Pakistan passport → United Kingdom

United Kingdom visa for citizens of Pakistan

Embassy / VFSStandard Visitor Visa (Tourism, Family Visit, Business)

Citizens of Pakistan 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.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · Standard Visitor Visa (Tourism, Family Visit, Business)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 180 days
Visa validity	180 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Processing time	15–30 days
Government fee	£127 + £40 service fee
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Proof of funds	Bank statements showing sufficient funds for entire stay and return

How to apply

1
Complete online application on GOV.UK
Fill the UK Standard Visitor Visa application on the official website and pay the visa fee.
2
Book appointment at VFS Global visa application centre
After payment, schedule a biometric appointment at the designated VFS centre in Pakistan.
3
Attend biometric appointment
Visit the VFS centre with your passport, appointment confirmation, and completed application to provide fingerprints and photograph.
4
Submit original passport and supporting documents
Hand over your passport along with all required documents; the centre will scan and forward them.
5
Wait for visa processing (15-30 working days)
UKVI processes the application; you may be contacted for additional information or an interview.
6
Collect passport with decision
Return to VFS centre (or use courier service) to retrieve your passport. Decision letter will indicate outcome.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid Pakistani passport (at least 6 months validity and two blank pages)
Original passport must be submitted.
Completed online visa application form (Appendix 2 may be required for family visits)
Printed and signed.
Recent passport-sized photograph (45mm x 35mm, white background)
Not more than 6 months old.
Biometric residence permit (BRP) if previously held
Optional
If applicable.
Previous visas and travel history (if any)
Optional
Copies of old passports with visas.
Visa fee payment receipt
Pay online or at centre.

Travel

Travel itinerary (flight bookings, accommodation proof)
Not required but strongly recommended.
Proof of accommodation in the UK (hotel bookings, invitation letter from host)
If visiting family/friends, letter from host and their residence proof.
Return flight booking or travel itinerary
Must show onward/return travel.

Financial

Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements last 6 months)
Minimum balance should cover travel and stay.
Additional supporting documents for self-employed (business registration, tax returns)
Optional
To prove stable income.

Employment

Employment letter (or self-employment proof, or student letter)
Shows ties to home country.

Supporting

Sponsorship letter and sponsor's documents (if sponsored)
Optional
Only if someone else covers costs.
Marriage certificate (if applicable for family visit)
Optional
If visiting spouse/partner.

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: Bank statements showing sufficient funds for entire stay and return

bank statements
pay slips
sponsorship letter

Must demonstrate ability to cover all costs without working in the UK.

Good to know

Submit all documents in clear photocopies; originals will be returned.
Avoid providing false information — it leads to automatic refusal and potential ban.
Processing times may increase during peak travel season (summer, holidays).
Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) exemption applies if you have a valid US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Schengen visa or certain others — check before applying.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient financial evidence or funds not covering stay

Provide at least 6 months of bank statements with a stable balance and explain large deposits.

Weak ties to home country (risk of overstaying)

Include evidence of employment, property, family, or studies in Pakistan.

Incomplete or incorrect application form

Double-check all entries and ensure consistency with supporting documents.

Previous visa refusal or immigration violation

Disclose any refusals honestly and provide explanation with supporting evidence.

Sponsor unable to accommodate or insufficient credibility

Ensure sponsor provides their bank statements, proof of address, and a signed sponsorship declaration.

FAQ

Do citizens of Pakistan need a visa for the United Kingdom?

Citizens of Pakistan need a visa for the United Kingdom and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Standard Visitor Visa (Tourism, Family Visit, Business).

How long can citizens of Pakistan stay in the United Kingdom?

Up to 180 days.

How much does the United Kingdom visa cost for citizens of Pakistan?

Government fee: £127 + £40 service fee.

How long does United Kingdom visa processing take?

Typically 15–30 days.

What documents do citizens of Pakistan need for the United Kingdom?

Valid Pakistani passport (at least 6 months validity and two blank pages); Completed online visa application form (Appendix 2 may be required for family visits); Recent passport-sized photograph (45mm x 35mm, white background); Travel itinerary (flight bookings, accommodation proof); Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements last 6 months); Employment letter (or self-employment proof, or student letter); 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/apply-standard-visitor-visa

Sources

gov.uk

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