Visa to England: types, how to obtain and avoid refusal

For most foreigners, obtaining a visa to the UK remains a mandatory step before traveling. The procedure for obtaining a visa to England in 2025 is a complex and detail-oriented process. Even a minor mistake in the application form or in the document package can lead to a refusal, which will result in a loss of time and money.

If you want to get a British visa quickly and without stress, you can use the help of accredited visa agencies.

How to apply for a visa to the UK in 2025 — key points:

• A visa is required for citizens of most countries of the world. In 2025, the ETA system (Electronic Travel Authorization) has been introduced for citizens of visa-free countries — EU, USA, Canada, and others.
• The type of visa depends on the purpose of the trip: tourism, education, work, family reunification, and others.
• The processing time for applications —from 15 working days.
• Applications are submitted online, with mandatory document translation.

Read on to learn all the nuances.

• A visa is required:
  • Citizens of visa countries (Russia, Ukraine*, Belarus, Kazakhstan, etc.).
  • For work, study, long-term residence (even from visa-free countries).
• Visa not required: Citizens of the EU, USA, Canada, Japan, etc. (up to 6 months for tourism). Read more in our ETA section to England
• For Ukrainians from 2022 – simplified programs (Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Scheme).
• Transit through the UK
  • Visa-free: Citizens of visa-free countries, Passengers with visas, USA/Canada/Australia
  • Visa required: DATV (up to 24 hours in the airport), Visitor in Transit (up to 48 hours with exit into the city)
• Long-term visas are issued for:
  • Work (Skilled Worker, Health & Care)
  • Study (Student Visa)
  • Family reunion 

An inviting sponsor (employer/university) is required for all categories.

According to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), citizens of a number of countries are required to obtain a visa to enter the United Kingdom. Here is the full list of these countries:

1. What is eVisa?

• Digital replacement for physical documents (BRP - Biometric Residence Permits, BRC - Biometric Residence Cards, visa stickers).
• Confirms your immigration status and conditions of stay in the UK.

2. Who needs an eVisa?

• Long-term visas (over 6 months) and indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
• EU citizens with settled status
• Short-term visas (up to 6 months) — currently do not require eVisa.

3. Benefits of eVisa

• Security: Cannot be lost or forged.
• Convenience: Quick status check at the border and for employers/landlords.

4. Important deadlines

• Until June 2, 2025: Expired BRP/BRC can still be used to log in to your account.
• After June 2, 2025: eVisa is mandatory for travel to the UK (BRP/BRC are invalid).

5. e-visa for children

• Children under 18: Account is created in the name of the parent/guardian.

According to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), the following types of visas are available for entry into the country: 

1. Visitor visas (up to 6 months, no right to work/study)

• Tourist (Standard Visitor Visa). For relaxation and sightseeing.
• Business (Business Visitor Visa). Conferences, negotiations (without employment).
• Family (Family Visitor Visa). Visits to relatives/friends in the UK.
• Child (Child Visitor Visa). For minors (up to 18 years old).
• For study (Short-Term Study Visa). Short courses up to 6 months.
• For marriage (Marriage Visitor Visa). Marriage/partnership registration (without further residence).
• Transit (Transit Visa). Direct Airside (up to 24 hours in the air zone) / Visitor in Transit (up to 48 hours with city exit).

2. Student visas

• For children (Child Student Visa). Education in schools (4–17 years), term up to 6 years.
• For adults (Student Visa). Higher education, part-time work allowed (up to 20 hrs/week).

3. Work visas

• Skilled Worker Visa. For skilled professionals with an offer from a UK employer (up to 5 years).
• Graduate Visa. For graduates of British universities (up to 2 years of work).
• Youth Mobility Scheme. For citizens 18–30 years old from participating countries (up to 2 years).
• Temporary Worker Visa. Internships, volunteering (up to 1–2 years depending on category).

4. Family visas

• Family Visa. Reunification with spouse, children, parents-citizens of the UK.
• Partner Visa. For spouses/partners of UK residents (with the right to permanent residence after 5 years).

5. Other visas

• Investor Visa. For investors from £2 million.
• Global Talent Visa. For scientists, IT specialists, artists.

The final cost of a tourist visa to England depends on the applicant's nationality, consular fee, and surcharge for urgency. You can find out the exact cost using visa calculator on our site.

• Standard term: 15 working days (sometimes longer during peak season)
• Urgent review: 5–7 days (for an additional fee).

Terms depend on nationality, consular resources workload, and season.

• International passport (validity +6 months).
• Application form (filled online).
• Photo (35×45 mm, white background).
• Financial proof (bank statement, income certificate).
• Proof of travel purpose (hotel reservation, invitation, itinerary).
• Evidence of ties to the homeland (employment certificate, property documents).

All documents - in English (or translated). Additional document list for each type of visa read below

Apply 1–2 months before the trip! Refusals are mostly due to lack of funds or errors in the application. To avoid unpleasant situations, contact us - we will minimize the risk of refusal.

• Business visa (Business Visitor Visa):
  • Invitation from a company in the UK (on official letterhead specifying the purpose of the trip).
  • Confirmation of employment (contract, letter from employer).
  • Confirmation of a business meeting or participation in a conference (entry tickets or event program).
• Family visa (Family Visitor Visa):
  • Invitation letter from a relative (indicating the address of residence in the UK).
  • Proof of family relationship (birth certificates, marriage).
  • Documents confirming financial support (sponsorship letter, statements from the inviting party's accounts).
• Child visa (Child Visitor Visa):
  • Child's birth certificate.
  • Permission to travel (if the child is traveling with one parent or a third party).
  • Written consent of the parents/guardians.
• Student visa (Student Visitor Visa):
  • Confirmation of enrollment in an educational institution (invitation letter from the educational institution).
  • Confirmation of payment of tuition.
  • Confirmation of funds for living expenses (account statements).
• Marriage visa (Marriage Visitor Visa):
  • Letter confirming intention to marry.
  • Confirmation of booking a place for the ceremony.
  • Certificates of termination of previous marriages, if applicable (divorce, widowhood).
• Student Child Visa (Student Child Visa):
  • Confirmation of enrollment in a school or college.
  • Documents of guardians in the UK, if parents are not accompanying the child.
  • Confirmation of the child's residence in the UK.
• Skilled Worker Visa (Skilled Worker Visa):
  • Official job offer (sponsor license from employer).
  • Confirmation of qualifications (diplomas, certificates).
  • English language proficiency level (IELTS test results or equivalent).
• Temporary Worker Visa (Temporary Worker Visa):
  • Contract with employer.
  • Confirmation of cultural or sports program, if applicable.
• Youth Mobility Scheme visa (Youth Mobility Scheme):
  • Confirmation of citizenship of the participating country.
  • Evidence of financial means for living

The team at Buch-dein-visum.de will professionally assist with your visa application to the UK. We are an independent agency and are not affiliated with the British consulate. You can apply on your own, but errors or incomplete document packages may result in denial without a refund. In most cases in Germany, direct submission to the consulate is not available. Want to save time and avoid risks? Contact us — we will help at every stage.

Buch-dein-visum.de — an accredited visa agency with more than 10 years of experience in the field of international migration. We specialize in professional assistance in obtaining visas and electronic permits (ETA) to England, the USA, Canada, and other countries of Europe and the world. Our team provides full support: from consultation to application submission, which helps clients avoid mistakes and expedite the visa obtaining process.