UK Standard Visitor visa

UK Standard Visitor Visa

The UK Standard Visitor Visa (often called the UK Visitor Visa ) permits short stays in the UK for tourism, visiting family or friends, limited business activity, short-term study, private medical treatment, or specific testing (e.g., PLAB/OSCE ). The usual maximum stay is up to 6 months per visit.

You must demonstrate you are a genuine visitor, that you can fund your trip without using public funds, and that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit. This page explains the UK Standard Visitor Visa in clear, structured terms: eligibility requirements, permitted and non-permitted activities, required documents, fees, processing, extension options, and how to apply online. It also signposts related guidance to help you prepare a complete application.

Depending on your nationality, reason for travel and personal circumstances, you may need a Standard Visitor visa, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), another form of permission, or no visa/ETA. Please check what permission you need before applying.

Standard Visitor Visa UK

Important — Fraud Checks & Verification

Provide accurate, consistent details that match your documents. Incomplete or conflicting information can delay or affect your decision.

Family Visitor Visa

The Family Visitor Visa (FV) lets non-EEA citizens visit settled family (spouses, parents, children, siblings) for short trips (up to 6 months) or longer stays (up to 10 years). While each visit is typically limited to 6 months, the FV allows for flexibility.

Apply well in advance through the UK government portal. Remember, you cannot work, study, or use the NHS on this visa, and extensions are limited.

Who is this visa for?

• Travel to the UK for a holiday or general tourism
• Visit family or friends
• Volunteer with a registered charity for up to 30 days
• Transit through the UK to another country
• Attend a conference, meeting, training, seminar or interview
• Negotiate contracts or carry out short-term business activities

What you can do with a Standard Visitor visa

A Family Visitor Visa allows you to:

There are important restrictions associated with the Family Visitor Visa:

The Standard Visitor Visa is not for working or long-term residence. You cannot:

UK Standard Visitor Visa: Permitted / Non Permitted Activities

You may visit the UK for the following short-term business purposes:

• Tourism & leisure — holidays, sightseeing, and visiting family or friends
• Business activities — attend meetings, interviews and conferences, negotiate contracts, make site visits and give unpaid talks (within visitor rules)
• Short study — study an accredited course for up to 6 months, or a recreational course for up to 30 days
• Academic visits — permitted activities for academics, senior doctors and dentists on exchanges
• Transit — pass through the UK on the way to another country
• Volunteering — up to 30 days with a registered UK charity
• Medical treatment — receive private medical care with evidence and proof of payment
• Visit your close family members residing in the UK
• Travel within the UK for permitted purposes related to your visit
• You cannot claim benefits from the National Health Service (NHS)
• You cannot extend your visa beyond the initial validity period unless you apply for a visa extension from within the UK (limited circumstances)
• You cannot marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK on this visa
• Tourism and private visits
• Business meetings, conferences, interviews
• Short study at accredited providers
• Transit and private medical treatment (conditions apply)
• Employment, internships, or contract work in the UK
• Providing services to UK clients/employers
• Long‑term study as the main purpose
• Living in the UK by repeated successive visits
• Tourism & leisure: holidays, sightseeing, visiting family or friends.
• Business activities: attend meetings, interviews, conferences; negotiate contracts; site visits; sign deals; give non-paid talks (within visitor rules).
• Short study: study a course at an accredited institution for up to 6 months, or do a recreational course of up to 30 days.
• Academic visits/exchanges: including professors and senior doctors or dentists for specific permitted activities.
• Transit: pass through the UK en route to another country.
• Medical treatment: receive private medical care subject to evidence and payment capability.
• Work in the UK (paid or unpaid), or access public funds
• Live in the UK for extended periods by making frequent or back-to-back visits
• Marry or register a civil partnership (or give notice) on this visa
• Switch into other long-term routes from within the UK under visitor conditions
• 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.
• Undertaking observational roles such as clinical attachments or short-term placements where you are not directly treating patients or engaging in paid work.
• You cannot work or receive payment from a UK source during your visit.
• You cannot deliver services directly to a UK business or the public.
• If you are a doctor or dentist visiting for professional observation or examinations, you must meet all GMC or GDC requirements and hold valid confirmation of your exam or attachment.

