subject: Uk Tourist Visa - Things You Should Know [print this page] A UK visa is a form of entry clearance or a certificate that is included in your travel document or passport giving you the permission for entering the United Kingdom (UK). On your arrival in the country, a UK Border Agency officer will check the fact that you are here as a tourist. A UK tourist visa allows an individual a limited tenure of stay and leisure travel within the country (up to six months) and may also cover business trips as well as medical treatment.
What are the benefits associated with a UK tourist visa?
- The UK tourist visa can last till two years if the visa is granted for several or multiple entries.
- An individual is permitted to stay in the UK on a tourist visa a maximum period of six months, with the exception of medical visitors. They may prolong their stay if required.
- One of the most important advantages that come with a UK tourist visa is that the eligibility requirements are quite few, which is unlike student visas, longer tenure business visa or a Tier 1 visa.
What are the steps involved in the application of a UK visa?
You can apply for a UK tourist visa in advance for up to three months of the date you intend to actually travel to the UK. It is recommended that applicants do not make a confirmation of the travel arrangements to the UK unless they receive their visa.
- The first thing you should do is to check on the UK Border Agency website and see if you really need a visa for the UK. U.S citizens are permitted to enter the UK without a visa for tourism as well as business purposes.
- You must have a valid passport for a minimum of six months remaining validity.
- Download the visa application form from the website of the UK Border Agency and print it on a standard paper. Carefully complete the different sections of the application form, ensuring correctness, and remember to sign it.
- The things to be submitted include a valid passport, signed and completed application form, supporting documents proving that you are travelling to UK as a tourist, and a passport sized colour photograph. You must submit original as well as copies of the requested documents.
- Schedule an appointment with the visa application centre for submitting your finger scans or biometric data.
- When going on a vacation, you will be asked to submit the vacation dates or a return ticket. In case you are visiting your friends or family, a sponsor or the person you will visit should give a letter explaining the relationship with you as well as your reasons for visit.
- The final step involves waiting for the decision on the visa application. The processing times vary with each individual visa application.
An authentic or a reliable agency will be able to guide you in the entire process. However, you should exercise some caution with regard to your selection of the agent to avoid being cheated or misled.
by: Scott King
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