NOTE: This guide was last updated in June 2025. Please check the authenticity and validity of the information on this website before proceeding with your visa application. Use Timatic and the official sources on this page for the most up-to-date information.

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a North-western European country known for its prominent role in world history. With its rich culture, stunning natural landscapes, and iconic cities, the UK is one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe. If you are also planning a visit to the UK, this guide covers everything you need to know about the UK’s visa policy.

Do I Need a Visa to Travel to the United Kingdom?

Depending on your nationality, you might need a visa to travel to the United Kingdom. You can visit the official website of the UK government to check if you need a visa.

What Is ETA?

If you are from one of the countries whose citizens can travel to the UK without a visa, you will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Starting April 2025, the UK requires foreign nationals from visa-free countries to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

Did You Book a Flight to the United Kingdom?

Have you booked a flight to the United Kingdom? Check Pegasus Airlines' cheap flight tickets for the most affordable rates!

With our affordable flights, you can make it to the UK without going over your budget. Also, you can use our United Kingdom travel guide to prepare the ultimate itinerary for an enjoyable tour.

You may also be interested in these guides:

• London Travel Guide
• Scotland Travel Guide
• Edinburgh Travel Guide

Looking for a place to stay? Our hotel booking page might help you find the best accommodation in the United Kingdom.

UK Visa Types

The United Kingdom has various visa types for all types of visits. Some of the most applied categories are:

• Standard Visitor Visa: A typical tourist visa, the Standard Visitor Visa allows the holder to visit the United Kingdom for a certain period of time. This visa does not permit one to seek a job or take on employment in the UK.
• Family Visa: If you have family in the UK, you can apply for a Family Visa. Depending on your purpose of visiting and relation to the UK resident family member, you might need to apply for a different sub-category.
• Work Visa: Foreign nationals who have a job offer from a British company or seeking employment in the UK can apply for a Work Visa. This visa allows the visa holder to stay within the UK as long as they are employed.
• Study Visa: International students can apply for a UK Study Visa to pursue their education in the UK.

General Requirements to Apply for the United Kingdom Visa

Some of the general requirements to apply for the UK visa are:

• Valid passport or travel document,
• Proof of travel itinerary, including planned dates of travel, accommodation details, and estimated cost of the trip,
• Current home address and duration of residence,
• Parents’ names and dates of birth (if known),
• Proof of annual income or employment status (if applicable),
• Details of any criminal, civil, or immigration offenses (if any),
• Travel history for the past 10 years (if applicable),
• Employer’s name, address, and telephone number (if employed),
• Partner’s name, date of birth, and passport number (if applicable),
• Name and address of the person or organization funding the trip,
• Details of any family members residing in the UK,
• Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate (if required for stays over 6 months),
• Certified translations of any documents not in English or Welsh,
• Biometric information: fingerprints and a photograph taken at a visa application centre.

Remember that you might need to submit further documentation depending on the purpose of your visit and your nationality.

What is Visa Sponsorship for the United Kingdom?

If you have a job offer in the UK, your employer may sponsor your visa application, simplifying the process.

UK Visa Rules

In addition to the required documents, there are various rules and restrictions associated with UK visas:

• If you are traveling with a Standard Visitor Visa, you cannot work in the UK or access public funds,
• You cannot stay within the UK longer than your visa permits,
• Your passport or travel document must be valid during your visit,
• You cannot get married or register a civil partnership with a Standard Visitor Visa,
• If you are planning to switch to another visa type, you cannot do it while in the UK; you must leave the country and apply from abroad,
• Citizens of countries that do not require a travel visa must apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization).

UK Visa Requirements

UK visa requirements vary depending on the applicant's nationality, due to various bilateral and multilateral agreements. Below, you can find some of the country and region-specific requirements for the UK visa.

UK Visa Requirements for Schengen Countries

Nationals of Schengen countries can travel to the United Kingdom without a visa for short stays. Still, they must apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) before their journey.

UK Visa Requirements for the US and Canada

Citizens of the USA and Canada can also travel to the UK without a visa, by applying for an ETA.

UK Visa Requirements for Non-Europeans

Travelers from most non-European countries need a visa prior to their trip to the UK.

UK Visa Requirements for Irish Citizens

The UK and the Republic of Ireland comprise the Common Travel Area, allowing citizens of both nations to travel, work, and reside in each other's country.

UK Visa Fees

The UK has fixed visa fees for different visa types. You can find a list of fees in the table below:

Remember that visa fees might change and check the official website of the UK government to see the most up-to-date fees.

You can check the visa requirements for your trip to Iran by visiting the Timatic and the Official visa page of United Kingdom.

Sources:

https://visa-fees.homeoffice.gov.uk/y

https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor/apply-standard-visitor-visa