Passport rule
Passport or travel document should be valid for the whole UK stay. A blank page is needed if applying for a Standard Visitor visa.
GOV.UK Standard Visitor visa guidanceVisa requirement workflow
UK family visit visa checklist
Prepare UK family visit visa documents with host details, invitation letter, accommodation, funds, relationship proof, travel history, and home ties.
Last verified
2026-04-29. Rules can change, so always check the official source before final submission.
Scenario notes
Family visit cases need a clear stay plan, host relationship, host address, and funding explanation.
Applicants should prepare their own funds or income evidence where self-funded, and sponsor evidence only if another person pays.
The app checks whether required online application, biometrics, passport, and supporting evidence are ready.
Application steps
Check whether the planned activity is allowed for a Standard Visitor.
Check whether the applicant needs a visa or ETA.
Apply online, pay the fee, and book a visa application centre appointment if a visa is needed.
Prepare evidence showing purpose, funds, accommodation, travel history, and reasons to leave after the visit.
Attend biometrics/document appointment and wait for a decision.
Document checklist
Passport or travel document
GOV.UK says applicants must have a passport or travel document valid for the whole stay, with a blank page if applying for a visa.
Online application and fee confirmation
A Standard Visitor visa application is submitted online, and the applicant pays the fee before the appointment.
Biometrics appointment confirmation
If applying for a visa, the applicant books a visa application centre appointment to prove identity and provide documents.
Travel dates and stay plan
The online application asks for planned travel dates, where the applicant will stay, and estimated trip cost.
Applies when: Applicant is visiting the UK for tourism, family, friends, study, medical care, or transit.
Funds or income evidence
Applicants must show they can support themselves and pay for return or onward travel, or show funding from another person.
Applies when: Applicant pays personally or partly pays for the trip.
Sponsor funding evidence
If someone else pays, GOV.UK asks for the payer's name and address and the applicant should evidence the support.
Applies when: Another person will cover some or all trip costs.
Home, work, study, family, or property ties
Supporting documents should help show genuine visitor circumstances and that the applicant will leave at the end of the visit.
Applies when: Applicant wants to show ties to home or residence country.
Accommodation or host details
The application asks where the applicant will stay; host or accommodation evidence can make the stay plan clear.
Applies when: Applicant will stay with family, friends, a host, hotel, or other accommodation.
Family or friend invitation details
For family/friend visits, host details and relationship context help explain the purpose of travel.
Applies when: Purpose of visit is family visit, friend visit, or applicant will stay with a host.
Travel history for past 10 years
GOV.UK says applicants may need to provide travel history for the past 10 years depending on circumstances.
Applies when: Applicant has prior international travel or previous visas.
Private medical treatment evidence
Medical visitors may need extra evidence about treatment, costs, and arrangements.
Applies when: Purpose of visit is medical treatment.
Transit onward travel evidence
Transit visitors should evidence confirmed onward journey and ability to enter the onward destination.
Applies when: Purpose of visit is transit.