2025: A Record Year for UK Tourism!

If you’ve been thinking about visiting the UK, 2025 is the perfect time!

Why?

The UK tourism industry is booming. In 2023, the country welcomed 35.1 million visitors—an impressive 86% of pre-COVID levels and 18% more than in 2022. And for 2025, the expectations are even higher!

Worried About Getting a UK Visa?

Let’s look at the numbers…

In the year ending June 2022, the UK government issued around 2 million visas. Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the tourism sector hard, the government is now actively encouraging visitors to help the industry recover.

As a result, UKVI is approving more visas than ever! But to secure yours smoothly, you need a clear understanding of the application process—especially if you’re applying from Bangladesh.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get your UK visa hassle-free!

What Can You Do with a UK Visitor Visa?

If you’re planning to visit the United Kingdom for tourism, business, medical treatment, or to see friends and family, the UK Standard Visitor Visa is the right choice. This visa also covers short-term study and other temporary activities.

Here’s what you can do with a UK Visitor Visa:

Tourism & Leisure – Explore the UK, visit attractions, and enjoy a relaxing holiday.

Visit Friends & Family – Spend time with loved ones.

Volunteer Work – You can volunteer for up to 30 days with a registered charity.

Airport Transit – Pass through a UK airport while traveling to another country.

Business Activities – Attend meetings, conferences, trade fairs, and sign business agreements

Short-Term Study – Join school exchange programs or recreational courses (up to 30 days).

Medical Treatment – Receive private medical care if needed.

Now that you know what’s possible with a UK Visitor Visa, do you want to learn how to apply?

Step 1: Fill Out the UK Visa Application Form Online

The first step in applying for a UK visa is to complete the online application form.

What You’ll Need:

Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary documents and information ready, including:

• A valid passport
• Proof of travel history
• Bank statements
• Tax assessment documents
• Details of your accommodation in the UK

Filling Out the Form:

• You can complete the form in one go, but if needed, you can save your progress and return later.

Payment Information:

• UK visa fees must be paid online using a credit card
• Cash payments are no longer accepted at VFS Global Dhaka for UK visitor visa applications.

By preparing these essentials in advance, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free application process.

Step 2: Gather Your Required Documents

After submitting your UK visa application online, UKVI will generate a personalized document checklist based on your circumstances. However, to strengthen your application, consider submitting additional supporting documents.

Essential Documents for a UK Visa from Bangladesh:

• Passport (valid for at least six months)
• Previous Passports (if available)
• Recent Visa Photograph
• Travel Itinerary/Tour Plan
• Cover Letter (explaining the purpose of your visit)
• Personal Bank Statements
• Personal Income Tax Return (ITR) Certificate
• Civil Documents (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate of children)
• Financial Proof (e.g., Fixed Deposit Receipt (FDR), Sanchaypatra)
• Property Documents (e.g., title deeds, asset details)
• Flight Ticket Itinerary (not mandatory but recommended)
• Hotel Booking Confirmation

Additional Documents for a Business Visit:

• Invitation Letter from a UK-registered company/organization
• Forwarding Letter from your employer or company
• Office ID Card/Business Card
• Company Incorporation Certificate
• Company Memorandum (if applicable)
• Company Bank Statements
• Company ITR Certificate

Additional Documents for a Family Visit Visa:

• Invitation Letter from your family member in the UK
• Employment Forwarding Letter from your employer
• Proof of Relationship with the invitee (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate)
• Host’s Proof of Residence (e.g., tenancy agreement, property documents)
• Invitee’s ID Proof (e.g., passport, utility bills)
• Invitee’s Bank Statements

If You Are a Student:

• Proof of Studentship (e.g., student ID, enrollment certificate)

By providing these additional documents, you improve your chances of a successful UK visa application.

Step 3: Submit Your Biometrics at VFS Global

After submitting your visa application and paying the fee, you need to schedule a biometric appointment with VFS Global.

How does the process work?

• The UKVI online portal will automatically redirect you to the VFS Global website and log you in with your existing credentials.
• From there, you can choose a convenient location for your appointment (e.g., Dhaka or Sylhet).
• Once you schedule your appointment, print the confirmation and bring it with you on the appointment day.

