United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland · short term business
Standard Visitor visa
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
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
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.
- ✓Sufficient funds to support the stay without working.
- ✓No work for UK businesses beyond the permitted business activities list.
Common blockers
- !Pattern of visits suggesting de facto residence rather than visits.
- !Intent to work or study beyond permitted scope.
Typical evidence
- ·Travel itinerary and accommodation.
- ·Bank statements demonstrating funds.
- ·Employment or study evidence showing ties to home country.
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 2 weeks – 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.
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We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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