Requirements

To be eligible you must show that:

The Family Visitor Visa is intended for non-EEA (European Economic Area) nationals who want to travel to the UK for the sole purpose of visiting family members who are:

Certain visitors must submit extra evidence based on their purpose:

• You are a genuine visitor whose purpose fits the permitted activities and who intends to leave the UK at the end of the visit
• You have enough money to cover your travel, accommodation and daily costs without working or accessing public funds
• You can show ties to your home country (employment, studies, property or family)
• You can provide accommodation and travel-itinerary details
• You have a clean immigration history (no recent overstays, breaches or deception)

• Settled in the UK: British citizens, people with indefinite leave to remain, or other valid UK immigration status.
• Close family: Spouses or civil partners, parents (including grandparents), children (including grandchildren), and siblings.
• Tourists, family visitors, short‑term business visitors.
• Transit passengers (use the correct transit option).
• Private medical treatment or short courses of study.
• Private medical treatment: treatment plan + funding evidence.
• Academics/performers: activity‑specific rules may apply.
• Minors: parental consent + custody documents.
• Genuine visitor: Your purpose aligns with permitted activities and you will leave the UK when your visit ends.
• Financial means: You have sufficient funds for travel, accommodation, and daily costs without working or accessing public funds.
• Home ties: Evidence of circumstances outside the UK (employment or studies, property, family) supporting your return.
• Accommodation & plans: Where you will stay, and your planned itinerary where relevant.
• PLAB/OSCE candidates: Provide written confirmation of your exam registration from the General Medical Council (GMC) or Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
• Clinical attachments (unpaid): Provide an offer or confirmation letter from the UK host institution. No patient treatment is permitted on a visitor visa.
• Private medical treatment: Include a treatment plan, consultation schedule, proof of payment ability, and confirmation you will leave when treatment ends or your visa expires.

Documents you will need

The following documents are required for a UK Visitor Visa.

Use the full guide: UK Visitor Visa Documents Checklist (2026).

• Valid passport (with at least one blank page)
• Completed online application form and proof of fee payment
• Evidence of funds (bank statements, payslips or sponsor evidence)
• Proof of accommodation and travel plans
• Evidence of ties to your home country
• Invitation letters or supporting documents (business, academic or medical) — where applicable
• Certified translations for any documents not in English or Welsh — where applicable
• Tip: Consistent details and clear statements help avoid delays or further information requests.
• Valid passport; recent photo if requested
• Completed online form
• Proof of funds and accommodation
• Travel plan + evidence of ties to home country
• Route‑specific evidence (e.g., business invite, medical letter, study confirmation)
• Valid passport (minimum one blank page).
• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host letter) and travel plans.
• Evidence of home-country ties (employment, study, property, family).
• Invitation letters or specific documents (business/academic/medical), where applicable.
• Certified translations for non-English/Welsh documents.

Visa fees

These are the current Home Office application fees for a Standard Visitor visa, checked on gov.uk in August 2026. Fees are reviewed periodically, so confirm the amount before you apply. Visitors do not pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. If you do not need a visa to visit but need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) instead, that is a separate £20 authorisation.

Depending on your nationality, you may need a Standard Visitor visa, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), or no visa/ETA. You should check what permission you need before you travel.

• 6 months — £135
• 2 years (long-term visit visa) — £506
• 5 years (long-term visit visa) — £903
• 10 years (long-term visit visa) — £1,128

How long can you stay?

Available for up to 6 months, or as a long-term visit visa valid for 2, 5 or 10 years — but each individual visit is limited to a maximum of 6 months.

Processing time

Most applications are decided within around 3 weeks after you give your biometrics, though timelines vary by location and season — roughly 3–6 weeks in total from submission to decision.

Average decision times are around 3 weeks from your biometric appointment, depending on the complexity of your case and local appointment availability. Delays are often caused by missing evidence or inconsistent information. Priority and super-priority services may be available for an additional fee in some locations.

What is the UK Standard Visitor Visa?

The Standard Visitor route allows temporary entry to the UK for the following purposes:

Not permitted: employment (paid or unpaid), work for UK clients, running a business in the UK, long-term study leading to a qualification, or residence.

• 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.

If You Need to Modify or Cancel Your Application

If you realise you have provided incorrect or inconsistent information before your biometric appointment, you can cancel and reapply, or submit a correction letter when attending. Accuracy and consistency across your form and supporting documents are essential to avoid credibility issues or refusal.

Tip: Keep copies of all uploaded documents and your application summary page. This helps track details if you need to reapply or seek advice after a refusal.

If Your UK Visitor Visa Is Refused

If your application is refused, you will receive a written decision letter from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) explaining the reasons and which Immigration Rules were applied. Refusals are common where evidence is incomplete or inconsistent, but most can be resolved through reapplication or review.

