How to apply for and obtain a standard visitor visa to the UK?

Documents and information to be submitted

- the dates you plan to travel to the UK;

- where you will be staying during your visit;

- how much you think your trip will cost;

- your current home address and how long you have lived there;

- the names and dates of birth of your parents (if known);

- how much you earn per year (if you have an income);

- details of any criminal, civil or immigration offenses you may have committed;

Depending on the circumstances, you may also need to provide:

- details of your travel history for the last 10 years;

Proving your identity and submitting documents

As part of your online application, you will need to make an appointment at a visa application center. Please allow time for the appointment as the visa center may be in another country. British visa centers accept documents for visas in Poland, Hungary, Moldova, Romania, France, and other countries.

💡 Important: Citizens who do not have valid passports can also apply for a visa at a British visa center. In this case, it is necessary to explain the reason for the absence of a passport.

You can contact the Home Office for advice by calling the following numbers: +44 808 164 8810 - select option 1 (0808 164 8810 if you're in the UK - select option 1). +44 (0)175 390 7510.

• During the meeting you will need to:
  1) prove your identity with a passport or travel document;
  2) be fingerprinted and have your photo taken;
  3) provide the necessary documents confirming that you are eligible for a standard visa.
  
  

  What are the main documents required to obtain a visa to the UK?

  • original passport of the foreign country;
  • original or scan of the previous/second passport, if any;
  • personal data;
  • original or scan of the certificate from the place of work;
  • original or scanned bank statement and cash flow for the last 6 months;
  • original or scan of marriage/divorce/children's birth certificates;
  • original or scan of property documents (apartment, car, land);
  • booking of air tickets;
  • hotel reservation;
  • documents confirming the purpose of the trip.
  
  
  To apply for a visa, you need to translate the documents into English. The translation must be stamped by a translation agency or translator.
  
  
  The visa application center can keep your passport and documents while your application is being processed. They can also provide a document to obtain your passport if you are approved for a visa.
  
  
• 💡 Tip: To ensure a successful trip to a new country, take advantage of expert advice. Our qualified specialists with legal education will help you avoid unpleasant situations during your stay abroad.
  
  
  
  After consulting with us, you can ask additional questions. We are interested in the complete resolution of your case. Get a full range of legal services conveniently and quickly - order a consultation right now!
  
  

  How long does it take to make a decision on a UK visa?

  After you have applied online, verified your identity and provided documents, you will usually receive a visa decision within 3 weeks.
  
  
• You can check if you can get a visa decision faster - it depends on the country you are in. 
  Currently, it takes an average of 6 weeks to make a decision on standard visitor visas. Find out the waiting time for your visa here.  
  
  
  You will receive an email with a decision on your application. It will explain what you need to do next. 
  
  
  💡 Useful tip: Prepare for a personal trip to the visa application center with a biometric passport, as the visa is pasted directly into the passport. Keep in mind that such centers are not currently operating in Kyiv, so you will have to go to Warsaw, Prague or other cities. 
  To facilitate this process, you can use the services of visa agencies that will send your passport to the center for an additional fee and return it with a ready-made visa (up to 7 days). 
  
  
  Also, remember that after the visa is affixed, it becomes valid in a month, so plan your trip in advance.
  
  

  How much does a standard British visa cost?

  A standard visitor visa costs £115 for up to 6 months. If you are a regular visitor to the UK, you can apply for a long-stay standard visa instead.
  
  
  Once your application is processed, you will receive:
  - official written permission (if you have a valid passport of a citizen of Ukraine), or
  - a visa (if you visited a visa center to provide biometric data).
  
  
  On the basis of one of these documents, you will be able to board an airplane or other means of transportation to the UK.

To travel to the UK, please have the following documents ready:

- Valid biometric passport

- Visa

- Health insurance policy

- Confirmation of sufficient funds for the trip

✅🚘 Important information for travelers from Ukraine to the UK by car

If you are planning to leave Ukraine by car, you should take care of obtaining a Green Card policy in advance, because without it, the car will not be allowed to cross the border. It takes a few minutes to apply for a Green Card. All you need to do is follow the link, provide the necessary data, and pay for the service. 

