Hongkongers and BN(O) passport holders who wish to visit the UK for more than six months will have to pay up to 15% more for their visas, starting October 4. The UK government is raising the fees for long-term visit visas that allow visitors to stay in the country for up to two years, five years, and 10 years, apart from other visa, immigration, and nationality fees.
A visit visa for anyone who applies to stay in the UK for up to two years will cost £400 (HK$3,800), while applicants who wish to stay for up to five years will pay £771 (HK$7,300). A 10-year visit visa will be £963 (HK$9,140).
| VISA Types | Previous Fees | New Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Visit visa (up to 6 months) | £100 | £115 |
| Visit visa (up to 2 years) | £376 | £400 |
| Visit visa (up to 5 years) | £670 | £771 |
| Visit visa (up to 10 years) | £837 | £963 |
| Visitor extension (in-country) | £1,000 | £1,000 |
| Transit visa (direct airside) | £35 | £35 |
| Transit visa (direct landslide) | £64 | £64 |
| Visiting academic visa (6-12 months) | £200 | £200 |
| Private medical treatment visa (6-11 months) | £200 | £200 |
However, fees for Visiting Academic and Private Medical Treatment visas — which allow visitors to stay in the country for up to 11-12 months — will not change and remain at £200 (HK$1,900). In addition, visitors already in the UK who wish to apply for an extension on their existing visas, both for themselves and their dependents, will continue to pay £1,000 (HK$9,500).
Visa fees for passengers who need to directly transit to other destinations via the UK will also not change. They will still pay £35 (HK$332) if they transit directly via air, and £64 (HK$608) if their transit is via land.
The fees for short-term visit visas for stays up to six months will also increase by 15% to £115 (HK$1,092) next month, but this will not apply to Hong Kong and BN(O) passport holders as they have visa-free entry to the UK for this period. However, from 2024, they will need to get an ETA clearance to enter the country for short-term visits, which will cost £10 (HK$97).
Earlier this year, the UK Home Office introduced a new express visa service costing £500 (HK$4,990) so that Hong Kong BN(O) passport holders can get visas in five working days, instead of waiting for the standard 12 weeks.
In addition to the increase in visit visa fee increases, the rates for most UK work and study visas will also increase from October 4. To see the full list of visa free increases, click here.
Header image credits: f11photo via Canva
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