Common Reasons for Refusal

• Insufficient or inconsistent financial evidence.
• Unclear purpose of visit or weak itinerary detail.
• Missing or untranslated documents.
• Incorrect or incomplete answers on the visa form.
• Previous immigration breaches or overstays.

Next Steps After Refusal

• Administrative Review: Not normally available for Standard Visitor visa refusals.
• Reapply: Most visitors simply reapply, correcting errors or strengthening evidence according to the refusal notice.
• Judicial Review: A complex and legal route to challenge procedural unfairness, obtain professional advice before proceeding.

What is a Family Visitor Visa?

A Family Visitor Visa is a temporary visa that allows you to enter and stay in the UK for a specific period to visit your close family members. The duration of the visa can vary, with options for short visits of up to six months or longer visits of up to two, five, or ten years. However, the maximum permitted stay on each visit is typically six months.

List of Requirements to Apply for a Family Visitor Visa

To apply for a Family Visitor Visa, you will need to provide the following documentation:

• A completed Family Visitor Visa application form
• A valid passport with sufficient remaining validity
• Proof of financial resources to support yourself during your stay
• Proof of your accommodation arrangements in the UK
• A letter of invitation from your UK sponsor outlining the purpose and duration of your visit
• Proof of your relationship to your UK-based sponsor (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate)

How to Apply for a Family Visitor Visa

Applications for the Family Visitor Visa must be submitted online. The application process involves:

• Completing the online application form.
• Paying the visa application fee.
• Booking an appointment at a visa application center to submit your biometric information (fingerprints and photograph).
• Submitting all required documents.

Additional Visa Specific Info

For the latest information and any specific requirements related to the Family Visitor Visa, please refer to the official UK Visas and Immigration website.

What Should I Know About the Standard Visitor Visa?

• No paid or unpaid employment in the UK.
• Multiple‑entry options (2/5/10‑year) exist; per‑visit limit still applies.
• Short courses allowed; long‑term study requires the Student route.
• No access to public funds; travel insurance recommended.

Visiting the United Kingdom for Business

• Meetings, conferences, site visits, negotiations only.
• Carry invitations/event confirmations.
• Keep evidence of funds and accommodation.
• Remote work for an overseas employer must be incidental (no UK clients).

Step‑by‑Step

• Complete the online Visitor form (create/sign in to account).
• Pay the fee (IHS not charged for a standard Visitor).
• Prove identity via the ID Check app (if eligible) or at a VAC.
• Upload documents (or scan at VAC) and track your decision.

Proof of Funds

There is no fixed minimum, but you must show enough money to cover the duration of your trip (travel, accommodation, daily costs). Evidence typically includes recent bank statements and payslips. Where a third party is paying, provide a sponsorship letter, their lawful status (if in the UK), and proof of their funds, plus your relationship evidence.

Detailed guidance: Proof of Funds for UK Visitor Visa (2026).

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.

How to Apply for a UK Visitor Visa (2026)

Applications for a UK Standard Visitor Visa are made online before travelling. You must complete an online application form, pay the relevant fee, and attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) appointment for biometrics, fingerprints and a photograph — unless eligible to use the UK Immigration: ID Check app.

• Read Our UK Visa Guidance before applying.
• Complete the online visa form accurately and upload your supporting documents.
• Pay the applicable government fee (see UK Visa Fees 2026 ).
• Book and attend a biometric appointment or use the UK Immigration: ID Check app if instructed.
• Await a decision: most applications are decided within around 3 weeks after biometrics, though timelines vary by location and season.

Visitor Visa Extensions (2026)

You may apply to extend a UK Standard Visitor Visa if you meet strict conditions and apply before your current permission expires. Normally, a Standard Visitor can stay in the UK for up to 6 months. Limited exceptions apply, including private medical treatment, academic visits, PLAB retakes and clinical attachments.

When an Extension May Be Granted

To apply, you must complete the online extension form, pay the Home Office extension fee, and provide biometric information again. Evidence of ongoing purpose and sufficient funds is required.

Note: Overstaying your visa without a pending extension application can result in a re-entry ban or future refusals. Always apply before your current permission ends.

• Medical treatment: You have ongoing, paid private treatment and need more time to complete it. Extensions are typically issued in 6-month blocks.
• Academic visitors: You remain eligible as an academic visitor and can justify why your stay needs to continue.
• PLAB retake: You may be able to extend your stay for up to 6 months to retake the PLAB test. Clinical attachment or dental observer post: if eligible, yo.u may be able to stay in the UK for up to 18 months in total, provided you do not treat patients