uk visit visa without bank statement

Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

11 Reasons for UK visa refusal (and how to overcome them)

Updated: September 8, 2023

UK visa application is the most strict and highly scrutinized visa process. The UK Visas and Immigration receives thousands of visa applications every year that do not meet visa requirements.

Once you have a UK visa refusal, it remains permanently in the records of the UK Home Office. Each time you re-apply, your previous UK visa refusal comes up. It becomes an unavoidable hindrance to all of your future UK visa applications. Therefore, you must get approval in the first attempt at all costs.

According to national statistics published by the Home Office, the UK visitor visa refusal rate for 2019 was 13%. The countries with the highest refusal rates were Algeria, Ghana and Bangladesh with refusal rates over 40%.

This article walks you through the top UK visa refusal reasons. This list should also help if you are reapplying after your UK visa refusal.

The top reasons for UK visa rejection are as below –

• Long itinerary
• Unclear itinerary
• Lack of leave approval letter
• Lack of salary deposits in your bank account
• Large undocumented deposits in your bank account
• Exhausting all your savings or spending several times your monthly income
• Lack of travel history
• Lack of detailed cover letter
• Lack of proper documentation from the sponsor
• Not disclosing any previous visa refusals
• No change in circumstances since your previous visa refusal

Now, let’s take a deep look into each of these reasons and understand how to overcome these in your own UK visa application.

Go through and understand each of these reasons. Analyze your own visa application to figure what’s lacking and what needs to be done. It should help you build a strong case and get approval in your first attempt.

So, without further delay, let’s get started.

NOTE The visa refusal reasons in this article are actual reasons given by the UK visa officers in the visa refusal letters. After going through several visa refusal letters from my readers, I put this article together to help you all analyze your own applications and avoid future rejections.

BONUS: FREE eBOOK

Enter your name and email to download the FREE eBOOK: The Secret to VISA-FREE Travel

Opt in to receive my monthly visa updates

You can unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

Your FREE eBook is on it’s way to your inbox! Check your email.

TOP 11 REASONS FOR UK VISA REFUSAL

01. Long itinerary

REASON “You have stated that you wish to visit the UK for 1 month”

Be realistic. The UK is small and you only need a few days to explore. A long itinerary looks suspicious. It looks as if you will be living or working in the UK rather than site seeing.

The UK is also expensive. You must have enough funds to justify your itinerary.

A 7-10 day itinerary works the best for the UK tourist visa . If you are only visiting London, probably less than 7 days is better.

Also Read: 11 mistakes that can get your visa denied. And how to avoid them.

02. Unclear itinerary

REASON “You did not indicate what you intend to do or where you intend to stay. The plans for this trip are unclear and lacking in detail.”

Specify a detailed itinerary in your cover letter. The itinerary should include the dates, cities and your day-to-day activities in each city.

If your itinerary is too long, attach an additional page to your cover letter.

03. Lack of leave approval letter

REASON “It is unclear if your employer has agreed for you to be away from work for the period of this trip, and therefore that you will return to this employment following this trip.”

Include a leave approval letter from your employer. A leave approval letter is the single most document that can strengthen your case. It indicates two things –

• You have strong ties with your country
• You have the obligation to return back to your country after your UK trip

Your leave approval letter should clearly mention that you have been granted leave to travel to the UK and you will return to your current job after your vacation.

This letter must be on the company letterhead with original HR or manager’s signature. You must have your HR or manager write this letter specifically for your UK travel.

If you cannot obtain a leave approval letter, have your employer at least mention your leave details in the employment letter.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE I had my employer include my leave approval details in the employment letter for my UK visa. I haven’t seen a single UK visitor visa refusal from those who submitted a leave/vacation approval letter. In my opinion, it really is a strong document.

Also Read: UK Visa Guide – All about UK visa requirements, application process, documentation, etc.

04. Lack of salary deposits in your bank account

REASON “Your stated monthly income is not reflected in the history of the account”

It is not uncommon to have a UK visa rejected due to bank statements. Apart from your employment documentation, you must be able to show your monthly salary in your bank statements for UK visa .

Make sure your employer deposit your salary directly into your bank account. Your regular salary deposits indicate two things –

• You are genuinely employed and have a steady source of income
• You have genuinely saved up to travel to the UK and not borrowing money from someone

Have your employer deposit your salary directly into your bank account. It’s fine if you have to withdraw cash for expenses, family, etc. But, it is important to have your salary deposited directly into your bank account.

If you receive a physical paycheck, deposit the check yourself in the bank regularly every month.

05. Large undocumented deposits in your bank account

REASON “Large credits have been made which are in excess of your stated monthly income”

REASON “I am not satisfied with the origin of these funds or that they are genuinely available to you”

REASON “The sources of these deposits are not demonstrated by the documents provided”

As I mentioned in the above reason, it’s not uncommon to have UK visa rejected due to bank statements.

Large deposits in your bank account indicate that you have borrowed money to inflate the numbers in your bank account. Visa officers will not be convinced that the funds in your account are your own and are available for you to use.

