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Applying for a UK visit visa? An invitation letter can make a big difference, especially if you’re visiting family, attending a business meeting, coming for medical treatment, or supporting a relative during pregnancy.
This guide covers exactly what you need to know:
✅ What is an invitation letter
✅ Why You Need an Invitation Letter
✅ What documents to include
✅ How to Structure it
✅ Real-life examples for weddings, business trips, tourism without a host, and maternity support
Whether inviting someone or applying yourself, you’ll find ready-to-use templates and clear, practical advice to strengthen your application without overcomplicating things.
What Is an Invitation Letter for a UK Visa?
An invitation letter is a supporting document written by someone in the UK to confirm inviting a visitor from abroad. Its primary purpose is to show UK immigration authorities that the applicant has a genuine reason to visit and a reliable host in the UK.
✅ The letter typically includes details about:
✅ The host or Sponsor (name, status in the UK, address)
✅ The visitor (name, relationship to the host, reason for the visit)
✅ Duration and purpose of the trip
✅ Who will provide accommodation and financial support
While an invitation letter is not a mandatory requirement for a UK visa, it can strengthen the application by helping to prove the visit is genuine, temporary, and well-supported. All information provided must be accurate and up to date.
Why You Need a UK Invitation Letter
While there is no law making an invitation letter mandatory, it plays a key role under the UK Immigration Rules—Appendix V: Visitor Rules and the Home Office Visitor Guidance.
✅ According to Paragraph V 4.2, visa applicants must prove they are genuine visitors who will leave the UK after their stay. If you’re visiting family or friends, an invitation letter helps support this by confirming who you’re visiting, why, for how long, and whether they’ll provide accommodation or financial help.
✅ More importantly, the letter complements other crucial evidence — like the visitor’s ties to their home country (e.g. family responsibilities, job, or ongoing education) — which can reassure the Home Office that the visitor has a strong reason to return after their trip.
💡In short, it’s not required, but it’s a smart move. It directly supports what the law expects and can significantly boost the strength of the application.
As shown clearly in the provided checklist image, an invitation letter from your UK-based contact is mandatory if you’re applying for a UK visit visa as a tourist and have family or friends in the UK.
What Documents to Attach with an Invitation Letter
An invitation letter alone isn’t always enough. To strengthen the application, it should be backed by relevant supporting documents that confirm the host’s ability to accommodate and support the visitor, and that the visitor intends to return home after their trip.
From the UK Host/Sponsor:
📘 Copy of passport or residence permit/BRP
🛂 Proof of immigration status (e.g. visa, ILR, citizenship certificate)
✍️ A signed letter stating their relationship with the visitor, the purpose and duration of the visit, and confirmation of accommodation and/or financial support
🏠 Proof of accommodation, such as a tenancy agreement or utility bills
💷 Recent bank statements, payslips, or tax documents to prove financial ability
🎓 If the host is a student visa holder, they should also include a student status letter from their university confirming enrollment and immigration status.
From the Visitor:
🌍 Proof of strong ties to their home country, such as employment verification, proof of studies, or family responsibilities
💰 Bank statements and income evidence to show they can financially support themselves and any dependents
✈️ Travel itinerary and return flight reservation (optional but helpful)
What Not to Include:
Avoid irrelevant or weak documents such as:
🖼️ Personal photos
💼 Business cards
💳 Credit card statements
❌ Anything that doesn’t directly support visa eligibility
📝📚✈️ Combining a solid invitation letter with strong, relevant evidence helps demonstrate the purpose of the visit and the visitor’s intent to return, both of which are central to meeting the UK visitor visa requirements.
How to Write a Letter of Invitation for a UK Visa
If you’re inviting someone to the UK for a holiday, family visit, medical treatment, or business trip, you may need to provide an invitation letter as part of their visa application. This letter helps prove the purpose of travel, your relationship with the visitor, and who will provide financial support and accommodation.
📋 Follow this structure to make sure the letter is clear, complete, and aligned with Home Office expectations:
Address the Letter Properly
- Start with “Dear Sir/Madam”
- Address it to the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) or Home Office, not the visitor
Include the Host’s Details
- Full name
- UK address
- Phone number and email
- Immigration status in the UK (e.g. British citizen, ILR, Skilled Worker visa)
Include the Visitor’s Details
- Full name and passport number
- Reason for visit
- Intended length of stay (rough dates are fine if not confirmed)
- Relationship to the host
State the Primary Purpose of the Visit
Mention if the visit is for a family occasion (e.g. birthday, religious festival, wedding), medical treatment, tourism, or a business activity (e.g. meetings, conference).
