What is the UK Standard Visitor Visa?
The Standard Visitor route allows temporary entry to the UK for the following purposes:
- Tourism and leisure; visiting family or friends.
- Business meetings, conferences, site visits, information-gathering.
- Short courses or academic visits that do not constitute long-term study.
- Private medical treatment (time-bound and funded).
- Professional exams such as PLAB or OSCE.
Not permitted: employment (paid or unpaid), work for UK clients, running a business in the UK, long-term study leading
For a fuller breakdown, see Permitted & Non-Permitted Activities.
Complete your online application
Answer a few quick questions, upload your documents, and pay securely. You can save your progress and finish later – most people complete it in under 10 minutes.
UK Business Visas
Visiting the UK for Business (2026)
Many short-term business activities can be carried out under a Standard Visitor Visa, provided they do not involve employment or work for a UK organisation. This category is designed for overseas professionals attending meetings, negotiations, or events for up to six months.
Permitted Business Activities
You may visit the UK for the following short-term business purposes:
- Attending meetings, conferences, trade shows, or training events.
- Negotiating contracts or exploring investment and financing opportunities.
- Carrying out site visits, inspections, or due diligence for overseas employers or clients.
- Participating in specific sporting or cultural events as a representative of your organisation.
- Sitting professional examinations such as the PLAB or OSCE.
Many short-term business activities can be carried out under a Standard Visitor Visa, provided they do not involve employment or work for a UK organisation. This category is designed for overseas professionals attending meetings, negotiations, or events for up to six months.