--- title: United Kingdom visa for citizens of Iran description: "Citizens of Iran need a visa for the United Kingdom and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 183 days. Fee: £115. Processing: 15–30 days. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/united-kingdom/iran lastModified: 2026-09-05 --- # United Kingdom visa for citizens of Iran Citizens of Iran need a visa for the United Kingdom and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. *Verified · last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.* Official application site: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor-visa ## Key facts - **Entry route:** Embassy / VFS · Standard Visitor Visa (Tourist/Business/Family) - **How to apply:** In-person at an embassy or visa center - **Maximum stay:** Up to 183 days - **Visa validity:** 183 days - **Entries:** Multiple entry - **Processing time:** 15–30 days - **Government fee:** £115 - **Passport validity:** At least 6 months - **Biometrics:** Required - **Appointment:** Required - **Interview:** Not required - **Onward or return ticket:** Not required - **Proof of funds:** Bank statements for last 6 months ## How to apply 1. **Complete online application** — Fill in the Standard Visitor Visa form on gov.uk and pay the application fee online. 2. **Book biometric appointment** — After submitting the form, schedule an appointment at a VFS Global visa application centre. 3. **Attend biometric appointment** — Visit the centre in person to provide fingerprints, photograph, and submit original documents. 4. **Wait for processing** — Standard processing time is 15 working days; some applications may take longer. 5. **Collect passport/decision** — Passport returned with visa vignette (or refusal letter) via courier or pickup. 6. **Travel to the UK** — Present the vignette at the border; maximum stay per visit is 183 days. ## Documents checklist - **Valid passport (with at least one blank page)** (Travel): Passport must be valid for entire stay and have at least 6 months validity from intended travel date - **Completed visa application form (online)** (Supporting): Must be submitted online at gov.uk - **Biometric enrolment appointment confirmation** (Supporting): Booked via VFS Global after online application - **Passport-sized photograph (45mm x 35mm)** (Travel): Recent, taken against a white background - **Bank statements (last 6 months)** (Financial): Show sufficient funds to cover travel and stay - **Employment letter or proof of leave** (Employment): Must confirm duration of employment and approved leave - **Travel itinerary (flight bookings and accommodation)** (Travel): Provide details of purpose and duration of visit - **Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)** (Travel): For the entire stay in the UK - **Round trip flight reservation** (Travel): Not a purchased ticket, but a dated itinerary - **Invitation letter (if visiting friends/family)** (Supporting, optional): Include host's name, address, and passport copy if UK resident - **Proof of civil status (marriage certificate, if applicable)** (Supporting, optional): If travelling with spouse or dependent - **Travel insurance (optional but recommended)** (Supporting, optional): Cover medical emergencies and repatriation - **Previous passports (if available)** (Supporting, optional): To show travel history - **Payment proof for visa fee** (Financial): Pay online before appointment ## Proof of funds - **Minimum balance:** Approximately £1,000–£2,000, depending on length of stay - Bank statements (last 6 months) - Pay slips (last 3 months) - Sponsor's bank statements and letter of sponsorship Must show you can support yourself without working or accessing public funds. ## Good to know - Do not travel before the visa vignette start date. - Overstaying or working without permission may lead to future visa refusal. - All documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. ## Common refusal reasons - **Insufficient funds or unclear source of income** — Provide clear bank statements and sponsor letters if necessary. - **Lack of strong ties to home country (Iran)** — Include employment letter, property ownership, and family ties. - **Inconsistent or missing documents** — Check the document checklist thoroughly before applying. - **Previous visa overstays or immigration violations** — Disclose honestly and provide explanation if applicable. ## FAQs ### Do citizens of Iran need a visa for the United Kingdom? Citizens of Iran need a visa for the United Kingdom and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Standard Visitor Visa (Tourist/Business/Family). ### How long can citizens of Iran stay in the United Kingdom? Up to 183 days. ### How much does the United Kingdom visa cost for citizens of Iran? Government fee: £115. ### How long does United Kingdom visa processing take? Typically 15–30 days. ### What documents do citizens of Iran need for the United Kingdom? Valid passport (with at least one blank page); Completed visa application form (online); Biometric enrolment appointment confirmation; Passport-sized photograph (45mm x 35mm); Bank statements (last 6 months); Employment letter or proof of leave; and 8 more. ### How long must my passport be valid for the United Kingdom? At least 6 months. ### Where do I apply? On the official site: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor-visa ## Sources - [gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor-visa) ## More - [United Kingdom visa for every passport](/visa/united-kingdom) - [Every destination for Iran passport holders](/visa/passport/iran)