This page provides a practical overview, per UK visit/transit visa category, of the UK visa application form (and, where applicable, Appendices), to be completed; links to relevant UKBA Visa Guidance on how to complete your form, UKBA Supporting Documents Guidance for your visit/transit category, and the relevant UK Immigration Rule for that visa category. All the links for your visit/transit visa category in one quick glance! If you are not sure which visit/transit visa to apply for, please read our ‘Overview of different UK visit/transit visa categories’ first.
Please note that, in terms of application forms, in most countries (but not all!), you must apply for your visa online using UKBA’s Visa4UK system. The Visa4UK online application system can be found here. Please do not forget to print out your online application form, and to sign and date it. Even though your application form is submitted online, you will still need to provide a printed, signed and dated copy at the time of your appointment at the visa application centre! In some countries, you must complete the form by hand on a printed application form. To find out whether you need to complete an online form or a handwritten form, you should always check UKBA’s country finder here. The country finder will tell you which type of form to complete (online or handwritten) and what the application procedures are in your country.
An online form automatically generates the correct application form for you after you have completed a few questions concerning your application. You will find that you do not have to choose from any particular application form; you simply answer a few questions about the purpose of your application and the system automatically generates the correct form for you. If you have to complete a handwritten form, you will need to know which form to complete. Using the country finder on the UKBA website will tell you which form to complete. You will find the country finder here.
UKBA’s country finder will advise you where to apply, how to apply, which type of form to submit, how to book an appointment and how you can pay the visa processing fees.
UK Visit and Transit Visas: UK Visa Application Forms, UK Visa Guidance, and UK Immigration Rules
| Visit and Transit | ||||||
| Visa Category | Application Form | Guidance to complete form | Supporting Documents Guidance | PBS Policy Guidance | Additional form (Appendix) to be completed | Paragraph Immigration Rules |
| General visit/Tourist | VAF1A | Click here | Click here | Not applicable | Not applicable | 41-46 |
| Family Visit | VAF1B | Click here | Click here | Not applicable | Not applicable | 41-46 |
| Business Visit | VAF1C | Click here | Click here | Not applicable | Not applicable | 46G-46L |
| Permitted Paid Engagements | VAF1C | Click here | Click here | Not applicable | Not applicable | 56X-56Z |
| Prospective Entrepreneur | VAF1C | Click here | Click here | Not applicable | Not applicable | 56N-56Q |
| ADS Visitor | VAF1A | Click here | Click here | Not applicable | Not applicable | 56G-56J |
| Student Visitor | VAF1D | Click here | Click here | Not applicable | Not applicable | 56K-56M |
| Prospective Student | VAF3A | Click here | Click here | Not applicable | Not applicable | Para 82-87 |
| Parents of Children at School | VAF1A | Click here | Click here and here | Not applicable | Not applicable | 56A-56C |
| Academic Visitor | VAF1E | Click here | Click here | Not applicable | Not applicable | 46G |
| Marriage/Civil Partnership Visitor | VAF1F | Click here | Click here | Not applicable | Not applicable | 56D-F |
| Medical Visitor | VAF1G | Click here | Click here | Not applicable | Not applicable | 51-56 |
| Visitor in Transit | VAF1H | Click here | Click here | Not applicable | Not applicable | 47-50 |
| Direct Airside Transit | VAF6 | Click here | Click here | Not applicable | Not applicable | Note1 – see below |
| Sports Visitor | VAFJ | Click here | Click here | Not applicable | Not applicable | 46M-46R |
| Entertainment Visitor | VAFK | Click here | Click here | Not applicable | Not applicable | 46S-46X |
| Child Visitor | Note 2 | Note 2 | Note 2 | Not applicable | Not applicable | 46A-46F |
| Note 1: Direct Airside Transit visa. Technically, this is not a visa. It is a requirement under the Asylum and Immigration Act 1993 and the subsequent Immigration Transit Visa Order 1993 for certain nationals to hold transit visas even when they transit airside, that is, change aircraft without passing through UK immigration controls at a UK airport. The Transit Visa Order 1993 can be found here.
Note 2: Child Visitors. Child Visitors complete the form in the relevant Visit Category (e.g. General Visitor, Family Visitor etc.). They should also read the corresponding Guidance Notes and Supporting Documents. Child Visitors can also come to the UK to study if they are under 18 years old and want to come for studies in the UK for up to 6 months. While they are in the UK as a child visitor, they cannot ‘switch’ and apply to extend their stay as a Tier 4 (Child) student. If they want to study under Tier 4 (Child), they will need to leave the UK and apply from the country where they are resident. Please note that UK visa application forms, guidance and rules are subject to frequent change. Before applying for a visa, you should always check the UKBA website for correct and up-to-date. The information contained in this page is purely for informative purposes and its use is at your own risk. |
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