Use this guide to write a clear UK visa invitation letter and understand when supporting documents may need certified English translation.
| Is an invitation letter mandatory? | No, but it can support a UK visitor visa application. |
| Who writes it? | Usually the Entry Clearance Officer or “To whom it may concern”. |
| Does it need to be translated? | The invitation letter itself should normally be in English. Supporting documents not in English or Welsh need a certified/full translation. |
| What supporting documents may need translation? | Birth certificates, marriage certificates, bank statements, employment letters, tenancy agreements, family documents, and other evidence. |
An invitation letter is a supporting document written by a UK-based host. It confirms why a visitor is coming to the UK, where they will stay, their relationship with the host, and whether the host will provide accommodation or financial support.
It is commonly used for UK Standard Visitor Visa applications, especially when someone is visiting family, friends, a partner, or attending an event.
Host and visitor full names
Relationship between host and visitor
Purpose of visit and travel dates
Accommodation details
Financial support, if applicable
The letter is to addressed to the Entry Clearance Officer or UK consular staff reviewing the application.
Suggested wording:
Dear Sir/Madam or To whom it may concern
An invitation letter is not always required for a UK visa, but it can be useful when the applicant is staying with a host in the UK or when the purpose of the visit needs to be explained clearly. It should be consistent with the visa application form and the supporting documents.
For visa applications, avoid vague statements. Use clear dates, names, addresses, relationship details, and the reason for the visit. If the host is offering accommodation or financial support, this should be stated clearly and supported with evidence where relevant.
Copy and adapt this template. Replace every placeholder with accurate information before submitting it with the visa application.
[Host address]
[Date]
To: Entry Clearance Officer
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to invite [visitor full name], holder of passport number [passport number], to visit me in the United Kingdom from [arrival date] to [departure date].
[Visitor full name] is my [relationship], and the purpose of the visit is [reason for visit, such as tourism, family visit, graduation, wedding, or short holiday].
During the visit, [visitor full name] will stay at [UK address]. I will provide accommodation and, where applicable, financial support during their stay.
I have attached copies of my passport, proof of UK immigration status, proof of address, and any other relevant supporting evidence.
Please contact me if you require further information.
Sincerely,
[Host full name]
Invitation letter for parents
Use this version when inviting your mother or father to visit you in the UK.
I am writing to invite my mother/father, [Visitor Full Name], to visit me in the United Kingdom from [arrival date] to [departure date].
During their stay, they will live with me at [UK address]. The purpose of the visit is to spend time with family and visit local places of interest.
I confirm that I will provide accommodation during the visit and support them where necessary.
Invitation letter for friends
Use this version when the visitor is staying with a friend in the UK.
I am writing to invite my friend, [Visitor Full Name], to visit me in the United Kingdom from [arrival date] to [departure date].
We have known each other for [length of time], and the purpose of the visit is tourism and spending time together in the UK.
[Visitor Full Name] will stay with me at [UK address] during the visit.
Invitation letter for partner or spouse
Use this version when explaining a genuine relationship and visit plans.
I am writing to invite my partner/spouse, [Visitor Full Name], to visit me in the United Kingdom from [arrival date] to [departure date].
We are in a genuine relationship and have planned this visit so that [Visitor Full Name] can spend time with me and visit [places/events if relevant].
During the visit, [Visitor Full Name] will stay with me at [UK address].
The exact documents depend on the applicant and the reason for the visit, but the following evidence is commonly used to support a UK visitor visa application.
Valid passport - must be valid for the duration of the stay in the UK.
Visa application form - completed and submitted online.
Passport-sized photograph - if requested as part of the application process.
Proof of funds - bank statements, payslips, or other financial evidence.
Proof of accommodation - details showing where the visitor will stay.
Travel itinerary - planned arrival and departure dates.
Evidence of ties to the home country - employment, property, study, or family evidence.
Birth certificate or marriage certificate - useful where family relationship evidence is needed.
Certified translations - required where supporting documents are not in English or Welsh.
Do Supporting Documents for a UK Visa Need Certified Translation?
If a document is not in English or Welsh, applicants should include a full certified translation that can be independently verified. This may apply to birth certificates, marriage certificates, bank statements, employment letters, tenancy agreements, property documents, and family records.
The person writing the invitation letter should be legally living in the UK, either as a British citizen, settled resident, or visa holder. This helps show that they are able to support the visitor’s application and provide accurate information about the planned visit.
The host should also have a clear and genuine relationship with the visitor. This may be as a family member, friend, partner, spouse, employer, university, or organisation. The letter should explain how the host knows the visitor and why the visitor is coming to the UK.
If the visitor will stay with the host, the letter should include the accommodation address and explain whether the host owns or rents the property. If the visitor will stay in a hotel or another address for part of the trip, this should also be mentioned.
The person writing the letter should make sure all details are accurate and consistent with the rest of the visa application. Incorrect dates, unclear relationships, or inconsistent accommodation details can create problems during the visa review.
The applicant may also include supporting documents, such as proof of the host’s UK status, proof of address, evidence of the relationship, and financial documents where relevant. Any supporting documents that are not in English or Welsh should be provided with a certified translation.
Is an invitation letter required for a UK visa?
No, an invitation letter for a UK visitor visa is not mandatory but can help support the visa application. However, if the visa applicant is providing documents in a language other than English, a certified translation will be required.
Who can write an invitation letter for a UK visa?
Any UK resident (citizen, permanent resident, or visa holder) can invite someone to visit.
Can I write an invitation letter for my parents?
Yes, you can provide an invitation letter for a UK visa for parents with your details and proof of relationship. Make sure all supporting documents are translated accurately.
Where do I send the invitation letter?
The letter should be sent to the visitor, who will submit it with their visa application.
What happens if my guest’s documents aren’t translated correctly?
Submitting inaccurate or poorly translated documents can lead to visa refusal. It's crucial to use a certified translation service like Certling to ensure accuracy and compliance with UK visa requirements.