To take out insurance, you will need the following documents:

1. Passport of a citizen of Ukraine;

2. foreign passport;

3. car registration certificate.

Please note!

You will definitely need health insurance to travel to the UK, regardless of whether you are traveling from Ukraine or other countries. You can take out insurance on our website here. 

With our health insurance package, you get access to high quality medical care anytime, anywhere. Our policy covers a wide range of medical services, including medical consultations, hospitalization, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. Protect yourself from unexpected events right now. Choose insurance on our website and receive your policy by email in just a few minutes.

Due to Ukraine's closed airspace, traveling to the UK requires careful planning. There are several ways to get to the UK, depending on your preferences and budget.

1. By air ✈️

Ukraine's airspace is currently closed, and it is impossible to get to the UK by plane directly. Therefore, most Ukrainian tourists choose to fly to one of the European airports located near the Ukrainian border.

Ukraine shares borders with Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova. There are many direct flights to the UK from these countries.

- Moldova
You can get from Chisinau to the UK with a direct flight Chisinau-London. The travel time is 3 hours and 20 minutes. Ticket prices start from 4000 UAH.

- Poland

• Warsaw - London. Ticket price starts from 1000 UAH. The flight duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes.
  
• Krakow - London. Ticket price starts from 800 UAH. Flight duration: 2 hours and 35 minutes.
  
• Rzeszow - London. Ticket price starts from 1100 UAH. The flight duration is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
  

In addition to London, direct flights from Poland are operated from Bristol, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, and Edinburgh.

- Romania
Bucharest - London. Ticket price starts from 900 UAH. Flight duration is 3 hours and 20 minutes.
Direct flights arrive in London, Liverpool, Manchester, Edinburgh, and depart from Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Baquea, Suceava, Iasi, etc.
The average duration of the route is over 3 hours. Ticket prices start at 900 hryvnias.

- Slovakia
Direct flights from Bratislava depart to the following British cities: Manchester, London, Leeds and Edinburgh.

• Bratislava - London - travel time 2 hours and 20 minutes, ticket price from 700 UAH.
  
• Bratislava - Manchester - travel time 2 hours 45 minutes, ticket price from 1200 UAH.
  
  

- Hungary
Budapest is connected by direct flights to the following British cities: London, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Belfast, Nottingham, Bournemouth, Liverpool, and Manchester.

Budapest - London - travel time 2 hours 30 minutes, ticket price from 900 UAH.

2. Train 🚆

There is no direct connection between the UK and Ukraine yet, but you can get there by train with transfers, as there are a number of international trains running from Ukraine.
Ukraine is connected to European cities by the following trains:

- Moldova: direct train №351 from Kyiv to Chisinau. The ticket price starts from 2000 hryvnias and the travel time is 17-20 hours. There is no direct train from Chisinau to London. However, you can travel with several transfers.
First, take a train from Chisinau to Budapest, then from Budapest to Brussels, and then to London. Tickets cost from 4000 hryvnias, and the travel time is 30-40 hours.

📍 Bus from Chisinau to London takes 40-44 hours, the ticket price is from 6,000 UAH.

- Poland:

• Train №67 from Kyiv to Warsaw. The travel time is 16 hours and the ticket price is about 2000 UAH.
  

Warsaw - Berlin - Brussels - London. It takes about 16-20 hours, including transfers and waiting time. Ticket prices start from 6000 UAH.

📍 Bus Warsaw - London takes approximately 26 hours and 20 minutes and costs from 3000 UAH.

• Trains №19, №119, №93 from Kyiv, Dnipro and Kharkiv run to Chełm. The ticket price starts at 1300 UAH, and the travel time is 13-15 hours.
  

Transfer to a direct train to Warsaw. The first direct train departs at 06:57 from the Helm station. The last train to Warszawa Skhidna departs at 18:20. The ticket price starts from 900 hryvnias, and the travel time is 3-5 hours.

• Trains №51, №705, №89, №5, №73, №32 run to Przemyśl from four Ukrainian cities - Kyiv, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Odesa. The travel time is 9 hours and 25 minutes. Tickets start at UAH 1366 for second-class cars and UAH 1946 for first-class cars.In Przemysl, you need to change to the direct EU 56 train to Berlin. It departs at 7:17 and arrives at 17:06. The ticket price is about 200 PLN.
  
