A UK visitor visa allows you to enter and stay in UK for a short period of time. The UK standard visitor visa has replaced a wide array of different visas, such as the family visitor visa, general visitor visa, business visitor visa, child visitor visa, sports visitor visa, entertainment visitor visa, prospective entrepreneur visitor visa and private medical treatment visitor visa. If you are coming to the UK for the purposes of tourism, then you don’t need to apply for a separate UK tourist visa. You can apply for a UK standard visitor visa for tourism purposes. You need to submit basic documents like your passport or other valid travel identification, documented evidence that you can support yourself during your trip to UK and the cost of your onward journey (such as bank statements or payslips for the last 6 months). In addition, you must meet various other conditions based on your purpose of the visiting the UK. You can only visit the UK for a maximum of 6 months at a time under this visa. You cannot take up any paid or unpaid employment in the UK on this visa. You should be careful while applying for UK visitor visa so that your visa application is not refused. For this purpose, it is better if you know why your visa can be refused so that you avoid making those mistakes in advance. 

Reasons why your UK visitor or tourist visa may be refused

Supplied incorrect documents

It is very important that you supply all the correct documents needed for the visa application. Different visa categories require different sets of documents as evidence to be submitted. When you are making your application for a UK visitor visa, then you should submit documents pertaining to this visa category only.

Supplied documents in the incorrect format

Along with the required documents, you will also need to submit the documents in the correct format. You cannot just send the documents in bundles. You need to place them in correct, chronological order, and present them exactly as required.

Specific evidence is missing in your visa application

When you are going to the UK on a UK tourist visa, then you must submit the evidence that you can support your expenses during your stay in the UK and the cost of your onward or return journey from the UK in the form of bank statements or payslips for the last 6 months. Failing to do so may lead to your visa being refused.

You did not disclose any previous issues

If you have been subject to previous immigration or legal issues, don’t choose to hide this information. If there is a ban or you have spent certain criminal convictions, then don’t be under the illusion that you can withhold this information from Home Office; they miss nothing and question everything.

You applied for the wrong type of visa

A UK visitor visa is for different purposes, such as travel and business, so you need to select the correct category when you are applying.