The UK Visit Visa, officially known as the Standard Visitor Visa, is your gateway to experiencing the best of the United Kingdom—whether you're planning a holiday, visiting family or friends, attending business meetings, or receiving private medical treatment. It’s especially suitable for Australian residents of non-visa-exempt nationalities who require formal permission to enter the UK for short stays.
With its historical landmarks, world-class cultural attractions, and family-friendly environment, the UK remains one of the top global travel destinations.
The UK Visitor Visa, officially known as the Standard Visitor Visa, serves people who need short stays in the United Kingdom for non-immigration tasks. The visa supports international travelers who want to travel for leisure or visit family or friends or conduct short-term business or seek medical treatment or enroll in educational programs not exceeding six months. The visa provides an appropriate solution for Australian residents who do not have citizenship or need a visa to enter the destination country. The visa allows people to travel to the UK repeatedly on a flexible basis throughout multiple years.
Types of UK visit visa
Ideal for: Holidays, cultural trips, and casual visits.
Ideal for: Professionals making short business trips without taking up employment.
Ideal for: Parents visiting children, or attending family events such as weddings or reunions.
Ideal for: Long-term or specialist medical treatment at UK-approved institutions.
Ideal for: English language courses, workshops, or skill-based programs.
Ideal for: Couples visiting the UK for their legal ceremony (without settling).
*Want to visit overseas? Talk to Y-Axis for complete guidance.
Australian citizens do not usually require a visa to visit the UK for tourism purposes if their stay is under 6 months. They can enter visa-free and enjoy a wide range of activities, including sightseeing, visiting friends or family and attending cultural events.
However, if you're a non-citizen living in Australia—such as an international student, skilled worker, or temporary resident—you may need to apply for a UK Tourist Visa (Standard Visitor Visa) based on your nationality. This visa ensures you can enter the UK legally for tourism and short visits.
Who needs to apply?
Benefits of a UK Tourist Visa
If you're an Australian resident who holds a non-Australian passport and your nationality is not eligible for visa-free entry to the UK, you must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Step 1: Apply Online
Visit the official UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website and complete the Standard Visitor Visa application form. Provide accurate details about your travel purpose and history.
Step 2: Pay the Visa Fee
Submit payment online using a credit/debit card. Fees vary depending on visa duration:
Step 3: Book Your Biometric Appointment
Schedule your appointment at the nearest VFS Global centre in Australia. Centres are located in:
Step 4: Prepare Supporting Documents
You’ll need to gather the following:
Step 5: Attend the Biometric Appointment
Visit the VFS Global centre on your scheduled date to submit fingerprints, a digital photo, and your supporting documents.
Step 6: Wait for Your Visa Decision
Visa processing typically takes 15 to 30 working days. If approved, your passport will be returned with the visa stamp. Priority processing (5 days) and super priority (1 day) are available at extra cost.
| Visa Duration | Fee (GBP) | Approx. AUD |
| 6 Months (Single/Multiple) | £115 | ~$220–$230 |
| 2 Years (Multiple Entry) | £400 | ~$780–$800 |
| 5 Years (Multiple Entry) | £771 | ~$1,500–$1,550 |
| 10 Years (Multiple Entry) | £963 | ~$1,850–$1,900 |
Processing typically takes 15 to 30 working days, depending on season and individual circumstances. Faster processing options are available:
Apply at least a month before travel to avoid delays.
At Y-Axis Australia, we make your UK Tourist Visa application smooth and stress-free with complete assistance from start to finish.
Our services include:
With expert consultants and global experience, Y-Axis helps you travel to the UK confidently and compliantly.
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To apply for a UK Tourist Visa, also known as the Standard Visitor Visa, you must complete an online application through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) portal. After paying the visa fee, you’ll book a biometric appointment at a VFS Global centre. You must submit your passport, proof of residency, financial documents, and travel plans. The visa typically allows stays of up to 6 months per visit and can be issued for 2, 5, or 10 years. Over 2.7 million visit visas were granted globally by the UK in 2022, indicating high travel demand.
If you're a non-citizen living in Australia, you may need to apply for a UK Tourist Visa based on your nationality. Start by filling out the application form on the UKVI website, pay the visa fee online, and schedule your biometrics appointment at a VFS Global centre in Australia. Submit required documents such as your passport, proof of Australian residency, bank statements, and travel itinerary. Most visas are issued as multiple-entry, valid for up to 10 years, allowing repeat visits of up to 6 months each.
The UK Tourist Visa offers multiple benefits for eligible travellers:
Yes, in some cases, a UK Tourist Visa can be extended, but only under exceptional circumstances. Extensions are typically considered for reasons such as medical emergencies or humanitarian grounds. The request must be submitted to the UK Home Office before your current visa expires, and supporting documents must justify the reason for staying longer. Note that the total stay in the UK, including the extension, generally cannot exceed 6 months. Standard Tourist Visa holders are not eligible for long-term extensions for leisure or repeat tourism purposes.
No, you cannot convert a UK Tourist Visa into a work permit while in the UK. The Standard Visitor Visa is strictly for temporary visits and does not permit employment or job-seeking. If you intend to work in the UK, you must return to your home country and apply for an appropriate visa—such as a Skilled Worker Visa—through the correct process. Attempting to change your visa type while on a tourist visa could lead to refusal and impact future visa applications. The UK Home Office enforces strict separation between visit and work visas.
Eligibility for a UK Tourist Visa depends on your nationality and purpose of visit. Citizens from visa-required countries need to apply in advance. You must demonstrate:
In 2022, over 250,000 visitor visas were granted to travellers from Australia and surrounding regions. Applicants should be in good health and must not intend to work or study long-term in the UK.
The UK Tourist Visa fee varies based on the validity of the visa:
| Duration | Fee (GBP) | Approx. AUD |
| 6 months | £115 | ~$220–$230 |
| 2 years | £400 | ~$780 |
| 5 years | £771 | ~$1,500 |
| 10 years | £963 | ~$1,900 |
These fees are accurate as of 2024 and are non-refundable, even if the visa is denied. Additional charges may apply for priority processing or VFS services. Fees must be paid online when submitting the application.
To apply for a UK Tourist Visa, you’ll need:
Yes, the UK Tourist Visa falls under the umbrella of the Standard Visitor Visa category. It allows you to enter the UK for leisure, tourism, visiting family, attending events, or short business meetings. This visa does not permit employment, long-term study, or accessing public funds. Validity options range from 6 months to 10 years, but each stay must not exceed 6 months. As of 2023, over 2.7 million Standard Visitor Visas were issued, making it one of the UK’s most used visa categories for short-term entry.
The standard processing time for a UK Tourist Visa is between 15 to 30 working days from the date of biometric submission. However, during peak travel seasons or if additional documents are required, it could take longer. The UK also offers priority (5-day) and super-priority (24-hour) processing at an additional cost. In 2022, the UK processed over 90% of visitor visas within their service standard. It’s advisable to apply at least 4 weeks in advance of your intended travel date to ensure timely approval.
