How to Apply for a UK Visa? Updated Guide for 2025

The UK visa application process can often be full of complicated documents, long waiting times and various procedures. With this up-to-date and comprehensive guide we have prepared for those who want to get a UK visa, you can learn the UK visa application process step by step and complete your transactions much more easily.

In this guide, you will find every step in detail, from the documents required for a UK visa to filling out the application form correctly; from the appointment process to biometric procedures. We also provide comprehensive information about the application requirements and 2025 visa fees for different UK visa types. It is important that you carefully review our UK visa guide that we have prepared for you to ensure that your travel is trouble-free and to minimize the risk of UK visa rejection.

Is a Plane Ticket Required for a UK Visa?

When applying for a UK visa, a flight ticket reservation is an important document among the documents requested by the consulate. In your visa application file, you must submit your flight ticket reservation showing your departure and return dates to the UK. You can search for affordable UK flight ticket opportunities for your trip and protect your budget by taking advantage of early booking advantages. Having a valid and confirmed flight ticket reservation during the visa process increases the chance of your application being approved.

Does the UK Require a Visa from Türkiye? Which Passport Types Require a Visa?

A UK visa is required from Turkish citizens. Visa requirements may vary depending on passport type:

• Ordinary (maroon), service (grey) and special (green) passport holders must apply for a UK visa.
• Diplomatic passport holders can travel to the UK without a visa, provided that it does not exceed 90 days within 180 days. Therefore, it is important to review your passport type before travelling and obtain precise information about visa requirements.

What are the UK Visa Types? Which Visa is Suitable for You?

UK visa types vary depending on your travel purpose and length of stay. The UK visa you receive allows you to travel to Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland, while in some special cases, Turkish citizens can also enter Ireland with a UK visa. However, for this, you must have previously entered the country with a short-term UK visa type C. In this way, you can travel to Ireland during your visa period in the UK.

Type C (Short Term) UK Visa

Type C visa is used for short-term travels, provided that it does not exceed 180 days in total within 1 year. This visa, which is valid for a maximum of 6 months for touristic purposes, cultural events or family visits, can be obtained for 6 months, 2 years, 5 years or 10 years.

UK Tourist Visa

This type of visa, which is only required for those who will visit the UK for touristic purposes, can be obtained for a minimum of 6 months and has the right to extend the period.

UK Business Visa

For business meetings, trade fair participation and similar business trips in the UK, it is necessary to apply for a business visa. An invitation letter from a business partner is mandatory.

UK Family, Relatives and Friend Visit Visa

This type of visa is preferred for family, second-degree relatives or friend visits. Your relatives must receive an invitation letter from the municipality.

UK Student Visa

This is the type of visa that students must obtain for language education, courses or internships.

UK Transit Visa

Those traveling to another country via a connecting flight must obtain a transit visa to travel through the UK.

UK Work Visas

Visas for work purposes depend on the agreement between the applicant and the employer. An invitation letter provided by the employer is one of the basic documents required by the consulate.

UK Tier 1 Visa

This visa category is divided into five sub-categories and is suitable for people who will work in the following fields:

Tier 1 General VisaTier 1 Entrepreneur VisaTier 1 Investor VisaTier 1 Exceptional Talent VisaTier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa

UK Tier 2 Visa

It is a visa that gives the right to work and reside in the UK with employer sponsorship.

UK Tier 4 Visa

It is a student visa obtained for long-term academic programs. It is divided into two: Tier 4 (General) and Tier 4 (Child).

UK Tier 5 Visa

This is the type of visa required for temporary work and volunteer work. An acceptance letter must be obtained from the relevant sponsoring institution.

What are the UK Visa Application Requirements? 2025 Updated List

• UK visa applications can be made up to 3 months before the travel date.
• Visa application forms must be filled out completely and accurately in English and printed out.
• Fingerprint and biometric photograph procedures are carried out at official visa consultancy centres.
• Previously taken fingerprint records are not valid, it is mandatory to give fingerprints again for each trip.
• For short-term visas, applications can be made for 6 months, 2 years, 5 years or 10 years; however, stays cannot exceed 6 months in 1 year.
• In the visa application of children under the age of 18, it must be stated that the travel will be made alone or with parents. Children who will travel alone must submit a consent form.

