Did you know, overseas travelers spent almost £1.6 billion to travel to UK in March 2019 alone? This is what the statistics published by the Office For National Statistics revealed. With its rich historical and cultural heritage, Britain remains a popular tourist destination. The country is home to innumerable architectural landmarks, beaches, official royal residences, forests and woodlands, national parks, festivals and events, sports, leisure and so much more.
Planning to visit the country will require you to fill up the UK Visa Application Form. The short stay visa is a legal entry permit for the UK for stay of up to 6 months or a year. The duration depends on the type of visa you apply for. While citizens of some countries are exempt from needing a visa to enter the UK, other countries require the visa mandatorily. You can check which category your country belongs to here.
Also read: How to apply for UK visa?
How much is UK Visa Fees?
The visa fee varies depending on the duration of your stay. It usually starts at £93 for a visit visa and goes up to £3,250 for a settlement visa. Here’s a look at the key visa types and their cost.
| Fee Category | Fee in Pounds |
| Visit Visa < 6 Months | 93 |
| Visit Visa < 2 Years | 350 |
| Visit Visa < 5 Years | 636 |
| Visit Visa < 10 Years | 798 |
| Visiting for academics (more than 6 months and less than 12 months) | 186 |
| Private Medical Treatment (more than 6 months and less than 11 months) | 186 |
| Short Term Student Visa (6 months) | 97 |
| Short Term Child Student Visa (6 months) | 97 |
| Settlement | 1,523 |
| Settlement – other dependent relative | 3,250 |
| Settlement – refugee dependent relative | 388 |
| Airside Transit Visa | 35 |
| Landside Transit Visa | 64 |
| Representative of an overseas business | 610 |
| Single entry visa | 154 |
| Other visa | 516 |
| Electronic Visa Waiver | 15 |
| Certificate of Entitlement | 388 |
| To enter UK as a member of Armed Forces | 2,389 |
| Short Term Students studying English (more than 6 months and less than 11 months) | 186 |
Things to Remember Paying UK Visa Fees
Related: What are different UK visa types
Applicants need to pay the visa fee in Pound Sterling (GBP), which also covers the administration charges. However, the fee can also be paid in your domestic currency. So, make sure you check the exchange rate before making the payment.
If your visa type falls under the Point Based System category, you will have to collect points by ticking off the visa requirements. Failing to do so could mean that your application is rejected.
What are UK Visa Fee Exemptions
In some cases, you can apply for an exemption. This helps you avoid unnecessary delays while entering the country.
- If you are a working diplomat who has been posted to the UK.
- If you are an international government minister or if you are accompanying one
- If you are a member of the Commonwealth or Overseas Armed Forces, posted in the UK
- If you are a head of a state entering the country for a state visit
After you pay the visa fee, keep the receipt safe, since you will need to produce it for the visa interview. After the interview, you will receive an email update on the status of your application.
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