✅ Be specific and avoid vague terms — this helps the visa officer assess the application faster.
Clarify Financial Support
- Clearly state who will cover accommodation, living expenses, and travel costs
- If the visitor will pay part of it, include that as well.
Accommodation Details
- Confirm where the visitor will stay during their time in the UK.
- Mention if they’ll be living with the host or at another addres.s
Contact and Closing
📮 Reconfirm your contact details
✍️ Sign the letter with full name and date
✒️ Writing the letter in a formal tone and including all relevant details shows the visit is genuine, short-term, and well-supported — all of which are key to a successful UK visa application.
💡 If you’re wondering “What should I write in my invitation letter for a UK visa?” or “Can I see a sample business invitation letter?” — we’ve got you covered. 📄 This guide includes ready-to-use templates for different scenarios:
👪 Family visit (e.g. attending a wedding, religious holiday, or spending time together)
🏖️ Tourism (when inviting a friend or relative for sightseeing or vacation)
💼 Business visit (for meetings, conferences, or short-term professional trips)
🏥 Medical visit (if a family member is receiving treatment in the UK)
📌 Just scroll down to the relevant section and copy the structure that fits your case best. Each sample includes all required details — purpose of visit, host and visitor info, financial support, and accommodation.
Real Life Client Example with Template
Example 1:
👰 Family Visit (Wedding Invitation with Multiple Sponsors)
One of the most common reasons for a UK visa invitation letter for family is attending a wedding.
A client, a British citizen and business owner in Leicester, contacted us to invite his parents, sister, and brother from India for his daughter’s wedding in July.
🧾 The Setup: He sponsored their accommodation and living expenses, while the applicants covered travel costs. Since multiple family members were applying, the letter needed to clearly explain:
- Each person’s relationship,
- Purpose of visit,
- Where they would stay,
- Who was paying for what, and
- How they were tied to India.
What We Advised:
- Clearly list each invited family member and their relationship
- Attach hotel and wedding venue bookings
- Include the wedding invitation card with names
- Show strong ties to India: job, studies, or family commitments
- Split costs clearly: who covers accommodation, who covers travel
- Attach financial documents to show the sponsor can support the visit
- Keep the letter specific and personal, not generic
✉️ Here’s the exact template we provided to Mr. Patel to support his family’s UK visa applications for his daughter’s wedding.
Invitation Letter for Visa for Family – Wedding Visit
| [Sponsor’s Full Name] [Date] To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to confirm that I will be sponsoring the visit of the following family members from India to the United Kingdom for the purpose of attending my daughter’s wedding, which will take place on [Wedding Date] at [Wedding Venue Name]. The visitors are: Mr. [Father’s Full Name] (Father) Mrs. [Mother’s Full Name] (Mother) Ms. [Sister’s Full Name] (Sister) Mr. [Brother’s Full Name] (Brother) Planned travel dates: [Arrival Date] to [Departure Date] Accommodation and support: I will take full financial responsibility for their accommodation, food, and daily expenses during their stay. Parents will stay with me at my residence Sister and brother will stay at [Hotel Name, Location] (booking confirmation attached) Travel costs: Return travel to India will be covered by the visitors themselves. Ties to home country: Each family member has strong professional, educational, or family ties to India and will return after the visit. Supporting evidence is included in their applications. Sponsor’s background: I am a British citizen and business owner. I have included proof of ID, financial documents, and wedding-related bookings to support this sponsorship. I trust this letter will assist in the processing of their visa applications. Yours faithfully, [Sponsor’s Full Name] |
Example 2:
Business Visit (Attending a UK-Based Education Conference)
A client reached out from Saudi Arabia seeking help with a UK business visa invitation letter. He was a director at an international education agency operating in both Saudi Arabia and the UK.
The UK branch invited him to attend a student recruitment conference, stay for one week, and participate in meetings with the UK team. He would return immediately after.
Our Advice:
- The UK office should issue the invitation letter, signed by a senior staff member.
