Guide
Apply for entry to the UK as a visitor – family and friends
Learn how your family and friends can apply for visas to come and visit you in the UK
Updated on 8 August 2025
If you wish to invite a relative or friend to come and visit you in the UK, they may need to apply for a visa. You can check if they need a visa online and what type to apply for. An ETA and a Standard Visitor visa both allow entry the UK as a visitor, but have different application processes.
Applying for an Electronic Travel Authorisation
An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) lets someone travel to the UK for tourism and visiting family for up to 6 months.
An ETA costs £16 and visitors make the application through the UK ETA app.
Your family member or friend need:
- The passport they’ll travel with
- An email address
- A credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay
You can apply for someone else’s ETA on the UK ETA app if they’re with you. If the person you’re applying for is not with you, you must apply for their ETA online. You’ll need a photo of their passport and a photo of their face.
You’ll get a decision by email from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), usually within a day. You should contact UKVI if you haven’t had a decision after 3 working days.
Applying for a Standard Visitor visa
Visitors who need a Standard Visitor visa need to complete a form online and attend an appointment at a visa application centre.
The website contains a list of the documentation that your visitors will need to bring. There are several items that you need to provide:
- Proof of student status letter at Dundee
- A letter of invitation from you
- A copy of your passport and visa, ID Card for Foreign Nationals (ICFN)
- If applicable, evidence of accommodation to support the visit
The only formal document you need from the University is proof of your student status, you can request this from Registry. The University cannot provide you with an invitation letter.
- You can request a letter confirming your student status using the online form. Please allow two working days for the completion of your letter. Registry will email you when your letter is ready
- If your visitor is coming to the UK to attend your graduation ceremony, please email [email protected] to request a letter
Download and fill in the template for your invitation letter.
Send it together with proof of enrolment to your friend or relative so they can include them with their visa application. Do not send it directly to the Embassy.