Make sure there are no large deposits in your bank account. If you already have large deposits in your account, provide proof of the source of those deposits. Example –

• If you have received money from selling a property, attach the sales deed to the bank statement
• If you have received money from rents, attach the rental agreements from your tenants

Also Read: How to travel 40 countries VISA-FREE with UK visa in 2023

06. Exhausting all your savings or spending several times your monthly income

REASON “I don’t find it credible that you would exhaust nearly all the funds available to you”

REASON “This amount represents over half your declared savings or over x months of your monthly expenditure”

If the total expenditure of your UK trip is more than half of your savings or several times your monthly salary, your visa will be refused. It’s not realistic to exhaust all your savings on one trip to the UK. You would need to preserve at least half of your savings for emergencies.

If your savings are low, your UK visa may be rejected due to insufficient funds. Taking chances and applying for your UK visa will lead to refusal and also affect all your future visa results. So, take a few months to build your savings first.

It is not wise to spend more than 2 times your monthly income on your UK trip. If your monthly salary is low, wait until your monthly salary improves. Ask for a raise or take up a second job. But taking chances will only lead to refusal.

If you have received a gift or bonus from your employer or your sponsor is taking care of your expenses, you are still REQUIRED to show a saving that is more than twice your UK trip expenditure. This is to make sure you can support yourself during your trip in case your sponsor or employer decides not to support you.

07. Lack of travel history

REASON “I am not satisfied that you are a genuinely seeking entry as a visitor and that you intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit”

REASON “I note that you have never traveled to the UK or anywhere else before”

Travel history indicates that you do not have illegal immigration intent. If you were to stay illegally anywhere, you could have done it so already in any of those countries you have been to so far.

If you do not have travel history, build your travel history first.

Travel to some visa-required countries. The more countries you travel to, the better it is for your UK visa.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE I have traveled to over 30 countries so far. I have been to some countries multiple times. I have plenty of visas and stamps in my passport. My travel history helps in my visa approvals.

08. Lack of detailed cover letter

REASON “I am not satisfied that you have sufficient ties and would, in fact, leave the UK on completion of your proposed visit”

UK visa application forms may not ask for all the details that you want to convey. Therefore, a cover letter is a way for you to convey that additional information and convince the visa officer that you are genuinely seeking entry as a visitor.

Write a detailed cover letter mentioning your proposed itinerary, your financial situation, your travel history, your intention to return, etc.

Your cover letter should not exceed one page. Use bullets instead of paragraphs. The simpler, cleaner the better.

Keep in mind that the UK visa officers may not be familiar with terminology from your country. Do not use words, designations, addresses, etc. that are not familiar to them.

Visa officers may have lots of work on their plates. So, your cover letter should convey what you want to convey clearly and quickly.

09. Lack of proper documentation from your sponsor

REASON “I am not satisfied that your sponsor will be able to provide maintenance and accommodation during your sponsor trip”

If you are using a sponsor for your UK visa, you must have the following documentation from your sponsor. If you don’t have all of this documentation from your sponsor, you will be risking your visa.

• A letter from your sponsor undertaking that he/she would arrange your accommodation, transportation and other expenses while you are in the UK
• Your sponsor’s bank statements for the last 3 months (must indicate employer pay deposits and have no large undocumented deposits)
• Your sponsor’s British passport’s main page
• Your sponsor’s British postal poll card
• Your sponsor’s utility bill

Just having an invitation letter is not sufficient. An invitation letter is not legally enforceable and such letters will not help unless you provide additional documentation from your sponsor such as those mentioned above.

10. Not disclosing any previous visa refusals

REASON “I am aware that you have been refused a US visa and you do not declare this on your visa application form”

UK Home Office may have information sharing with other countries. You must enter only true information and must disclose any previous visa refusals from any country, not just the UK.

Pretty much all the information you provide is verifiable these days. Therefore, not disclosing your previous visa rejections can lead to your UK tourist visa refusal.

Also Read: How to turn your weak passport into a strong passport (with examples)

11. No change in circumstances since your previous visa refusal

REASON “I note that your were previously refused entry clearance”

REASON “You are likely to be refused unless the circumstances of your application change”

If your circumstances haven’t changed since your previous UK visa refusal, your visa may be refused again. Multiple visa refusals can lead to blacklisting and permanent ban. It’s wise to not apply at all than dealing with a visa refusal again.

Reapply for your UK visa only if there is a considerable change in your circumstances.

The UK visitor visa refusal rate is very high these days. The UK Home Office has been refusing visas more frequently than ever before.

It’s your responsibility to make sure that you are eligible and meet the visa requirements. A UK visa refusal can be an unavoidable hindrance down the line.

The above 11 UK visitor visa refusal reasons should help you analyze youn visa application and overcome any hindrances that can lead to your visa refusal.

Have you had a UK visa refusal? If you did, what was the reason and how did you overcome in your re-application?

IMPORTANT This article is meant for UK visa applicants with “tourism” intent. My knowledge and experience are only in tourist visas. I will only respond to comments from those seeking advice on UK visas with “tourism” intent. I will not respond to comments from those seeking advice for purposes such as study, work, spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, immigration, etc. I don’t have expertise in those matters. You would need to seek advice from immigration lawyers.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

06. Get your zero-fee ATM card

You can manage money internationally in over 70 currencies using  Wise . With a Wise card, you can store and withdraw cash in 40 currencies with zero ATM fees. 

