UK Visit Visa Cost (2026)
If you’re planning to visit the United Kingdom in 2026 for tourism, family visits, business, or short trips, youβll 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.
π· 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 | Β£115 |
| 2-Year Visit Visa | Β£400 |
| 5-Year Visit Visa | Β£771 |
| 10-Year Visit Visa | Β£963 |
π These fees were increased in recent Home Office revisions and remain the same entering 2026.
6-Month Visitor Visa
Most popular option β 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.
β‘ Priority & Super Priority Fees (2026)
Optional for faster decisions:
| Fast-Track Service | Additional Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Priority Visa | Β£500 | 5 working days |
| Super Priority Visa | Β£1,000 | 24 hours |
These fees are added on top of the regular visa fee.
β³ UK Visitor Visa Processing Times (2026)
Based on 2025β2026 updates:
β Standard Processing: 3β6 weeks
(depends on country & season)
β Priority: 5 working days
β Super Priority: 24 hours
Processing may take longer during:
- School holidays
- Christmas & New Year
- Summer peak (JuneβAugust)
π Official GOV.UK Application Links
β Apply for a UK Visitor Visa
https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor/apply-standard-visitor-visa
β Check Visa Decision Waiting Times
https://www.gov.uk/visa-processing-times
β Check If You Need a Visa
https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa
These authoritative links help with SEO trust and user confidence.
π What You Need for a UK Visitor Visa (2026)
β 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
β Strong Supporting Documents
- Salary slips
- Business or employment letter
- Family relationship proof (if visiting family)
- Previous travel history
- Invitation letter (optional but helpful)
π° Full Cost of a UK Visit Trip in 2026
Besides the visa fee, consider:
| Cost Type | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Visa Fee | Β£115+ |
| Priority Service | Β£500 |
| Super Priority | Β£1,000 |
| Travel Insurance | Β£30βΒ£80 |
| Biometric Enrolment | Included |
| Visa Application Centre Fees | Β£5βΒ£75 (location-based) |
| Return Flights | Β£300βΒ£900 |
| Accommodation | Β£40βΒ£120/night |
Costs vary based on your country, airline, and time of year.
β Common Reasons UK Visit Visas Get Refused (2026 Trends)
You must avoid the common refusal triggers:
β Weak or inconsistent bank statements
β No proof you plan to return
β Not enough income
β Incomplete documents
β Doubts about accommodation
β Sudden unexplained deposits
β Poor travel history with no justification
Strong financial evidence is crucial in 2026.
π§ Who DOES NOT Need a UK Visit Visa in 2026?
Citizens of:
- USA
- Canada
- Australia
- EU & EEA countries
- Japan
- South Korea
β¦can visit without applying for a visa (short-term stays only).
Full list:
https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa
π Common Reasons People Apply for a UK Visitor Visa
- Tourism
- Family visit
- Attending weddings
- Business meetings
- Medical treatment
- Transit
- Short courses (under 6 months)
β FAQs β 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 β 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.
π Conclusion
As we enter 2026, the UK visitor visa fee structure remains:
- Β£115 β 6-month visa
- Β£400 β 2-year visa
- Β£771 β 5-year visa
- Β£963 β 10-year visa
With optional fast-track services costing up to Β£1,000, itβs important to budget accordingly and prepare strong documents to avoid refusal.
