Before “B” was born, my frequent destination is UK. In fact more frequent than our home country just because it is much easier for me to fly there on a standby ticket. In this article, I will share the process that I followed when we applied for a UK Visa for Entry to UK from Dubai.
Tourist / UK Visa Application Process
- Plan your trip in advance. UK visa can be applied up to 90 days before the scheduled date of arrival. [For other nationalities, click here to check if you require a visa to enter the UK.]
- Download the visa requirement checklist for a tourist visa. Review the checklist and ensure that you have or will have the requirements ready on the date of the application. Submit only authentic documents. They are quite diligent and they do check if documents submitted are authentic.
[Tweet “First time visitors are only allowed to apply for short term (6 months) tourist visa to the UK.”]
- Fill up the online tourist visa application form in this website. Registration is required. Payment is also online.
- If you do require a tourist UK visa and if you don’t already have, register for an account to access VFS Global Services
- Save and print your application.
- Plan for a date on when the application will be submitted for appointment. Ensure that all the requirements are ready on that date.
- Review your application form before scheduling an appointment. Once an appointment is scheduled, you will not be able to edit the application form.
Interview / Appointment
- Once you have an account, login to your account by clicking on the Book an Appointment Link
- Once you are sure that all the requirements will be ready on the date of the application you are now ready to schedule an appointment pay the required fees for VFS services.
- On the day of the appointment, ensure that you have all the required documents as stated in checklist. Be at the VFS at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time.
- Go to step one presenting your appointment letter. Take a number and go to the application room.
- When your number is called a VFS employee will check your documents. Listen and follow the advice of the VFS employee they are there to ensure the highest possibility of success of your application.
- Proceed to the biometric collection room.
- Take the receipt with reference number and keep it safe as you will need that to collect your passport.
- You can know the status of your UK visa application by opting for the SMS Service at the time of submitting your application at the visa application centre.
- After a decision has been made, your documents will be delivered to you by post if you have selected this option. Otherwise, you can pick them up in person from the visa application centre.
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Meet the “A” in A, B & Me! I’m your tech-savvy guy, but I’m also a big fan of action-packed movies, binge-worthy TV shows, whipping up hearty dishes (and devouring them with gusto!), and going on thrilling adventures around the globe. Let’s dive into the tech world together, with a side of rugged excitement.
Hello Alvin! I am planning to travel to Scotland by First week of July 2022. I have an auntie who is currently living in Scotland, she is a permanent resident but not a citizen there. She is planning to send me a letter of invite for me to stay in their house. Do you think this is possible? Any idea what documents I could provide for it for my application? Thank you in advance.
You should also submit passport and visa copy of your relative plus bank statement jus to prove that your relative is not relying on public funds.
Do you have any idea how much you should have in your bank account? Let’s say you’ll stay there for 12 days. Tbh, I don’t want my auntie to spend/shoulder my expenses there. but only for an accommodation. Plus, what was your experiences when you went to the immigration? what have they asked u? Thank you again!
There so specific value, it is required just to prove that your relative is not dependent on public funds. For your bank statements, it should show that you have enough funds for the duration of your stay and the activities you want to spend on. The immigration will ask you questions to prove that you are just visiting and will leave the country at end of the stated duration of your stay.
Hi Alvin!. I don’t have a sponsor sa UK and I don’t know anyone there. Is the letter of invitation from sponsor necessary/?If yes, paano ako mamamamakuha nun kung wala naman akong kakilala dun? Please advise. Thanks!
Letter of invitation is not mandatory, Kailangan mo lang mag provide ng hotel booking.
Hello po! Ask ko lang po kung may minimum required validity and Dubai residence visa? Planning to apply on Dec 2019 and travel date 2nd week of February 2020. Residence visa ko po valid until 8th July 2020. Okay lang po ba un? Thank you po.
There is no minimum validity stated in the requirements, however, as a general practice, residence visa should be at least 3 months valid at the time of application and at least 30 days valid at the time of intended departure from UK.
Hi po Sir Alvin. Ako po ay OFW dito sa Abu Dhabi biland Nanny/Babysitter. Gusto ko po sana mag apply ng visitor visa sa UK para po bisitahin ang kaibigan ko na nasa UK. Resident po siya at willing mag sponsor at magbigay ng invitation letter.. Ano po ba ang chance ko na ma-approve kung di naman po malaki ang sweldo ko. May ilan beses na rin po ako nakarating sa UK kasama po ang amo ko saka mga alaga ko po. Makaka bawas po ba ito sa tsansa na ma approve ang aplikasyon?
Kakailanganin mo ng no-objection letter galing sa employer mo. Depende din kung kelan mag expire ang visa mo. Kung malapit na mag expire ang visa sa petsa ng plano mong pag punta ng UK makaka apekto yun sa application mo.
Hello po.
Hihingi po sana ako ng advise regarding for UK visit visa application which is planned on December this year po sana.
