UK Visa Fees 2026: Complete Cost Guide for Applicants

Complete guide to UK visa fees in 2026, including visitor, work, student and family visa costs, IHS and additional charges.

Planning to apply for a UK visa in 2026? Understanding the total cost before submitting your application is essential. UK visa fees vary depending on the visa category, length of stay, application location and whether you choose optional priority services.

This guide explains the major UK visa application fees for 2026, including visitor, transit, work, student and family visa routes. It also covers the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), priority processing charges, additional expenses and practical budgeting tips for applicants from Bangladesh and other countries.

For a broader overview of visa categories and eligibility, read our UK Visa Guide 2026. You may also find our guides to UK visa types and UK visa requirements for Bangladeshi citizens useful before choosing a route.

1. UK Visa Fees 2026: What Applicants Should Know

The UK Home Office sets visa application fees. The amount depends on the visa category and, in some cases, the duration of the visa or whether the application is submitted inside or outside the UK.

The fees in this article are based on the Home Office fee schedule effective from 8 October 2026. They are shown in British pounds (GBP). Applicants should check the official fee calculator before paying because the amount charged in local currency may differ due to exchange rates and the payment system used.

Before calculating your budget, it is important to distinguish between:

• Visa application fee: The main charge for submitting your visa application.
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): A healthcare-related charge that applies to many applicants staying in the UK for more than six months, subject to exemptions.
• Priority service fee: An optional payment for a faster decision, where available.
• Biometrics and appointment costs: Some appointment options and additional services may involve separate charges.
• Supporting document expenses: Costs for translations, document certification, courier services or other preparation.

2. UK Standard Visitor Visa Fees 2026

The Standard Visitor Visa is commonly used for tourism, visiting family or friends, attending business meetings and certain short-term activities. The application fee depends on the validity period selected.

Visitor Visa Category	Application Fee
Short-term visitor visa (up to 6 months)	£135
Long-term visitor visa (up to 2 years)	£506
Long-term visitor visa (up to 5 years)	£903
Long-term visitor visa (up to 10 years)	£1,128

A long-term visitor visa does not allow an applicant to stay in the UK continuously for the full validity period. Each visit is normally limited to the permitted period, usually up to six months.

Applicants should choose a visa duration that matches their travel history and genuine reasons for visiting. A longer validity period costs more and does not guarantee approval.

Before applying, review our UK Standard Visitor Visa 2026 guide, UK Tourist Visa Documents Checklist 2026 and UK Visit Visa Bank Statement Requirements 2026 to understand the supporting evidence expected for a visitor application.

3. UK Transit Visa Fees 2026

Some travellers need a UK transit visa when passing through the United Kingdom on their way to another destination. The correct visa depends on whether the traveller needs to pass through UK border control.

Transit Visa Category	Application Fee
Direct Airside Transit Visa	£41.50
Visitor in Transit Visa (landside transit)	£74.50

Not every traveller requires a transit visa. Nationality, travel documents, destination and transit arrangements can affect the requirement. Check the official UK transit visa rules before booking your journey.

Read our UK Transit Visa 2026 guide for more information about eligibility, documents and the application process.

4. UK Student Visa Fees 2026

International students who intend to study at an eligible UK educational institution generally need a Student Visa. The application fee is separate from tuition fees, living expenses and any applicable Immigration Health Surcharge.

Student Visa Category	Application Fee
Student Visa (main applicant and dependants)	£558
Child Student Visa	£558
Short-term English language study visa (over 6 months and up to 11 months)	£228

The Student Visa application fee does not include university tuition fees, accommodation, travel expenses or the cost of meeting the financial requirements.

Applicants should also check whether they need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. The amount depends on the applicant's immigration category and the length of permission requested.

For a complete preparation plan, read our UK Student Visa 2026 guide, UK Student Visa Financial Requirements 2026 and UK Student Visa Dependants 2026 guide.

5. UK Work Visa Fees 2026

UK work visa fees depend on the immigration route, sponsorship details and duration of permission. The Skilled Worker route is one of the main options for eligible applicants who have a qualifying job offer from an approved UK sponsor.

Skilled Worker Visa Fees

Application Category	Fee for up to 3 years	Fee for over 3 years
Standard Skilled Worker Visa	£819	£1,618
Eligible job on the Immigration Salary List	£628	£1,235

These figures are the published application fees for applications made outside the UK. Different fees apply to some applications made inside the UK. Dependants generally pay their own application fees.

Health and Care Worker Visa Fees

Eligible applicants applying under the Health and Care Worker route may qualify for a reduced application fee. The published fee for an application of up to three years is £324 per applicant. The applicable fee for a longer period should be confirmed through the official fee calculator before submission.

Eligible Health and Care Worker applicants and their qualifying dependants are generally exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge. Applicants should confirm that their job and immigration route meet the exemption conditions.

Seasonal Worker Visa Fees

The published application fee for the Seasonal Worker route is £340. This route is designed for eligible temporary seasonal work and does not provide the same immigration rights as the Skilled Worker route.

