A clear path to your application
The right application channel depends on your destination and where you legally live.
Prepare your application
Apply online no earlier than 3 months before travel. Then book and attend a visa application centre appointment to prove your identity, give fingerprints and a photo, and provide the required documents.
Submit through the official channel
Use Standard Visitor visa. Check the current instructions and total government charges before paying.
Review the decision before departure
Check the passport details, dates and entry conditions on the permission you receive.
Check your trip dates
Count your travel days and compare your passport expiry with the entry rule.
What to prepare for your trip
Check each item as you prepare it. Labels show which documents are required, conditional, or recommended.
Your circumstances may require additional documents. Ticks track preparation, not eligibility or admission.
Costs & timing
Government charges and decision times for this route. Check the official service for your final fee.
Government fees
- Standard Visitor visa (up to 6 months)
- GBP 135
Decision time
Up to 21 calendar days
GOV.UK says a decision usually arrives within three weeks after you apply online, prove your identity and provide the required documents. This is an estimate, and waiting for an appointment or extra checks can add time.
A processing estimate is not a guaranteed travel date.
Practical tips for United Kingdom
Small preparation steps to keep your travel information within reach.
Plan a genuine short visit
Visitors must come for a permitted activity, intend to leave at the end of the visit and avoid using repeated or successive visits to live in the UK. These visitor conditions still apply when your nationality does not require a visa.
Follow the visitor work limits
Standard Visitors cannot do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person, except for specified permitted paid engagements. Visitors also cannot claim public funds or use repeated trips to live in the UK.
United Kingdom at a glance
- Capital
- London
- Currency
- GBP
- Calling code
- +44
Questions for this route
Do travelers with an ordinary passport from Madagascar need a visa for United Kingdom?
For tourism in United Kingdom, travelers using an ordinary passport from Madagascar should obtain a visa before travel. Apply online no earlier than 3 months before travel. Then book and attend a visa application centre appointment to prove your identity, give fingerprints and a photo, and provide the required documents. The published short-visit limit is 6 months per visit; follow any shorter period on your granted permission.
How long can I stay in United Kingdom?
The short-visit limit is 6 months per visit. Your actual permission can be shorter; check the dates and conditions you receive.
How much passport validity do I need?
Valid for your entire stay.
How much is the government fee?
Standard Visitor visa (up to 6 months): GBP 135 per person (online application). Check the official payment page for exemptions and any additional charges.
How long does a decision take?
Up to 21 calendar days. GOV.UK says a decision usually arrives within three weeks after you apply online, prove your identity and provide the required documents. This is an estimate, and waiting for an appointment or extra checks can add time.
What if I’m going to work, study or stay longer?
This guide is for a short tourist visit on an ordinary passport. It does not establish eligibility for employment, study or residence. Use the destination’s official guidance for your actual purpose.
Does my country of residence change the answer?
Passport nationality and legal residence are different. This page starts with your passport. Residence can change where you apply and which application channel is available; an existing visa or residence permit may also create an exception. Check the official eligibility guidance for your circumstances.
Official websites
Use these government websites to confirm requirements and complete any application.
Open Standard Visitor visa
Apply online no earlier than 3 months before travel. Then book and attend a visa application centre appointment to prove your identity, give fingerprints and a photo, and provide the required documents.
Check ETA eligibility
Nationality, existing permission and transit exceptions.
Check UK visitor conditions
Allowed activities and whether you need a different visa.
About this guide
This guide covers short tourist visits on an ordinary passport. Your nationality, residence, travel document and purpose can affect the entry conditions. Check the linked official guidance before travel; the border authority decides admission and your permitted stay.
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