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

RELATED POSTS

Loading 1,046 Comments... Please Wait.

• Cookie Policy
• Copyright Notice
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Flight Itinerary
• Hotel Reservation
• Travel Insurance
• Onward Ticket
• Testimonials

Search this site

• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie policy

UK Visa Rejected Due To Bank Statement

When applying for a UK visa, you must provide evidence that you can live comfortably without government financial support. Providing bank statements is a key part of the application process and if you fail to submit the correct paperwork you could be refused entry to the UK.

Visa refusals are very common, and you would benefit from legal assistance during the appeal process. Contact our helpful and friendly immigration lawyers here at IAS on  0333 305 9375  to increase your chances of a successful visa appeal.

UK Visa Rejected Due To Bank Statement Overview

Many visa types require you to provide evidence of your financial status with supporting documents. You could make many mistakes when providing your financial statements that could lead to visa refusal.

You must know the steps to avoid visa refusal due to your bank statements. Additionally, you need to know your options should your visa be refused.

Visa Refusal Reasons

A UK visa refusal is when you receive notice that your visa application has failed. You will receive your visa refusal letter by mail or by email and it will tell you why your application was refused.

There are many reasons why your UK visa might be rejected, such as:

• You have not provided evidence of your financial status, such as bank statements
• You have not included  the required documents
• You do not meet the eligibility criteria
• You have a criminal record that makes your ineligible

If you believe the UK immigration authorities have made an error in reviewing your application or can provide evidence that was missing in your application then you might be able to appeal to have the decision reconsidered.

The appeal process can be difficult if you do not understand immigration laws. You can use the knowledge and experience of an immigration lawyer to increase the strength of your appeal.

Why Was My Visa Rejected Due To My Bank Statements?

Proper documentation evidencing your financial competency is essential for the visa application process. You must have sufficient funds and income to live independently in the UK without financial aid. The exact requirements depend on which UK visa you are applying for.

However, there are some exceptions to this. UK immigration rules state that those living in the country as asylum seekers or refugees can access government support. Additionally, those moving to the UK to access care from relatives as a dependent do not need to prove their financial dependency – only the relative must provide evidence.

Here are some of the reasons for visa refusal due to bank statements:

• Your bank statement does not match the information provided in your visa application form
• You did not have your bank accounts attested
• You did not provide your bank statements alongside your UK visa application
• The bank statement submitted is outside the qualifying timeframe

Should I Get my Bank Accounts Attested?

You must get your bank accounts attested for your visa application. Bank attestation is when an approved authority confirms the validity of your bank statements and this is usually done via your bank provider.

In addition all documents submitted with your application must be in English or Welsh so you may need to provide translated copies of your paperwork, including bank statements.

If your visa category requires a sponsor as part of the application then you must ensure their details are accurate on the form and if they are providing financial information or bank statements then they will need to meet the requirements.

You may want to have an immigration expert review your application before submitting it to ensure all the details are correct.

Need help with a UK visa rejection due to bank statement issues? Contact us now for expert guidance and support.

What Is Administrative Review?

When you receive your visa refusal letter, you will receive both the refusal reasons and notification of whether you can ask for the decision to be reviewed. This process is known as administrative review when your visa refusal is reviewed.

Administrative review is only recommended if you believe an error has been made in the review process.

What Is the Appeal Process for Visa Refusal Due To Bank Statements?

If you are responsible for your visa refusal – whether by failing to provide bank statements, prove your financial capability, or have your documents attested – you cannot have an administrative review. Instead, you must file an appeal.

You can only appeal the UK visa refusal due to bank account statements within 28 days of receiving your letter. Should you submit your appeal late, you must give a reason for missing the deadline. Then, a tribunal will decide whether they still wish to review the decision.

An immigration lawyer can assist you and handle the appeal process for you. Their understanding of immigration rules and the appeal process will increase your chance of a successful visa application. Our immigration lawyers here at IAS can offer expert advice to provide a successful argument for your appeal.

What Are Common UK Visa Rejection Reasons?

To ensure you do not make any errors leading to a visa refusal, you must take great care when filling out your application and providing the supporting documents. Here are some of the most common mistakes visa applicants make when applying for UK visas:

• Failing to provide proper documentation.
• Providing incorrect information in the visa application form.
• Failing to disclose a criminal record.
• Failing to provide attested copies of your bank account statements.
• Failing to provide certified copies and translations for all the documents.

All of the above reasons can lead to visa refusal – and taking more care during the application process or seeking the assistance of an immigration lawyer can help you to avoid errors.

Don’t let a rejected UK visa hold you back. Get professional assistance with your bank statement and make an appeal. Contact us today.

What Should I Expect at the Appeal Court Proceedings?

When you wish to review your visa application, you can request a hearing for your visa appeal. To do this, you must appeal to the First-Tier Tribunal or Immigration and Asylum Chamber. During the hearing, you will be able to speak to a judge and explain why you think the visa refusal reasons were not correct.

You can make your case on your own, or you can have an immigration lawyer argue your case. Since they will be backed by an extensive knowledge of immigration law and what constitutes a strong case, they will be able to argue your case more effectively.

How Can IAS Help?

