If you're a citizen of Ukraine and you're planning to visit the United Kingdom, you'll need to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa. This visa is suitable for people who want to visit the UK for leisure, business, or to receive medical treatment.
In this guide, we'll take a detailed look at the UK standard visitor visa for Ukrainians, including the application process, requirements, and things to consider before you travel.
UK Standard Visa - An Overview
The UK Standard Visitor Visa is a type of visa for individuals who wish to visit the United Kingdom for leisure, business, or to receive medical treatment. This visa category is suitable for people who intend to stay in the UK for up to six months and will not be engaging in any type of paid work or study.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a Standard Visitor Visa, you must be able to prove that you:
Intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit
Have enough money to support yourself without needing help from public funds
Can pay for your return or onward journey
Will not be staying in the UK for more than 6 months
Will not be doing any work or receiving any kind of payment while you are in the UK
Have a good reason for visiting the UK, such as tourism, visiting friends and family, or business.
UK Standard Visa Application Process
The application process for a Standard Visitor Visa is relatively straightforward. Ukrainian nationals will need to fill out an online application form (Available at VisaHQ), pay the visa fee, and provide certain documents as evidence. These include:
Valid Passport - You will need to provide a copy of the bio-data page of your passport or travel document, which must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the UK.
Digital Photographs - You will need to provide two recent passport-sized photographs, one of which should be endorsed on the back with your name, date of birth, and signature.
Proof of Financial Means - You will need to provide evidence that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in the UK without relying on public funds. This may include bank statements, pay slips, and a letter from your employer confirming your employment and salary.
Travel Itinerary and Accommodation - You will need to provide details of your travel itinerary and accommodation arrangements in the UK. This may include flight and train bookings, hotel reservations, or a letter of invitation from a host in the UK.
Purpose of Visit - You will need to provide evidence of the purpose of your visit, such as a letter from a business partner, an invitation from a friend or family member, or a tour itinerary.
Background and Character - You may be required to provide additional information and documents to demonstrate your background and character, such as a police clearance certificate or a letter from your employer or school.
Processing Time
After you've submitted your application, it will be reviewed by a UK visa application centre. They will decide whether to approve or deny your application based on the information and documents you've provided. Therefore, it's recommended to double-check the provided data prior to submitting your UK visitor visa application form.
The processing time for a Standard Visitor Visa can vary depending on the workload of the visa office. However, it typically takes around 3 weeks to receive a decision.
Validity and Extension
These types of UK visas are valid for 6 months from the date of issue. If you need to stay in the UK for longer than 6 months, you can apply to extend your visa. However, you should be aware that it is not always possible to get an extension, and it's best to check with the UK visa office before you travel.
Things to Consider
Here are a few things Ukrainian applicants should consider prior to applying for a UK visa online:
Before you travel, make sure you have all the necessary documents and information, such as your visa and passport and contact details for your accommodation.
Be aware of the UK's rules and regulations regarding entry, including the requirement for a negative COVID-19 test before travel.
Be prepared to show your documents and explain the reason for your visit to the immigration officer at the UK border.
Remember that you cannot work or receive payment while in the UK on a Standard Visitor Visa.
If you plan to extend your stay in the UK, you must apply for an extension before your current visa expires.