Your Comprehensive Guide to Applying for a UK Tourist Visa in 2025
The United Kingdom, with its unique culture, stunning landscapes, and rich history, is a captivating destination. However, to step onto British soil, you’ll need a UK tourist visa. This article provides a complete, step-by-step guide to the UK visa application process for 2025, helping you prepare a thorough application and maximize your chances of approval.
1. What is a UK Tourist Visa?
A UK tourist visa, officially known as the Standard Visitor Visa, is a permit granted to foreign citizens who meet specific criteria and wish to enter the United Kingdom for activities such as tourism, cultural exploration, shopping, or similar purposes. This visa also allows entry for visiting relatives, conducting business, or receiving medical treatment.
2. Types of UK Visas
| Visa Type | Purpose |
| Standard Visitor Visa | For individuals visiting the UK for tourism and general sightseeing. |
| Visit Visa for Family | Granted to those traveling to the UK to visit family members or friends. |
| Visit Visa for Business | Also applicable for individuals traveling to the UK for work-related activities, conducting research, participating in religious events, sports, or entertainment. Additionally, professors accompanying students for training courses can use this visa. |
| Child Visitor Visa | Children under 18 years old who wish to visit the UK for tourism for a maximum of 6 months can apply for this specific visa category. |
| Visit Visa for Medical Treatment | Individuals seeking private medical treatment at hospitals or other medical facilities in the UK can apply for this visa, allowing a stay of up to 6 months. |
3. Who Can Apply for a UK Tourist Visa?
To be eligible for a UK tourist visa, you generally need to meet the following requirements:
- Be a Vietnamese citizen holding a valid ordinary passport, regardless of age, gender, or education level.
- Have a genuine intention to visit the UK for tourism and enjoy sightseeing activities.
- Have no criminal record or any unspent convictions.
- Have never entered the UK illegally.
- Have no history of violating immigration laws or being refused entry to the UK in the past.
4. UK Tourist Visa Application Documents
4.1 Personal Documents
- Visa application form (completed online on the official UK government website).
- Original passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the UK.
- Passport-sized photographs meeting UK visa specifications.
- Identification documents: National ID card or household registration book (notarized copies).
- Marriage/divorce certificate (if applicable).
4.2 Employment Documents
- For employees: Employment contract, leave approval letter from your company, salary slips for the last 3 months.
- For business owners: Business registration certificate, tax payment receipts for the last 3 months.
- For retirees: Retirement decision letter, monthly pension statements.
- For students: Student ID card, recent academic transcript, school confirmation letter.
4.3 Financial Documents
- Savings book with a minimum balance of VND 200 million (if available).
- Bank statements for the last 3 months.
- Proof of asset ownership (land, property, vehicles, stocks, rental agreements, etc.).
4.4 Travel Documents
- Detailed travel itinerary.
- Confirmed round-trip flight booking.
- Hotel booking confirmation.
- Travel insurance (recommended).
4.5 Documents for Visiting Relatives (If Applicable)
- Invitation letter from your relative in the UK.
- Documents proving your relationship (birth certificate, household registration book, etc.).
- Sponsor’s documents (passport, UK residency documents).
5. UK Visa Processing Time
Typically, the processing time for a UK tourist visa application is between 7 to 15 working days (excluding weekends and public holidays) from the date of your biometrics appointment. However, this timeframe can be longer if the visa application center receives a high volume of applications or if your documents are unclear, incomplete, and require further verification.
6. UK Visa Application Fees
6.1 Official Visa Fees:
- Short-term visa (Standard Visitor Visa – up to 6 months): Approximately USD 265. This is the most common visa type for tourism, short visits to family or friends, short courses, or occasional business activities.
- Long-term visa (2 years): Approximately USD 535. This visa allows multiple entries within a 2-year period, with each stay not exceeding 6 months. It’s suitable for frequent travelers to the UK.
- Long-term visa (5 years): Approximately USD 1030. Similar to the 2-year visa, the 5-year visa permits multiple entries with a maximum stay of 6 months per visit, but with a longer validity.
- Long-term visa (10 years): Approximately USD 1285. This visa has the longest validity and is suitable for individuals with frequent business or family visits over an extended period. The maximum stay per entry remains 6 months.
Important Note: These fees are the official application fees and are subject to change by UK Visas and Immigration. Always check the latest information on the official UK government website or the VFS Global website before submitting your application.
6.2 Additional Service Fees:
- Translation Fees: If your supporting documents are not in English, you will need to have them translated by certified translation services. Translation costs can range from VND 50,000 to VND 100,000 per page or more, depending on the document type, complexity, and the translation agency.
- Biometric Enrollment Fee (Photo and Fingerprints): During your visa application appointment at the VFS Global center, you will be required to provide biometric data (photograph and fingerprints). This service typically costs between VND 100,000 and VND 200,000.
- Application Support Service Fee (Optional): If you are unsure about the application process or want to save time, you can use visa application support services offered by various agencies. These fees can range from VND 2,500,000 to VND 5,000,000 or higher, depending on the service provider and the package you choose.
- Fast-Track Visa Processing Fee (Optional): If you need your visa processed faster than the standard processing time (usually 15 working days), you may opt for a priority service. This fee can range from VND 500,000 to VND 1,000,000 or more, depending on VFS Global’s current regulations.
- Other Potential Costs: You might incur additional costs such as printing fees, travel expenses to the application center, and postal fees (if applicable).
Advice:
- Carefully review the document requirements and ensure you provide all necessary and accurate information to avoid delays or visa refusal.
- Consider using visa support services if you lack experience or time to prepare the application yourself.
- Always refer to the official websites of UK Visas and Immigration and VFS Global in Vietnam for the most up-to-date information on visa fees.
- Create a detailed financial plan for the entire visa application process to avoid unexpected expenses.
7. Where to Submit Your UK Visa Application in Vietnam?
VFS Global has three locations in Vietnam where you can submit your visa application. Choose the center most convenient for you:
- Hanoi: G02 Floor, Ocean Park Building, No. 1 Dao Duy Anh Street, Phuong Mai Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi.
- Working Days: Monday and Friday
- Working Hours: 08:30 – 15:00
- Da Nang: 6th Floor, ACB Building, 218 Bach Dang Street, Phuoc Ninh Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang.
- Working Days: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
- Working Hours: 08:30 – 15:00
- Ho Chi Minh City: 3B Floor, REE Tower, 9 Doan Van Bo Street, Ward 12, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Working Days: Monday and Friday
- Working Hours: 08:30 – 15:00
8. Study in Vietnam with a UK Degree from De Montfort University
A UK tourist visa opens the door to a world of rich culture and breathtaking landscapes in the United Kingdom. Ensuring a smooth journey involves meticulous preparation of your visa application and adherence to the correct procedures.
However, if you aspire to earn a prestigious UK degree without leaving Vietnam, the program Hoa Sen – De Montfort (UK) offers the perfect solution. With over 150 years of academic excellence, De Montfort University delivers its authentic UK curriculum right here in Vietnam. The program boasts a distinguished faculty, with 50% international experts, and a genuine curriculum, promising a high-quality learning environment. Don’t miss this golden opportunity to “study abroad at home” and build your future today!
See more:
GED – Your Gateway to Global Education
Working in the UK: What You Need to Know After Graduation
DMU Business Hub: Sparking Entrepreneurship, Elevating Skills for DMU-HSU Students
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CONSULTATION CONTACT: Hoa Sen – De Montfort Program (Institute of International Education)
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