UK Visit Visa – Documents Required

Being the world’s 6^th most popular tourist destination, the United Kingdom attracted more than 40 million international tourists in 2018 alone, according to an article on The Guardian. Despite the ongoing Brexit concerns, the popularity of the nation hasn’t faded. The best time to make the most of a trip to this historic country is during the summer, from May to September. The UK is full of places to explore, the Scottish Highlands and Lake Districts, cities like Edinburg, London and Glasgow, Valleys of Snowdonia, terrains and coastlines and much more.

Related: How to apply for UK visit visa?

To enter the UK, you first need to successfully complete the visa application process, which begins with filling up the UK Visa Application Form online. If you are applying for a short stay or tourist visa, you can apply via the Access UK service for a Standard Visitor Visa, Marriage Visitor Visa or a permitted Paid Engagement Visa. If you are a Swiss, EEA or Commonwealth citizen, you are exempted from applying for a UK visa.

Mandatory Documents Required for UK Visa

To complete the visa application process successfully, you will need to submit the following documents, such as:

1. Visa Application Form:
   Depending on the visa you are applying for, you will be required to complete the form online or download and fill manually. 
2. Photographs:
   One or a few recent printed or digital color photographs are required. The photo should not be less than six months old. 
3. A Valid Passport:
   This must contain at least one blank page. Also, the passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your intended date of leaving the UK.
4. Financial Proof:
   You should possess sufficient funds to meet all expenses incurred during your stay in the UK. For this, you will be required to provide bank statements or pay slips. 
5. Accommodation Proof:
   You need to submit documents with all the details of your accommodation in the UK, such as hotel bookings or invitations from family or friends to stay with them. 
6. Travel Itinerary:
   This includes your flight itinerary, onward journey proof, round trip reservations and so on. 
7. Tuberculosis Test Results:
   A lot of countries need to provide proof that they are TB free. Check here if you are a national of one of these countries. 
8. Biometrics:
   Biometric information is mandatory if you are planning to apply for a visa for stay of more than 6 months. This includes fingerprints and digital photographs, taken at the British embassy or consulate closest to you. 
9. UK Visa Invitation Letter:
   This letter is usually written by a legal citizen of the UK to the foreign national, inviting them. This can also be written to the UK consular officer, confirming that they are willing to host the foreign nations, who is a friend or family member. 
10. Paid Visa Fees:
    The receipt generated after paying the visa fee also needs to be submitted.

Related: UK Visa Fees

Apart from these, you will be required to submit supporting documents for each type of visa. You can check the details for this here.

After you have collected all the required documents, you need to appear at the application center you have chosen to take the application process further.