How Much Is a Visa To The United Kingdom?

Planning a trip to the United Kingdom is exciting — whether it’s to explore London’s rich history, study at a world-class university, or attend a family wedding. But before you start packing your bags, one big question needs to be answered: how much will your UK visa cost?

Visa fees are a key part of trip planning. Get them wrong, and you may face delays or unexpected expenses. As travel requirements continue to evolve and fees are updated periodically, it’s more important than ever to know what to expect before applying.

This guide breaks down UK visa costs clearly, explains what affects those costs, and shares how TRAVUL.ORG can help you navigate the process without stress.

Understanding UK Visa Costs

The United Kingdom offers different types of visas depending on your purpose of travel — tourism, study, work, family visits, or settlement. Each type has its own fee structure. Below is a detailed look at the most common visa categories.

1. Standard Visitor Visa

This is the most common visa for tourism, family visits, business trips, or short courses.

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  6-month visa: £115

• 2-year visa (multiple entry): £400

• 5-year visa (multiple entry): £771

• 10-year visa (multiple entry): £963

Choosing a longer visa is often better if you plan to travel to the UK frequently, as it saves you from reapplying every time.

2. Student Visa (Tier 4)

If you’re heading to the UK to study, here’s what you’ll pay:

• Visa fee (outside UK): £490

• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £776 per year (for access to UK healthcare)

For a three-year course, the IHS alone can cost over £2,300 — something many students forget to factor in.

3. Work Visas (Skilled Worker & Others)

For those moving to the UK for employment:

• Visa application fee: £719 to £1,500 depending on job type and duration

• IHS: £1,035 per year

Some jobs on the UK’s shortage occupation list qualify for lower fees — a welcome relief if you’re entering industries like healthcare or IT.

4. Family Visas

Joining a spouse, partner, or relative in the UK can be more expensive:

• Family visa application fee: £1,846

• IHS: £1,035 per year

Since these visas typically last 2.5 years, total costs add up quickly.

5. Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain)

This is for those planning to live permanently in the UK.

• Application fee: £2,885

Why Visa Fees Vary

Several factors determine how much you’ll pay:

• Visa type and duration: Longer visas naturally cost more.

• Location of application: Applying from outside the UK sometimes costs differently than applying inside.

• Additional services: Priority or super-priority processing (getting a decision in days instead of weeks) adds £500–£1,000.

• Healthcare surcharge: Nearly all long-term visas require it.

Keeping these in mind helps you budget correctly — no nasty surprises at checkout.

How TRAVUL.ORG Makes It Easier

Understanding visa costs is only the first step. The real challenge is putting everything together — knowing which visa fits your trip, gathering the right documents, making payments correctly, and planning finances. That’s where TRAVUL.ORG comes in.

Our platform is designed to remove friction from every part of your travel journey:

• Visa support built in: Get real-time guidance on the right visa category and up-to-date fees.

• Travel financing: Save or access loans to cover visa costs and trip expenses.

• Integrated trip planning: Coordinate flights, accommodation, and activities alongside your visa application.

• AI-powered assistance: Get personalized recommendations and answers to your questions without hours of research.

Instead of jumping between different websites and services, you handle everything in one place — quickly, securely, and confidently.

FAQs

Are UK visa fees refundable if my application is refused?

No. UK visa fees are generally non-refundable, even if your application is denied.

Can I pay my visa fee in instalments?

The UK Home Office requires full payment upfront. However, TRAVUL.ORG helps travelers by offering financing options to spread costs over time.

Do children pay lower visa fees?

Yes, children often pay reduced Immigration Health Surcharge fees, though visa application fees themselves may remain the same depending on the category.

How long does it take to get a UK visa?

Standard processing takes about 3 weeks from outside the UK. You can pay extra for faster processing.

Will visa fees change soon?

The UK government reviews fees regularly, so costs may increase. Always check the latest official fee list or use platforms like TRAVUL.ORG that keep this information updated automatically.

Final Thoughts

Getting your UK visa isn’t just about filling forms — it’s about planning smartly so you don’t get caught off guard by hidden costs. Knowing the current fees helps you budget, but having a platform that handles the heavy lifting makes the entire process smoother.

With TRAVUL.ORG, you don’t just find out how much your visa will cost — you also get the tools to plan, finance, and manage your entire trip seamlessly.

So, what’s stopping you from planning that UK trip now — is it the paperwork, the cost, or just figuring out where to start?