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Standard Visitor Visa

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This guidance has been reviewed and verified byMichael Gibbons, UK Solicitor and Regulated Immigration Advisor. You can confirm visa requirements through Our Official UK Visa Guidance.

A UK Standard Visitor Visa allows you to visit the UK for tourism, business, study, or to see your family and friends. You can stay in the UK for up to 6 months within any 12-month period. This post explains what you can and cannot do while in the UK under the visitor category, based on Home Office guidance updated in October 2025.

Permitted Activities

When travelling to the UK on a Standard Visitor Visa, you may take part in certain permitted activities. These include tourism, business, short-term study, and visiting friends or family.

Tourism

Tourists may take part in leisure or recreational activities. Examples include:

  • Visiting landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, or the British Museum.
  • Shopping across UK cities and towns.
  • Seeing a West End theatre show such as Les Misérables or The Lion King.
  • Visiting museums and art galleries including the National Gallery and Tate Modern.
  • Taking a day trip to heritage sites such as Windsor Castle or Hailes Abbey.
  • Attending sporting events, such as football or rugby matches.

Business

Visitors may undertake limited business activities but cannot take employment or run a business in the UK. Permitted business activities include:

  • Attending business meetings or conferences.
  • Giving short, unpaid talks or presentations that are not part of a commercial event.
  • Carrying out site visits or inspections.
  • Gathering information for an overseas employer or client.
  • Being briefed on UK project requirements where work will be completed overseas.

Study

Short courses and educational visits are allowed on a Standard Visitor Visa, provided they do not lead to a qualification or full-time study.

  • Taking a short course such as English language or cookery.
  • Attending conferences or academic seminars.
  • Conducting research for studies based overseas.
  • Visiting a library or archive for reference purposes.
  • Observing classes or lectures without enrolling.

Visiting Family or Friends

You can visit relatives or friends living in the UK under a Standard Visitor Visa. As part of your application, you must confirm your relationship with the person you are visiting. If this relationship cannot be verified, your application may be refused.

Non-Permitted Activities

While in the UK on a Standard Visitor Visa, you cannot:

  • Stay in the UK for more than 6 months within any 12-month period.
  • Work in any capacity, whether paid or unpaid.
  • Set up or run a business.
  • Sell goods or services to the public.
  • Provide work or services to a UK-based organisation or client.
  • Receive payment for any work undertaken in the UK.

Study Restrictions

You cannot do any of the following academic activities on a Standard Visitor Visa:

  • Study full-time or for a qualification.
  • Work as a teaching or research assistant.
  • Receive sponsorship or funding from a UK educational institution.

People Also Asked

Can you enter the UK multiple times with a Standard Visitor Visa?

Yes. A Standard Visitor Visa—unless marked as “single-entry” or “dual-entry”—can be used multiple times during its validity period, allowing you to leave and re-enter the UK as long as each stay does not exceed 6 months.

Is a return ticket mandatory for a UK Visitor Visa?

No, there is no legal requirement to have a return ticket, but you must show that you have the means and genuine intention to leave the UK at the end of your visit.

What happens if you are denied entry to the UK?

If you are refused entry, you will normally be required to leave the UK immediately, even if your visa is still valid. You will not be permitted to remain in the UK pending appeal under the visitor category.

Related Guidance

About This Page

Author: Michael Gibbons, UK Solicitor and Regulated Immigration Advisor
Last Updated: October 2025
Reviewed by: UK Visa Applications Editorial Team

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