Before paying any work visa fee, applicants should verify the job offer, employer sponsorship and route requirements. Explore our UK Work Visa 2026 guide, UK Skilled Worker Visa 2026 guide, UK Health and Care Worker Visa 2026 guide and UK Seasonal Worker Visa 2026 guide for route-specific information.

6. UK Family Visa Fees 2026

Applicants who want to join eligible family members in the UK may need to apply under a family or settlement route. The fee depends on the type of application and where it is submitted.

Family or Settlement Application Category	Published Fee
Route to Settlement (outside the UK)	£2,064
Route to Settlement – other dependant relative	£3,635
Route to Settlement – refugee dependant relative	£452

The correct family visa fee must be checked against the exact route. Spouse, partner, child and other family applications may have different requirements and fee treatment. Do not assume that every family application has the same cost.

Applicants should also budget for the Immigration Health Surcharge where it applies. Read our UK Family Visa 2026 guide, UK Spouse Visa 2026 guide and UK Child Visa 2026 guide before submitting an application.

7. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) in 2026

The Immigration Health Surcharge is an additional payment that many people must make when applying for permission to stay in the UK for more than six months. It is usually paid during the online application process.

The standard annual IHS rates are generally:

• Most adult applicants: £1,035 per year.
• Students, Student dependants and applicants under 18: £776 per year.

The total amount depends on the length of immigration permission and the rules for calculating the surcharge period. Some immigration categories, including eligible Health and Care Worker applicants, are exempt.

Visitor visa applicants normally do not pay the IHS because their permission is generally for a stay of six months or less. However, certain other immigration applications may have different rules.

The IHS is not the same as the visa application fee. An applicant may need to pay both charges. Check the official IHS information and the amount shown in your application before making payment.

8. UK Priority Visa and Super Priority Service Fees

Applicants may be offered optional faster processing services when submitting certain UK visa applications. Availability depends on the visa category, application location and appointment capacity.

Optional Service	Published Fee
Priority Visa Service – Settlement	£500
Priority Visa Service – Non-Settlement	£500
Super Priority Visa Service	£1,000

These are optional charges and are not included in the standard visa application fee. Not every applicant or application centre will offer these services.

Paying for priority processing does not guarantee visa approval. It also does not remove the requirement to provide accurate documents and satisfy the immigration rules.

9. Additional Costs of Applying for a UK Visa

The total cost of a UK visa application may be higher than the published application fee. Applicants should consider the following possible expenses:

• Immigration Health Surcharge, if applicable.
• Optional priority or super priority processing.
• Paid biometric appointment options, if selected.
• Document translation by an appropriate translator.
• Courier or passport return services, where charged.
• Travel expenses to the visa application centre.
• English language tests or other required assessments, depending on the visa route.
• Professional immigration advice, if the applicant chooses to obtain it.

Some visa application centres provide standard appointment slots without an additional appointment charge, while paid appointments or optional services may be available. Check the charges displayed by the official application and appointment provider in your country.

10. Example UK Visa Cost Calculations

The following examples illustrate how the different charges can affect a visa budget. They are examples, not individual quotations. Actual costs depend on the application details and the amount calculated by the official system.

Example 1: Standard Visitor Visa

• Six-month visitor visa application fee: £135
• IHS: Normally not applicable
• Optional services and document expenses: Additional, if selected or required

The basic application fee for this example is £135.

Example 2: Student Visa

• Student Visa application fee: £558
• IHS: Additional, where applicable
• Tuition fees and living expenses: Separate costs

The total payment at application stage may be significantly higher than £558 once the IHS is included.

Example 3: Skilled Worker Visa for up to Three Years

• Skilled Worker application fee from outside the UK: £819
• IHS: Usually £1,035 per year, unless exempt
• Maintenance funds: A separate financial requirement, not a visa fee

For a two-year example using the standard adult IHS rate, the illustrative application-stage total would be £2,889 (£819 + £2,070), before any other charges. The exact IHS calculation is determined by the application system.

11. How to Check the Exact UK Visa Fee

Applicants should always confirm the current fee before submitting an application. The Home Office provides an official fee tool for applications made outside the UK.

1. Visit the official UK visa fee calculator.
2. Select the country where you are applying.
3. Choose the correct visa category and application type.
4. Enter the relevant details requested by the calculator.
5. Review the fee displayed in the applicable currency.
6. Check whether the IHS or optional services are charged separately.
7. Proceed with the official application only after confirming the details.

Official resources:

• UK Visa Application Fee Calculator
• Home Office Immigration and Nationality Fees – 8 October 2026
• Paying UK Visa Fees and Proving Your Identity

12. How to Pay UK Visa Fees from Bangladesh

Applicants applying from Bangladesh should complete the relevant online UK visa application and follow the payment instructions provided by the official application system.

The payment amount may be displayed in a currency other than GBP. The final amount can depend on the Home Office exchange rate policy and the payment method accepted by the application system.

Before paying, applicants should:

• Confirm that they selected the correct visa category.
• Check the application fee and any IHS payment separately.
• Review the amount displayed at the payment stage.
• Use an accepted payment method.
• Save the payment confirmation and application reference.

For a step-by-step application overview, see How to Apply for a UK Visa from Bangladesh in 2026. You can also review our UK Visa Appointment in Bangladesh 2026 guide before booking your biometric appointment.

