How much money do you need for a UK tourist visa?
“How much money for a UK tourist visa” is one of the most searched questions among first-time applicants.
There is no official minimum for a UK tourist (Standard Visitor) visa. UKVI expects you to prove you have enough money to cover your return flights, accommodation, and all daily living costs for the duration of your stay. While the UK Home Office does not mandate a fixed minimum daily budget, a realistic baseline for a comfortable application is £85–£230 per day (£45–£150 for mid-range accommodation plus £40–£80 for daily living expenses). Adding a 20–30% financial buffer is highly recommended, as visa officers routinely refuse applicants who exhaust their entire savings on the trip.
This guide explains how to calculate a realistic, defensible figure for your Standard Visitor Visa application.
Why There is No Official Minimum Figure
UKVI assesses each applicant against their own stated travel plan rather than a fixed threshold. A caseworker weighs a few things together:
- Whether anyone in the UK is supporting you
- Your bank balance and income
- Your spending pattern
- How long your trip is
- What your accommodation costs
A Practical Way to Calculate Your Figure
- Confirm your number of nights in the UK
- Estimate accommodation cost per night: hotels typically range from £45 to £150+ depending on the city and hotel category
- Estimate daily living costs: food, local transport, and incidentals typically run £40–£80 per day
- Add your return flight cost if it isn’t already paid
- Add a reasonable buffer of 10–20% for unplanned expenses
For example, a 10-day trip with mid-range hotel accommodation might reasonably require the cedi equivalent of £1,000–£1,800, in addition to your flight.
If Someone in the UK Is Hosting You
If a friend or family member is hosting you and covering accommodation and meals, your personal balance requirement drops significantly, since you mainly need to cover flights, incidentals, and a reasonable buffer. Your host should provide a signed invitation letter along with their own proof of income and, ideally, evidence of their immigration status in the UK.
What Counts as Valid Financial Evidence
- Personal or joint bank statements, officially stamped, covering the last 3–6 months
- Payslips and an employer letter confirming approved leave for salaried applicants
- Business accounts or audited statements for self-employed applicants
- A sponsor’s bank statements and signed sponsorship letter, where relevant
Mistakes That Undermine an Otherwise Strong Application
Applicants sometimes show more than enough money and still get refused. The most common reasons:
- The balance doesn’t match their income history
- A large, unexplained deposit appears just before applying
- Funds were moved between accounts right before the statement date
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a set minimum bank balance for a UK tourist visa?
No official minimum exists. The right amount depends on your trip length, accommodation costs, and whether you are self-funding or being hosted in the UK.
Does the UK check my bank account in real time?
No. UKVI reviews the statements and documents you submit; it does not monitor your account directly. That’s why your submitted statements must be accurate, complete, and officially stamped.
Can I combine my savings with my spouse’s income for a UK visa?
Yes, joint applications and joint accounts are acceptable, provided both parties’ financial evidence is included and clearly explained.
Will showing extra money beyond my budget help my application?
Not necessarily. What matters more is that your funds match your income, are clearly sourced, and align with your stated travel plan.
Plan Your Trip With Confidence
Navigating financial proof for a UK tourist visa can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to guess your numbers.
At Kharis Hospitality & Logistics, we help Ghanaian travelers build a compliant budget, assemble bulletproof documentation, and apply for their tourist visa with ease.
Need expert visa guidance? Learn more about our Visa & Immigration Processing Services.
Related Reading for Ghanaian Travelers & Diaspora
Are you living abroad or planning long-term travel back and forth? Managing your official documentation is just as important as securing your visa. If you need to register, renew, or update your national ID while overseas, check out our comprehensive guide: How to Get a Diaspora Ghana Card: Process, Requirements, Fees, and Locations
