there, and a warm welcome to the Forum.
I understand your reluctance in becoming embroiled in the visa application process. However, as far as I'm aware, the waiting period for *Tourist Visas is considerably shorter than, say the Fiance[e] or Settlement versions - and considerably cheaper at about 1/10th of the cost. A decision can often be given within one to two weeks and the visa is normally valid for six months. Having said that, be aware that the successful outcome of *such applications is largely dependent on the sponsors' [in this case your boyfriend's] financial capacity; in other words, does his income/savings and so forth stretch sufficiently far as to enable him to support your stay without recourse to public funds. Also - and equally important - is a "cast-iron" undertaking that the visitor will return to his/her country of origin (or at least have left the UK) by the date on which the visa expires. Unfortunately in the past, too many people have overstayed the period of validity, which has had the knock-on effect of an ever-increasing number of applications from law-abiding citizens being denied.
I hope the foregoing will go some way towards helping you decide, and wish you luck.
Arthur.