The letter should come from the UK branch or company inviting the visitor. It must be on official letterhead and signed by someone senior, ideally a manager or director. This adds credibility and confirms the invitation is genuine. - The letter must include the event name, travel dates, and business purpose.
Be specific. Mention the exact meeting, conference, or training session, along with the full schedule, venue, and purpose. A generic letter reduces your chances of approval. - Accommodation and expenses should be clearly addressed.
Clarify where the visitor will stay and who will cover the expenses — the UK office, overseas employer, or the visitor personally. Attach financial evidence if the UK company is sponsoring the trip. - Emphasise strong ties to the home country
Visa officers must be sure the visitor will return. Mention employment, family staying behind (spouse, children), property ownership, and financial responsibilities. These demonstrate clear intent to return. - Attach supporting documents. Strengthen the application by including:
- Event or conference confirmation
- Hotel booking (if not staying with company)
- Return travel itinerary (optional — see note below)
- Visitor’s employment letter
- Documents showing the business relationship
Pro Tip: Do not book your flight tickets until your UK visa has been approved.
A flight booking is not required for the application — and buying tickets before getting your visa approved puts your money at risk. A return itinerary or reservation (non-paid) is enough to show intent to return.
Here’s the exact template we provided to our client for their UK business visa application to attend a student recruitment conference organised by their UK branch office.
Business Visit Invitation Letter Template – UK Conference
| [Company Name] [Company Address in the UK] [Date] To Whom It May Concern, We are inviting [Visitor’s Full Name], Director of our Saudi Arabia office, to the United Kingdom from [Arrival Date] to [Departure Date] to attend the [Conference Name], held at [Venue, City]. Purpose of Visit The purpose of the visit is to attend business meetings, engage with our UK team, and participate in the student recruitment conference. This is a short-term business visit. The visitor will return to Saudi Arabia immediately after the event. Accomodation Detials Accommodation and daily expenses during the stay will be covered by our UK office. Hotel booking confirmation is attached. Ties to Home Country The visitor has strong ties to Saudi Arabia, including ongoing employment and responsibilities at our overseas office. A confirmed return flight is enclosed. We trust this letter supports the visa application. Further details can be provided if needed. Yours sincerely, [Name] [Position] [Company Name] |
Example 3:
UK Tourist Visa Invitation Letter (No Family or Friends in the UK)
A client from India, Gurpal Singh, applied for a UK tourist visa with no relatives or friends in the UK. He planned a solo, self-funded sightseeing trip. Gurpal had strong reasons to return home after the visit — he lives with his wife, child, and elderly parents, runs a successful business, owns two rental properties, and had a CA-certified financial statement confirming his ability to fund the trip. He also had a solid travel history, having previously visited seven countries including the EU, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Dubai, and Qatar.
Our Advice:
- Clearly state tourism as the purpose
- Include travel dates, planned cities, and hotel bookings
- Attach CA-certified financial documents
- Emphasise strong home ties: family, business, and property
- Highlight international travel history
- Keep the letter factual and self-sponsored, no UK host required
Here’s the exact template we provided to Mr. Singh to support his UK tourist visa application.
Sample UK Tourist Visa Invitation Letter (No Family or Friends in the UK)
| [Your Name] [Your Full Address] [Phone Number] [Email Address] [Date] To Whom It May Concern, I am writing this letter to support my own application for a UK Standard Visitor Visa. The purpose of my visit is tourism — I plan to visit major landmarks, historical sites, and cultural attractions in cities such as London, Edinburgh, and Manchester. My intended travel dates are from [arrival date] to [departure date]. Purpose of Visit I have booked accommodation at [hotel or Airbnb name and address] and will be covering all travel, accommodation, and daily expenses myself. Ties to Home Country I have strong ties to my home country. I am employed as a [job title] at [company name] since [start date] and have ongoing responsibilities at work. Additionally, I have close family and financial commitments that require my return after the visit. I am submitting supporting documents including my employment letter, recent bank statements, hotel reservation, and a copy of my planned itinerary. Please let me know if any further information is needed. Yours sincerely, [Your Full Name] |
Example 4:
UK Visa Invitation Letter for Parents (Pregnancy Support)
Mr. Abbas, a British citizen and full-time manager, wanted to invite his mother-in-law from Morocco to stay in the UK for two months to support his pregnant wife, who is currently six months along with their first child.
