United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland · short term business
Standard Visitor visa
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Source check: all 7 official citations reconfirmed 11 July 2026
Short-stay visa for tourism, visiting family, or permitted business activities up to 6 months.
- Processing time
- Typically within 3 weeks.
- Government fees
- From around £115 for a standard 6-month visa. Long-term validity options carry higher fees.
- Typical duration
- Up to 6 months per visit; long-term visitor visas valid 2, 5, or 10 years (each stay still 6 months max).
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
In short
As of 8 July 2026, the Standard Visitor visa for United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has typical processing of 3 weeks. Sources: official United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland government pages, reviewed 8 July 2026.
Cite this: https://visaatlas.org/visas/uk/visit-visa-standard#answer
What is the Standard Visitor visa in United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland?
Standard Visitor visa is an unsponsored United Kingdom route. Indicative government fees are From around £115 for a standard 6-month visa. Long-term validity options carry higher fees; indicative processing time is Typically within 3 weeks; typical duration is Up to 6 months per visit; long-term visitor visas valid 2, 5, or 10 years (each stay still 6 months max). This route does not lead to permanent residence.
Verified against UK Home Office on 1 June 2026.
Overview
The Standard Visitor visa permits stays of up to 6 months for tourism, family visits, short courses, and permitted business activities (meetings, conferences, certain paid engagements). Nationals of visa-exempt countries travelling short-term now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) instead.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Genuine visitor intending to leave the UK at the end of the stay.UK Home Office ↗
- ✓Sufficient funds to support the stay without working.UK Home Office ↗
- ✓No work for UK businesses beyond the permitted business activities list.UK Home Office ↗
Common blockers
- !Pattern of visits suggesting de facto residence rather than visits.UK Home Office ↗
- !Intent to work or study beyond permitted scope.UK Home Office ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Travel itinerary and accommodation.
- ·Bank statements demonstrating funds.UK Home Office ↗
- ·Employment or study evidence showing ties to home country.UK Home Office ↗
Application pathway
Confirm whether you need a visitor visa
Many nationalities are non-visa nationals and can use the ETA instead; others must apply for a Standard Visitor visa.
Apply online
Submit the application with travel plans, funds evidence, and ties to home country.
Biometrics and decision
Attend biometrics at a Visa Application Centre.
Travel within validity
Stays of up to 6 months each; long-term validity visas permit multiple stays up to 10 years.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- ApplyApplicantApply for a Standard Visitor visa ↗
Use this GOV.UK form if your nationality requires a visitor visa for the planned UK trip.
UK Home Office · verified
- ApplyApplicantApply for an ETA ↗
Use this official ETA application if you are visa-exempt but need electronic travel authorisation.
UK Home Office · verified
Fees and processing time
Indicative government fees: From around £115 for a standard 6-month visa. Long-term validity options carry higher fees.. A decision then typically takes 3 weeks. Both change over time, so the dedicated pages below carry the itemised breakdown and the current official figures.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I work in the UK on a visitor visa?+
No general employment is permitted. A specific list of "Permitted Activities" allows meetings, conferences, certain paid engagements for experts, and limited intra-company activities. Paid productive work for a UK employer is not permitted.
Do I need an ETA?+
Nationals of visa-exempt countries visiting short-term need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) rather than a Standard Visitor visa. The ETA scheme has rolled out progressively since 2023. Check GOV.UK for your nationality's current requirement.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor in United KingdomHow we verified this
We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.
Primary source: UK Home Office
Last checked: 1 June 2026