Reviewed by Yasir Khan, Founder, LAMTANS Group of Companies, and British Council registered consultant
A UK visit visa from Pakistan is the Standard Visitor visa, which Pakistani citizens need before travelling to the UK for a holiday, family visit or short business trip. The 6-month visa costs £135, you apply online and give biometrics, and a decision usually comes within 3 weeks. This guide covers the steps, documents and funds.
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What the Standard Visitor visa allows
Pakistan is a visa-national country, so you must have the visa before you fly. The Standard Visitor route covers tourism, visiting family or friends, certain business activities and short courses of up to six months. You cannot work for a UK company, claim public funds or live in the UK through repeated visits. You also cannot marry on this visa: that needs a Marriage Visitor visa.
If you want to study for longer than six months, see our study in the UK guide instead.
UK visit visa requirements
To qualify as a Standard Visitor, you must show the Home Office four things:
- You will leave the UK at the end of your visit.
- You can support yourself and any dependants, or someone else will fund your trip.
- You can pay for your return or onward journey, or someone else will pay.
- You will not live in the UK for long periods through frequent or repeated visits.
You also need a passport or travel document that stays valid for your whole stay. You can usually stay up to 6 months, and you may be asked about your plans at the UK border.
UK visit visa fees in 2026
| Visa | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 months | £135 | Most common choice |
| 2 years | £506 | Up to 6 months per visit |
| 5 years | £903 | Up to 6 months per visit |
| 10 years | £1,128 | Up to 6 months per visit |
| Private medical treatment or academic | £234 | Longer stay possible |
Priority services cost £500 or £1,000 on top, but we could not confirm that they are offered in Pakistan. The gov.uk apply page does not mention the Immigration Health Surcharge for visitors, so we confirm this at your consultation.
How to apply for a UK visit visa from Pakistan
- Apply online on gov.uk, up to 3 months before you travel, and pay the fee.
- Book your biometrics at a visa application centre. gov.uk links to VFS Global for Pakistan, but we could not confirm the centre cities.
- Upload your documents as the online form asks.
- Wait for your decision. The Home Office says it is usually within 3 weeks and emails you when it is made.
We could not confirm a Pakistan-specific processing time, so book early and do not buy a non-refundable ticket before the visa arrives.
Documents and proof of funds
- A passport valid for your whole stay.
- Details of your trip, and of any family you are visiting.
- Evidence of your job, business or studies at home, and, depending on your case, your travel history for the last 10 years.
- Bank statements that show where your money came from.
- Details of anyone paying for the trip, and a TB test certificate if you will stay six months or more.
The UK sets no fixed bank balance: its caseworker guidance says there is “no set level of funds required”. Officers weigh your savings against your costs and your commitments at home. Hotel and flight bookings help less than your ties to Pakistan, so do not rely on them alone.
UK visit visa documents checklist
The online application asks for these details:
- Your travel dates and where you will stay.
- The estimated cost of your trip and your home address.
- Your annual income, if you have any.
- Any criminal, civil or immigration offences.
Depending on your case, you may also need your employer's contact details, your partner's details, details of anyone paying for the trip and details of family members in the UK. Documents not in English or Welsh need certified translations. The visa application centre may keep some of your documents.
UK visit visa processing time
GOV.UK lists the Standard Visitor processing time as 3 weeks, based on current application volumes. The count starts when you prove your identity and attend your biometrics appointment. Applications may take longer if the Home Office needs more evidence, must verify documents or needs an interview, and it will contact you if yours will take longer.
Do not book travel until you have a decision. UKVI will not reimburse travel costs if your application is refused or takes longer than expected.
UK family visit visa
Visiting family or friends is a permitted activity on the Standard Visitor route. You cannot work, claim public funds, or marry or register a civil partnership during the trip.
The application may ask for the name, address and passport number of any family members you have in the UK. If you apply with family, each person needs their own application and must pay the fee. You can apply for a partner or child who cannot apply for themselves.
Common reasons for refusal
Officers must be satisfied that you will leave at the end of your visit and can pay for the trip without working. Recent large deposits, income that does not match your form and weak ties to Pakistan all raise questions. A sponsor in the UK can pay if they have a genuine relationship with you, are legally in the UK and can support the whole stay. Compare other trips on our visit visa guide. Planning to study? Compare options on our student visa from Pakistan guide.
Sources
- GOV.UK: visa processing times
- Standard Visitor visa
- How to apply
- Visa fees from 8 October 2026
- Supporting documents
- TB test countries
Figures checked on 11 October 2026.
Last updated 16 October 2026.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How much is a UK visit visa from Pakistan?
The 6-month Standard Visitor visa costs £135. Longer visas cost £506 (2 years), £903 (5 years) and £1,128 (10 years).
How long does a UK visit visa take?
The Home Office says a decision usually comes within 3 weeks of applying and giving biometrics. We could not confirm a Pakistan-specific time.
How much money do I need to show?
There is no fixed amount. You must show you can pay for your trip and your commitments at home without working.
Can I get married in the UK on a visit visa?
No. You need a Marriage Visitor visa for that.
Can you guarantee my UK visit visa?
No. Only the Home Office decides. We check your documents and tell you honestly how strong your case is.