Receiving a UK visa refusal can cause stress, especially if you are unfamiliar with UK immigration rules. Getting help and professional advice can help to ease your worry and enter the visa appeal process with ease.

Your immigration advisor will be able to help you understand why your visa was rejected due to your bank account or insufficient funds. They have an intimate knowledge of immigration rules and laws, along with visa refusal reasons, and they can rectify any mistakes you may have made in your application.

If you are ineligible for a UK visa due to your bank account, your immigration lawyer can advise you on any alternative visa routes.

If you need legal services for your UK visa refusal, our team at IAS can help. Contact us today at  0333 305 9375  to access professional advice and support with your visa application.

We offer immigration advice sessions as face to face appointments at all of our UK offices, or via the phone.

Table of Contents

Need help with an immigration issue? Book a one-to-one advice session with one of our legal caseworkers.

We can complete your visa application on your behalf, taking the stress and hassle out of the process.

Need to submit an application quickly? We can help you complete and send it off in as little as 24 hours.

Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal with our legal support and guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my visa is rejected due to criminal record.

Your UK visa could be rejected due to a criminal record. If this is the case, it can be very challenging to appeal the visa refusal. You will benefit from legal counsel that can help you to evidence your rehabilitation.

Will I Get a Refund on My Visa Fee?

No, you will not get a refund on any visa fee you pay the UK government for your application. The visa fee covers the labour cost for the entry clearance officer reviewing your application and required documents.

Can You Appeal More Than Once for a UK Visa?

You can only make one reconsideration request for a UK visa. If you fail to win your appeal, then you will not be able to access the UK visa you applied for.

Does Your Visa Refusal Affect Future Applications?

Sometimes, visa refusals from your past can affect your future applications. The Home Office will be able to see your visa application history and repeat rejections could work against you during the application process.

Related Posts

Join Us for Our monthly Webinar Series on Migration Opportunities

UK Government Makes Radical Changes to Family and Work Visa Requirements – What You Can Do

Happy New Year from IAS

Sponsor Licence Renewals No Longer Necessary After 6 April 2024

Relaxed Immigration Rules for Games Industry Workers Announced

Visa Holders Who Incite Anti-Semitism to be Deported from the UK

Can I Change Visitor Visa to Student or Work Visa UK?

Can I Visit USA with UK Student Visa?

How Much Is UK Visa Application Fee in Nigeria?

Get in touch with our team.

Learn about our professional services and find out how we can help.

Get in Touch

Immigration Advice Service Ashwood House, Ellen Street Oldham, OL9 6QR

We have over 20 offices across the UK, find a branch near you:

Request a call back from our immigration experts

• Schengen Visa - Start Here
• Guides Comprehensive Step-By-Step Guides About the Schengen Visa Requirements & Application Process
• Statistics Get the latest and most up-to-date Schengen Visa and Europe tourism statistics

Home > Blog > Can You Apply for a Schengen Visa Without Bank Statements?

Can You Apply for a Schengen Visa Without Bank Statements?

Uncategorized on 06 Feb, 2023

Some days ago we received an email from a customer asking us whether it’s possible to apply for a Schengen Visa without bank statements. 

That’s a great question. 

As you may already know, submitting your bank statements is a mandatory requirement when applying for a Schengen Visa.  

Embassies and Consulates ask for your latest 3-6 months of bank statements so that they can see that you have a stable source of income and sufficient financial means to cover the expenses for your trip. 

But what happens if, for any reason, you can’t get your bank account statements or have no money in the bank? 

Will you still be able to apply for a Schengen Visa?

Read on to find out. 

Is It Possible to Apply for a Schengen Visa Without Bank Statements?

Generally, you can apply for a Schengen Visa without bank statements. 

But having your Schengen Visa approved without submitting your bank statements as proof of financial means is a whole different story. 

So why is that? 

As we mentioned at the start of this article, Embassies require your bank statements for two reasons.

Firstly, they want to ensure that you have a stable income derived from regular employment or other income streams. 

That shows evidence of your rootedness or strong ties to your home country and proves your intent to return home after travelling to Europe.  

Secondly, they need clear evidence that you are able to cover all of the expenses during each day spent in the Schengen Area so you won’t be a financial burden for the country you will be travelling to. 

This also brings evidence that you can spend money in their country and contribute to their economy. 

Typically, Embassies check the following information in your bank account:

• How much money you have in your account
• The date the account was opened 
• The amounts deposited into and the amounts withdrawn from your account 
• Irregularities in the transactions, such as a one-time big deposit
• Consistency with your other documents, such as your employment documents and Income Tax Returns  

In addition, most Embassies require your bank statements to hold an original stamp from your bank to confirm the authenticity of the document.

This means that it can be very difficult to get a Schengen Visa without submitting your bank statements. 

If for whatever reason you don’t have a bank account, we strongly encourage you to provide alternative proof of financial support, such as proof of sponsorship. 

According to article 21 (5) of the Schengen Visa Code , proof of spon­sorship can constitute evidence of sufficient means of subsistence.

In that case, you are required to submit your sponsor’s bank statements alongside other relevant documents, such as ​​a sponsorship letter written and signed by your sponsor and a copy of your sponsor’s ID or passport.

