UK Visa Cost: Complete Guide to Fees and Payments

The UK visa cost is the fee you must pay to the British government to obtain permission to enter, work, study or settle in the United Kingdom.

Key Facts

• Standard visitor visa fee starts at £100 (as of the latest GOV.UK rates).
• Work, study and settlement visas range from £244 to £1,408, depending on the category.
• Payments are accepted online via credit/debit card or PayPal on the official visa application portal.
• Processing times vary: 3 weeks for most visitor visas, up to 12 weeks for settlement routes.
• Refunds are only issued if the application is withdrawn before a decision is made.

What is the UK visa cost for the most common visa types?

The British government publishes a fee schedule for each visa category on GOV.UK. Below is a concise overview of the current charges.

Visa Category	Typical Fee (GBP)	Notes
Standard Visitor (up to 6 months)	£100	Includes tourism, business, and short‑term study.
Short‑term Study (up to 6 months)	£100	For courses not exceeding six months.
Tier 2 (General), Skilled Worker	£244	Requires a certificate of sponsorship.
Tier 4 (Student), General	£363	Must meet the points‑based system.
Spouse/Partner Settlement	£1,408	Allows residence and work rights.
Innovator Visa	£1,021	For entrepreneurs with endorsed business ideas.

How to pay the UK visa cost

All visa fees are collected through the online application system operated by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). The steps are:

1. Complete the visa application on the official portal.
2. Proceed to the payment page where you can use a Visa, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal.
3. Submit the transaction; you will receive a receipt by email.
4. Print the receipt and attach it to your supporting documents when you attend the biometric appointment.

Cash payments are not accepted. If you encounter a payment error, the portal provides a troubleshooting guide.

Are there any additional costs beyond the visa fee?

Yes. Applicants should budget for:

• Biometric enrolment (£19.20 per person).
• Healthcare surcharge (£624 per year for most long‑term visas).
• Optional priority or super‑priority processing (£500‑£1,000).
• Courier or postal fees for document delivery.

Can the UK visa cost be reduced?

Discounts are limited. Certain groups, such as children under 18, students on specific scholarships, and diplomatic staff, may be exempt from some fees. The official guidance lists eligible categories and the required proof.

What happens if the visa application is refused?

The fee is non‑refundable. However, you may re‑apply and pay the full amount again, provided you address the reasons for refusal. Some applicants choose to appeal the decision, which incurs an additional £200 fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a UK visitor visa?

The standard visitor visa costs £100, covering stays up to six months for tourism, business or short‑term study.

Do I need to pay the visa fee in advance?

Yes. Payment is required before you can schedule a biometric appointment and submit supporting documents.

Is the UK visa cost the same for all nationalities?

Fees are uniform across nationalities; the cost depends on the visa type, not the applicant’s country of origin.

Can I get a refund if I change my travel plans?

Refunds are only possible if you withdraw the application before a decision is made. Once a decision is issued, the fee is non‑refundable.

Where can I find the most up‑to‑date fee information?

All official rates are published on the GOV.UK visa fees page

For related guidance on applying for a UK visa, see our step‑by‑step guide to England visasIf you are budgeting travel costs, compare the visa fee with other expenses in our Tesla cost guide

Sources: GOV.UK – Visa feesUpdated: October 30, 2026.