I would like to share my personal experience: how to apply for a visa to the United Kingdom.
At the moment, tourist visas are issued quite readily, and flight prices are often affordable. If you haven’t been yet – London is a must visit! It truly is the capital of the world.
Application process:
1. Filling out the application form
On the website: Visa and Emigration services select Visit or Transit visa.
I used step-by-step instructions on YouTube.
👉 Important details:
• Purpose of the trip – tourism.
• Provide hotel booking (with free cancellation).
• Estimated expenses → your bank account should show a higher amount than you declared.
• Mandatory – official employment or studies + regular bank transactions.
• You may apply for a visa from any country where you are legally staying (attach a supporting document).
• Travelers recommend attaching a cover letter, where you briefly describe your itinerary and explain why you want to visit. This increases the chances of approval.
• A separate application form must be completed for each family member. For children, parents act as sponsors.
2. Visa fee
£120 (≈€156) – standard multiple-entry visa for 6 months.
There are also options for 2, 5, and 10 years, but they are more expensive. Many people first apply for the 6-month visa, and then, when reapplying, the chances of getting a long-term one increase.
3. Biometrics
After completing the application, book an appointment for biometrics at a convenient TLS contact center.
Centers are available in Warsaw, Budapest, Chișinău, Bucharest, Vilnius, Dublin, and other cities.
Some centers also offer an additional “Assisted Service” – staff help with uploading your documents (you don’t need to do it online). This service is paid.
4. Required documents
• Bank statement for the last 6 months in English.
• Employment letter (proof of work).
• Document confirming legal stay abroad.
• Flight booking and hotel voucher (booking confirmation or screenshot is sufficient).
• Property ownership documents (if available).
• If you have old passports with visas (Schengen, USA, Canada) – attach copies. This demonstrates your travel history.
The most important thing is to prove strong ties to your country of residence (work, studies, family) and sufficient financial means.
5. Visa center appointment
On the scheduled day, you provide fingerprints, a photo, and leave your passport.
Processing usually takes up to 21 days.
You can pay for “Priority Service” – in this case, the decision comes within 5 working days (costs about £250 extra).
Even if you have applied before, you must repeat the biometric procedure for a new visa.
6. Receiving the result
After processing, you will receive an email – then you can collect your passport with the visa or order delivery (paid service).
It is recommended to apply in advance (at least one month before your trip).