How to submit your required documents:

You have two options:

• Upload your documents: Scan all required documents and upload them directly to the VFS website.
• Submit in person: Bring your documents to VFS Global, where staff will scan them for you and send them to UKVI. Note: an additional fee of BDT 1200 will apply for scanning services.

Once you complete your biometric appointment, UKVI will begin processing your application. Your processing time officially starts from this point.

Step 4: Wait for Visa Approval

According to the UK government’s website, the standard processing time for a UK Visitor visa is up to 3 weeks. However, this can vary depending on factors like the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) workload and your specific circumstances. If your application is more complex, it may take longer to process.

For applicants from Bangladesh, the decision typically takes around 3 to 6 weeks.

Can you track your application status?

Unfortunately, you cannot track your visa application through VFS Global Dhaka. However, you can email UKVI to inquire about the status of your application. Please note that there is a fee of £2.74 for email inquiries. You can also contact UKVI via phone, but keep in mind that this will incur additional charges based on the duration of your call.

Step 5: Receive Your Passport from VFS Global Dhaka

After your UK visa is approved, you’ll receive an email from the UK government confirming the decision. This email will also provide instructions for the next steps.

If your visa is refused, you will receive a refusal letter via email, explaining the reasons. If you don’t receive a refusal letter, it means your visa has been approved.

Once the UKVI email is received, you will get another email from VFS Global Dhaka with details on how and when to collect your passport. Make sure to bring proof of identity and the passport collection receipt you received during your biometrics appointment.

UK Visa Fees from Bangladesh

The cost of a UK visa depends on the type and duration. Here’s a breakdown of the government fees:

• Short-term visa (up to 6 months, single or multiple entry): 17,553 BDT
• Long-term visa (valid for up to 2 years): 65,940 BDT
• Long-term visa (valid for up to 5 years): 117,684 BDT
• Long-term visa (valid for up to 10 years): 146,991 BDT
• Academic visitor visa (over 6 months to 12 months): 30,528 BDT
• Marriage visitor visa: 17,553 BDT
• Private medical treatment visa (over 6 months to 11 months): 30,528 BDT

Additional Fees:

• The Super Priority and Premium Services come with extra charges on top of the standard visa fee.
• Payments must be made online through the UKVI website before your appointment at VFS Global Dhaka.

VFS Global Fees:

• VFS Global charges additional fees if you choose extra services. Consultancy services from reputable agencies may cost an extra 12,000-25,000 BDT.

(Note: Visa fees are subject to change depending on currency fluctuations.)

UK Visa Consultancy in Bangladesh

At Crossglobe Travel Co, we make UK visa applications simple and hassle-free. With years of experience and hundreds (if not thousands) of successful applications, we’re committed to ensuring your visa process is smooth and efficient.

When you choose us, we take the following steps to maximize your chances of approval:

• Profile and Document Review: We begin by carefully reviewing your profile, travel history, and professional background.
• Financial Strategy: Next, we work on preparing your financial documents to strengthen your application.
• Expert Guidance: Our dedicated visa experts guide you through each step, minimizing the risk of rejection.

We offer a comprehensive, 360-degree approach to ensure you have the best chance for a successful UK visa.

Book free consultation with us today and get started on your visa journey!

British High Commission in Bangladesh

Address:

United Nations Road, Baridhara PO Box 6079, Dhaka 1212 Bangladesh

Phone: +880 2 5566 8700

Consular Fax: +880 2 9843 437

Email: Press Inquiries: : press.dhaka@fco.gov.uk

Consular Services: consular.bangladesh@fco.gov.uk

UK Visa Biometric Center - Bangladesh

Location: VFS United Kingdom

Delta Life Tower, 4th Floor, Plot #37, Road #45, 90 Gulshan North, Commercial Area, Dhaka

Helpline: (+88) 02 9895 894

Operating Hours:

Helpline: Sunday to Thursday, 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM & 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Application Submission: Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Passport Collection & Additional Document Submission: Sunday to Thursday, 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)