Visa type

Visiting family and friends abroad

Most countries treat a family visit as an ordinary visitor visa with an invitation. The rules on invitations, sponsors and long stays differ, and we prepare each file for the country you are going to.

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Covers

Family and friends visit visa

Visiting relatives or friends
Family events such as weddings, births and graduations
Longer stays with children or grandchildren where a country allows it

covered on this page

Documents

What the application needs

The purpose documents carry your application. They come on top of the basics every consulate asks for.

For this purpose

Documents for a family visit

An invitation from your host with their address, the dates and the relationship (Annex II, point A3)
Proof of how you are related, such as birth or marriage certificates (Annex II, part C)
Often: a copy of your host’s passport or residence permit
For a minor travelling without both parents: consent from the parents or legal guardian (Annex II, part C)

Some Schengen countries ask for an official sponsorship or accommodation form instead of a letter (Visa Code, Article 14(4)).

Every trip

The basics

Passport
Form and photo
Travel medical insurance
Money for the trip
Where you will stay
Travel plans
Ties to home
Fingerprints

What each one means

By destination

How the main destinations handle it

Official rules, checked 9 November 2026. We confirm the details for your passport before anything is submitted.

Schengen area
The invitation shows where you stay. Countries may ask for proof of sponsorship or private accommodation on their own form, and for proof of family ties with your host.
EU Visa Code, Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 (consolidated)
United States
Visiting friends or relatives is a B-2 purpose. The State Department says a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not needed and is not a factor in the decision: you qualify on your own ties abroad.
U.S. Department of State: Visitor visa
Canada
Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents can apply for the super visa: up to 5 years per visit, with multiple entries for up to 10 years.
Government of Canada: Super visa for parents and grandparents
Australia
Visitor visa (600): the Tourist stream covers visiting family and friends (from AUD 250), and in the Sponsored Family stream a relative in Australia sponsors you (AUD 250, up to 12 months).
Department of Home Affairs: Visitor visa (subclass 600)
United Kingdom
Visiting family and friends is a permitted activity for a Standard Visitor (£135, up to 6 months), or with an ETA if your nationality can use one.
GOV.UK: Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor
Ireland
Family members of Irish citizens are exempt from Irish visa fees when they show the required documents.
Irish Immigration Service: Visa fees

Tips

Small things that make a strong file

01
Ask your host for a short, signed letter with the dates, their address and how you are related.
02
Show your own job, studies or family at home: the decision rests on your circumstances.
03
If someone else pays for the trip, include their proof of funds and a note that they cover the costs.

FAQ

Family and friends visit visa: common questions

Does an invitation letter guarantee a visa?

No. The consulate assesses your own situation, such as your ties at home and the money for the trip. For the US, the State Department says an invitation is not one of the factors used in the decision.

Can my relative pay for my trip?

Usually yes. Schengen countries may ask for proof of sponsorship on their own form (Visa Code, Article 14(4)), and the US accepts evidence that another person will cover some or all costs.

Can my parents stay with me in Canada for more than 6 months?

Yes, with the super visa. Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents can stay up to 5 years per visit, with multiple entries for up to 10 years.

Is a family visit visa different from a tourist visa?

In most countries it is the same visitor visa with a different purpose and supporting documents. Australia has a separate Sponsored Family stream, and Canada the super visa for parents and grandparents.

Official sources, checked 9 November 2026

The embassy or consulate always makes the visa decision.

More visa types