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Visa basics

UK Visa Fees

Get detailed insight into UK Visa Fees for tourists and business travelers, covering various visitor visa options

UK Visa Fees

Information only

Immigration rules, fees and processing times change. This article is general guidance, not legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official United Kingdom government website before you apply.

UK Visa Fees (2026)

The United Kingdom operates a range of visa categories covering visits, work, study, family reunification, and settlement. The tables below detail the Home Office application fees effective from 8 April 2026, as published by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Fees are payable in British Pounds (GBP). Refund rules depend on the application stage, whether biometrics or evidence have been submitted, and the reason for cancellation or refund.

Source: GOV.UK Home Office immigration and nationality fees, effective from 8 April 2026.

UK Standard Visitor Visa Fees (2026)

The UK Standard Visitor Visa allows travel to the UK for tourism, business, family visits, or private medical treatment. Each stay is limited to 6 months unless otherwise stated.

Visitor Visa Type

Fee from 8 April 2026

Notes

Standard Visitor Visa: up to 6 months

£135

Stay limited to 6 months

Standard Visitor Visa: long-term, up to 2 years

£506

Multiple entries; 6 months per visit

Standard Visitor Visa: long-term, up to 5 years

£903

Multiple entries; 6 months per visit

Standard Visitor Visa: long-term, up to 10 years

£1,128

Multiple entries; 6 months per visit

Visiting academic: more than 6 months but no more than 12 months

£234

Eligible academics only

Private medical treatment: more than 6 months but not more than 11 months

£234

Requires UK medical evidence

Transit Visas and Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

Travellers transiting through the UK may require a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) depending on nationality and travel route. ETAs are valid for 2 years or until passport expiry.

Product

Fee from 8 April 2026

When it Applies

Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV)

£41.50

For certain nationals transiting airside

Visitor in Transit (landside)

£74.50

Passing through border control

Joining ship or aircraft as crew

£74.50

For aircrew and seafarers joining a vessel or aircraft

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

£20

For eligible non-visa nationals; valid for 2 years or until passport expiry

Study Application Fees (Outside the UK)

Study routes allow international students to pursue education in the UK. Applicants must hold a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed sponsor and meet financial and English language requirements.

Route

Fee from 8 April 2026

Student: main applicant and dependants

£558

Child Student

£558

Short-term English Study: more than 6 months but not more than 11 months

£228

Work and Skilled Routes (Outside the UK)

The UK offers multiple employment-based visas, from short-term placements to permanent work routes. Fees vary by job category and sponsorship type.

Work Visa Type

Fee from 8 April 2026

Notes

Skilled Worker Visa: up to 3 years

£819

Main route for sponsored employment

Skilled Worker Visa: over 3 years

£1,618

For longer-term sponsorships

Health and Care Worker Visa: up to 3 years

£324

Discounted fee; IHS exemption applies to eligible Health and Care Worker applications

Health and Care Worker Visa: over 3 years

£628

Discounted fee; IHS exemption applies to eligible Health and Care Worker applications

Seasonal Worker Visa

£340

Up to 6 months, agricultural sector

Graduate Route

£937

Post-study work permission; this route is applied for from inside the UK

Family and Settlement Visa Fees

Applicants joining family members in the UK under the Family Route or applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) pay the following fees:

Visa Type

Fee from 8 April 2026

Route to Settlement, including eligible spouse or partner applications made outside the UK

£2,064

Family route / leave to remain application inside the UK

£1,407

Route to Settlement, including eligible parent or dependant child applications made outside the UK

£2,064

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

£3,226

Naturalisation (British citizenship)

£1,839

Optional Priority Services (Outside the UK)

Applicants can select optional priority processing, where available, to receive faster decisions. Availability varies by visa route, application location and how the applicant proves their identity.

Service

Fee

Typical Outcome

Priority Visa, Settlement

£500

Decision in approximately 30 working days

Priority Visa, Non-Settlement

£500

Decision in approximately 5 working days

Super Priority Visa

£1,000

Decision usually by the end of the next working day, or 2 working days if the appointment or document upload is at the weekend or on a bank holiday

Paying Fees and Refunds

Visa fees are paid online during application submission. Refund rules depend on the application stage, whether biometrics or evidence have been submitted, and whether the applicant is cancelling the application or requesting a refund.

  • All payments are processed in GBP; conversion and card issuer charges may apply.
  • Fees are not usually refundable once biometrics have been submitted, unless a refund is available under the applicable cancellation or refund rules.
  • Refunds for priority services are not usually available simply because a decision takes longer. Refunds depend on the priority service refund rules and the reason for the delay.

Explore UK Visa Types

Use the table below to explore key UK visa categories and linked overviews:

Standard Visitor Visa

Business Visa

Transit Visa

Study Visa

Child Student Visa

Skilled Worker Visa

Health & Care Worker Visa

Seasonal Worker Visa

Graduate Visa

Spouse Visa

Parent Visa

Family Visa

Settlement (ILR)

Refugee & Humanitarian Protection

About This Page

Author: Michael Gibbons, UK Solicitor and Regulated Immigration Advisor

Reviewed by: UK Visa Applications Editorial Team