Bale may invitation po ako doon and willing nman yung company ko na magbigay ng NOC (almost 6yrs in the company).
Any specific amount po na kailangan sa savings kahit may sponsor po ako sa UK?
Depende po kung gano kayo katagal dun saka kung anong activities ang gagawin habang nandun. Tatanungin ka namam sa application form kung magkano ang budget mo for the trip. Kung magkano ang ilalagay mo dapat ganun ang laman mg account mo or at least a percentage kung pinag iipunan mo pa till December.
Bale almost a month po yung plano na stay don.
While yung salary transfer naman namin is up to date na pumapasok sa banko.
Mainly is papasyal sa mga touristic place lang nman po.
Then yun to meet and spend time with his family.
Mag provide din nman po yung nag invite sakin ng invitation, passport copy, national id, company contract at ownership ng bahay nya.
Baka hanapan din kayo ng bank statement ng sponsor, they need to confirm na may capacity yung sponsor.
Ok po willing nman xa magprovide ng mga necessary documents.
One more question po yung invitation at ung ibang supportings nya po ba dapat original at may signature nya?
Yung invitation kahit email lang directly sa consulate tapos naka cc ka then print mo na lang. Yung ibang document gaya ng passport and bank statement copies lang.
Ok po, maraming salamat!
God bless po!
Hello sir ask ko lang if humihingi ba sila ng any proof of docs regarding s tirahin mo dito s UAE?
Hindi, naman sila nag hahanap ng proof, ang hinahanap nila employment certificate saka no objection certificate base sa naka saad na profession.
Hello po.
May follow up question po ako, Is it true na kung ang email na natanggap mo after ng application is “issued means approved while concluded means refused”?
In most cases yes.
Hi Alvin, just a quick question in uploading documents through online, where can I upload the passport and residence visa? is it under “other documents”? is it really need a travel insurance for application?
It is not required to upload any document. All original documents must be submitted in person at the date and time of the appointment. Yes, it is mandatory to have a travel insurance.
there is option for self uploading(free) and documents uploading service in VFS (with charge). We opt for self uploading and make sure that all supporting documents were uploaded before you come on your appointment. Yesterday was our appointment and wait for the results.
Thank you for letting us know.
Hi. How many working days before you got your visa?
It depends on when you applied, it usually takes longer close to peak travel season such as summer and during school breaks. It can range from 14 to 30 days for normal applications. There are fast track options but you will have to pay for that service. In our case, usually get it within 2 weeks.
Hi there, i just applied (a family of 4 ) on 25th july. Earlier in 2017 we also went and got standard visa in 7 days.
Any idea this time around how many days ill have to wait?
Its second working day and my flight is on 13th aug
Some of the people I know who applied recently got their visa within 14 days.
14 calendar or working days?
Also , i have been to uk twice before, does this speed up the process by any chance?
The people you know were going for the first time ?
Thanks in advance
Its 14 calendar days, being in the UK before does not speed it up, it just improve your chances of getting a visa.
The process duration is still dependent on the number of applications they are processing.
Sir, if my company here in Dubai will be paying for all the expenses for a business trip and i have a UK company who will send me an invitation letter is there a requirement for me to submit documents re: financial documents that i have sufficient funds for my stay? Thank you.
What is the purpose of the business trip? You need to show evidence like invitation to a conference or trade show. You still need to provide your bank statement in order to prove that you are working for that company that will send you on a business trip. You have to provide a letter from the company that states that they are sending youbon a business trip and the company will be responsible for all your expenses.
Yes sir. We will prepare a Sponsorship letter (the like) to show that my company will shoulder all. Another one sir, is it possible for me ( a first timer) to get a long term standard visitor visa for at least 2 years? I have read that business visit is only for 6 months or less. My boss told me once that it should be a long term standard visit because i might be traveling back and forth but then again this is my first time to apply for UK visa.
No. It will not be possible. You will only get a visa for the duration of your business trip plus 2 days for travel max. You will be denied of you request for 2 years because your real purpose will be questionable. You also risk getting blacklisted.
I got it sir. Thank you for your advice i can discuss the same with my boss.
Hello Sir, the checklist that I got has this: Documents showing where you live, such as:
Property deed / mortgage statements / tenancy agreements / accountant’s
letters / land registration documents
If I’m only renting here, in a room/partition in the UAE, should I still provide it? thank you!
The checklist contains a list of documents that you may submit but it does not necessarily mean that you have to submit all of the listed document. You cannot provide what you do not have.
Hello sir! I would like to ask if what are the requirements for married couple whop wants to apply for UK Visa. Do we need to apply separately? I mean spearate requirements and bank accounts needed po ba? thank you in advance:)
Yes, you have to fill up an application each and submit the required documents separately but do indicate that you will be traveling with each other.
Hi, I am working in Dubai & I would like to visit UK with my family on August 2019. My brother and his wife are UK Citizens. We are planning to stay with them during this tour. Please let me know what all documents I need to get from him for applying UK visit visa.
