How to Apply for a Long-Term UK Visitor Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide
Planning multiple trips to the UK over the next few years? A long-term UK visitor visa is the perfect solution for frequent travelers who want the convenience of extended access to the country without applying for a visa each time. This blog post walks you through the entire process, from eligibility to application submission.
Step 1: Understand the Long-Term Visitor Visa
The UK offers long-term visitor visas with durations of 2, 5, and 10 years. This visa allows multiple entries, but each stay must not exceed 6 months at a time. It is ideal for:
- Tourism and leisure.
- Business meetings or conferences.
- Visiting family and friends.
Ensure that your purpose for visiting aligns with the allowed activities under a standard visitor visa.
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility
Before applying, confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria:
- Genuine Intention: You must prove you will leave the UK at the end of each visit.
- Financial Stability: Demonstrate that you can financially support yourself during your visits without needing public funds.
- Previous Compliance: If you’ve traveled to the UK before, ensure you adhered to the visa rules (e.g., not overstaying or working illegally).
- Strong Ties to Your Home Country: Show that you have compelling reasons (like family, work, or property) to return to your home country after your visits.
Step 3: Gather the Required Documents
To apply for a long-term visitor visa, you’ll need the following:
- A valid passport with at least one blank page.
- Recent passport-sized photographs.
- Proof of financial means (e.g., bank statements, payslips, or tax returns).
- Travel itinerary, including accommodation details.
- Evidence of ties to your home country (e.g., employment letter, property ownership documents).
- A cover letter explaining the purpose of your long-term visa application.
For business visits, additional documents such as an invitation letter from a UK company may be required.
Step 4: Complete the Online Application Form
Visit the official UK Government website (gov.uk) and start your application.
- Go to the Apply for a Visa section.
- Choose the Standard Visitor Visa category and select the long-term option.
- Fill in your personal details, travel history, and reason for applying for a long-term visa.
- Pay the visa fee (varies based on the duration: 2, 5, or 10 years).
Visa fees
You can apply for a Standard Visitor visa, or if you visit the UK regularly you can choose to apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa instead.
| Fee | Maximum length of stay | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor visa | £115 | 6 months |
| Standard Visitor visa for medical reasons | £200 | 11 months |
| Standard Visitor visa for academics | £200 | 12 months |
| 2 year long-term Standard Visitor visa | £432 | 6 months per visit |
| 5 year long-term Standard Visitor visa | £771 | 6 months per visit |
| 10 year long-term Standard Visitor visa | £963 | 6 months per visit |
Step 5: Book a Biometric Appointment
After submitting your application online, book an appointment at your nearest Visa Application Center (VAC).
- Attend your appointment to provide fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information).
- Submit your documents (originals and photocopies, if needed).
Step 6: Attend an Interview (if Required)
In some cases, you may be called for an interview to discuss your application further. Be honest and clear about your travel intentions.
Step 7: Wait for the Decision
The processing time for a UK visitor visa typically takes 3 weeks, but it may vary. If you opted for priority processing, the decision may be quicker.
Step 8: Receive Your Visa
If approved, you’ll receive a vignette (sticker) UK visitor visa in your passport, indicating your visa type and validity period. Double-check the visa details to ensure accuracy.
Additional Tips for a Successful Application
- Be Honest: Provide truthful and consistent information throughout the application process.
- Provide Strong Supporting Documents: The more evidence you provide to prove your intent and financial stability, the stronger your application will be.
- Apply Early: Submit your application well in advance of your planned travel dates.
Conclusion
Applying for a long-term UK visitor visa may seem daunting, but with careful preparation, it’s a straightforward process. By following the steps above, you’ll be well on your way to exploring the UK on multiple visits without the hassle of reapplying each time.
If you found this guide helpful, check out our other travel-related blog posts for more tips and advice!