However, do note that some Schengen Embassies may require you to submit your own bank statements even if you have a sponsor who will be financially supporting your trip.

Having a sponsor is a mandatory requirement if you are a student or unemployed and don’t have the necessary funds to cover the expenses for your trip. 

If you are able to cover the expenses for your trip yourself but still, you are unable to submit bank statements, it’s best to provide a detailed explanation in your cover letter . 

Telling the truth is always going to be the easiest and most convenient option for you. The Embassy officers are trained to spot any inconsistencies and if you try to twist the facts to your advantage, you risk your application being refused. 

As we mentioned before, applying for a Schengen Visa without bank statements can be quite challenging (unless you have a sponsor to support your trip and the Embassy doesn’t require you to submit your own bank statements together with your sponsor’s bank statements).

Even so, honesty is always the best policy and the Embassy officers will take this into account when reviewing your application. 

You should never open a bank account to apply for your Visa, nor borrow money from friends or family to increase your bank account balance and then pay it back again later.  

The Embassy officers are experts at identifying red flags and will want to ensure that the money in your bank account is actually yours and not just a short-term loan. 

If you don’t have enough Schengen Visa “show money” (this is the colloquial term for the money you have access to when travelling) it’s best to find a sponsor who can fully or partially sponsor your trip.

If you’re not sure whether or not you have enough money in the bank to apply for a Schengen Visa, we recommend you take our financial means test . 

All Schengen Embassies have disclosed how much money you should have in the bank to be granted a Visa, and the amount varies according to the country you are travelling to and the length of your trip. 

Wrapping Up

Getting your Schengen Visa approved without bank statements is not impossible, but you will have to tackle some challenges. 

If you don’t have a bank account or don’t have enough funds, it’s best to have a sponsor who can financially support your trip. 

Otherwise, we strongly encourage you to submit as much evidence as possible to prove that you’re getting a regular income and having strong ties to your home country. 

Be truthful about your financial capability and avoid borrowing money and transferring it to your account before applying for your Visa. The Embassy officers know that some people borrow money in order to apply for a Visa and look out for this trick.  

Even if your budget is limited, it’s always best to be upfront and honest. 

You must remember that having a large sum on your account does not always guarantee the approval of a Visa application, and there are many other factors that the Visa officers take into consideration when reviewing your application. 

Don’t let the red tape and complex set of requirements hold you back from experiencing the beauty and culture of Europe. Let our experienced team of Visa specialists guide you through the process and increase your chances of success. Get your free no obligation consultation today and take the first step towards making your dream trip come true! 

Confused Where To Start?

If you are confused, worried or stuck, the best next step to take is to Get a Free Consultation .

The session takes 5 to 10 minutes, starts immediately and you will get our advice delivered to your inbox by a Visa Expert within 1-2 hours. This is not a video or phone call, it is just like a live chat, where we can understand your situation better and an expert shares what you should do next.

There is no commitment to use our services at all, we just provide you advice based on our assessment of your situation and give you the next steps you need to follow to get your Schengen visa.

Click the Free Consultation button below to get the information you have been searching for

Visas Assoc.

Schengen visa.

• Free Consultation
• Personal Plan

Customer Care

• Privacy Policy
• Terms and Conditions

No Bank Account – How To Apply for Tourist Visa Without Bank Statements

One sad thing about having a not a powerful passport, like one from the Philippines, is that we need to apply for a visa to some countries like the USA , Canada , Japan , China , Schengen Countries , and a whole lot more.

A common visa requirement is a Bank Statement or a Bank Certificate. The main goal of having a bank account is for the consulate/embassy to know that you have enough funds to travel to their country. Moreover, if you have money, then it won’t result in you working there illegally because you depleted it and they would also know that you can spend money in their country and contribute to their economy.

Ideally, I recommend that you open your bank account now and wait for the next 3 months so you’ll be able to have the bank statement that is required for the application. Don’t worry about the amount of money, you can read my article here about Show Money for your visa application.

• How to Get an Australian Tourist Visa for Filipinos with Philippines Passport
• Rejected German Visa: My Remonstrance for a Schengen Visa
• How To Apply for Montenegro Visa for Philippines Passport Holders – Tourist Visa for Filipinos
• Denied Schengen Visa – Common Reasons for Schengen Visa Rejection [And What You Should Do About It]
• AXA Insurance for Schengen Visa – The Cheapest and Best Travel Insurance for Filipinos

Table of Contents

Submit Proof of your Business or Certificate of Employment

Having a business or a job means you receive regular money or have money coming in every month. However, you don’t deposit it to a bank but may have other means of saving it, maybe via piggy banks or other investments.

If you own a business or are self-employed, you may submit:

• a copy of Business Registration from SEC/DTI
• Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit
• Income tax return

In case you are new, you can submit photocopies of your monthly or quarterly percentage tax payments (Form 1701 or 1701Q) as it states your gross income and the embassy can evaluate from there how much money you earn.

If you are an online business owner, then you can show a screenshot of your store and the transactions you have made per month. You can also submit remittances or any proof that you are earning. However, I do recommend you to register and pay taxes for a much smoother visa application in the future.

For Employees:

• Employment Certificate
• Income Tax Return

Employees without bank accounts may submit 6-3 months worth of pay slips that can serve as proof of the money you are receiving. But hey, if you have an ATM , you can use your payroll account.