You need to get his passport copy, a letter addressed to the consultate which states that they are inviting you and that your family will be staying with them for the duration of the trip. You might also ask for a bank statement.
hi kabayan thanks for this blog content 🙂 just wanted to ask if it’s okay employment certificate lang di kasi nag provide company ng NOC at hindi pa approved leave dates ko. any advice? thank you and godbless.
Depende kung gano ka na katagal sa company. Kasi kung less than 1 year questionable na mag leave agad. Pero kung more than a year naman ok lang na employment certificate lang.
mag one year palang po ako this end of february 🙂 ang submit ko po is employment at salary certificate & bank statement with payslip narin kasi nakalagay sa payslip kung ilang days ang available na leave ko. thanks po 🙂 may sponsor din po ako sa Uk.
Mag request ka din ng letter sa company na wala sila objection na mag leave ka sa petsa travel dates na ilagay mo sa application.
hi po 🙂 just want to let you know i got my UK visit visa lastweek. it takes 11 working days 🙂 thanks God 🙂 thanks po for replying to my queries. i didn’t provide NOC po pala kasi nasa salary certificate ko na kasi kung ilang days ang available na leave ko 🙂
Congratulations. Enjoy your holidays.
hi Sir i will just to inquire what are the documents required aside the letter of invitation im getting a invitation from my brisith friend and she willing to send me letter and what ever supporting documents required to visit her on June 2019 which date you think is best to apply for visa thanks
In addition to your bank statement and salary certificate, you may be required to provide bank statement and employment certificate of your sponsor to prove his/her capability to support you while you are there. Passport copy of your sponsor is also required.
Hi Alvin,
Hope you are well. Just a doubt for UK visa application as I am travelling with my wife & my infant Daughter who are dependent on me. So there would be a separate application (same login account) for we 3 or in 1 application only I can apply? or there would be separate login for all and separate application too.
If it is a same login 23 application how to go to the next application after I finish mine..? I am resident of Dubai and Indian National.
Thanks
You only need one login account and apply for you an all your family members travelling with you. Each application has a separate application number. You will see all applications listed in the main page.
Thanks..
I have a similar query. I am applying visa for myself, wife and child. As I understood from your reply above, from one log in, I can make three applications. How about the appointment time at VFS? How do I ensure we all three get same appointment time?
When you schedule the appointment, it will be one appointment for all of you.
Thanks Alvin. One more query, do we need to submit Air tickets and hotel booking with the application. Actually I have planned to book tickets after the issuance of visa.
You have to submit flight and hotel bookings. Make sure that your booking is fully refundable.
I have some doubts in check list for UK visa from Dubai, in the check list last 3 I don’t understand for what is that asked and document I have to provide ? Am living alone in Dubai and family in India. If anyone can assist me please thanks in advance.
It is not a list of documents that you must provide but an indication of the types of documents that are commonly submitted.
Dear Mr.Alvin, my concern is what document should i provide for the below, am alone traveling to UK with friends and also am living alone in dubai, my whole family living india. i need your help on this please do the needful.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
13. 7Evidence of your marital status, such as: marriage certificate / civil partnership certificate /
divorce certificate / death certificate /
14. Evidence of family members remaining in your home country whilst you travel
15. 6Any other documentation. Such as: evidence of any correspondence/ TB certificate
The more documents from the list you submit, the higher is your chance of getting a visa. Item 13 and 14 is used to determine if you have a family that you need to go back to. If you do, you are less likely to overstay in the UK.
thanks and what document for 13 and 14, is the passport copy ok coz marriage certificate i dont have now. and i have less money to apply like 4500 aed only now in my bank account. and i i get paid on my annual leave when i travel, so can i mention that in the last step in the online application, in that they ask to give more details about anything related to my tour. waiting your reply thanks.
You have to submit what document is stated on the list. Those 3 documents are not mandatory to be submitted but will help your application. If you say you are married but not able to present a marriage certificate, your intention for travel becomes questionable. You will also be asked why are you travelling by yourself and not with your family. In many cases, those who apply as a family have a better chance of getting a visa.
thanks dear Alvin, i have completed 5 online application who will be applying with me together, and i can see a fee amount for each application 130 USD, so do i need to pay anything apart from this charges for finger print and vfs charges? please do the needful
There may be an SMS charge if you want to be notified of the progress of your application.
Hi
thanks for great summary what needs getting visa
For how long should we provide “documents showing the income” to get visa successfully from embassy?
thanks so much
Typically, 6 months of bank statement is required. Its not only the amount of income that is being assessed from the bank statement. First thing that is checked is the consistency between the salary stated in your employment certificate and amount going in to your bank account. It also shows your spending habit.
Dear Alvin do I need travel insurance for UK visa application? And can I use color copy of online bank statement? Please give me reply if possible sorry to disturb you. Am in last stay for applying on Tuesday!!!
Yes you need a travel insurance and a certified copy of bank statement