If you’re looking to make a short-term stay in the UK, the standard visitor visa (UK) is likely the visa you’ll need to apply for. Visitor visas in the UK allow you to travel for short-term stays of up to six months and can be used for leisure and business, among other reasons.
The visitor visa can be a short-term business visa, a tourist visa for UK holidays, an academic visit visa, a marriage visitor visa to get married or enter into a civil partnership, and much more. If you’re coming to the UK for travel, tourism, leisure, short-term business needs, or private medical treatment, then the standard visit visa (UK) will permit you to come to the UK to do so.
Generally, your stay in the UK can last up to six months. In some cases, such as when receiving medical care, you may be able to request to remain longer.
As a Standard Visitor, you can enter the UK:
You Cannot:
It would help if you had a passport or other valid travel document to enter the UK. It should be suitable for the duration of your visit.
Your evidence must demonstrate that:
If you are visiting the UK, you might have additional eligibility requirements to fulfil:
If you’re travelling from the Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey, or Ireland, the requirements for entering the UK may differ.
Depending on your country of origin, you could:
Before applying, you can determine whether you need a visa.
Even if you do not need a visa, you must still be eligible to visit the UK as a Standard Visitor. Inquiries regarding your eligibility and intended activities might be made at the UK border.
Applying for a Standard Visitor visa may be advisable if you have a criminal record or have been denied entry into the UK, even if you do not require one.
Before departing for the UK, you must apply online for a Standard Visitor visa.
A six-month Standard Visitor visa can be obtained for £115. Three months before your trip is the earliest you can apply.
You may opt to apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa instead if you frequently travel to the UK.
A Standard Visitor visa allows you to enter and exit the UK. If your sole purpose for visiting the UK is transiting, you can apply for a £64 Visitor in Transit visa instead.
For a maximum of six months, you may travel to the UK to conduct the following business:
You ought to:
If you work abroad, you can engage in the following additional activities while visiting the UK as a Standard Visitor:
You are not permitted to work for a UK company for pay or unpaid as a visitor or freelancer. An application for a work visa is required.
You might be granted permission to travel to the UK for a Permitted Paid Engagement if you are being compensated for your professional expertise by a UK organisation.
You may spend up to six months in the UK to:
You should:
Before beginning a course or conducting research, you should obtain an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate if you plan to study or conduct research on a particular subject at the postgraduate level or higher.
If you attend an international academic institution, you can:
As a senior physician or dentist, you can additionally
You may spend up to six months in the UK to:
You should:
If you’re under 18, you can travel to the UK as long as you
If you require a Standard Visitor visa, you must make an appointment at a visa application centre and submit your online application before departing for the UK.
Three months before your trip is the earliest you can apply.
You have to be eligible and limit your activities to those allowed.
Your country may determine whether you require a visa to enter the UK. Before applying, you can decide whether or not you need a visa.
| Fee | Maximum Length of Stay | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor Visa | £115 | 6 months |
| Standard Visitor Visa for Medical Reasons | £200 | 11 months |
| Standard Visitor Visa for Academics | £200 | 12 months |
| 2-Year Long-Term Standard Visitor Visa | £400 | 6 months per visit |
| 5-Year Long-Term Standard Visitor Visa | £771 | 6 months per visit |
| 10-Year Long-Term Standard Visitor Visa | £963 | 6 months per visit |
When is a good time to stay longer?
If you can stay in the UK for over six months, you can extend your stay. Your stay may be prolonged for a maximum of six months.
Only the following qualify for an extension of stay beyond six months in the UK:
Regardless of nationality, you must apply to extend your stay and pay the £1,000 fee.
Before your current visa or permission expires, and while you are still in the UK, you must apply.
It costs:
You can extend your stay as a Standard Visitor for £1,000 and use the super priority service for an additional £1,000.
Additionally, a photo and your fingerprints will need to be taken for biometric information; this is a free service.
