How to Apply for a British Tourist Visa
The United Kingdom's tourist visa application procedure is extensive and varies according to the home country of the applicant. United States citizens must apply online and provide a biometric finger scan at one of 129 Application Support Centers throughout the country. The biometric appointment should be booked after the online application, supporting documents including a passport and application fee have been submitted to the Visa Services Division of the U.K.'s Border Protection Agency.
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Things You'll Need
- Passport
- Address in the U.K.
- Itinerary
- E-mail address
- Original copies and photocopies of relevant supporting documents
- Application fee
- Biometric finger scan
Instructions
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Applying for a British Tourist Visa
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1
Visit the U.K. Border Agency Visa Services website. Select "apply online" from the menu of options on the left. Click "apply online here" at the bottom of the online application information page.
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2
Complete the online application, indicating an e-mail address, itinerary and expected address in the U.K. Print the completed application.
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3
Submit the completed application, the original and a photocopy of your passport, the original and a photocopy of any chosen supporting documents, and the relevant application fee to the address indicated at the conclusion of the application.
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4
Visit the nearest Application Support Center and provide a biometric finger scan.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Applicants may be asked to attend an interview to assist visa officers in deciding whether to grant a visa. Interview requests are typically made withing 15 working days from the date the visa officer receives the application.
Do not buy a non-refundable ticket to the U.K. until after receiving an approved visa.
References
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