Standard Visitor visa: photo and application guide
Short trips to the UK for tourism, business meetings, family visits, private medical treatment or a one-off academic activity, up to 6 months per visit.
Quick answer
45 × 35 mm photo · £127 for short-stay · biometrics at VAC
Photo specification is the shared UK 45 × 35 mm format. Biometric photo is captured at the Visa Application Centre during your appointment. Fee £127 for short-stay; £475 for 2-year multi-entry; £839 for 5-year multi-entry; £1,059 for 10-year multi-entry. Processing 3 weeks standard; priority service 5 working days for an extra £500. Last reviewed .
Application route
| Full name | UK Standard Visitor Visa |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Short trips to the UK for tourism, business meetings, family visits, private medical treatment or a one-off academic activity, up to 6 months per visit. |
| Application route | Online application via GOV.UK / UKVI |
| Fee | £127 for short-stay; £475 for 2-year multi-entry; £839 for 5-year multi-entry; £1,059 for 10-year multi-entry |
| Processing time | 3 weeks standard; priority service 5 working days for an extra £500 |
| Biometric appointment | Yes — appointment at a Visa Application Centre (TLScontact in most countries, VFS Global elsewhere) |
| Official portal | GOV.UK — Standard Visitor visa ↗ |
Photo specification
The Standard Visitor visa uses the shared UK biometric photo standard. The digital photo uploaded with the online application is checked against this spec; the biometric capture at the VAC takes a fresh photo for the BRP card.
| Size | 45 × 35 mm |
|---|---|
| Head height | 29 to 34 mm chin to crown chin to crown |
| Background | plain light grey or cream, even illumination |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed (no smile) |
| Glasses | Not allowed (banned since 2016) |
| Digital file | JPEG, minimum 600 × 800 pixels, maximum 240 KB |
What to watch out for with the Standard Visitor visa
The Standard Visitor route consolidated several older visit categories in 2015. The biometric photo and fingerprints are taken at the VAC; the GOV.UK upload is for the digital application file, not the printed photo at the appointment. Bring no printed photo — UKVI captures everything at the VAC.
Frequently asked questions about the Standard Visitor visa
What size photo do I need for a Standard Visitor visa?
45 × 35 mm portrait orientation. The Standard Visitor visa uses the standard UKVI biometric photo: head 29 to 34 mm chin to crown, plain light grey background, neutral expression. The biometric capture itself happens at the VAC appointment.
How much does the Standard Visitor visa cost?
£127 for short-stay; £475 for 2-year multi-entry; £839 for 5-year multi-entry; £1,059 for 10-year multi-entry. The visa fee is paid online during the application; the VAC service fee and Immigration Health Surcharge are separate charges.
How long does the Standard Visitor visa take to process?
3 weeks standard; priority service 5 working days for an extra £500. The clock starts after you attend the biometrics appointment, not when you submit the online application.
Is the biometric appointment mandatory for the Standard Visitor visa?
Yes — appointment at a Visa Application Centre (TLScontact in most countries, VFS Global elsewhere).
Will I receive a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)?
Yes — most Standard Visitor visa holders receive a BRP card on arrival in the UK (or by post for in-country switches). The photo on the BRP is the one captured at your VAC appointment, and the card is valid for the visa duration.
Other UK visa categories
Prepare your Standard Visitor visa photo
Upload a portrait — Anfas.Pro applies the UKVI 45 × 35 mm format and biometric framing automatically.