Child Visitor Visa UK (If You're Under 18)

The UK Child Visitor Visa is a type of Standard Visitor Visa for individuals under 18 who want to visit the UK for up to six months. It allows children to travel for tourism, meeting family, short-term study, or cultural activities. Applicants must have proper care arrangements, parental consent, and proof of financial support during their stay.

For immediate assistance with your Child Visitor Visa application, call us at 0158 235 9990 or fill in the enquiry form.

What is a Child Visitor Visa UK?

The Child Visitor Visa is a type of UK Standard Visitor Visa tailored for individuals under 18 who wish to visit the UK for up to six months. It's commonly used for tourism, meeting family, short-term study, or other approved activities.

This visa ensures that all child visitors have proper arrangements for care and support during their stay in the UK.

Who Can Apply for a Child Visitor Visa?

You're eligible to apply if you:

• Are under 18 at the time of your application.
• Intend to visit the UK for no longer than six months.
• Have a plan to leave the UK at the end of your visit.
• Have appropriate care arrangements in place, such as staying with a relative, guardian, or school.
• Can prove you have sufficient funds for your stay, or your parent/guardian can support you financially.

Key Requirements for a Child Visitor Visa

When applying, you must:

1. Provide a valid passport: It should be valid for the duration of your stay.
2. Show proof of relationship to your parents or guardians: This could include birth certificates or legal documents.
3. Present consent letters: A written letter of consent is needed from both parents (or legal guardians) confirming they approve your travel and care arrangements.
4. Demonstrate financial support: Provide evidence, such as bank statements or sponsorship letters, showing that you or your sponsor can cover your expenses.
5. Prove accommodation arrangements: Include details of where you'll stay during your visit, whether with family, friends, or a guardian.

You must meet all other eligibilitity requirements depending on your circumstances.

Document Checklist for UK Child Visitor Visa (Under 18 Applicants)

When applying for a UK Child Visitor Visa, it's essential to provide all required documents to ensure your application is processed smoothly. Below is a checklist to help you prepare:

• A valid passport or travel document with at least one blank page.
• Previous passports (if applicable).
• A written consent letter from both parents or legal guardians allowing the child to travel.
• Full contact details of the parents or guardians.
• Details of where the child will stay during their visit.
• Proof that the child's trip and stay in the UK can be funded. Bank statements (from parents, guardians, or sponsors).
• Confirmed flight bookings (optional, but recommended).
• Details of planned activities or visits during the stay.
• Birth certificate showing the names of the parents.
• Legal guardianship papers, if applicable.
• A letter from the child's school confirming enrollment and the purpose of the visit, especially for educational or exchange visits (if applicable).

Remember, any non-English or non-Welsh documents must be accompanied by a certified translation.

How to apply for a Child Visitor Visa to visit the UK?

The UK Child Visitor Visa application is online. Follow these steps:

1. Complete the Online Application

Go to the official UK government website for visas (GOV.UK) and fill out the online visa application form. You'll need to provide personal details, the purpose of your visit, and your travel history.

2. Pay the Visa Fee

The fee for a Child Visitor Visa is £115 for stays up to six months. If you need to stay longer, the fee might be higher.

3. Book an Appointment for Biometrics

After applying, book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) for your biometric information. These centres are in major cities worldwide.

4. Prepare Supporting Documents

Supporting documents are key to showing you meet the visa requirements. You'll need:

• Valid passport (with a blank page for the visa).
• A written consent letter from both parents or legal guardians allowing the child to travel.
• Details of planned activities or visits during the stay.
• Proof that the child's trip and stay in the UK can be funded.
• Travel itinerary (flight bookings, travel plans).

All documents should be in English or Welsh, or translated by a certified translator.

5. Attend the Visa Appointment

At your appointment, submit your biometric information and provide your documents. This step must be done in person.

6. Waiting for a Decision

After you've sent in your application and biometric data, it usually takes 3 weeks to decide. You can check your application's status online. Sometimes, you might need to provide more documents or have an interview, which can slow things down.

UK Child Visitor Visa processing time

UK Child Visitor Visa usually takes about 3 weeks to get a visa decision after you apply and give your biometrics. But, it can take longer depending on where you are.

Travelling Alone or with an Adult: Guidelines for Child Visitors to the UK

Travelling Alone

Children under 18 can travel to the UK without an accompanying adult. However, the following must be provided by a parent or guardian:

• Written consent granting permission to travel.
• Full contact details of the parent or guardian.

Additionally, proof of suitable living arrangements during the visit is required, including:

• The name and date of birth of the person the child will stay with.
• The address where the child will reside.
• Details of the child's relationship with the person providing care.
• Written consent from that person confirming they agree to look after the child during the stay.

If Staying with Someone Who is Not a Close Relative

If the child is:

• Under 16 years old (or under 18 with a disability), and
• Staying for more than 28 days with someone who is not a close relative (referred to as "private foster care"),

The parent, guardian, or school must notify the relevant local authority about the visit. A reply from the local authority should be included in the application if available.

For education exchange visits longer than 28 days, these rules also apply unless:

• The child is travelling as part of a group (e.g., a school trip) and staying together with the group.
• The child is accompanied by an adult (e.g., a teacher).

Note: Different rules may apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Refer to the specific guidance for those regions.

Traveling with an Adult

If travelling with an adult, the following conditions apply:

• Parents or guardians must provide consent for the child's travel and accommodation arrangements.
• If the child does not need a visa, they must present this proof at the border.

For children applying for a Standard Visitor Visa, the visa application must identify the accompanying adult(s). Key points include:

• If the adult is not the child's parent, additional details about them must be provided in the application.
• Up to two adults can be listed, and their names will appear on the child's visa.
• The accompanying adult can apply for their visa simultaneously, but each application must be completed separately.