Last updated 2025-04-15
Tourist, Approved destination status agreement, ADS
Visa overview
Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
Permits unpaid volunteering with a registered UK charity as part of a visit, typically alongside other visitor activities.
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
6 months
Validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
In the case of a positive decision on issuing a visa, a foreign citizen is attached to the passport with a sticker (visa sticker), which is called Entry Clearance. It is the one that contains the information about the validity period. According to the legislation of the United Kingdom, this document is an authorization for both entry and exit: the applicant can not enter the country before the date of validity of the visa, nor exceed its period of validity. The decision on the validity of the visa is taken at the consulate and does not depend directly on the applicant. This type of visa can be valid for up to six months.
6 months
Length of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
Standard validity period: up to 6 months, except: (i) A visitor who comes to the UK for private treatment may be granted an entry permit for up to 11 months; (ii) The scientist (or accompanying his partner or child) working in an institution abroad and carrying out certain, authorized activities may be granted a permit for up to 12 months; (iii) Under the Status of Approved Destination Agreement, a visitor may be granted an entry permit for up to 30 days.
Individually
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
A standard or marriage/partnership visitor granted a permit for less than 6 months may be issued a permit for a period that ensures their total stay in the UK (including the initial permission and any extensions) does not exceed 6 months.
single-entry
The possibility of entering the country only once during the visa's validity period. After departure from the country with such a visa, re-entry is not possible, even if the visa's validity period has not yet expired.
multiple-entry
The ability to enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times, unless otherwise specified, within the visa's validity period.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
The applicant specifies the required number of entries in the visa application, but the decision is made by the consulate and may differ depending on the documentary evidence provided by the applicant and other factors. The visa may be issued for single or multiple entry.
21 days
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
Decisions on visa applications are made within three weeks from the date of application. This period may be extended in individual cases, especially when additional verification of the application is required.
£127
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
The consular fee may vary depending on the specific purpose of the visit and the validity period of the visa. The consular fee is an official payment for processing a visa application by the UK embassy or consulate and does not include any additional fees that may be required depending on the place and method of submission, such as a visa centre fee, the cost of processing permits and other documents, postal and courier delivery of documents and others.
2 years
5 years
10 years
Validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
If the decision on issuing a visa is positive, the foreign citizen in the passport is pasted a sticker (visa sticker), which is called Entry Clearance. It is the one that contains the information about the validity period. Under UK law, this document is an authorization to enter and leave the country: the applicant cannot enter the country before the date of validity of the visa, nor exceed its validity. The decision on the validity of the visa is taken at the consulate and does not depend directly on the applicant. This type of visa can be valid for up to 2, 5 or 10 years.
6 months
Length of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
Standard validity period: up to 6 months, except: (i) A visitor who comes to the UK for private treatment may be granted an entry permit for up to 11 months; (ii) The scientist (or accompanying his partner or child) working in an institution abroad and carrying out certain, authorized activities may be granted a permit for up to 12 months; (iii) Under the Status of Approved Destination Agreement, a visitor may be granted an entry permit for up to 30 days.
Not applicable
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
Extension is only possible in exceptional cases where there are serious circumstances that make it impossible to leave the United Kingdom before the end of the permitted period of stay or visa.
single-entry
The possibility of entering the country only once during the visa's validity period. After departure from the country with such a visa, re-entry is not possible, even if the visa's validity period has not yet expired.
multiple-entry
The ability to enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times, unless otherwise specified, within the visa's validity period.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
The applicant specifies the required number of entries in the visa application, but the decision is made by the consulate and may differ depending on the documentary evidence provided by the applicant and other factors. The visa may be issued for single or multiple entry.
21 days
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
Decisions on visa applications are made within three weeks from the date of application. This period may be extended in individual cases, especially when additional verification of the application is required.
£475 - longer-term (2 years)
£848 - longer-term (5 years)
£1,059 - longer-term (10 years)
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
The consular fee may vary depending on the specific purpose of the visit and the validity period of the visa. The consular fee is an official payment for processing a visa application by the UK embassy or consulate and does not include any additional fees that may be required depending on the place and method of submission, such as a visa centre fee, the cost of processing permits and other documents, postal and courier delivery of documents and others.
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Passport
Valid for the entire duration of the stay, or other travel document with all applications when traveling to the UK. The passport must have at least 1 page blank for a visa.
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Invitation letter
Confirmation from a registered UK charity inviting the applicant to volunteer, including details and duration of visit, coverage for travel, accommodation or maintenance (if applicable), and details of the organisation.
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Certificate of criminal record
Confirming no criminal record in the applicant’s home or residence country.
Tuberculosis test certificate
If the applicant has been residing within a country listed in Appendix Tuberculosis (TB) of the Immigration Rules for the 6 months immediately preceding the application. The certificate must be no older than 6 months when applying for a visa. The test certificate must be from either an: approved test center abroad or in the UK.
Travel history
Copies of previous passports showing evidence of travel to other countries.
Proof of financial means
Financial documents showing that the applicant has sufficient funds available, showing the access to the funds, such as: bank statements which detail the origin of the funds held; building society books which detail the origin of the funds held; proof of earnings, such as a letter from the employer confirming employment details (start date of employment, salary, role, company contact details).
Letter of proof of employment
From the applicant's employer on company headed paper, detailing the role, salary and length of employment.
Letter of full-time student status
From the education provider, on headed paper, confirming the enrolment and leave of absence.
Business license or registration
Business registration documents or recent invoices that confirm ongoing self-employment.
Documents for minor children
Legal document showing the relationship between the applicant and at least 1 of their parents or guardians, for example a birth certificate or adoption papers. If the foreigner is not traveling with the parent or guardian, they need to provide written consent from both parents or legal guardians (or one parent if they have sole responsibility).
Letter of invitation
From inviting persons or organizations, or sending organizations, with a description of the purpose of the visit and/or details of the event, coverage of financial costs and contact information.
Receipt of fee payment
Confirming full payment of visa fees and required charges.
Medical certificates
Health certificates, vaccination certificates, etc. depending on the purpose of the visit, citizenship and country of submission of documents by the applicant.
Proof of sponsorship
If someone else (the sponsor) is providing for travel, maintenance or accommodation it's necessary to provide evidence showing: what support is being provided and whether it extends to any dependent family and how this support is being provided; the person supporting the applicant has enough funds to adequately support themselves and their dependents.
Proof of accommodation
Hotel reservation, rental agreement, invitation from relatives, friends or organizations or other accommodation options.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
Strong ties with the home country and valid reasons to return there, ensuring compliance with the terms and duration of stay.
Insurance policy for the entire period of stay, meeting the minimum mandatory or recommended requirements for the country.
Valid permanent resident status or proof thereof; all preliminary procedures for visa application have been completed.
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
Visit visa
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Standard visitor visa
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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terranusuppor@outlook.comValidity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
from 6 months to 10 years
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
£127 – £1,059
