What are the requirements for obtaining a tourist visa for my Thai wife to visit the UK?

I agree with all of what has been advised ...more info the better ...I've done 4 applications...and I've found that they need as much proof as possible that she has reasons to return .

Also show that you have enough funds in your bank account to take care of all her needs ...ie have at least £16 ,000 in your current account...it makes a BIG statement.

Good luck

Whats the situation if its gf requiring visa for visit? Own business and house here so return flights etc will be booked and staying with family in uk

As others say, the two important things to establish are the genuineness of your relationship, and reasons she will return to Thailand (savings, assets, house/condo, job, family life, etc).

There is no penalty for putting too much in. Our first application was granted. Our second application, which included a similar 180 pages of evidence, was refused because we didn't submit enough evidence. (After 8 months of letters they finally conceded that their refusal was without basis and granted the visa, although by that time we'd had to make other plans, hence here we are. They may have refused because my wife would have been eligible to claim asylum due to the genocide ongoing at the time we were attempting to escape. But that's the Tory Home Office for you, they would never admit that. The MOD were kinder, preparing evacuation plans for her, 8 months pregnant at the time. I digress..)

Another thing not mentioned here - include photos of the room in your aunt's house she will stay. Immigration do not want people coming to cramped living quarters to do sweatshop labour.

On genuineness of relationship, everything official you can think of, maybe there are visa stamps from years ago, plus photos of your history, don't be afraid to tell your story in the cover letters (one from you the sponsor, one from the applicant). Confirm you will cover all costs. Include a generous budget and proof you have savings to cover it. Although a marriage certificate should pretty much cover this.

On intention to leave, include everything that shows you and she have an ongoing life in Thailand. Include a letter from her employer saying she has X days holiday and has been granted leave for the dates you specify in your trip plan. Ask the employer to include her salary and position. Then if necessary get it translated at an official translation office. Savings, assets, pets, anything you can think of, chuck it all in.

I did it last year. Filled in everything at home and she took to VFS.

Make sure to read the checklists. We over compensated and had letter from my parents addressee to VFS stating she was visiting UK, where, when and there was no cost to stay. I also supplied my sponsor letter and explained the holiday plan and attached A2 weeks plan of what we would do. Also also evidenced relationship via a letter and pictures of us abroad on holiday. Finally we evidenced she had a job and a company and a house in her name and that she was coming back to Thailand. No questions and approved first time

Buy a dinghi

There will be an agent downstairs in Trendy office that will help you fill in the online for for a fee. Be prepared for her parents details, such as Thai ID and dates of birth, her full travel abroad history, all hers kids names and DOB, give an estimated day of arrival in UK and an estimated day of leaving, if she has money in the bank .. copy of her bank book , statements etc.

They will want to know total cost of the trip … including air fares and spending money. Say you are paying for everything .. so if cost is £2500 estimate then you would say you are sponsoring the trip for £3000.

If you have a healthy bank balance submit your own bank statements with the application.

My wife just did hers, got a simple letter from my mum saying wanted myself and my wife to come for xmas. Didnt put any of thst stuff about my mum owning house and paying for crap. Got visa took 3 weeks