London is one of the most visited cities in the world. Whether you want to explore its iconic landmarks, study at a UK university, or start a new job, you will most likely need a visa to enter. But how much does a visa to London actually cost?
In this guide, we will break down the visa types, costs, application fees, additional expenses, and the application process in simple language. This article is designed to help travelers understand the true cost of getting a UK visa in 2025.
Visa Types and Costs
The United Kingdom offers different types of visas depending on the purpose of your visit. Here are the most common visa types for travelers heading to London:
Standard Visitor Visa (Tourist Visa)
Purpose: Tourism, visiting family or friends, short business trips.
Duration: Usually valid for 6 months.
Fee: £115 GBP (~$145 USD / €135 EUR)
Long-Term Standard Visitor Visa
Purpose: Repeated visits over a longer period.
Duration: 2, 5, or 10 years (each visit limited to 6 months)
Fee
2 years: £400 GBP (~$500 USD / €470 EUR)
5 years: £871 GBP (~$1,090 USD / €1,020 EUR)
10 years: £1,084 GBP (~$1,355 USD / €1,270 EUR)
Student Visa
Purpose: Studying at an approved UK institution.
Duration: Duration of the course (can be extended)
Fee: £90 GBP (~$460 USD / €430 EUR)
Child Student Visa (under 18)
Fee: £90 GBP (~$460 USD / €430 EUR)
Skilled Worker Visa
Purpose: Taking up a job offer from a UK employer.
Duration: Up to 5 years
Fee
Up to 3 years: £636 GBP (~$795 USD / €745 EUR)
More than 3 years: £1,235 GBP (~$1,540 USD / €1,445 EUR)
Graduate Visa
Purpose: Stay in the UK after finishing a degree
Duration: 2 years (3 for PhD grads)
Fee: £822 GBP (~$1,025 USD / €960 EUR)
Family Visa (Spouse, Fiancé, Parent)
Purpose: Joining family members living in the UK
Duration: Usually 2.5 years, renewable
Fee: £1,846 GBP (~$2,300 USD / €2,160 EUR)
Application Fees
In addition to the visa cost, there are other charges to consider:
Biometric Fee
Purpose: Fingerprints and a photograph
Fee: £19.20 GBP (~$25 USD / €23 EUR)
Healthcare Surcharge (for visas longer than 6 months)
Fee: £624 GBP per year (~$780 USD / €730 EUR)
Priority and Super Priority Services
Priority Service (decision within 5 working days): £500 GBP (~$625 USD / €580 EUR)
Super Priority Service (next working day): £800 GBP (~$1,000 USD / €935 EUR)
Currency Information
Visa fees are charged in British Pounds (GBP), but it’s helpful to understand them in other currencies too. Currency rates fluctuate, so always check the latest rates before payment. Here’s a quick guide:
1 GBP = approx. 1.25 USD
1 GBP = approx. 1.17 EUR
Additional Costs
Applying for a visa also involves some extra costs that are often overlooked:
Travel Insurance
Purpose: Required for visitors, covers health and emergencies
Estimated Cost: $50 – $200 USD depending on coverage and length of stay
Document Translation and Certification
Purpose: Required if your documents are not in English or Welsh
Estimated Cost: $20 – $100 USD per document
Courier Services
Purpose: Delivery of your documents or passport
Estimated Cost: $20 – $60 USD
TB Test (for certain countries)
Purpose: Required for visas over 6 months if you’re from specific countries
Fee: Varies by location, usually around $100 USD
Application Process
Here are the basic steps to apply for a UK visa for London:
Check your visa type: Visit the official UK government website to see what type of visa you need.
Apply online: Fill out the application form on the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website.
Pay the fee: Use a credit/debit card to pay the visa fee and any additional charges.
Book an appointment: Schedule an appointment at a visa application center (VAC) to give biometrics.
Submit documents: Upload your documents online or bring them to your appointment.
Wait for a decision: Standard processing usually takes 3 weeks.
Exemptions or Discounts
Some applicants may qualify for reduced fees or exemptions:
Children under 18: Often pay a lower fee for some visa types
Diplomatic and official passports: May be exempt from fees
Certain nationalities: May qualify for special visa schemes (e.g., Youth Mobility Scheme)
Asylum seekers and refugees: Usually exempt from visa fees
Conclusion
Getting a visa to visit, study, or work in London involves more than just filling out a form. You need to understand the costs involved, from the visa fee itself to extra expenses like biometric charges, healthcare surcharges, and document translations. While the process may seem complicated, being prepared can make it easier.
Always double-check the latest visa requirements and fees before applying. The official UK government website is your most reliable source. By planning ahead, you can avoid surprises and ensure your journey to London starts off on the right foot.
