Pakistani citizens need a Standard Visitor visa 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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
Visiting for family, business or treatment
For a family visit, include your host’s details and your relationship to them. If your host pays, they must be legally in the UK and able to support you and their own dependants for the whole stay. Business visitors can attend meetings and conferences but cannot sell at trade fairs or do paid work. For private medical treatment, you can stay up to 11 months, which needs a letter from a UK doctor and a £234 visa.
Children need not hold funds in their own name: parents or a third party may pay. We help you prepare a clear cover letter and check every document before you submit.
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.
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Official sources: Standard Visitor visa · How to apply · Visa fees from 8 October 2026 · Supporting documents · TB test countries. Figures checked on 11 October 2026. Reviewed by Yasir Khan, British Council registered consultant, LAMTANS Consultants. Last updated 11 October 2026. Rules change, so we confirm the latest position at your consultation.