13. Can UK Visa Fees Be Refunded?

UK visa application fees are generally not refunded simply because an application is refused. Refunds may be available in limited circumstances, such as when an application is withdrawn before biometric enrolment or when the application is treated as invalid, depending on the applicable rules.

The Immigration Health Surcharge may be refunded in certain circumstances, including some refused or withdrawn applications. The refund rules and timing depend on the case.

Applicants should read the official refund guidance before withdrawing an application or assuming that a payment will be returned.

14. Common Mistakes When Budgeting for a UK Visa

Applicants sometimes underestimate the total cost because they focus only on the main application fee. Avoid these common mistakes:

• Ignoring the Immigration Health Surcharge.
• Assuming every visa category has the same application fee.
• Using an outdated fee table.
• Forgetting that each dependant may need a separate application and payment.
• Assuming priority processing is included in the standard fee.
• Confusing maintenance funds with visa fees.
• Paying for optional services without checking whether they are necessary.
• Using unofficial websites that do not clearly explain their service charges.

Applicants should also understand the possible reasons for refusal. Our UK Visa Rejection Reasons 2026 guide explains common application problems and steps applicants can take to reduce avoidable mistakes.

15. Tips to Reduce Your UK Visa Application Expenses

• Choose the visa category that genuinely matches your purpose of travel.
• Check the latest official fee before starting the application.
• Do not purchase optional priority services unless the additional speed is important and the service is available.
• Prepare your documents carefully to reduce avoidable errors.
• Check whether you qualify for an IHS exemption.
• Compare available appointment options before paying for additional services.
• Make sure every dependant's application cost is included in the family budget.
• Keep copies of payment confirmations and application records.

16. Frequently Asked Questions About UK Visa Fees 2026

1. How much is a UK visitor visa in 2026?

The standard UK visitor visa fee for up to six months is £135. Longer-term visitor visas cost £506 for two years, £903 for five years and £1,128 for ten years.

2. How much is a UK Student Visa in 2026?

The published Student Visa application fee is £558. Applicants may also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge and other related costs.

3. How much is a UK Skilled Worker Visa in 2026?

For applications made outside the UK, the standard fee is £819 for up to three years and £1,618 for more than three years. Reduced fees may apply to eligible jobs on the Immigration Salary List.

4. Do UK visa applicants have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge?

Many applicants applying for permission to stay in the UK for more than six months must pay the IHS. Some immigration categories are exempt, including eligible Health and Care Worker applicants.

5. Is the Immigration Health Surcharge included in the visa application fee?

No. The IHS is generally a separate charge from the visa application fee and is calculated during the application process where it applies.

6. How much is UK priority visa service in 2026?

The published priority service fee is £500 for settlement and non-settlement applications. The super priority service fee is £1,000. Availability depends on the application type and location.

7. Do children pay separate UK visa application fees?

In most cases, each child who needs a visa must submit an application and pay the relevant fee. The exact amount depends on the child's visa category.

8. Are UK visa fees refundable after refusal?

Visa application fees are generally not refunded when an application is refused. Limited exceptions may apply under the official refund rules.

9. Can I pay UK visa fees in Bangladeshi Taka?

Applicants from Bangladesh should follow the payment currency and methods displayed by the official application system. The final amount may be affected by the Home Office exchange rate policy.

10. Where can I check the latest UK visa fees?

Use the official UK Visa Fee Calculator and the latest Home Office immigration and nationality fee table.

Conclusion

Understanding UK Visa Fees 2026 is an important part of preparing a successful and realistic application budget. The cost varies significantly between visitor, student, work and family visa routes. Additional payments such as the Immigration Health Surcharge and optional priority services may also affect the final amount.

Applicants from Bangladesh and other countries should always verify the latest fee through official UK government resources before paying. Selecting the correct visa category, preparing accurate documents and planning for all additional costs can help make the application process more organised.

For more information about UK immigration routes, eligibility and application procedures, explore the complete UK Visa Guide 2026 on ExpatMigrate.

Related UK Visa Guides

• UK Visa Guide 2026: Work, Visit, Student and Family Visa Requirements
• UK Visa Types 2026: Complete Guide to All Major Visa Categories
• UK Visa Requirements for Bangladeshi Citizens 2026
• How to Apply for a UK Visa from Bangladesh in 2026
• UK Visa Processing Time 2026: How Long Does It Take?
• UK Visa Appointment in Bangladesh 2026: Booking Guide
• UK Visa Tracking 2026: How to Check Your Application Status
• UK Visa Rejection Reasons 2026: Common Mistakes and What to Do Next
• UK Standard Visitor Visa 2026: Eligibility, Requirements and Application
• UK Tourist Visa Documents Checklist 2026 for Bangladeshi Citizens
• UK Visit Visa Bank Statement Requirements 2026
• UK Visit Visa Invitation Letter 2026: Format and Requirements
• UK Transit Visa 2026: Requirements, Eligibility and Application
• UK Work Visa 2026: Types, Eligibility and Application Process
• UK Skilled Worker Visa 2026: Requirements, Salary and Sponsorship