UK Visitor visa

Citizens of most countries (like India, Srilanka, Pakistan and many more) will need a visa to visit UK. It is not a part of Schengen countries. Also note: if you intend to return to Netherlands after your visit to UK, you will need to have a visa (or a Residence Permit) that allows reentry to Netherlands (Thanks to Abhinav for this note – got it from one of his comments in another topic)!!

The UK visitor visa application should be submitted online and then to give the biometric information (i.e. thumb impression etc) and passport submission, every applicant should personally go to the UK visa application center.

Applicants in Netherlands have 2 options to give information and submit passport. Go to:

  • Amsterdam: costs about € 175 for a 6 months validity, multiple entry visitor visa.
  • Dusseldorf, Germany: costs about € 100 for a 6 months validity, multiple entry visitor visa.

After submission, processing will take about 2 to 3 weeks depending on the peak season (June mid to late August is peak period). During this 2 to 3 weeks, since the passport will be with the UK embassy, you cannot travel to any country outside Netherlands (Residence Permit is valid only in Netherlands).

If you wish that the passports be returned to you via courier, you may request for it at the time of application submission itself by paying a fee (in cash in Germany; I think €30 per family) or you can personally go and collect.

For further details, taking an appointment etc, visit the following sites:

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/visiting/
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/visiting/general/apply/
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/netherlands/?langname=UK%20English
http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/germany/applying/vac/?langname=UK%20English
https://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/ – Application submission

To avoid the issue (and tension) of not having the passport for 2 to 3 weeks, in case you are still in your home country or visiting there for a few weeks, you can consider getting the visa done over there!

Disclaimer: This is my best effort and personal opinion only. No responsibility will be taken for any inaccuracy.

11 thoughts on “UK Visitor visa

  1. saju

    Hi,
    Can we travel by train / bus to UK if we have the visa? Are there any immigration formalities to be done after reaching there?

    Thanks in advance,
    Saju

    Reply
    1. Madhu

      Yes you can. If it is visitor visa, all formalities will be completed at the border crossing (i.e when the bus/train is crossing over to UK).

      Reply
  2. ershad

    Hi Madhu,
    I am submitting my application for UK Visa in amsterdam. Do you have experience with UK Visa application process? I am going to submit my bank statements for the purpose. I want to know if you had to translate all the transactions in the bank statement for the visitor visa? Thanks.

    Reply
  3. Anon

    Hello,

    For applying for UK visa is it still the case that applying in Amsterdam costs more than applying in Dusseldorf? I read somewhere that 59 GBP user pay fees in addition to the 106 EUR visa fees now needs to be paid at all application center. Is that true? Has anyone applied in the recent past?

    thanks!

    Reply
  4. Naz

    Hi , my resident permit axpires in August , Can I travel to UK in June mid ?

    Reply
  5. Teju

    “If you are not a national of the country from which you are making your application, and evidence of your right of residence there is not included in your passport; confirmation of your right of residence in that country” for this category resident permit card is sufficient? if yes, do we need it to translate to Englias as it is in Dutch

    Reply
  6. Fakhruddin Pacha

    I am frequent traveller to UK. Last 5-year visa expired on 26/08/2021. Please let me know if i need to attend in person to apply for visa (tpurist).

    Reply
    1. Madhu

      Not sure of the latest procedures. Best to check in some facebook group for latest info.

      Reply

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