Shabana Bukhari 
In this blog readers will learn everything you need to know about applying for a Tourist Visa UK in Reading. Requirements, application process, and tips for a successful application are all provided here.
What is a Tourist Visa?
A Tourist Visa, also known as a ‘Standard Visitor Visa’ allows applicants to enter the UK for the purpose of travel and tourism for six months.
Requirements
The eligibility requirements for a Tourist Visa are as follows:
- Be at least 18 years of age or older.
- You must have either a passport or relevant travel document which is valid for the entirety of your 6 month stay in the UK.
- Prove that you will leave the UK following your visit.
- Be able to financially support yourself during your visit to the UK.
- Have already paid or show that you are able to pay for the journey back to your country of nationality, or onward journey once your stay in the UK is over.
- Show that you will not stay in the UK for a long period of time or have an intention to make the UK your permanent home through frequent visits to the UK.
Application Process
- Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements laid out above and have in your possession the necessary evidence you must submit alongside your application.
- Make your online application by following this link on the official Home Office website: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor/apply-standard-visitor-visa.
- Pay the application fee of £115.
- Attend your appointment at a visa application centre which you will have booked during your online application. You will need to bring your passport or document of travel to prove your identity and your biometric information will also be taken.
- Wait to hear back on the decision for your Tourist Visa. The Home Office estimates that this will take around 3 weeks. You will receive either a letter or email detailing the success of your decision and this will include your necessary next steps.
Tips for a Successful Application
The number one tip for a successful application for a Tourist Visa is careful planning and ensuring that you meet the relevant eligibility requirements discussed above.
It is also pertinent that you understand that the earliest one can apply for a Tourist Visa is three months before you plan to visit the UK. Therefore, taking this into consideration is pertinent for the avoidance of upset over any Visa rejection after booking relevant travel to the UK.
Finally, applicants should consider the fact that you will need to attend a visa application centre appointment. This may be in a different country to the one you are currently in.
By discussing with our Reading based team at Henleaze Law we can discuss the likelihood of your application being successful and guide you to what evidence may need strengthening or if there are any considerations which you may have disregarded. We will also advise applicants on whether this is the best Visa to suit their required needs and whether there are most suitable options.
FAQs about Tourist Visa UK in Reading
What is a Tourist Visa?
A Tourist Visa allows applicants to enter the UK for the purpose of tourism and travel.
How long are applicants under a Tourist Visa allowed to stay in the UK for?
Applicants under a Tourist Visa are allowed to stay in the UK for six months.
What are the fees for a Tourist Visa?
The fees for a Tourist Visa are £115 for a standard stay of six months.
When is the earliest I can apply for a Tourist Visa?
The earliest you can apply for a Tourist Visa is three months before you plan to visit the UK.
What Visa should I apply for if I intend to visit the UK frequently?
If you intend to visit the UK frequently then you should apply for a long-term Standard Visitor Visa. This is instead of the Standard Visitor Visa discussed above.
If I wish to travel through the UK for the purpose of getting to another country, can I do this on a Standard Visitor Visa?
Yes, if you wish to travel through the UK for the purpose of getting to another country you may do this on a Standard Visitor Visa. However, it is also possible to get a Visitor in Transit Visa for the same purpose which costs £64 per application unlike the Standard Visitor Visa which is £115.
How long does it take to hear back on the decision of my Tourist Visa?
The Home Office estimates that it will take around three weeks to hear back on the decision of your Tourist Visa.
What is the application process for a Tourist Visa?
The application process for a Tourist Visa includes checking that you meet the respective eligibility criteria, completing the online application, paying the fee, and booking your appointment at a visa application centre.
What are the eligibility requirements for a Tourist Visa?
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– The eligibility requirements for a Tourist Visa are meeting the valid age of at least 18 years old and be in possession of either a passport or relevant travel document which is valid who the entirety of your 6 month stay in the UK. Also, applicants must prove that you will leave the UK following your visit and be able to financially support yourself during your visit to the UK. Finally, you must have already paid or show that you are able to pay for the journey back to your country of nationality, or onward journey once your stay in the UK is over.
Summary about Tourist Visa UK in Reading
In this blog readers have obtained a comprehensive guide to obtaining Tourist Visa, also known as a Standard Visitor Visa in Reading. Requirements, application process, and tips for a successful application have all been explored.
Please contact our expert team at Henleaze Law which have a wealth of experience in handling Tourist Visa applications on 0117 908 4625 or via email.
