A UK Standard Visitor Visa allows you to visit the UK for tourism, business, study, or to see your family and friends. You can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months per visit. You must not live in the UK for long periods through frequent or successive visits. This page explains what you can and cannot do while in the UK under the visitor category, based on current GOV.UK and Home Office visitor guidance.
Permitted Activities
When travelling to the UK on a Standard Visitor Visa, you may take part in certain permitted activities.
These include tourism, visiting friends or family, permitted business activities, short-term study, certain academic activities, permitted paid engagements, volunteering for up to 30 days with a registered charity, transit, and private medical treatment.
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 permitted business activities but cannot work for a UK company or as a self-employed person unless the activity is specifically allowed under the visitor rules, such as a permitted paid engagement or event. Permitted business activities include:
- Attending interviews, meetings, conferences and seminars.
- Giving a one-off or short series of talks or speeches, provided these are not organised as commercial events and will not make a profit for the organiser.
- Carrying out site visits or inspections.
- Gathering information for your employment overseas.
- Being briefed on the requirements of a UK-based customer, provided any work for the customer is done outside the UK.
Study
Study may be allowed under the visitor rules, including a course of up to 6 months, certain placements or exams, a school exchange programme, or a recreational course of up to 30 days.
- Taking a course of up to 6 months, or a recreational course of up to 30 days, where permitted under the visitor rules.
- Attending conferences or academic seminars.
- Doing permitted research or study-related activity, where allowed under the visitor rules.
- 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 may be asked to explain who you are visiting and provide evidence of your relationship or the purpose of your visit, where relevant.
If the purpose of your visit or supporting evidence is unclear, your application may be refused.
Non-Permitted Activities
While in the UK on a Standard Visitor Visa, you cannot:
- Stay in the UK for longer than permitted, or live in the UK for long periods through frequent or successive visits.
- Do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person, unless the activity is specifically allowed under the visitor rules.
- 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 from a UK source for work undertaken in the UK, unless the payment is specifically allowed under the visitor rules, such as for a permitted paid engagement or event.
Study Restrictions
You cannot do any of the following academic activities on a Standard Visitor Visa:
- Study in the UK unless the study is allowed under the visitor rules, such as a course of up to 6 months, a placement, an exam, a school exchange programme, or a recreational course of up to 30 days.
- Work as a teaching or research assistant.
- Receive payment or funding from a UK source unless this is specifically allowed under the visitor rules.
People Also Asked
Can you enter the UK multiple times with a Standard Visitor Visa?
Yes, if your visa allows multiple entries. You must still meet the visitor rules each time you enter, and you must not live in the UK for long periods through frequent or successive visits.
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 may be required to leave the UK even if you hold a visa. The decision and any available next steps will depend on the circumstances and the notice you receive.
About This Page
Author: UK Visa Applications Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Michael Gibbons, UK Solicitor and Regulated Immigration Advisor
Last Updated: 5 January 2026.