UK Visa: What Changed After Brexit?
Since January 2021, the UK has officially left the European Union. However, for Russian citizens this practically did not change the visa rules because even before Brexit you needed a separate visa to visit the UK. The key point to remember is that a Schengen visa does not grant entry into the UK. You still need a British visa issued separately.
Main Types of UK Visas
For short stays, the most common is the Standard Visitor Visa. It covers:
- Tourism (sightseeing, leisure)
- Visiting friends or family
- Short business trips
- Short-term study (up to 6 months)
There are also student and work visas with their own categories. This guide focuses on the popular tourist and visitor visas.
Online Application and Form
Registration and Completing the Form
Start by submitting an online application on the official UK government site (gov.uk). The form must be completed strictly in English, so ensure you have language support or professional help.
The form asks for:
- Purpose of visit
- Detailed travel itinerary
- Employment, income, and family information
- History of previous trips
- Financial guarantees and return plans
After completion, you pay a visa fee—around £100 for a 6-month standard visa.
Required Documents and Criteria
Prepare the following for submission:
- A valid passport (covering your entire stay)
- Proof of financial means—employment letter, bank statement
- Detailed itinerary—hotel bookings, travel tickets
- An invitation letter (if visiting friends or family)
- Additional proof of ties to your home country (marriage, children’s birth certificates, etc.)
Consular officers pay special attention to financial guarantees and your intention to return home. See “Financial Guarantees for a Visa” for details.
Full document list is in “Visa Documents: Complete Checklist”.
Biometrics and Processing Times
Once you book with a VAC, you must:
- Attend a biometric appointment for fingerprints and a digital photo
- Submit your passport and printed form
There is no interview—decisions rely solely on your submitted documents, so accuracy is crucial.
Processing Times
Standard processing takes up to 3 weeks. Paid expedited options exist: Priority Visa (5 working days) or Super Priority (1 working day). See “Urgent Visa Processing.”
Collecting Your Visa and Validity
Once approved, you’ll get an email notification. You can collect your passport with the visa:
- In person at the VAC
- Via courier service if chosen
Initial visas are typically valid for 6 months. You can apply directly for long-term visas (2, 5, or 10 years) if you have a prior UK travel history.
Tips for Success
- Provide strong evidence of ties to your home country
- Avoid inconsistencies between your form and documents
- Disclose all relevant information—it can be verified
- Seek professional advice if needed
Conclusion
Applying for a UK visa requires careful preparation. After Brexit, the rules remained largely the same but fully separate from the EU. If you plan to visit London, Manchester, or Edinburgh, start the process early.
At InfoVisaAgent, we assist you at every stage—from the application form to visa issuance. Get your UK visa quickly, reliably, and error-free with our support.
