Hello.

 

I've browsed the archives and google and i have found different posts/websites about this but they didn't all have the info I was looking for.

 

Christmas  i would like to take my Thai Wife on a 2 week Holiday to the UK to meet my family. We have been staying together in Thailand for 4 years now and we have been married for 2 yeats my wife has kids and we own a property but she doesn't work.

 

My questions is when should I look to start this process? I know it isn't advisable to book flights prior to receiving a visa but are flight details required to get the visa ?

 

Are the the Visa agent sites correct when they say its very difficult to obtain a visitor visa alone ? (I understand that they want my business so of course they're gonna say that but maybe there is some truth to it ? )

 

And for anybody who has done this before how difficult and stressful is it ? We have no plans to live in the UK we are just visiting family for 2 weeks and then returning to Thailand.

It is neither difficult nor stressful, particularly in a case like yours where you both live together in Thailand.  She simply demonstrates clearly and unambiguously that the trip is affordable (can be your money), she has somewhere to stay and that she will return.  Flights are not required at time of application but there is no harm in providing a tentative schedule of your (her) plans.  Whilst you are not formally her "sponsor" as such you should write a letter briefly outlining your support of the application (likely funding it and providing the accommodation).  GOV.UK says "The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel." so that answers that point.  I helped my wife obtain 3 or 4 visitor visas without needing any agent and without any refusals.

I second everything said by Upnotover.  In your situation you will have no problem provided you address the 3 areas outlined by Upnotover.

I agree that @Upnotoverhas just about covered everything.

 

As he points out the application can be submitted no more than three months before travel, unlike applications for Schengen Visas, the UK does not require evidence of flights, in fact they advise that non refundable flights are not booked until the visa is issued, though I've also done so.

 

Just include a brief covering letter outlining the details of the aproposed visit and your ties togther in Thailand.