Is there a minimum bank balance for a UK Visitor Visa?

There is no fixed minimum bank balance. You need to show enough funds to cover your accommodation, travel, and living costs for your planned visit. The amount depends on the length and nature of your visit.

Can someone else sponsor my visit financially?

Yes. A UK-based sponsor (family member or friend) can provide financial support. You need a sponsor letter from them, their bank statements, and evidence of your relationship. The sponsor should show they can support you without it causing them financial hardship.

How many months of bank statements do I need?

The Home Office typically expects 3 to 6 months of bank statements. This shows your regular income and spending pattern. Statements should be official documents from your bank, not screenshots.

What if I have a large recent deposit in my account?

Large unexplained deposits shortly before your application can raise suspicions. The Home Office may think the money was placed temporarily for the visa. If you have a legitimate large deposit, provide evidence of its source (property sale, bonus, gift with documentation).

Visitor Visa Financial Evidence Guide 2026

Unlike Student and work visas, the Visitor Visa does not have a fixed financial threshold. Instead, you need to show enough money for your planned visit. This guide explains what the Home Office looks for, how to present your evidence, and the mistakes that cause refusals.

What the Home Office Looks For

For a Visitor Visa, the Home Office assesses whether:

You have enough money to support yourself during your visit
Your financial situation is genuine and consistent
You are not likely to work illegally or overstay due to financial pressure
Any sponsor has the means to support you

Unlike the Student visa, there is no fixed minimum amount. The expected amount depends on your planned visit length, accommodation, and activities.

Recommended Evidence

Bank statements: 3-6 months of official statements from your bank. Show regular income, consistent savings, and normal spending patterns.
Employment letter: From your employer confirming your job, salary, and approved leave. This shows ties to your home country.
Business evidence: If self-employed, provide business registration, accounts, and tax returns.
Property evidence: Ownership of property in your home country demonstrates ties.

If Someone Is Sponsoring Your Visit

If a UK-based friend or family member is paying for your visit:

A sponsor letter explaining the relationship and the financial support offered
The sponsor's bank statements (3-6 months)
The sponsor's employment or income evidence
Evidence of accommodation (if the sponsor is hosting you)

See our invitation letter guide for tips on writing a strong sponsor letter. For more on financial documents generally, see our financial documents guide.

Common Mistakes

Large unexplained deposits. Money appearing suddenly before the application looks suspicious. Provide evidence of the source.
Insufficient funds for the visit. If your bank balance would not realistically cover flights, accommodation, and daily expenses, the application may be refused.
Unofficial documents. App screenshots, unheaded printouts, and uncertified translations are weak evidence.
Inconsistencies. Your declared income on the application form should match your bank statements and employment letter.

For more on refusal reasons, see our visitor visa refusal reasons guide and visa refused guide.

Next Steps

Related guides:

For official information, see the GOV.UK Standard Visitor visa page and the GOV.UK visa fees table.