What is a UK Tourist Visa?
If you’re traveling from Thailand to the United Kingdom, you’ll need a Tourist Visa in most cases. Also known as a Standard Visitor Visa or a UK Visitor Visa, it is valid for up to 6 months and grants you the freedom to explore the countries of Great Britain at your leisure. Whether you’re visiting your friends, staying with your relatives, or going sightseeing, this UK Visa provides the easiest path forward.
If you’re planning a visit to the United Kingdom from Thailand, continue reading to learn more about what you can do on a tourist visa and how to apply for one so you can streamline your journey and prevent disruptions.
Benefits of the UK Tourist Visa
Holding a UK Tourist Visa lets you do more than just visit the United Kingdom. The visa offers a variety of benefits, allowing you to fulfill all kinds of needs and purposes while in the country without applying for multiple visas. With this one visa, you can do the following:
- Friends and Family: Visit and travel with your friends and relatives while in the UK.
- Volunteer: Take advantage of your visitor status to volunteer for at least 30 days at a registered charity.
- Transit: If you’re thinking about stopping by before visiting another country, you can use the UK as a transit region. Just be aware that the UK is NOT a member of the Schengen Agreement, so if you are traveling into mainland Europe, you will likely need to apply for a Schengen Visa.
- Certain Business Reasons: Fulfill some unpaid business activities on the visa such as attending job interviews or corporate meetings.
- Training: While on a tourist visa, you can hone your skills by taking part in conferences, training sessions, and seminars.
- Student Exchange Program: Join an exchange program for the opportunity to study in an environment different from your own.
In some circumstances, you can stay longer than 6 months in the UK. This is especially true if any of the statements below apply to you while under visitor status:
- You are seeking medical treatment in the United Kingdom.
- You will be studying at a university or another type of educational institution.
- You are either an academic, a senior doctor, or a dentist.
You will need to discuss this with UK Immigration, however, as extensions are not automatically granted.
UK Tourist Visa Restrictions
While there’s lots you can do on a tourist visa, there are some restrictions to keep in mind. It is important to remember that being caught participating in a restricted activity has dire consequences, ranging from fines to even a possible deportation from the country. As a holder of a tourist visa, you cannot do any of the following:
- You cannot use the visa as a way to prolong your stay in the UK and make repeated visits.
- You cannot secure paid or unpaid employment in the country.
- You must not produce any goods or perform any services.
- You cannot use the visa as a means to get married or register a civil partnership.
- You cannot transit to a country located outside the Common Travel Area without a separate visa.
UK Tourist Visa Requirements
The UK Tourist Visa application shares multiple similarities with other applications, in that you have to satisfy eligibility requirements and submit several important documents. Fortunately, UK Tourist Visas have fewer requirements to meet. The following requirements include:
- Returning Home After 6 Months: While you can stay longer on a tourist visa under a few situations, the visa usually lasts up to 6 months. Once your visa expires, you’ll need to return to Thailand or apply for another UK visa.
- Financial Stability: You have to fulfill the minimum financial requirements to show that you have enough income and funds to financially support yourself.
- Return Flight Ticket: Given that you have to return to Thailand by the end of your stay, you must purchase a return flight or a round-trip ticket and present proof in your application.
Invitation Letter: You can use the tourist visa to visit your friends or family, but they must write you a letter showing evidence of their address and their intent to accommodate you.
Required Documents
Once you’re fully qualified for the visa, you’ll need to obtain some documents for your application. All these documents must be in English, or be accompanied by a certified translation from a government-approved translator.
- Completed and signed UK Tourist Visa application form
- A valid passport (in color, with at least 6 months of validity remaining)
- Passport-sized photograph of yourself (in color, taken in the last 6 months against a white background)
- Proof of your finances (such as a bank statement)
- A flight itinerary with details about your return flight to Thailand
- Evidence of your strong ties to Thailand (such as a proof of address document or employment letter)
- Invitation letter from your friends or relatives (if you’re going to be living with them)
- Any additional documents as requested by the immigration authorities
If you’ll be living with a friend, significant other, or your relatives, they need to provide some documents for you. To qualify, they must hold citizenship status in the UK or be a permanent resident, and need to provide the following documents as proof that they will be sponsoring you for the application:
- An invitation letter highlighting the purpose of your visit and their address
- A sponsorship letter
- Financial and employment documents to show they can support you financially
How to Apply for a UK Tourist Visa in Thailand
Now that you have all the required documents for your application, you can choose to apply for a tourist visa either electronically or in person. Once your application is lodged, simply go through the steps below to complete your application:
Step 1: Complete a Biometric Assessment with VFS UK
When your application is submitted, the UK Visa Application Centre (VFS) in Thailand is the first organization to receive it. Authorized by UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI), VFS UK is responsible for assessing your biometrics. They will normally request you to book an appointment so they can collect your biometric information in person. Once this is all done, they will forward your application to UKVI for further processing.
Step 2: Your Application will be Processed by UKVI
The UKVI will be responsible for further processing of your application and making the final decision. Upon approval, UKVI will notify you via email and affix your visa to one of the blank pages in your passport.
Step 3: Collect Your Passport
Having passed your application, your passport and visa are ready for collection. You can pick it up either in person at the Visa Application Centre or request a courier service to drop it off at your address in Thailand. You now have the visa in your hands and will be able to travel to the United Kingdom.
Professional Assistance for Your UK Visitor Visa Application
If you want professional services to secure your UK Tourist Visa in the swiftest and easiest way possible, contact Siam Legal today for a consultation. Our full-service law firm and visa consultancy have been running for over 20 years in Thailand, so we’ve got the knowledge and experience to ensure you can travel to the UK, smoothly. With our visa specialists by your side, you’ll fulfill your dreams of being able to explore the United Kingdom.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Receive a UK Tourist Visa if My Passport is Expiring Soon?
This depends on how many months are remaining on your passport. To apply, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months and cover the entire duration of your stay.
Can I Receive an Application Checklist?
If you need guidance on what documents to get for your application, then reach out to our team for a free checklist. We will give you detailed instructions on how to get everything you need for your tourist visa application to save you time and effort.
How Long Does it Take to Receive a UK Tourist Visa?
It can take up to 30 days on average to receive a UK Tourist Visa, but the time it takes can depend on many different reasons. For instance, your application can be delayed if you are missing any important documents or forms. If some of the information you’ve shared with immigration is false, this can also cause wait times to be longer. Other factors include nationality and the time of year you’re applying.
How Much Do UK Tourist Visa Application Services Cost?
For a price of 24,500 baht plus value-added tax (VAT), we’ll grant you all the support you need to ensure your travel plans aren’t disrupted by immigration issues. While this fee covers all the assistance we provide, it doesn’t include other related fees such as for the visa itself or to submit your application.
What Can I Do if My Application Gets Rejected?
If your application has been rejected, then don’t worry, for our team has got your situation under control. The moment you receive your rejection letter, reach out to our Foreign Visa Team and we’ll help you reapply for your visa. With our help, there’s still a chance for you to travel to the United Kingdom.
Contact Us
Connect with our UK Visa Services team directly by scanning the WhatsApp QR code. We’re here to assist you with all your visa inquiries and provide support throughout your application process.
You may also contact us using the form below. Please completely fill out the form and submit it to us.
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