly. Gavin's understanding of Home Office expectations is second to none.

Engineering & Robotics

Natalia Petrova

We’re a boutique firm that needed expert advice on sponsoring overseas legal professionals. Immtell’s support was invaluable, and their training helped us build confidence internally to manage our responsibilities.

Legal

Olivia Hart

Thanks to Immtell, we now sponsor several international teachers across our network. They made a complex regulatory process easy to understand and implement. Highly recommended for the education sector.

Education

Claire Thompson

We approached Immtell to help us secure a sponsor licence as we scaled our research team. Their insight and clear guidance made a complex process feel straightforward. Within weeks, we had our licence and were ready to hire globally.

Life Sciences

Marcus Wright

We took advantage of Immtell’s remote compliance check and were blown away by the detail. The resulting report highlighted issues we hadn’t even considered and gave us the tools to fix them before they became problems

Architecture & Design

Adanna Okafor

Immtell supported us through our sponsor licence application at a time when we urgently needed to recruit care staff from overseas. The advice was practical, clear, and always tailored to our sector. Thanks to their help, we were able to bring in our first international recruits and continue growing our care team.

Domiciliary Care

It’s been a game changer

"We needed help to build a team, Immtell helped us understand what we could and should do to recruit from overseas. It’s been a game changer for our property company.”

Richard Lee, Property Management

Gavin is AMAZING!

He showed up on time, he is extremely informed about the whole immigration process and provides valuable insights and provides a plethora of options for your specific case. Definitely would work with him again!

Alicia Cedron

I don't have words...

I don't have words to thank Gavin and his team. I have been struggling to get my priority slot for past one month. But Gavin made it happen in just one day. It completely feels like magic come live. Thanks a lot Immtell team for your help. Do the same and fantastic work in future. All the best.

Anbu Arasan

Turnaround incredibly quick!

We recently used Gavin's services for our business and he was fantastic, the turnaround was incredibly quick, and he was more than helpful throughout. Would absolutely recommend.

Hannah

Smooth & Fast Service

Gavin has been truly amazing in assisting me with my priority cos slots. I have been trying for more than 3 weeks to get one but couldn’t. Gavin helped me get it in very first attempt. It was lovely working with him. Definitely would recommend him if you want a smooth and fast service.

Damini Naidu

Rajiv Patel

Immtell took the stress out of sponsoring our new data scientist from India. From requesting our defined CoS to visa approval, every step was handled with professionalism and speed. A brilliant partner for any sponsor.

Financial Services

Matt O’Connell

We didn’t know where to begin with sponsoring overseas talent. Immtell guided us from sponsorship licence application through to onboarding our first international UX designer. Their advice was always clear, timely and spot on.

Creative/Digital

Salma Bibi

The sponsor duties training delivered by Gavin at Immtell was engaging, practical and tailored to our team. It gave us peace of mind and helped us tighten up our internal checks.

MedTech

James Flint

We’ve used Immtell for several Skilled Worker visa renewals. They’re proactive, responsive and never miss a detail. A reliable extension of our HR team.

Transport & Logistics

Louise Garner

Our sponsor licence audit with Immtell was a wake-up call. Gavin and the team helped us address gaps and gave us practical advice. We now feel completely confident if the Home Office were to knock on the door.

Renewable Energy

David Lin

We were struggling to get approval on our CoS requests until we started working with Gavin and Immtell. They helped us frame the justification clearly and get things over the line quickly. Gavin's understanding of Home Office expectations is second to none.

Engineering & Robotics

Natalia Petrova

We’re a boutique firm that needed expert advice on sponsoring overseas legal professionals. Immtell’s support was invaluable, and their training helped us build confidence internally to manage our responsibilities.

Legal

Olivia Hart

Thanks to Immtell, we now sponsor several international teachers across our network. They made a complex regulatory process easy to understand and implement. Highly recommended for the education sector.

Education

Claire Thompson

We approached Immtell to help us secure a sponsor licence as we scaled our research team. Their insight and clear guidance made a complex process feel straightforward. Within weeks, we had our licence and were ready to hire globally.

Life Sciences

Marcus Wright

We took advantage of Immtell’s remote compliance check and were blown away by the detail. The resulting report highlighted issues we hadn’t even considered and gave us the tools to fix them before they became problems

Architecture & Design

Adanna Okafor

Immtell supported us through our sponsor licence application at a time when we urgently needed to recruit care staff from overseas. The advice was practical, clear, and always tailored to our sector. Thanks to their help, we were able to bring in our first international recruits and continue growing our care team.

Domiciliary Care