Types of Tourist Visa Sponsorship in UK

The United Kingdom is a top destination for tourists from around the world, offering a rich blend of history, culture, and modern attractions. Many foreigners planning to visit the UK may require a tourist visa, and in some cases, sponsorship can significantly strengthen their application. Understanding the different types of tourist visa sponsorship in the UK is crucial for a smoother and more successful visa process.

Whether you’re visiting family, exploring landmarks, or attending a special event, knowing your sponsorship options can make your trip to the UK more achievable. This guide outlines the various types of tourist visa sponsorship, the process of obtaining a visa, and key considerations to ensure your application meets all requirements.

What Is Tourist Visa

How many types of Tourist visa are there in the UK?

Tourist Visa in the UK with family members

A UK tourist visa, officially known as the Standard Visitor visa, allows foreigners to visit the UK for leisure, tourism, visiting friends or family, or attending events or meetings for a short period (usually up to 6 months). This visa type does not allow employment or accessing public funds.

There are different categories of the UK tourist visa to suit various travel purposes:

Standard Visitor visa: For tourism, family visits, medical treatment, business meetings.
Marriage Visitor visa: For foreigners planning to marry or register a civil partnership in the UK.
Permitted Paid Engagement visa: For short-term paid engagements for professionals such as artists or lecturers.
Short-term study visa: For study courses lasting up to 6 months (or 11 months for English language).

When travelling with family members, it’s important to note:

Each family member (including children) must apply for their own tourist visa.
Family applications can be submitted together to show that you intend to travel as a unit.
Supporting documents should reflect accommodation arrangements, itinerary, and proof of relationship.
If a family sponsor is involved, their invitation letter and financial guarantees must cover all individuals included.

Understanding these visa types will help you select the right one for your purpose of visit and ensure you meet UK visa requirements.

What is the best way to get a UK tourist visa?

Things to Keep in Mind Before Applying for a UK Tourist Visa

When Should I Apply for a UK Tourist Visa?

The best way to secure a UK tourist visa is to:

Provide complete and accurate documentation: Any missing or inconsistent information can lead to delays or refusals.
Show strong ties to your home country: Evidence of employment, property, or family responsibilities helps demonstrate that you will return home after your visit.
Get a sponsor, if available: A UK resident (citizen or legal resident) can provide an invitation letter, accommodation, or financial support.

Key points to remember before applying:

You must prove you can support yourself (or have a sponsor who can).
You should have a clear plan for your stay (where you will go, who you will see).
Provide evidence of past travel (if applicable), as this can show you have complied with previous visa conditions.
Be honest about your travel history and intentions.

When to apply?

Apply at least 3 months before your travel date to allow enough time for processing.
Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your visit (and preferably 6 months beyond).

Types of Tourist Visa Sponsorship for Foreigners in UK

Sponsorship Type	Description	Who Can Provide This Sponsorship?
Family Sponsorship	A family member in the UK provides an invitation, proof of accommodation, and may offer financial support.	UK citizen or legal resident relative (parent, sibling, spouse, child).
Friend Sponsorship	A friend in the UK invites you and may support accommodation costs.	A personal friend legally residing in the UK.
Organization/Group Sponsorship	A UK-based group, religious body, or community organization invites and supports your visit.	UK-registered organizations, charities, or community groups.
Employer Sponsorship (for specific purposes)	For attending business meetings or training at a UK company’s expense.	UK employer or business partner.
Event Sponsorship	For those attending a conference, competition, or cultural event where the organizer covers costs.	UK-based event organizers.

Sponsorship Type	Description	Eligibility Criteria	Benefits
Family Sponsorship	A UK resident invites a family member for a visit.	Genuine family relationship, proof of accommodation	Assurance of accommodation and support
Friend Sponsorship	A friend residing in the UK sponsors the visitor.	Genuine friendship, ability to provide support	Strengthens visitor credibility
Charity or Organization Sponsorship	For volunteers or participants in cultural exchange programs.	Sponsorship certificate from a licensed organization	Allows extended stay under specific schemes
Employer Sponsorship (Temporary Worker)	For short-term work or cultural exchange under Tier 5 visa categories.	Sponsorship from licensed UK employer or organization	Work and travel opportunities
Government or Youth Mobility Sponsorship	For youth mobility schemes or government-authorized exchange programs.	Age and nationality restrictions, sponsorship certificate	Work and travel for up to 2 years

Tourist Visa Travelling to UK

How much does a UK Standard Tourist visa cost?

How to Apply for a UK Tourist Visa?

Travelling to the UK on a Standard Visitor visa requires careful preparation:

Make sure you have all supporting documents ready.
Pre-book accommodations and flights where possible (or have proof of sponsorship).
Know your travel itinerary and the purpose of your visit.

Cost of UK Standard Tourist Visa (as of 2025):

£115 for a 6-month visa
£400 for a 2-year long-term Standard Visitor visa
£750 for a 5-year long-term Standard Visitor visa
£944 for a 10-year long-term Standard Visitor visa

Application Process:

Complete the online visa application at the UK Government official site.
Pay the visa fee.
Schedule and attend a biometric appointment at a visa application centre.
Submit all supporting documents and wait for a decision (usually within 3-6 weeks).

What are the Needed Required Documents for UK Tourist Visa?

Can I Get a UK tourist Visa If I Have a Criminal Record?

You will need:

Valid passport (with a blank page for the visa).
Financial documents (bank statements, payslips, sponsor documents).
Travel itinerary (flights, accommodation bookings, or invitation letter).
Evidence of ties to your home country.
Sponsor’s invitation letter (if applicable), proof of their legal status, and financial capacity.

If you have a criminal record, your application may still be considered, but:

You must declare all convictions.
Applications are likely to be refused if you have served a prison sentence of 12 months or more or if you are considered a threat to UK public policy.

Tourist and Visiting visas

The Tourist and Visiting visas include:

Standard Visitor visa
Marriage Visitor visa
Permitted Paid Engagement visa
Short-term study visitor visa

Each type has specific purposes and conditions, so ensure you apply for the right category for your visit to the UK.

FAQ

Can I extend my UK Tourist visa?

Generally, no. The UK tourist visa cannot be extended beyond the 6-month limit unless under exceptional circumstances (e.g., medical treatment).

Who Can Sponsor a Tourist Visa?

UK citizens
Permanent residents
Companies or organizations inviting you for a specific event or purpose.

What Documents Are Required for Sponsorship?

Invitation letter
Proof of address in the UK
Proof of financial capacity (bank statements, employment letters)
Copy of sponsor’s passport or residence permit

How Does a Sponsor Write an Invitation Letter?

A sponsor should:

Clearly state their relationship to the applicant.
Provide their full address and contact details.
Specify the purpose of the visit and duration.
Confirm accommodation and/or financial support.
Attach supporting documents (passport/residence permit copy, proof of address).