Different Types of UK Tourist Visas Explained

Types of UK Tourist Visas

As it is said when it comes to travelling the kind of visa that one needs is very important before visiting the UK. Concerning the United Kingdom there are many different types of UK Tourist visas depending on the purpose of stay. This is especially important when you are going to UK for Tourism, Business or joining a relative and therefore that Types of Travel Visa to UK will be relevant. The conditions and time which are necessary to stay can be different; that is why the choice of the correct visa is very important. It will help you not to waste time and efforts, so your way to UK Visa would be as easy as possible.

Although there are many categories of Types of Visas to UK, most of the travelers would fall under the following categories. The Standard Visitor Visa is by far the most popular visa allowing individuals to come to the UK for such purposes as tourism, to visit friends or relatives, or for business. For those, there are other opportunities, for example, the Marriage Visitor Visa or the Business Visitor Visa, if a person intends specific actions, for example, to get married or to attend a conference. This implies that one has to spend some time and evaluate the nature of the intended travel in order to choose the right visa.

What is the UK Tier 1 2 3 4 5 visa?

The United Kingdom also has Tier 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 visas which are more or less equivalent to the skill, work, and study visa that other countries use. These visas are not for short visits but as you will be here for the long-term they are important to know about.

Tier 1: This includes quality labor, capital and quality talent in the form of highly skilled workers, investors and entrepreneurs.
Tier 2: For skilled workers with an offer for a job, in the United Kingdom.
Tier 3: A non-existent category that used to be for low wage earners.
Tier 4: For students interested in studying in the United Kingdom.
Tier 5: Temporary employees and youth exchanges.

Types of Tourist Visa to UK

This article will help you to identify Types of Visa to UK and how they can help you when planning for your trip to the United Kingdom. Below are the main types of UK travel visas:

1. Standard Visitor Visa:

The most popular type of visa for tourism, to visit relatives, friends or on the business trip.
It is good for a period not exceeding 6 months; however, it can be renewed in special cases.
Appropriate for the majority of temporary trips and the easiest to obtain.

2. Marriage Visitor Visa:

For those individuals intending to get married or enter a civil partnership in this country.
Permits a stay of up to 6 months and cannot be renewed or changed to any other type of visa.
It demands the evidence of the intention to marry and certain financial capacity.

3. Business Visitor Visa:

For the business people who intend to visit the UK for business meetings, conferences among other related purposes.
Also remains valid for up to 6 months.
You have to demonstrate that your business activities will not cause any impediment to the full-time employment in the UK.

4. Medical Visitor Visa:

For those people who would wish to visit the UK for purposes of seeking medical treatment.
The visa allows stays up to 6 months and in a few circumstances, they can be given visa for longer treatment periods.
Must have a letter from a UK medical facility certifying the need of the treatment.

Which UK Visitor visa is easiest to get?

The Standard Visitor Visa is the most popular and easiest UK tourism visa for most travellers. Here’s why:

Common for Leisure and Business Travellers:
This visa is for tourists, business purposes, visiting friends and relatives purposes among others.
All those who intend not to work or study in the UK will find this as the most convenient option.

Straightforward Application Process:

Involve completing an online application form, providing documents to support the application process and having an appointment where necessary.
The most frequent annexes contain: evidence of financial resources; travel itinerary; and, where applicable, details of where the applicant will be staying.

Long Validity and Extension:

Normally issued for a stay of up to six months but for frequent visitors the visa can be up to two years.
There may be possibilities of extension under some conditions.

Low Processing Complexity:

The Standard Visitor Visa takes relatively shorter time for processing compared to many other visas.
If the application is well done and all the requirements have been provided, then it will be easy to get approval.

How many visa types are there in the UK

The United Kingdom offers different types of visa to accommodate all sorts of travelers and tourists. While there are many types, here’s a breakdown of the major categories:

1. Tourist Visas:

It consists of the Standard Visit Visa, Marriage Visit Visa, and Business Visit Visa.
These visas are specifically for temporary purpose such as cultural, tourist, business or to visit relatives.

2. Student Visas:

The Tier 4 (General) Student Visa is for the people who wish to study in the United Kingdom.
There are also short-term study visas.

3. Work Visas:

It covers tier 2 general for skilled workers, tier 5 for temporary workers for specific professions, and tier one for entrepreneurs, investors, and talented individuals.
Generally, applicants require a job offer or an invitation from a company or organization in the United Kingdom.

4. Settlement Visas:

For those people who want to permanently reside in the United Kingdom.
Permits of a durable character, including reunification visas for family members, and permanent residence permits.

Other Specialized Visas:

These are the Tier 1 (Investor) Visa, Tier 4 (Child) Visa, and the Ancestry Visa, which are suited for certain groups or when in the UK for a certain period.

Note: We Only Offer Tourist Visas, Not Business or Work Visas

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