However, if you are an online freelancer – you can send a copy of the contract for your client or a certificate of employment, if none, a screenshot of your e-mails/conversations and PayPal transaction or remittances. Though, I do recommend for you to register and pay taxes for a much smoother visa application in the future.

Get a Sponsor

A sponsor is someone who is going to support your trip financially. It could be your partner, parents, relatives or friends. If you have a sponsor, then you may need a guarantee letter or a notarized “Affidavit of Support.” Make sure your sponsor has a bank account since instead of yours, you will be submitting your sponsor’s Bank Certificate or Bank Statement and other proof of financial capacity (Business Certificates or Employment Certificates).

If you are getting sponsored, submit proof of relationship too if they are your parents or relatives; Birth Certificates or Marriage Certificates. If a partner, maybe you can add pictures also, to prove you have been together for a long time.

However, the embassies may be specific on what proof they want so better check their website. I have an article on How A Legal Resident In The UK Can Sponsor Your UK Tourist Visa.

Show Proof of Property Ownership

You can submit copies of properties you own; as this can serve as an asset and also the embassy can see you have deep roots in your country. You may show Land Titles, Condominium Unit Titles, Investment on Stocks, or Car Registration, this can prove that the money you spent might not be in the bank, but you invested it properly. If you also are a member of a Cooperative, where you put your savings, you can ask them if they can issue you a certificate that you are a member and you have XX savings capitalized.

Showing property ownership can’t only help you in proving your financial capacity but also your ties to the country. You can read here about 7 Ways On How You Can Prove Deep Rootedness or Deep Ties In Your Country .

Show Other Sources of Income

If you have other sources of income, you can add it for additional proof. For example, you are renting a part of your house; you can submit a Contract of Lease. If you have part-time jobs, especially online ones, you can also give proof of transactions and remittances. If you get a monthly allowance from your partner, then you can also submit 6-3 months’ worth of receipts during your visa application.

Make a Cover Letter

A Cover letter or a Letter of explanation may help you in your Visa Application. You can place in that letter your explanation as to why your requirements are lacking; especially bank accounts, why this certain person is sponsoring you, why you want to go to visit this country.

Make sure your cover letter is in English and grammatically correct and the message you want the embassy will be conveyed. If they get the point, it may give you a chance to get approved, however, if they get confused they may deny you a visa. If you need help, Jonathan offers a Cover Letter Writing Service which you can use for several Visa Applications (you just have to edit it).

Having no bank account is a bit of an inconvenience in applying for a visa. However, having none won’t deny you an opportunity to have a visa to the country you are dreaming of.

To avoid the hassle, you can always apply for a bank account. It’s effortless to get one. Most banks need IDs, bills with your address and money for opening an account. It’s better to choose one with online options especially if you are traveling abroad as you can open your statements online. Moreover, if you have a bank account , you won’t go through with additional steps.

You can get approved without a bank account ; I heard countless stories of visa approval. So don’t be afraid to follow these steps and aim for one because you can get a visa even if you don’t have a bank account. Happy Travels!

Are you on Pinterest? Pin these!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

36 thoughts on “ No Bank Account – How To Apply for Tourist Visa Without Bank Statements ”

Hello, me and my mom are planning to go to Japan for a short trip. I am a fresh college graduate and not yet working so, she will be taking care of all the expenses. My question is, do I still need to provide a bank statement/certficate? Thank you!

Hello ask ko lang Po! Ano Po requirements from Philippines to France consulate embassy ? Tourist visa Po ,without bank account ?

I will be sponsoring my cousin and her daughter to come and visit me here in Australia from the Philippines. But to add to her application, she does not have a job, she looks after her daughter who will be turning 2 this year 2023, so therefore no bank accounts. Will this be a requirements if I was to fully sponsor her and her daughter.

Hello! Is credit card statement work as a proof Instead of bank certificate/statement?

Credit cards can be good pero dapat you have a bank statement too – they need to know how you can pay your credit card din.

Hello Ask ko lang po. Just in case mag-open Japan for visa. I want to travel with my boyfriend. Ako may multiple visa na. My boyfriend needs to apply,employed sya but salary is at minimum wage and payroll bank account is wala savings. Can i sponsor him pero joint savings account namin ipapakita? We will still submit COE at ITR nya but explain ko sa cover letter minimum wage earner so i will sponsor him.,submit ko joint account namin at coe/itr/credit card ko.etc

You can sponsor him po.

Unemployed po ako yung husband ko nasa guam pwede po ba ako makakuha ng tourist visa?

Hello, I have a kiwi boyfriend and he visited me here in PH for 24 days. We love each other so much, we have lots and lots of photos and conversations and calls to prove our relationship. His family are waiting for me in NZ to see and meet me. Now, he is planning to get me a NZ visitor visa under his sponsorship. The problem is that I am currently unemployed. I have a franchised small business but it’s not under my name. Is it still possible to get an approved visitor visa?

