Visitor Visa Cost Calculator 2024
Visitor visa costs in 2024: mandatory UKVI fees, attorney costs and hidden expenses. Calculate your total.
Applying for a Visitor visa in 2024? Don't get surprised by hidden fees. This calculator shows every mandatory and optional cost — UKVI filing fees, attorney fees, and extras like biometrics and premium processing — so you know the real total before you apply.
Mandatory UKVI fees for the Visitor
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a Visitor application in 2024.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor application fee (6 months) | £135 | — | Official ↗ |
Source: UKVI Visa Fees Table. Fees change — verify before filing. Last full data review: August 2026. See our methodology.
Optional costs
Attorney fees
£300 – £1,500 in Average (UK). Typical cities: London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh.
Premium processing
Not available for this route.
Medical exam
£0 – £400 — TB test required only for applicants from listed countries.
Translation services
£50 – £200 — Certified translations of supporting documents.
Other optional fees
- Longer-term Visitor (2 years): £506
- Longer-term Visitor (5 years): £903
- Longer-term Visitor (10 years): £1,128
How to apply for the Visitor
- 1
Confirm eligible activities
Tourism, business meetings, some study, or medical treatment; check whether your nationality needs a visa.
- 2
Gather evidence
Funds, ties to home country, and travel plans.
- 3
Apply online
Up to 3 months before travel; pay the fee (£135 for up to 6 months).
- 4
Verify identity and await decision
Via the app or a biometrics appointment.
Typical processing time: Standard visit visa applications outside the UK typically take about 3 weeks; priority options are available for a fee.
Documents you'll need
- Valid passport covering the full stay
- Bank statements/proof of sufficient funds
- Evidence of ties to home country
- Return travel evidence/itinerary
- Invitation letter or event details, if applicable
Common mistakes to avoid
- Insufficient or unclear evidence of funds
- Weak evidence of ties to home country, raising doubt about intent to leave
- Vague or inconsistent stated purpose of visit
- Prior immigration history issues (overstays, previous refusals) undermining credibility
Sources: gov.uk — Standard Visitor visa
Cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Includes | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| A — Solo, no attorney | Mandatory government fees only | £135 |
| B — With attorney | Government fees + attorney, no premium | £435 – £1,635 |
| C — Attorney + premium + dependents | Everything included | £4,007 – £6,242 |
How to save money on your Visitor
- File without an attorney if your case is straightforward — you can cut £300–£1,500.
- Skip premium processing unless you genuinely need a fast decision.
- Prepare documents yourself to avoid translation and document-prep fees.
- Double-check every fee on the UKVI website so you never overpay a third party.
Visitor cost FAQ (2024)
How much does a Visitor visa cost in 2024?
The total estimated cost of a Visitor visa in 2024 ranges from about £435 to £6,242, depending on whether you use an attorney, pay for premium processing, and include dependents.
What is the Visitor application fee?
The government application fee varies by visa and year. UKVI publishes the current schedule, and this calculator itemises every mandatory fee with a link to the official source.
How much do immigration lawyers charge for a Visitor visa?
Attorney fees typically add £2,000–£5,000 depending on the city and case complexity. The calculator lets you toggle attorney costs on or off to compare.
Can I apply for a Visitor visa without a lawyer?
Yes. Many applicants file without a lawyer and only pay the mandatory government fees. An attorney is optional but can reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
What hidden costs should I budget for?
Beyond the filing fee, budget for biometrics, medical examinations, certified translations, and premium processing if you need a faster decision.
Is premium processing available for a Visitor visa?
Premium or priority processing is available for many routes for an extra fee, but not all. Check the calculator's options and the UKVI website for eligibility.
Do I have to pay extra for dependents?
Yes — each dependent usually requires an additional application fee and, in some countries, a health surcharge. Toggle the dependents option to include them.
Are visa fees refundable if my application is refused?
In most cases government application fees are not refunded if the application is refused. Always verify current policy with UKVI before paying.
How often do UKVI fees change?
Fee schedules are reviewed periodically and can change each year. This calculator is updated from official sources, but confirm the current fee before you file.
What is the cheapest way to apply for a Visitor visa?
Applying without an attorney, without premium processing, and without dependents keeps you at the low end of the cost range — usually just the mandatory government fees.
Use the calculator above for your specific case
Get an instant total and download a free PDF report.