Neither Mr. Abbas nor his wife has any family in the UK. The visit would provide much-needed support during the final stage of pregnancy and after childbirth.
Our Advice:
- State clearly that the visit is for pregnancy and postpartum support
- Confirm it’s their first child and they have no other relatives in the UK
- Show the visitor’s temporary intent and ties to Morocco
- Mr. Abbas should act as the financial sponsor
- Attach a doctor’s letter confirming the due date
- Include evidence of the mother-in-law’s family, property, or responsibilities back home
Here’s the exact invitation letter template we provided to Mr. Abbas to support his mother-in-law’s visa application.
Family Visit Invitation Letter Template – Maternity Support
| [Full Name of Sponsor] [Date] To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to invite my mother-in-law, [Visitor’s Full Name], to visit the United Kingdom for a period of two months, from [Arrival Date] to [Departure Date], to assist my wife during the final stage of pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Purpose of Visit My wife is currently six months pregnant with our first child, and her due date is [Due Date]. As we have no family or elder relatives in the UK, her mother’s presence will provide essential support during this important time. Financial Responsibilty I am a British citizen, employed full-time as a [Job Title], and I own my home at [Address]. I will be fully responsible for her accommodation, living expenses, and general support throughout the visit. My mother-in-law will return to Morocco after the visit. She has strong ties to her home country, including family, responsibilities, and permanent residence. Her return travel plans will be confirmed before her arrival. Attached are supporting documents including my proof of income, homeownership, my wife’s medical letter confirming the pregnancy, and evidence of the visitor’s ties to Morocco. I hope this letter helps in processing her visa application. Yours sincerely, [Full Name of Sponsor] |
Conclusion
An invitation letter isn’t always mandatory for a UK visa, but when visiting family, friends, attending a business event, or receiving medical treatment, it can strongly support your application. UK immigration rules particularly Appendix V require proof of a genuine visit, and a well-written invitation letter helps deliver that.
Whether you’re the visitor or the UK-based host, your letter should clearly explain the purpose of the visit, the relationship between both parties, financial arrangements, and accommodation plans. Don’t forget to include relevant supporting documents and highlight the visitor’s ties to their home country.
With the right structure and honest details, an invitation letter becomes a powerful tool—not a complicated hurdle. Use the templates and tips shared above to write yours confidently and boost your chances of visa approval.
For more information, don’t hesitate to contact KQ Solicitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs an invitation letter for a UK visa?
Anyone applying for a UK visit visa whether for tourism, family, business, or events may need one if they’re relying on a UK host for support or accommodation.
My mum’s visiting the UK can she get her regular heart medication while she’s here?
Yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Visitors to the UK can see a GP, but they’re not entitled to NHS prescriptions, which means your mum would need to pay the full cost of any medication prescribed.
She can’t use a prescription from her home country, so she’d need to see a UK-based doctor, most likely a private GP, who will assess her and decide whether to prescribe the same medication.
Here’s what helps:
- Bring her medical records (translated into English)
- Confirm the exact medication names are available in the UK
- Schedule a private GP visit early after arrival (especially if she only has a month’s supply left)
- Be prepared for extra costs or possible tests before the doctor prescribes anything
It’s doable just plan ahead so there are no last-minute issues.
Does an invitation letter guarantee visa approval?
No. It supports the application but doesn’t guarantee approval. The final decision rests with UKVI, based on the visitor’s full circumstances.
Can someone else write the invitation letter?
Yes. A third party can write it, as long as they provide full details of their relationship with the visitor and their ability to host/support them. The visitor should still show they have ties to their home country.
Can BRP holders invite someone to the UK?
There are no BRPs in 2025, but yes — anyone with lawful immigration status (e.g. Skilled Worker, Health and Care, Graduate, Student, or Settled) can invite someone, as long as they can support the visit.
How much money should a UK visa sponsor show?
There’s no fixed rule. For a short trip, even £500 can be enough. But more support = stronger application. Think of it like this: “The more sugar you add, the sweeter it gets.” If the sponsor wants to cover more, showing £1,500–£3,000 is safer.
How many months of bank statements are needed?
- Visitor’s side: At least 3 months to prove stable financial standing
- Sponsor’s side: Even 1 recent month is often enough—just to show they can cover the visit