Yes, he can sponsor you. Pero much better if you have also ties to PH: 8 Ways to Prove your Deep Ties & Rootedness in Your Country for Visa Applications

Thanks for all your information above, I need to ask you that, I have my boyfriend leaving in Chile and I wanna visit him, is it a must that I must be having a bank statement to travel or apply for the chilean visa, I met him online and he wants me to visit him but am still confused???? I need to know more about this issue, thank you 🙏

Am a Kenyan …can I use my mpesa statements for an evisa

Hi I would love to visit London but I don’t have bank account balance what can I do please?

have someone sponsor you

I wanna get work permit visa

Hi Are you able to assist my sister to come out to Australia on a sponsored visitor visa. I have recently broke up with my husband however we remain friends and since I lost my job and he has stable job he offered to sponsor my sister I guess to lessen his guilt as I have developed major depression from our marriage and now living in a state where I don’t know anyone at all. And yeah I lost my job 3 months ago as office admin when covid hits. My sister is in a same boat he has no income just lost her husband 10 days ago and I have been supporting with her living needs ever since. Is it possible for her to come out? Thanks

Where are you now?

What if your boyfriend is your sponsor but you haven’t met before personally? We decided to go Mexico

my situation is far more different. i live in a country where i am undocumented and have overstayed on my visa. i dont have a stable job,no business but i just do temp jobs which i get paid cash in hand, no bank account either. i am willing to relocate to EU or Asia find a job. is there any country to advice me on that i can apply without bank statement nor business certificate? i would really appreciate it if you sent me an email. thank you

Hello Adriana, it will be hard to apply if you’re undocumented. Better to leave the country before the Immigration police catch you. You will get deported and blacklisted. But once you’re back home then you can apply in other countries.

what if my sponsor is my boyfriend but we still havent meet,we plan to meet in mexico

You have to prove your relationship, but it’s quite tricky.

Hello there im applying tourist t visa under sponsorship of my fiance, im new employed as Nursing assistant and no bank accont statement can i show only a payslip and certificate of employment proof that im currently employed, and i have bank account under my name but the money all there is from my fiance support. You think the clearance officer granted me a visa? I have cover letter i explained everything there that im only renting an aparment and my main purpose is to visit my fiance, and i explained also that my bank account is insufficient.

Turkey visit visa

Hi If I want to apply for study permit, regarding the bank account proof, my sponsorship is on dad but Im already working and I have my own bank account and salary.

Which bank statement should I provide the Embassy? My father’s , Mine only or Both?

How To Apply With Out Bank Statment Italy Visa Online

Hello good day, I am blessed to read this article. I want to ask. I have only Business Permit or Mayors permit. Please guide me, do i need to comoly the remaining choices 1&3? Thank you very much.

1.)a copy of Business Registration from SEC/DTI 2.)Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit 3.)Income tax return

Hello, a Business Permit is from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). You usually can’t get a Mayor’s Permit without that. So maybe you already have 1 and 2. As for income tax return, you need to file taxes, if you have not yet filed for an annual income tax, you can present your monthly or quarterly submissions.

How to apply for bank certificate?

Wla Po akong bnkstatement pero ang gmit ko Yung bnkstatement ng bf ko my properties nmn ako tpos nkapunta na ako ng Australia last 2018

Hi there monkey travel. What if i have condo named on me? Do i get a visa approved even without bank? I really need a visa within this month and i was hoping i can get one kasi pinaclose acfount ko ung bank ko and im just using credit card for now.

Hi I’m randy could I used my payroll bank statement in getting my us tourist visa

I have to send my girlfriend to Portugal to send a tourist and I do not have a bank account statement because I have not given a PAN card, I have not paid my tax to the bank and I do not have insurance, so how can I send it? My girlfriend for tursit vis

Can I get tourist visa in phillipine without bank account

Are your Filipino? You can try

Do we need a cover letter for applying a B2 visa,visit to relatives in Colorado, USA? I will be applying with my husband’s parents(this travel is our gift to them) they are seniors. I am a full time mom for 7 years and will be bringing my 7 year old daughter with us. My sister in law who is an australian citizen will be joining us on this trip and she will be sponsoring as well. I hope we get approved, we’re planning to go January 2023. Thank you in advance. Hope to get a reply.

COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: Many of the articles on Two Monkeys Travel Group are guest posts by a number of Approved Contributors and are hosted by Two Monkeys Travel Group. Approved Contributors control their own work and post freely to our site. This includes all text and images that they use within their own work. All contributors are instructed to follow internationally recognised copyright and intellectual property guidelines. Two Monkeys Travel Group takes its own responsibilities very seriously, so if you feel that any part of this work is abusive in any way, please send us an email so that we can investigate - [email protected]

DISCLOSURE: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. So when you make a purchase we sometimes make a small commission, at no extra cost to you. The cost to you remains the same, sometimes even cheaper if we have negotiated a special deal for our readers.We use all of the companies we have listed here and that’s why they are in this list, but of course we need to keep Two Monkeys Travel Group running as well as it can, which is exactly what you’re helping with if you do decide to buy or book something through an affiliate link! If you have any more questions about the companies we use or any other companies you’re looking at, just email us and we’ll be happy to help. Please see our full disclaimer page for more information.

