United Kingdom visas
Whether you need a visa to enter the UK, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), or neither depends on your nationality, the reason for your visit and how long you plan to stay. This hub explains the main routes — visiting, working and studying — and links to the official gov.uk sources.
Important information
UK visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor visasFor tourism, visiting family or friends, business trips, short courses and other short stays.8 visas
- Work visasFor employment, skilled and specialist roles, temporary work and business mobility.8 visas
- Study visasFor degrees, courses and academic programmes at UK education providers.4 visas
- Family visasFor partners, children, parents and other family members joining relatives in the UK.6 visas
- Business & talent visasFor founders, investors and highly skilled leaders in academia, arts, culture and tech.2 visas
- Settlement & citizenshipIndefinite Leave to Remain, long residence, naturalisation and British citizenship.4 visas
UK visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Popular UK visas
View all visa types- SHORT STAYVISITORSUP TO 6 MONTHSStandard Visitor visaPopularFor visitors coming to the UK for tourism, business, short courses of study or medical treatment, this general route usually allows stays of up to 6 months.View visa details
- SHORT STAYVISA-FREEDIGITALElectronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)PopularA digital travel authorisation linked to your passport, for visitors who do not need a visa for short stays in the UK. It is not a visa itself, but permission to travel.View visa details
- WORKJOB OFFERSPONSOREDSkilled Worker visaPopularFor people coming to or staying in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer who sponsors them, this route is the main long-term skilled work visa.View visa details
United Kingdom — key facts
- Entry document
- Visa, ETA or neither
- Depends on your nationality and reason for travel
- Authority
- UK Visas & Immigration
- Part of the Home Office
- ETA
- Digital authorisation
- For visitors who do not need a visa for short stays
- Standard Visitor visa
- Usually up to 6 months
- Per gov.uk — confirm the current terms before applying
UK visas — people also ask
It depends on your nationality and why you’re coming. Some people need a visa, some need an ETA, and some need neither — use the gov.uk checker to be sure.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
- Visas and immigration (gov.uk) (opens in new tab)
- Check if you need a UK visa (gov.uk) (opens in new tab)
- Apply for an ETA (gov.uk) (opens in new tab)
- Standard Visitor visa (gov.uk) (opens in new tab)
- Skilled Worker visa (gov.uk) (opens in new tab)
- Student visa (gov.uk) (opens in new tab)
- UK family visa (gov.uk) (opens in new tab)
- Visa fees (gov.uk) (opens in new tab)
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-10. Information only — not legal advice.