---
title: United Kingdom visa for citizens of Pakistan
description: "Citizens of Pakistan need a visa for the United Kingdom and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 180 days. Fee: £127 + £40 service fee. Processing: 15–30 days. Documents checklist and application steps."
canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/united-kingdom/pakistan
lastModified: 2026-09-05
---

# United Kingdom visa for citizens of Pakistan

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.*

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

## 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

- **Valid Pakistani passport (at least 6 months validity and two blank pages)** (Identity): Original passport must be submitted.
- **Completed online visa application form (Appendix 2 may be required for family visits)** (Identity): Printed and signed.
- **Recent passport-sized photograph (45mm x 35mm, white background)** (Identity): Not more than 6 months old.
- **Biometric residence permit (BRP) if previously held** (Identity, optional): If applicable.
- **Travel itinerary (flight bookings, accommodation proof)** (Travel): Not required but strongly recommended.
- **Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements last 6 months)** (Financial): Minimum balance should cover travel and stay.
- **Employment letter (or self-employment proof, or student letter)** (Employment): Shows ties to home country.
- **Sponsorship letter and sponsor's documents (if sponsored)** (Supporting, optional): Only if someone else covers costs.
- **Proof of accommodation in the UK (hotel bookings, invitation letter from host)** (Travel): If visiting family/friends, letter from host and their residence proof.
- **Return flight booking or travel itinerary** (Travel): Must show onward/return travel.
- **Marriage certificate (if applicable for family visit)** (Supporting, optional): If visiting spouse/partner.
- **Previous visas and travel history (if any)** (Identity, optional): Copies of old passports with visas.
- **Visa fee payment receipt** (Identity): Pay online or at centre.
- **Additional supporting documents for self-employed (business registration, tax returns)** (Financial, optional): To prove stable income.

## 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.

## FAQs

### 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](https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor-visa/apply-standard-visitor-visa)

## More

- [United Kingdom visa for every passport](/visa/united-kingdom)
- [Every destination for Pakistan passport holders](/visa/passport/pakistan)
