If you're wondering how to write a UK visa invitation letter, you're in the right place! In this UK visa guide, we'll provide helpful UK visa invitation letter samples and walk you through the steps to make sure you include all the important details.

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What is an invitation letter for a UK visa?

An invitation letter for a UK visa is a formal document written by a person based in the United Kingdom, inviting a relative, friend, or business associate to visit them in the UK. This letter serves as a requirement during the visa application process, helping the applicant demonstrate their purpose of visit, relationship with the inviter, and other key details that the UK authorities may require, including but not limited to:

• Details of the inviter:

  • Full name, address, and contact information.

  • Proof of legal residence in the UK (such as a passport or visa details).

• Details of the visitor:

  • Full name and passport information.

  • Relationship with the inviter.

• Details of the visit:

  • Purpose of the visit.

  • Duration of stay (including arrival and departure dates).

  • Address where the guest will stay in the UK.

• Additional supporting information:

  • Financial support, if applicable (e.g., whether the host will cover accommodation or other expenses), and other supporting documents.

  • A statement of responsibility, if the host is offering support.

While a UK invitation letter does not guarantee visa approval, it can significantly strengthen an application by providing additional context about the visit.

Who needs a UK invitation letter?

A UK invitation letter is typically needed for:

• Family members or friends visiting someone in the UK for personal reasons.

• Individuals invited for business purposes, such as attending meetings or conferences.

• Those traveling for special occasions like weddings, graduations, or other family events.

British invitation letter components explained: How to write an invitation letter for different types of UK visas?

Whether you are visiting friends, family, or traveling for business, here is a comprehensive overview of how to create an effective and supportive invitation letter to meet UK visa requirements.

UK invitation letter for a tourist/travel visa

An invitation letter for a UK visit visa is written by someone in the United Kingdom to invite a visitor for tourism purposes. This is helpful for those who plan to visit the UK for holidays, sightseeing, or events. It can be for your friends or family:

• Friend reference letter for UK visa application: A friend reference letter is written by someone living in the UK to support a friend’s visa application. It helps prove that the visitor has a genuine reason to visit and that they are trustworthy.

  • Who you are: Share your name, address, contact details, and how you know the person.

  • Details about your friend: Include their full name, passport number, and why they are visiting the UK.

  • Why you recommend them: Explain why you believe your friend is honest and will return to their home country after the visit.

  • Support offered (if any): Mention if you are helping with accommodation or other expenses.

  • Closing: Add your contact information in case the visa office needs to check with you.

• Invitation letter for UK visa for family: If you're inviting a family member to the UK, follow these steps to create an effective invitation letter:

  • Start with your information (Host): Introduce yourself. Include your full name, address, contact details, and immigration status in the UK.

  • Provide the visitor’s details: Write the visitor’s full name, date of birth, and passport number. Mention their relationship to you and the purpose of their visit.

  • Explain the purpose of the visit: Describe why they are visiting (e.g., attending a wedding or spending holidays). Include the planned travel dates.

  • Discuss accommodation and financial support: State where the visitor will stay (e.g., your home). Explain if you will cover any expenses or if they’ll fund themselves.

  • Prove the family connection: Show your relationship. Mention documents you are including, such as birth or marriage certificates.

  • Reassure about the visitor’s return: Confirm the visitor will return home. Mention their ties, like work, family, or property in their country.

  • Parental Consent (if applicable): If the visitor is a minor or traveling with one parent, include a parental consent letter. This letter confirms that the other parent approves of the trip and supports the travel arrangements.

• Statutory Declaration (if needed): If required, include a statutory declaration confirming the details in the invitation letter and the host's commitment to supporting the visitor, especially if financial support is involved. It may need to be notarized.

• End the UK invitation letter: Close with a polite statement. Offer to provide more details if needed, then sign and date the letter.

UK invitation letter for business visit

A United Kingdom invitation letter for a business visa is a formal document written by a UK-based company or individual to invite a foreign businessperson for a professional visit.

• Host information: Start by providing your full name, address, contact details, and your role in the company (if applicable). Include your immigration status in the UK if necessary.

• Visitor’s information: Include the visitor’s full name, passport number, nationality, job title, and the reason for their visit. Clearly state the duration of the visit and the specific dates.

• Purpose of the visit: Describe the business activities the visitor will engage in, such as meetings, conferences, or negotiations. Include any specific events or dates planned during the visit.

• Accommodation and financial support: State where the visitor will stay (e.g., your home or a hotel). Indicate if you will cover their expenses, such as travel, accommodation, or meals, or if they will manage their own expenses.