Written by Two Monkeys Travel - Contributor

Two Monkeys Travel Group – Community Travel Blog is a travel blog and website. We quickly grew into a valuable source of inspiring travel stories, advice, itineraries and travel guides, with the aim of demonstrating how to live a sustainable life of travel, whilst living your own definition of success. If you'd like to contribute and write a guest post, contact us at [email protected]

How to Find the Best Hotels in New York?

Top california destinations for families to enjoy, scuba diving and snorkeling in the philippines, what are the benefits of booking flight tickets in advance, unforgettable moments: maximizing your monaco vacation, related posts, 12 ways to leave the philippines to travel, live and work abroad legally, 15 best things to do in bergerac, france [with suggested tours], central asia travel guide – 11 things to do in uzbekistan, step by step guide on how to get driver’s license in montenegro, previous post, denied schengen visa – common reasons for schengen visa rejection [and what you should do about it], our guide to australia working holiday visa [australian visa subclass 417] – work and travel in australia, subscribe to our newsletter.

Receive tips on how you can live a sustainable long-term travel lifestyle!

• First Name *
• Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

• Visas and immigration
• What you need to do

How to apply for a visa to come to the UK

Choose a visa.

You may need a visa to come to the UK to study, work, visit or join family.

There are different visas depending on:

• where you come from
• why you want to come to the UK
• how long you want to stay for
• your personal circumstances and skills

Before you apply, you must check if you need a visa and what type you need. Depending on your nationality, you might not need a visa to visit or transit through the UK.

Your application must be approved before you travel.

You do not need to apply for a visa if you’re an Irish citizen.

If you want to visit the UK

Apply for a Standard Visitor visa to visit the UK for up to 6 months. For example:

• for a holiday or to see family and friends
• for a business trip or meeting
• to do a short course of study

You must apply for a Marriage Visitor visa if you want to visit the UK to get married or register a civil partnership.

If you have a visitor visa you cannot take a job in the UK.

If you’re travelling through the UK

You might need a visa if you’re travelling through the UK on your way to another country, for example if you have a layover between flights.

Apply for a visa to travel through the UK .

If you want to study in the UK

Your course length, type and place of study affect which visa to apply for.

A Standard Visitor visa lets you do a short course of study that lasts no longer than 6 months.

A Short-term study visa lets you come to the UK to study an English language course that is over 6 months and up to 11 months.

A Student visa is usually for a longer course. You must be sponsored by a licensed college or university and have a confirmed place. On this visa, you may be able to do some work.

A Child Student visa is for 4 to 17 year olds who want to study at an independent school. If you’re 16 or over, this visa lets you do some work.

If you want to work in the UK

You can work in the UK on a short or long-term basis with a work visa. There are many types of work visa .

The visa you need depends upon:

• your skills and qualifications
• if you have a job offer and sponsorship
• if you want to bring your family with you
• what you’ll be doing - for example sporting, charitable or religious work

You can set up a business with an Innovator Founder visa .

If you want to join family in the UK

If you’re a spouse, partner or family member of someone who has British citizenship or settlement in the UK, you can apply for a family visa to join them. They may need to show that they can support you financially.

You may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain ( ILR ) after a set amount of time living in the UK.

If your family member is in the UK on a visa

You may be able to apply for a visa to join a family member who’s in the UK on a visa. They must be either:

• your spouse or partner
• your parent if you’re 18 or under

Check what visa you’ll need to join them.

Family reunion visas for refugees

If you were separated from your partner or child when you were forced to leave your country, they can apply to join you in the UK.

Your family members can apply if you have been given asylum or 5 years’ humanitarian protection, and not have British citizenship.

If your family member is from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

You can apply for a free EU Settlement Scheme family permit to come to the UK if you have a close family member who:

• was living in the UK by 31 December 2020
• has pre-settled or settled status
• you had a relationship with by 31 December 2020 (unless you’re applying for a child who was born or adopted after this date)

Close family members include your spouse or civil partner, child, grandchild, parent or grandparent.

A family permit lets you live, work and study in the UK for up to 6 months. You can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to stay in the UK after your family permit expires. You usually need to apply within 3 months of arriving in the UK.

Other ways to get permission to live in the UK

If you’re from the eu, switzerland, norway, iceland or liechtenstein.

If you started living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme instead of applying for a visa. The deadline to apply was 30 June 2021, but you can still apply if you can show reasonable grounds for the delay in applying.

Check if you can still apply to the EU Settlement Scheme .

You can only apply from outside the UK if you have a valid passport or national identity card with a biometric chip.

Commonwealth citizens

You can apply for an Ancestry visa to work in the UK if you have a British grandparent and meet other eligibility criteria.

You may have right of abode to live in the UK.

If you’re a Commonwealth citizen and cannot prove your right to be in the UK, read about the Windrush scheme .

Returning residents

You’ll need to apply for a returning resident visa to come back to the UK if one of the following is true:

you had indefinite leave to remain under the EU Settlement Scheme (‘settled status’) and left the UK for more than 5 continuous years (or 4 continuous years if you’re a Swiss citizen or their family member)

you had permanent permission to stay in the UK (‘indefinite leave to remain’) but it was not under the EU Settlement Scheme and you left the UK for more than 2 years

Other visas

There may be another visa that’s right for you based on your circumstances. Check if you need a visa and what other visas you’re eligible for.

Related content

Is this page useful.

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.