  📍 Bus Przemyśl - London takes approximately 33 hours and costs from 6,000 UAH.
  
  

- Slovakia: The Slovak city of Kosice can be reached by trains №961, №963 from Mukachevo. Travel time is 4 hours, and ticket prices start at 366 UAH.
There is a direct train from Kosice to Bratislava. The first direct train departs at 05:07. The last train to Bratislava departs at 23:45. The ticket price starts from 900 UAH, and the travel time is 4-6 hours. From Bratislava you can take a direct train to Vienna and then change to a train to Brussels. Travel time - 13-16 hours, ticket price - from 5000 UAH.

📍 Bus Bratislava - London takes approximately 33 hours and costs from 5,000 UAH.

- Hungary: trains №33, №31 from Mukachevo and non-stop carriage №749, №140 from Kyiv run to Budapest. Travel time is 4 hours, ticket prices start at UAH 2,500.
Budapest - Brussels - London. Tickets cost from 4,000 UAH and travel time is 14-16 hours.

📍 You can also take the bus Budapest - London, which travels for 33-40 hours, with a ticket price of 5,000 UAH.

- Austria: You can get to Austria by non-stop coaches №749, №140 Kyiv-Vienna and Chop-Vienna. The travel time is 8-23 hours and the ticket price is about 2,000 UAH.
Vienna - Frankfurt - Brussels - London. The total travel time is about 11-13 hours and the cost is about 6000 - 9000 hryvnias, depending on the route, class and time of booking.

📍 Bus Vienna - London takes approximately 28 hours and costs from 5,000 UAH.

💡 Please note!

You can buy tickets (train/bus/plane) from and to Ukraine, as well as between cities around the world, through the convenient Visit Ukraine booking system. The site has a bonus points system that allows you to travel much cheaper.

3. By bus 🚍

You can get from Kyiv or Lviv to the UK by bus using regular flights of carriers. Tickets costing from 5000 hryvnias are available on the companies' websites. The trip takes 40-60 hours, with possible delays at the border.
However, it is possible to travel by rail to European cities, and from there to London. It will take 20 to 30 hours.

4. Traveling by car 🚗

Advantages: flexibility in choosing a route and the opportunity to visit other countries along the way.

Kyiv - Lviv - Poland - Germany - Belgium - France - London: the most popular car route is through Lviv, then across the border with Poland to Warsaw, and from there to Berlin, then through Belgium to Calais in France. From Calais, you can cross the English Channel to the British port of Dover by ferry (approximately 1.5-2 hours) or use the Eurotunnel (approximately 35 minutes). After arriving in the UK, it will take about 1.5-2 hours to get to London. The total distance is about 2500 km.

❗️Important: To travel abroad by car, you must have a Green Card insurance policy .

Costs: The cost of fuel for this route will be about 300 euros, depending on the type of car and the route chosen.

Temporary protection of Ukrainians

On the border of Great Britain

If you have written permission

When you arrive in the UK, you must provide written permission to a border guard.

He will put an entry stamp in your passport, which is valid for 6 months. This stamp certifies your right to work, study and claim cash benefits in the UK.

If you have a visa

When you arrive in the UK, you will need to present your passport with a visa to a border guard.

You will then be able to obtain your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).

If you import things, money or pets

You can bring most personal items into the UK without having to contact a customs official. Use the green corridor if you do not need to "declare the night".

You should contact a customs representative if you are import:

• personal car
• pet
• goods the import of which is prohibited or restricted
• cash in excess of £ 10,000 (or equivalent in another currency)

Check the procedure for importing your own car into the UK and the information requirements you must provide to a customs official.

After the first arrival in the UK

In England, Scotland and Wales, you can travel free of charge from a major international airport or port of arrival to your destination by train, city / intercity bus or light rail. Entitlement to free travel is valid for the first 48 hours after arrival in the UK.

You can apply for certain types of cash benefits, such as Universal Credit, upon arrival. To do this, you need to present a stamp in your passport. If you do not have a passport, you can use your BRP certificate or a document issued by the UK Home Office.

If you apply for Universal Credit, you will receive a National Insurance number in the event of a positive decision on your application.