  • Statutory declaration (if needed): If required, include a statutory declaration from the host, confirming their responsibility for the visitor during the trip. This may be needed if the visitor will be financially supported by the host or if there are concerns about the visitor overstaying their visa.

• Visitor’s return assurance: Assure the authorities that the visitor will return to their home country after the visit. Mention their strong ties, such as ongoing employment, family, or property in their home country.

• Employment confirmation: Include a confirmation from the visitor’s employer stating their position, salary, and approval for leave during the visit. This adds credibility to the visitor's intentions to return to their job.

• Closing statement: Finish the letter by offering to provide further information or documents if needed. Sign and date the letter, and politely request that the visa application be considered.

UK visa invitation letter samples

Let’s see what we've learned in action.

UK visa invitation letter sample for UK tourist visa

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, Postcode]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]

To Whom It May Concern,

I, [Your Full Name], residing at [Your Address], am writing this letter to invite my [relationship, e.g., friend, sister], [Visitor's Full Name], who resides at [Visitor's Address in their home country], to visit me in the United Kingdom for a short stay from [Arrival Date] to [Departure Date].

The purpose of this visit is for [Visitor's Full Name] to spend time with me, explore the UK, and experience its cultural landmarks. During their stay, we plan to visit various tourist attractions, including [mention key places they will visit, e.g., London, Stonehenge, the British Museum, etc.].

I will be fully responsible for their accommodation, travel within the UK, and other living expenses during their visit. They will be staying with me at my residence at [Your Address]. [Visitor's Full Name] will also have sufficient funds to cover any personal expenses during their stay.

Please find attached the required supporting documents, including proof of my immigration status, my identification, and [Visitor's Full Name]'s passport copy. I assure you that [Visitor's Full Name] will return to [their home country] before their visa expires, as they have strong ties to their home country, including [mention their job, family, property, etc.].

Thank you for considering this invitation. Should you require any further information, feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature (if sending a hard copy)]
[Your Full Name]

UK visa invitation letter sample for UK business visit

[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, Postcode]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]

To Whom It May Concern,

I, [Your Full Name], [Your Position] at [Company Name], located at [Company Address], am writing to invite [Visitor's Full Name], who is employed as [Visitor’s Job Title] at [Visitor's Company Name], to visit the United Kingdom for a business trip. The purpose of this visit is to [briefly explain the purpose of the visit – e.g., attend business meetings, sign contracts, attend a conference, explore business opportunities].

[Visitor's Full Name] is scheduled to visit the UK from [Arrival Date] to [Departure Date]. During their visit, they will be attending meetings and discussions regarding [mention the details of the business or project, e.g., partnership agreements, new business ventures, market research]. We expect to have the following meetings and events planned [list some of the key meetings or events, if any].

The company will cover all necessary expenses during [Visitor’s Full Name]’s visit, including accommodation, travel, and daily expenses. However, if needed, I will also personally support [Visitor's Full Name] in ensuring they have a comfortable stay.

We believe that [Visitor’s Full Name] will greatly benefit from this trip and will bring valuable expertise to our business discussions. They have strong ties to their home country, including [mention visitor’s employment, family, property, etc.], and will return to [Visitor’s Home Country] as per the planned schedule.

Thank you for considering this invitation. Please feel free to contact me should you need any further information.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature (if sending a hard copy)]
[Your Full Name]
[Your Position]
[Company Name

Common mistakes: Sponsorship letter for UK visitor visa is a different thing

A sponsorship letter for a UK visitor visa is a document written by a person or organization in the UK to guarantee financial support for a visitor applying for a visa. This letter is typically used to show that the visitor will not be a burden on public funds during their stay in the UK. It helps demonstrate that the visitor has adequate financial backing and the assurance of accommodation.

You can get detailed information about UK Sponsorship on the related page.

What is the difference between invitation letter and sponsor letter?

While the invitation letter invites the visitor and explains the purpose of the trip, the sponsorship letter takes on the responsibility of covering the visitor's costs and ensuring they won’t be a financial burden during their stay in the UK.

How to sponsor a visitor to UK

To sponsor a visitor to the UK, you need to:

• Write a UK sponsorship letter: Include your details, visitor's info, purpose of visit, and your financial support.

• Provide supporting documents: Show proof of your legal UK status and financial ability (e.g., bank statements).

• Ensure visitor's return: Confirm they’ll return home after the visit.

This helps assure the UK authorities that the visitor will not be a financial burden.