Documents Required for UK Visa Application

• Passport with a validity period of at least 6 months from the date of return and at least 2 blank pages (maximum 10 years)
• Originals of old passports (if any)
• Application form, fully completed in English, with wet signature
• 2 biometric photographs, 3.5x4.5 cm in size, with a white background, taken within the last 3 months
• Photocopy of ID card
• A copy of the population registration certificate
• Travel health insurance policy
• Visa application petition written in English, the purpose of travel must be stated
• Photocopies of Schengen visas obtained within the last 3 years (if any)
• Bank account statements for the last 3 months (balance must be shown in TL, EUR, USD or GBP)
• SGK employment entry document (for insured employees)
• Last 3 months' pay slip (for insured employees)
• Workplace duty certificate or occupation registration documents, wet signed and stamped
• Current workplace activity certificate or Trade Registry Record (for employers)
• Flight ticket reservation and accommodation documents
• Title deed, rental income documents, vehicle registration and credit card statements (if applicable)
• Military service status certificate in English for men
• Invitation letter from the municipality (if any)
• Visa sponsorship petition for financially inadequate applicants

In what cases is the visa sponsorship petition valid?

For students or unemployed people with insufficient financial means, sponsorship petitions from first-degree relatives (mother, father, spouse, child) are accepted by consulates and replace proof of income.

UK Visa Fees (August 2025 Current)

6 Month Visa: $152

2 Year Visa: $530

5 Year Visa: $1021

10 Year Visa: $1275

Academic Visit Visa: $265

Marriage and Temporary Engagement Visa: $152

Student Visa(6-11 months): $265

Student Visa(more than 1 year): $649

Investor Visa: $2494

Entrepreneur Visa: $1577

Exceptional Talent Visa: $948

Temporary Work Permit Visa: $395

Skilled Worker Visa: $952

Senior/Professional Worker Visa: $952

In addition to visa fees, there are additional costs such as biometric photographs, photocopies, consultancy services and shipping fees.

UK Visa Application Centers and Addresses

UK visa applications are not made directly to consulates. Applications should be made to official visa consultancy centers located in Antalya, Ankara, Adana, Bursa, Gaziantep, Istanbul and Izmir in Türkiye. Appointments can be made at the center closest to you, regardless of regional boundaries. Applications are evaluated by the British Consulate General in Istanbul.

Official Counseling Centers Contact Information:

Istanbul: Profilo Plaza, Gulbahar District, Cemal Sair Street, Floor: 4, No: 138/A, Mecidiyekoy, Tel: +90 212 216 44 00

Ankara: Sheraton Business Center, Bogaz Sokak, Kavaklidere, Tel: +90 212 370 31 00

Gaziantep: Muammer Aksoy Boulevard, Imam Huseyin Incioglu Street No:34B Sehitkamil, Tel: +90 212 370 31 00

Bursa: Akpinar District, Akpinar Street, Sheraton Hotel No:1, Tel: +90 212 370 31 00

Izmir: Aksoy Plaza, Cyprus Martyrs Street No:152 Alsancak, Tel: +90 212 370 31 00

Adana: Abidinpaşa Cad., Adana Chamber of Commerce No: 52, Tel: +90 212 370 31 00

Antalya: Gazi Boulevard, Antalya Chamber of Commerce No: 531, Tel: +90 212 370 31 00

How to Make an Appointment for UK Visa Application?

UK visa appointments are only made from visa consultancy centres authorised by the consulate. First, the online application form must be filled out completely and the visa fee must be paid. Then, documents can be prepared according to the duration of the trip and an appointment can be made.

How to Track UK Visa Procedures?

• The appropriate visa type is selected by determining the purpose and duration of travel.
• Applications are made through authorized visa consultancy centers rather than consulates.
• The online application form must be filled out completely and the fee must be paid.
• Personal attendance at the appointment for fingerprints and biometric photographs is mandatory.
• The necessary documents are prepared in the specified order and delivered to the consultancy center.
• The documents are forwarded to the consulate by the centers, the applicant does not go to the consulate.
• The application result is followed up via the counseling center or online system.

How Many Days Does It Take to Get a UK Visa?

After the documents in your application are reviewed, the visa result is usually announced within 15 working days. However, if the consulate requests additional documents or public holidays affect the process, this period may extend up to 21 working days.