Traveling abroad as a family can be an exciting and enriching experience. Whether you’re planning a vacation, attending a wedding, or visiting relatives, organizing travel for multiple family members at once can be complex—especially when it comes to visas. That’s where the Group Visit Visa for Families comes in: a more convenient way for families to apply and travel together under a single visa or bundled application process.
This article explains what a group visit visa is, which countries offer it, who qualifies, the benefits, and how to apply successfully as a family.
What Is a Group Visit Visa?
A Group Visit Visa is a type of short-term visa that allows a group of people—often families, tour groups, or delegations—to apply for entry into a foreign country under a joint application. Some countries offer family-specific versions of this visa, which simplify the documentation and processing required for multiple people traveling together.
This visa is ideal for:
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Nuclear and extended families traveling for leisure
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Parents visiting children abroad (or vice versa)
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Families attending events like weddings, graduations, or religious pilgrimages
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
Key Features of a Family or Group Visit Visa
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Single application for multiple travelers
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Shared travel itinerary and purpose
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Reduced paperwork (e.g., shared hotel bookings, invitation letters)
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Often lower costs per person
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Same entry and exit dates for the group
Countries That Offer Group or Family Visit Visas
Different countries have different policies, but several popular destinations have clear provisions for family or group visas.
1. United Kingdom – Standard Visitor Visa (Family Group)
The UK allows families to apply together for visitor visas, especially when the purpose of travel is a shared one. Each family member must fill out a separate application, but applications can be submitted and processed as a group.
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Visa Fee: £115 per person
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Stay Duration: Up to 6 months
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Processing Time: Around 3 weeks
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Application Website: www.gov.uk/standard-visitor
2. United States – B-2 Tourist Visa (Family)
The U.S. does not offer a “group visa” per se, but families applying together for B-2 tourist visas are scheduled for interviews as a group at the embassy or consulate. You must submit DS-160 forms for each family member, but the interview and documentation are handled together.
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Fee: $185 per person
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Validity: Typically 1 to 10 years with multiple entries
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Application Website: www.ustraveldocs.com
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
3. China – Group Tourist Visa (L-Visa)
China offers a Group L Visa for organized travel groups, including families. This visa is usually arranged through a certified travel agency and issued on a single sheet of paper listing all travelers.
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Group Size: Minimum 5 people
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Duration: Usually 30 days
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Application must be made through an accredited travel agency
4. Saudi Arabia – Family Visit Visa
Saudi Arabia allows families to apply for visit visas to see relatives. If you’re visiting an immediate family member (spouse, child, parent), you can apply under the Family Visit Visa scheme.
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Fee: Approx. SAR 300
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Application through: visa.mofa.gov.sa
5. Schengen Area – Multiple Family Applications
While the Schengen area does not have a specific “family visa,” you can apply as a group by submitting applications for each family member together, including shared hotel bookings, invitation letters, and travel insurance.
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Fee per person: €80 adults, €40 children aged 6–12
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Processing time: 15–30 days
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Common Countries: France, Germany, Spain, Netherlands, etc.
Who Can Apply as a Family Group?
Eligibility generally includes:
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Married couples
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Parents with minor children
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Grandparents and grandchildren (depending on destination)
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Siblings traveling together under parental consent
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Extended family visiting relatives abroad
Each country has specific definitions of “family,” so it’s important to check the local consulate’s guidelines.
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
Typical Requirements for a Family Group Visa
Here’s what you’ll usually need to provide for each member:
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Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
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Visa application form (individual or linked group applications)
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Passport photographs
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Proof of accommodation (shared hotel booking or invitation)
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Flight itinerary (round-trip)
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Travel insurance (for Schengen or Europe)
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Bank statements or proof of financial means (from main sponsor)
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Marriage certificate or birth certificates (to prove relationship)
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Parental consent for minors traveling with one parent or guardian
Tips for a Successful Application
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Apply early: Visa processing can take time, especially during holiday seasons.
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Include all relevant relationships: Clearly state the relationship between family members with supporting documents.
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Demonstrate intent to return: Provide ties to your home country—employment letters, school enrollment, property ownership, etc.
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Have a clear itinerary: Show hotel bookings, tourist plans, or event invitations.
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Use a cover letter: Explain the purpose of your family’s trip, list members, and give a contact person.
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
