Planning a trip to United Kingdom? This guide covers exactly who needs a visa, what it costs, how long it takes and where to apply — using figures from United Kingdom's official immigration authorities.
Quick answer
Most visitors to United Kingdom need uk electronic travel authorisation (eta), with an official government fee of 16 GBP (increasing to 20 GBP from 8 April 2026).
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) |
Who needs a visa for United Kingdom?
UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): Visa-exempt nationalities including Singapore citizens (required from 25 Feb 2026 for entry). NOT available to Indian passport holders.
Standard Visitor visa: Non-exempt nationals: India, China, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nigeria, most of Africa & Middle East.
Standard Visitor Visa: Visa-required nationalities including Indian passport holders travelling for tourism, visiting family/friends, business meetings or short courses.
Standard Visitor Visa: Visa-required nationalities including Indian passport holders travelling for tourism, visiting family/friends, business meetings or short courses.
Standard Visitor Visa: Visa-required nationalities including Indian passport holders travelling for tourism, visiting family/friends, business meetings or short courses.
United Kingdom visa options, fees and processing times
| Option | Official fee | Max stay | Processing | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) | 16 GBP (increasing to 20 GBP from 8 April 2026) | 180 days | Usually within minutes; allow up to 3 working days | https://www.gov.uk/eta |
| Standard Visitor visa | £135 for 6 months (from 8 Apr 2026; was £127); long-term 2/5/10-year visas cost more | Up to 6 months per visit | Standard 3 weeks after biometrics; priority services available | gov.uk online application + biometrics at a visa application centre (VFS Global in Singapore) |
| Standard Visitor Visa | 127 GBP (6-month); 2-yr approx 475 GBP, 5-yr approx 848 GBP, 10-yr approx 1059 GBP | 180 days | Typically about 3 weeks (15 working days) standard; priority services faster | https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor |
| Standard Visitor Visa | 127 GBP (6-month); 2-yr approx 475 GBP, 5-yr approx 848 GBP, 10-yr approx 1059 GBP | 180 days | Typically about 3 weeks (15 working days) standard; priority services faster | https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor |
| Standard Visitor Visa | 127 GBP (6-month); 2-yr approx 475 GBP, 5-yr approx 848 GBP, 10-yr approx 1059 GBP | 180 days | Typically about 3 weeks (15 working days) standard; priority services faster | https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor |
Documents required
For the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA):
- Valid passport
- A working email address
- A debit/credit card
- A digital photo / phone selfie taken in the app
How to apply
- Check your requirement by nationality (table below) or use our checker.
- UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): https://www.gov.uk/eta — allow Usually within minutes; allow up to 3 working days.
- Standard Visitor visa: gov.uk online application + biometrics at a visa application centre (VFS Global in Singapore) — allow Standard 3 weeks after biometrics; priority services available.
- Standard Visitor Visa: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor — allow Typically about 3 weeks (15 working days) standard; priority services faster.
- Standard Visitor Visa: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor — allow Typically about 3 weeks (15 working days) standard; priority services faster.
- Standard Visitor Visa: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor — allow Typically about 3 weeks (15 working days) standard; priority services faster.
- Keep your approval/receipt with your passport; carry proof of accommodation, onward travel and funds.
United Kingdom visa for children and families
Children usually need their own visa or entry authorisation, even infants. For family applications, prepare each traveller's passport and photo, and add birth certificates for minors and, where a child travels with one parent or a guardian, a consent letter. Applying for the whole family together keeps travel dates and reference numbers consistent.
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.
Practical timeline: application → approval → travel
- 6–8 weeks before travel: check your passport validity, confirm your requirement, and start gathering documents.
- 3–4 weeks before: book refundable flights and accommodation (immigration may ask for these), then submit your United Kingdom application.
- Processing: allow Usually within minutes; allow up to 3 working days. Do not make non-refundable bookings until approved.
- On approval: print/save the approval, keep it with your passport, and complete any arrival card before you fly.
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.
Good to know
- Beware unofficial sites charging extra. Apply before you travel — airlines check ETA at boarding.
- Singapore residents apply via VFS Global Singapore.
United Kingdom visa requirements by nationality
| Passport | Requirement | Max stay |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
How much is a United Kingdom visa?
UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): 16 GBP (increasing to 20 GBP from 8 April 2026). HolidaySG's assistance fee is a separate flat S$65.
How long does it take?
UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): Usually within minutes; allow up to 3 working days.
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.