UK Visit Visa Cost (2026)
If you’re planning to visit the United Kingdom in 2026 for tourism, family visits, business, or short trips, you’ll need a UK Standard Visitor Visa (unless exempt). UK Visit Visa Cost (2026)
This 2026 guide includes:
- Updated visa fees
- 2026 priority & super priority charges
- New processing times
- Required documents
- Links to apply on GOV.UK
All information matches the official Home Office fee updates expected to remain in place for early 2026.
💷 UK Visit Visa Fees (2026)
Here are the latest official UK visitor visa costs for 2026:
| Visa Type | Fee (2026) |
|---|---|
| 6-Month Standard Visitor Visa | £115 |
| 2-Year Visit Visa | £400 |
| 5-Year Visit Visa | £771 |
| 10-Year Visit Visa | £963 |
👉 These fees were increased in recent Home Office revisions and remain the same entering 2026.
6-Month Visitor Visa
Most popular option — ideal for tourism, family visits, conferences.
Long-Term Visas
Allows multiple entries for the entire validity period; each stay max 6 months at a time.
⚡ Priority & Super Priority Fees (2026)
Optional for faster decisions:
| Fast-Track Service | Additional Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Priority Visa | £500 | 5 working days |
| Super Priority Visa | £1,000 | 24 hours |
These fees are added on top of the regular visa fee.
⏳ UK Visitor Visa Processing Times (2026)
Based on 2025–2026 updates:
⭐ Standard Processing: 3–6 weeks
(depends on country & season)
⭐ Priority: 5 working days
⭐ Super Priority: 24 hours
Processing may take longer during:
- School holidays
- Christmas & New Year
- Summer peak (June–August)
🔗 Official GOV.UK Application Links
✔ Apply for a UK Visitor Visa
https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor/apply-standard-visitor-visa
✔ Check Visa Decision Waiting Times
https://www.gov.uk/visa-processing-times
✔ Check If You Need a Visa
https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa
These authoritative links help with SEO trust and user confidence.
📄 What You Need for a UK Visitor Visa (2026)
✔ Required Documents
- Passport (valid throughout trip)
- Recent bank statements (proof of funds)
- Accommodation details
- Travel dates
- Purpose of visit
- Employment or education proof
- Return travel plans
✔ Strong Supporting Documents
- Salary slips
- Business or employment letter
- Family relationship proof (if visiting family)
- Previous travel history
- Invitation letter (optional but helpful)
💰 Full Cost of a UK Visit Trip in 2026
Besides the visa fee, consider:
| Cost Type | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Visa Fee | £115+ |
| Priority Service | £500 |
| Super Priority | £1,000 |
| Travel Insurance | £30–£80 |
| Biometric Enrolment | Included |
| Visa Application Centre Fees | £5–£75 (location-based) |
| Return Flights | £300–£900 |
| Accommodation | £40–£120/night |
Costs vary based on your country, airline, and time of year.
❗ Common Reasons UK Visit Visas Get Refused (2026 Trends)
You must avoid the common refusal triggers:
❌ Weak or inconsistent bank statements
❌ No proof you plan to return
❌ Not enough income
❌ Incomplete documents
❌ Doubts about accommodation
❌ Sudden unexplained deposits
❌ Poor travel history with no justification
Strong financial evidence is crucial in 2026.
🧠 Who DOES NOT Need a UK Visit Visa in 2026?
Citizens of:
- USA
- Canada
- Australia
- EU & EEA countries
- Japan
- South Korea
…can visit without applying for a visa (short-term stays only).
Full list:
https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa
🌍 Common Reasons People Apply for a UK Visitor Visa
- Tourism
- Family visit
- Attending weddings
- Business meetings
- Medical treatment
- Transit
- Short courses (under 6 months)
❓ FAQs — UK Visitor Visa 2026
How long can I stay on a visitor visa?
Up to 6 months per visit.
Can I work in the UK on a visitor visa?
No — work of any kind is prohibited.
Is the visitor visa fee refundable?
No, even if refused.
Can I get a 10-year visa without travel history?
Possible, but much harder. Strong travel history helps.
How early can I apply?
You can apply 3 months before your intended travel date.
📌 Conclusion
As we enter 2026, the UK visitor visa fee structure remains:
- £115 – 6-month visa
- £400 – 2-year visa
- £771 – 5-year visa
- £963 – 10-year visa
With optional fast-track services costing up to £1,000, it’s important to budget accordingly and prepare strong documents to avoid refusal.
