Tourist visa to England in the Netherlands: where and how to apply?

Obtaining permission to enter the United Kingdom remains a strictly regulated process that requires a careful approach to documentation and proof of financial solvency. For applicants living in or temporarily staying in the EU, one of the most convenient options is to apply for a tourist visa to England through the Netherlands. This is due to the fact that the official UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) infrastructure operates in this country, which makes it possible to submit documents without travelling to another jurisdiction.

For what purposes is a tourist visa to the United Kingdom intended?

A standard tourist visa to the United Kingdom covers a wide range of short-term travel purposes. It is best suited for:

• travel and sightseeing;

• attending events, exhibitions, excursions;

• visiting friends and relatives;

• short-term studies;

• medical trips not related to long-term treatment.

It is important to understand that a tourist visa does not give the right to take up employment or long-term studies in England. The document clearly specifies the permitted period of stay and the conditions for visiting the country.

Who can apply for a tourist visa to England through the Netherlands?

The following categories of applicants can submit documents for a tourist visa to the United Kingdom in the Netherlands:

• citizens of EU countries residing in the Netherlands;

• foreign nationals with temporary or permanent residence permits;

• applicants who are in the country on a work, study or other long-term visa;

• residents temporarily staying in the country and having the right to submit applications through local UKVI visa centers.

Where can you apply for a tourist visa to the United Kingdom in the Netherlands?

An application for a tourist visa to England in the Netherlands is submitted through the network of official visa application centers operating on behalf of UKVI. The most popular location is Amsterdam, as this is where a fully equipped infrastructure for biometric enrolment and document submission is available.

Submission options:

1. TLScontact / UKVI Visa Application Centre in Amsterdam. This center accepts applications for a tourist visa to the United Kingdom in the Netherlands under standard and priority procedures.

2. Other cities in the “country of tulips”. From time to time UKVI opens temporary collection points; however, in most cases, applications for a tourist visa to the UK are still submitted via Amsterdam.
   
   

What documents are needed to apply for a tourist visa to England in Amsterdam?

The basic package of documents for applying for a tourist visa to England in Amsterdam includes:

• a valid foreign passport, whose expiry date is at least 6 months after the intended end of the trip;

• proof of legal stay in the Netherlands (if the applicant is not an EU citizen);

• proof of financial solvency (bank statements);

• proof of travel itinerary: hotel bookings, flight tickets or an invitation letter;

• an application form completed on the UKVI website;

• documents confirming economic and social ties with the place of permanent residence;

• where necessary — a cover letter explaining the purpose of the visit.

This list is relevant both for applying for a tourist visa to the United Kingdom in Amsterdam and for submitting documents through other UKVI centers in the country.

Application and processing procedure

The process of applying for a tourist visa to England through the Netherlands includes several consecutive stages, namely:

1. Registration on the UKVI portal and completion of the online application.

2. Payment of the fee and selection of an appointment at the visa center.

3. Uploading documents in the personal account or providing them at the visa center.

4. Biometric enrolment in Amsterdam.

5. Waiting for the UKVI decision.

The processing time depends on the workload of the center and the chosen type of service. Applicants often choose priority processing for a tourist visa to the United Kingdom through Amsterdam in order to reduce the waiting time.

Cost and validity period of a tourist visa

The cost of a tourist visa to England in the Netherlands depends on the chosen validity period and the availability of additional services. At the time of preparation of this material, the tariffs are as follows:

• 6-month visa — approximately £115;

• 2-year visa — about £400;

• 5-year visa — about £770;

• 10-year visa — approximately £963;

• biometric enrolment — approximately £80.

Main reasons for refusal

 Refusals in issuing a tourist visa to the United Kingdom in the Netherlands are most often due to the following reasons:

• insufficient evidence of financial solvency;

• UKVI doubts regarding the genuineness of the stated purpose of the trip;

• lack of documents confirming ties with the place of residence;

• errors or incompleteness in the application form;

• doubts about the authenticity of the documents provided;

• negative visa history or violations of the terms of previous stays.

Why should you contact us?

When working with applicants applying for a tourist visa to England in the Netherlands, we not only take into account the UKVI requirements, but also help to:

• collect a correct and complete package of documents;

• prepare a well-structured cover letter;

• complete the application form without mistakes;

• choose the optimal visa type and processing time;

• support the submission process in Amsterdam.

Remember that only correctly completed documents increase your chances of successfully obtaining a tourist visa to England via the Netherlands and allow you to avoid delays or refusals.