In recent years, many travelers—especially from countries like Iran—have been seeking long-term travel solutions to the UK. One of the most attractive options is the 10-year UK visa, a multiple-entry visitor visa that allows eligible applicants to travel to the United Kingdom repeatedly over a 10-year period. While it doesn’t permit permanent residency, each visit can last up to six months.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the eligibility criteria, required documents, application costs, potential rejection reasons, and benefits of this long-term visa.
What is the 10-Year UK Visa, and Who is it For?
The 10-year UK visa is a type of long-term Standard Visitor Visa that grants multiple entries into the UK over a decade. It is particularly suitable for frequent travelers such as businesspeople, individuals with family in the UK, or tourists who visit regularly.
There are three long-term options: 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years. The 10-year visa is typically granted to applicants who meet the following criteria:
- Have a strong travel history to the UK, Schengen countries, Canada, Australia, or the US;
- Have previously obtained short-term UK visas without issues;
- Can clearly demonstrate strong ties to their home country (such as permanent employment, family, or property).
Required Documents for the 10-Year UK Visa
Submitting complete and accurate documents significantly increases your chances of approval. The essential documents include:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity;
- Completed visa application form;
- A compliant digital passport photo;
- A clear travel plan and reason for visiting;
- Proof of funds (bank statements from the last 3–6 months);
- Employment or business documentation;
- An invitation letter (if visiting family or friends in the UK);
- Records of past international travel.
Important: Visa officers place significant weight on your intention to return to your home country after each visit.
Cost of the 10-Year UK Visa (2025 Update)
As of 2025, the official government fee for the 10-year UK visa is approximately £1,150. Note that this does not include additional services like translation, document preparation, biometric appointment fees, or professional consultation.
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection
Despite meeting the basic requirements, some applicants face rejection due to:
- Previous immigration violations or overstaying in the UK or other countries;
- Submitting false or unverifiable documents;
- Insufficient evidence of ties to their home country;
- Unclear or unjustified purpose of travel.
If your travel history is weak, it may be wise to first apply for a short-term visa and then build toward a long-term application.
Benefits of Holding a 10-Year UK Visa
- Avoid repeated applications and paperwork for each trip.
- Flexibility for business meetings, family visits, or tourism;
- Enhanced passport credibility for future visa applications (e.g., Schengen, Canada);
- Saves time, money, and stress in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Applying for a 10-year UK visa is a valuable option for eligible travellers, but success requires careful planning and documentation. That’s where we come in.
At SharifTrip, our experienced consultants provide personalised support to help you:
- Assess your eligibility;
- Prepare a complete, professional application file.
- Maximise your approval chances with minimal risk of rejection.
Ready to start your application?
Contact SharifTrip today for a free consultation and take the first confident step toward your long-term UK travel goals.
