London Visiting Visa Process | Everything You Need to Know
Are you looking for a city trip to the wonderful city of London? Well then you are in the right place! Please follow the following step by step guide for getting visiting visa for London in this blog post.
1. Know the Type of Visa
Prior to beginning the application, you need to identify what type of visa is required to go to London. Types of general tourism or visiting visas, you can apply, are:
- Standard Visitor Visa: Suitable for general tourism, family/friends visit or business meetings.
- Family Visitor Visa: For seeing closely related family members in UK.
- Business Visitor Visa: For the guests in UK who visit friends as well as for discussing business or ordinary professions.
2. Gather the Required Documents
After establishing which visa you require you will need to obtain the required documents. This typically includes:
- Valid passport (with at least 6 mth validity)
- A completed visa application form
- Proof of accommodation arrangements
- Satisfactory upfront evidence of sufficient funds for your stay
- Travel itinerary and return tickets
- Supporting documents specific to your visa type (e.g. invitation letters, business-related documents)
3. Submitting the Application
Once you have all your visa documents ready, it is now time to submit your visa application. Here’s the process:
- Get your application online: Go to the website of the UK government’s visa application system and sign up for an account. Complete incomplete application form, attach required documents and pay the fee of the visa.
- Biometric enrolment: Once your application has been received, you will require to appear at a visa application center to give biometric data (fingerprints and photograph).
- Attend an appointment if necessary: On some occasions, it will be necessary to attend an interview or provide more documents. Please note to all guidelines from the visa processing center.
4. Paying the Visa Fee
As part of the application process, you will have to pay a visa fee as part of the application process. Price is depending on visa type and visastay duration. Please take note that universities normally customise their payment fees from time to time, therefore it is good that you check the current fee and then make payment on the web with a good credit or debit card.
5. Visa Processing Time
The processing time for visas can be long and will depend significantly on the season, and on the number of applications that the embassy is receiving. It is usually best to apply in good time for your travel dates. You may find the estimated processing time at the official portal and can plan accordingly.
6. Visa Decision
After applying, your application will be processed and you will be informed of the outcome of your visa. Once your request is approved, you will get either visa sticker in your passport or electronic visa. Double check all details on the visa to confirm they are correct.
7. Arriving in London
Once you have got your visiting visa it’s time to figure out how to plan your trip to London. Please also be sure to bring all necessary documents; your passport and visa. Once you get to London you may be asked to present your visa at immigration desk, so make it easily available.
8. Enjoy Your Stay in London!
Now that you have got your visiting visa, now it’s time to appreciate your stay in the lively metropolis of London! Pick the most attractive places of interest, enjoy delicious food, soak up the atmosphere and the culture, as well as history of this fascinating land.
Please comply with the conditions of obtaining your visa including duration of stay and any associated restrictions. If you are still unsure, it is better to contact the UK embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
We wish this guide has been all you need to know about the London visiting visa process. Have a fantastic trip!
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