How much does a United Kingdom visa cost in 2026? This page breaks down the official government fees by visa type, plus the extra charges people forget — service fees, biometrics and courier — so there are no surprises.
United Kingdom visa at a glance
| Visa required? | Yes, for many nationalities |
|---|---|
| Main visa type | UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) |
| Government fee | 16 GBP (increasing to 20 GBP from 8 April 2026) |
| Processing time | Usually within minutes; allow up to 3 working days |
| Validity | 2 years (or until passport expiry), multiple entries |
| Permitted stay | 180 days |
| Where to apply | https://www.gov.uk/eta |
| HolidaySG assistance fee | S$65 per applicant (usually S$100) |
United Kingdom visa fees by type
| Visa type | Official fee | Validity | Max stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) | 16 GBP (increasing to 20 GBP from 8 April 2026) | 2 years (or until passport expiry), multiple entries | 180 days |
| Standard Visitor visa | £135 for 6 months (from 8 Apr 2026; was £127); long-term 2/5/10-year visas cost more | 6 months (or 2, 5, 10 years long-term) | Up to 6 months per visit |
| Standard Visitor Visa | 127 GBP (6-month); 2-yr approx 475 GBP, 5-yr approx 848 GBP, 10-yr approx 1059 GBP | 6 months standard; 2, 5 or 10-year multiple-entry options available | 180 days |
| Standard Visitor Visa | 127 GBP (6-month); 2-yr approx 475 GBP, 5-yr approx 848 GBP, 10-yr approx 1059 GBP | 6 months standard; 2, 5 or 10-year multiple-entry options available | 180 days |
| Standard Visitor Visa | 127 GBP (6-month); 2-yr approx 475 GBP, 5-yr approx 848 GBP, 10-yr approx 1059 GBP | 6 months standard; 2, 5 or 10-year multiple-entry options available | 180 days |
Extra charges to budget for
- None if applied via official UK ETA app / GOV.UK
- VFS Global service fee, optional priority/super-priority service, optional SMS and value-added services
What HolidaySG charges
HolidaySG's assistance fee is a separate flat S$65 per applicant (usually S$100), on top of the official government fee above. We check eligibility, prepare your documents and track the application — the government fee is always paid to the authority, not to us.
Common mistakes, delays and rejection reasons
From handling United Kingdom visa applications, these are the issues that most often cause delays or refusals. Avoiding them is the single biggest thing you can control:
- Passport validity: many countries require at least six months' validity beyond your travel dates — renew early if yours is close.
- Insufficient proof of funds: bank statements that are too thin, too new, or not in your name are a common reason for delays. Show a stable balance over the last 3–6 months.
- Photo specification errors: wrong size, background colour, glasses or a smile can bounce an application. Follow the exact spec for United Kingdom.
- Applying too late: submit well before departure — allow the full processing window plus a buffer, not the minimum.
- Mismatched documents: names, dates and passport numbers must match exactly across your form, flight and hotel bookings.
- Weak ties to your home country: employment letters, leave approval and return bookings help show you intend to return.
- Prior overstays or refusals: declare them honestly; hiding history causes more problems than the history itself.
Before you travel to United Kingdom
- Onward or return ticket: carry proof — airlines and immigration can ask for it.
- Funds: have evidence of enough money for your stay (card and some GBP (British Pound)).
- Travel insurance: strongly recommended, and mandatory for some destinations.
- Copies: keep a digital and paper copy of your visa/approval and passport photo page.
Things to do once your United Kingdom visa is sorted
Popular experiences in United Kingdom you can book on HolidaySG:
- Royal London: A Walk Through History and Heritage podcast tour — from GBP 8
- St. Paul's Cathedral — from GBP 25
- Stonehenge immersive audio tour — from GBP 4
- Stonehenge, Windsor, Bath & Salisbury Day Tour from London — from SGD 175
- Stratford Upon Avon self-guided audio tour — from GBP 8
- The Original London Sightseeing Bus Tour — from SGD 56
Official sources
- GOV.UK — Home Office — verified 19 August 2026
- GOV.UK — Home Office — verified 16 August 2026
Last updated 20 August 2026. Written and reviewed by the HolidaySG visa team and checked against the official sources above (facts verified 19 August 2026). Visa rules change and depend on your passport, residence and purpose of travel — always confirm with the official source before booking, or use our visa checker. HolidaySG re-confirms current requirements at the time of your application.