Marriage Visitor visa

The Marriage Visitor Visa allows non-UK residents to enter the UK for up to six months solely to get married or register a civil partnership. Unlike other visas, it does not allow you to work, study, or settle in the UK.

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

What is a Marriage Visitor Visa UK?

A Marriage Visitor Visa is a type of UK visa designed for individuals who wish to visit the UK to get married, enter into a civil partnership, or give notice of their intention to do so. It allows you to stay in the UK for up to six months specifically for these purposes.

This visa is ideal for those who:

• Plan to marry or register a civil partnership in the UK.
• Do not intend to settle or live in the UK after their marriage.
• Will leave the UK at the end of their visit.

The Marriage Visitor Visa does not permit extended stays, work, study, or access to public funds. It’s a straightforward option for couples seeking to celebrate their union in the UK without long-term residency plan.

What You Can and Cannot Do

You Can:

• Marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK within six months of your arrival, provided it takes place at a licensed venue.
• Transit through the UK on your way to another destination.

You Cannot:

• Access public funds or benefits.
• Bring family members (dependants) with you; they must apply for their own visas separately.
• Stay in the UK for extended periods through frequent visits.
• Extend your visa or switch to a different visa type.
• Work in the UK, except for specific permitted activities related to your overseas job or business, such as attending meetings.
• Enroll in studies.

Eligibility Requirements for a Marriage Visitor Visa

To apply for a UK Marriage Visitor Visa, you must meet certain eligibility criteria.

You must prove that:

• You are 18 years old or above.
• You are legally free to give notice of marriage and marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK within six months of your arrival.
• Your relationship is genuine.
• Your visit to the UK will last less than six months.
• You intend to leave the UK at the end of your stay.
• You will not make the UK your main home or reside there for extended periods through frequent or successive visits.
• You can financially support yourself during your stay or have someone else providing financial support.
• You have the means to pay for your return or onward travel or have someone else funding your journey.
• You can provide evidence for any additional activities you plan to undertake in the UK, as permitted under the Visitor Rules.

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

Documents required for the UK Marriage Visitor visa

To apply for a UK Marriage Visitor Visa, you need to provide several important documents. These are needed to meet the general visa requirements:

• A valid passport or travel document.
• A recent passport-sized photograph.
• Proof of your relationship, such as photos, messages, or joint travel plans.
• Details of the marriage or civil partnership and proof that you've paid money for some of its costs.
• Proof that you're planning to get married in the UK, for example, a booking confirmation or emails between you and the venue.
• Proof that you intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit, such as travel documents showing your planned dates.
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover the cost of the visit, such as bank statements or payslips.
• Evidence of accommodation arrangements in the UK, such as hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from a host.
• Your immigration history and details of your travels in the past 10 years.
• Any criminal or immigration offences you may have committed.
• Additional documents depending on your circumstances.

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

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

The UK Marriage 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 Marriage 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).
• Proof of your relationship, such as photos, messages, or joint travel plans.
• Bank statements or payslips showing financial stability.
• Accommodation details (hotel reservations, invitation letters from family or friends).
• 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 Marriage Visitor Visa processing time

UK Marriage 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.

Tips for a successful visa application

• Start Early: Apply for your visa at least 3 months before you plan to travel.
• Be Honest: Always give true and accurate information on your visa application.
• Double-check Documents: Make sure all your documents are complete and correct. Incomplete or wrong documents can cause delays or even refusal.
• Explain Your Intentions: Clearly state your plans to return home to avoid any worries about overstaying.