If you plan to apply for other assistance, you can apply for a social security number yourself.

Accommodation in Great Britain

If you have not visited a visa center when applying for a Family Assistance Program from Ukraine or a Ukrainian sponsorship scheme, you will need to provide biometric data (fingerprints and a photograph) within 6 months of arriving in the UK. You will then receive a residence permit in the UK for up to 3 years.

You will receive a BRP certificate certifying your immigration status.

You can live with your family, sponsors or in your own home. If you live in your own or rented accommodation, you must register for the Municipal Tax.

Employment in the UK

If you find a job with a UK employer, you will need to provide proof of employment. To use the online service, you need a BRP ID or a UK Visa and Immigration Service (UKVI) account.

If you are unable to use the online service, you can present to your employer:

1. visa
2. passport stamp (if you have not yet applied for a BRP certificate)

You have to pay the government income tax and social security contributions. This money is usually deducted from your salary if your employer pays you.

If you are a self-employed person, you need to file a tax return every year.

If you do not work, you can get cash benefits. If you want to start working instead of receiving cash benefits, you will need to open a British bank account.

If you have children

If you have school-age children, you can

• apply for placement in primary school, if the child is from 4 to 11 years old
• apply for placement in high school, if the child is from 11 to 16 years old

You can get help paying for childcare services, such as paying for kindergarten or babysitting.

You can also get Child Benefit. You will receive £ 21.15 per week for the oldest or only child and £ 14 per week for each other child.

Medical Services from the National Health Service (NHS)

You need to register with an NHS doctor (so-called GP) to receive medical care on a daily basis.

NHS services are free, including treatment at NHS hospitals. You may be asked to present your passport with a stamp or BRP certificate. You will not be charged an immigration medical fee.

Driving in the UK

You can use your Ukrainian driver's license for the first 12 months after arrival. Then you will need to replace it with a British driver's license.

The UK Government is giving you the opportunity to extend your British visa or change its type.

Up-to-date information is updated on this government website

In particular, seasonal worker visas will be extended until 31 December 2022. UK Visas and Immigration will work on this extension with the employer, as a result of which you should be informed.

You can contact the Home Office at this number: 0808 164 8810 - select option 2

You can also request an "Exclusive Warranty" at [email protected] to arrange / extend your stay in the UK with the following information:

• Name.
• Date of birth.
• Citizenship.
• Home Office, GWF or any other registration number.
• Type of visa. Information on a valid British visa.
• Validity of this visa.
• The reason that forced you to stay in the UK (War in Ukraine).

The necessary information on this procedure is available at site. The subject of your letter should include "Request for an assurance".

Is it possible for refugees from Ukraine to cross the border without a biometric passport?

Ukrainian citizens need a British visa to enter the UK. Citizens who do not have valid passports can also apply for a visa under the established procedures (Ukraine Family Scheme; Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme) at the British visa center.

Entry to the UK is possible without a valid passport, provided that you have a British visa issued under the established procedures: Ukraine Family Scheme; Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme.

What should I do if my passport expires?

Citizens of Ukraine who are permanently or temporarily residing in the UK and whose passport has expired can extend its validity at the Embassy of Ukraine in the UK (London) or at the Consulate of Ukraine in Edinburgh.

The passport is extended by making an entry on page 2-5 of the passport "Passport validity extended until __.__.202_", which is sealed with the stamp of the Consular Section. The maximum period of passport extension is up to 5 years.

What if you have a child without a passport with you?

If a child under the age of 16 does not have a passport, information about the child (namely, a photo, name and surname, date of birth and unique number (if any) may be entered in the passport of the parent or legal guardian.

Useful information for people in need in the UK is available at these sites:

https://www.ukrainianlondon.co

https://prykhystok.in.ua/ 

https://www.gov.uk/asylum-support/what-youll-get 

Information on the procedure for importing pets is available on this website.

If you are planning to visit the UK during the winter holidays, here are some recommendations to make your trip as memorable as possible.

Top 5 locations to celebrate Christmas and New Year in the UK

1. London: the festive heart of Britain

✨ What to see?

- The lights on Oxford Street, which become even more spectacular every year.

- Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park - a fair, rides, holiday treats.

- The skating rink near Somerset House - an atmosphere of luxury and winter mood.

2. Edinburgh: Gogmanay - a Scottish celebration of life

🔥 What's going on?

- Parades with fireworks, concerts and traditional ceilidh dance on the streets of the city.

- A Christmas market with local souvenirs and dishes that you won't want to miss.

- The city's specialty is the Gogmanay celebration, which lasts for several days and is one of the largest winter events in the world.

3. Bath: Christmas market in the style of Dickens

🎄 What's special?

- A Victorian-style fair that will take you to the novel by Charles Dickens.

- You can end your evenings in the Roman Baths, which are open even in winter.

- The best choice for those who love the classic Christmas atmosphere with a touch of romance.

4. York: the medieval magic of Christmas

🏰 Why is it worth going?

- Shambles is an old street that turns into a real fairy tale in winter thanks to the festive lights.

- Christmas market with unique gifts and decorations.

Highlight: York Cathedral, especially in the evening light, gives a real magic of the holiday.

✈️🚆 Planning a trip to the UK? On Visit Ukraine website you can quickly and conveniently buy plane, train or bus tickets. Choose the best route, book online, and go on a winter adventure in the UK!

Secret places that will definitely surprise you

Tired of the crowds of tourists? Only the locals know these locations - and now you do too:

• Glass igloos in London (Coppa Club). Hot cocoa or cocktails overlooking the Thames. It's cozy and very atmospheric - the perfect place for a romantic evening or a friendly meeting.
  
• The starry sky in Exmoor (Dark Skies Reserve). It's not just a park, it's a place where you can see the Milky Way without any artificial lighting.
  
• Cahoots Bar. Finding out about this secret 1940s-style bar is like finding a treasure. The entrance through the “subway” and cocktails with unexpected serves will make the evening unforgettable.

🍴 What to try this winter: trendy dishes

British cuisine? Now it is stylish and creative. Here are some gastro ideas that will impress you.

• Mini versions of Sunday Roast. Imagine a classic roast dinner in a compact format. Look for them in modern gastropubs, such as Hawksmoor.
  
• Hot gin and tonic. It's like classic mulled wine, but even more interesting. Try it at The Ginstitute, where you will also learn about the history of gin.
  
• Vegan Christmas dishes. Britain keeps up with the times, so even at holiday fairs you can find plant-based dishes. Jackfruit wellington or pumpkin pie is a must-try!

When planning a trip to the UK, take care of your health and safety. On the Visit Ukraine website you can quickly take out medical insurance that covers all the necessary cases during your trip. Easy registration, reliable protection and a relaxing trip - everything for your comfort!

📸 Top locations for your Instagram photos

Wondering where to take the perfect holiday photos? These places are made for your feed!

1. York, Shambles Street. This place looks like an illustration for a fairy tale. In winter, it is decorated with festive lights, and it is a perfect place for photos.

2. Carnaby Street in London. Every year this street surprises with a new design of festive lights. This season it's a neon fusion.

3. Light show Lightopia (Manchester). Neon arches, interactive installations, the magic of light - there are no ugly shots during the festival.

👨‍👩‍👧 Traveling with children: where to go and what to know

Traveling with children is not a quest if you know where to go. We have prepared the best ideas for family leisure.

1. Castle Howard (Yorkshire)

The castle turns into a fairy-tale Christmas town. Decorating workshops and a meeting with Santa are for the youngest guests.

2. Science Museum in London

Even adults will be amazed at the exhibition “Snowflakes under the microscope”!

3. Polar Express™ in Edinburgh

If you are looking for real Christmas magic for your kids, The Polar Express™ Train Ride Edinburgh is the place to go! The trip is inspired by the famous movie and will give incredible emotions. Children will have the opportunity to meet the characters of the story, and Santa will personally greet each little guest. Hot chocolate, festive treats and great music await you in the carriage. The trip is accompanied by theatrical performances that create a fabulous atmosphere.

📱 Apps to make your trip easier

• Trainline: to find cheap train tickets.
  
• Citymapper: helps you plan your route in cities.
  
• Too Good To Go: find inexpensive Christmas treats from local cafes at the end of the day.