United Kingdom Tourist Visa for Pakistani Passport Holders
Fee Breakdown
Key Requirements
- ✓ Valid Pakistani passport with at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay
- ✓ Genuine intention to visit the UK as a tourist and return to Pakistan
- ✓ Sufficient funds to cover your stay without working or accessing public funds
- ✓ Strong ties to Pakistan such as employment, family, or property
- ✓ Proof of accommodation arrangements in the UK
- ✓ Confirmed return or onward travel tickets
- ✓ No previous immigration violations or overstays in the UK or other countries
- ✓ Travel history demonstrating compliance with visa conditions
Documents Required
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Create an account on the UKVI online application portal at gov.uk and complete the Standard Visitor Visa application form.
Step 2: Pay the visa fee of GBP 115 online using a debit or credit card.
Step 3: Book a biometric appointment at a VFS Global visa application center in Karachi, Lahore, or Islamabad.
Step 4: Gather all required supporting documents including financial statements, employment proof, and accommodation details.
Step 5: Attend your VFS appointment, submit your passport and documents, and provide your fingerprints and photograph.
Step 6: Track your application online using the reference number provided. Processing typically takes 15 to 21 working days.
Step 7: Collect your passport with the visa decision from the VFS center or opt for courier delivery.
⚠️ Important Notes
Pakistani passport holders must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa before travelling to the UK. There is no visa on arrival option. UK visas are increasingly assessed based on strong proof of ties to Pakistan and financial stability. Applicants with weak financial profiles or limited travel history face higher scrutiny. VFS Global operates visa application centers in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. The UK has left the EU and operates its own independent immigration system.
Common Rejection Reasons
- ✗ Insufficient financial evidence or unstable bank balance history
- ✗ Weak or unconvincing ties to Pakistan such as unemployment or no family dependents
- ✗ Incomplete or inconsistent application and supporting documents
- ✗ Previous visa refusals or overstays in the UK or other countries
- ✗ Inability to demonstrate genuine tourist intent
- ✗ Purpose of visit not clearly established or credible
- ✗ Sponsor in the UK has an adverse immigration history
- ✗ Criminal record or security concerns
Frequently Asked Questions
A Standard Visitor Visa is typically valid for up to 6 months per visit. The visa itself may be issued for 6 months, 2 years, 5 years, or 10 years, but each individual visit is generally limited to 6 months.
In most cases, you cannot extend a Standard Visitor Visa from inside the UK. You must leave and reapply from Pakistan. Extensions are only permitted in very exceptional circumstances.
Travel insurance is not a mandatory requirement for the UK Standard Visitor Visa, but it is strongly recommended to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and other unforeseen events.
There is no officially specified minimum balance. However, you must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your accommodation, living expenses, and return journey. Having a minimum of PKR 500,000 to PKR 1,000,000 in accessible savings is generally considered advisable, along with stable income.
No. You are strictly prohibited from working, getting paid, or taking employment in the UK on a Standard Visitor Visa. Doing so is a serious immigration violation.
Having a valid or recently used US, Schengen, or other developed country visa demonstrates a positive travel history and can strengthen your UK visa application, though it does not guarantee approval.
Ready to Apply?
Apply through the official portal. Always use official government/embassy websites.
Apply for United Kingdom Tourist Visa →