You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for tourism, business, study (courses up to 6 months) and other permitted activities. You can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months. You might be able to apply to stay for longer in certain circumstances, for example to get medical treatment. What you need to do Check if what you plan to do in the UK is allowed as a Standard Visitor. Check you meet the eligibility requirements. Check if you need to apply for a visa to visit the UK. Apply for a Standard Visitor visa online - if you need one. What you can and cannot do (‘permitted activities’) You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor: for tourism, for example on a holiday or vacation to see your family or friends to volunteer for up to 30 days with a registered charity to pass through the UK to another country (‘in transit’) for certain business activities , for example attending a meeting or interview for certain paid engagements or events (a ‘permitted paid engagement’) as an expert in your profession, for example to give lectures or perform to take part in a school exchange programme to do a recreational course of up to 30 days, for example a dance course to study, do a placement or take an exam as an academic, senior doctor or dentist for medical reasons You cannot: do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person, unless you’re doing a permitted paid engagement or event claim public funds (benefits) live in the UK for long periods of time through frequent or successive visits marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership - you’ll need to apply for a Marriage Visitor visa Check you meet the eligibility requirements You must have a passport or travel document to enter the UK. It should be valid for the whole of your stay. You must be able to show that: you’ll leave the UK at the end of your visit you’re able to support yourself and your dependants during your trip (or have funding from someone else to support you) you’re able to pay for your return or onward journey (or have funding from someone else to pay for the journey) you’ll not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your main home You may need to meet extra eligibility requirements if you’re visiting the UK: to study, do a placement or take an exam as an academic, senior doctor or dentist for a permitted paid engagement for medical reasons The rules on what you’ll need to enter the UK may be different if you’re travelling from Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man . Check if you need a visa to visit the UK Depending on your nationality, you’ll either: have to apply for a Standard Visitor visa before you travel to the UK be able to visit the UK for up to 6 months without needing a visa You can check if you need a visa before you apply. If you do not need a visa, you must still meet the Standard Visitor eligibility requirements to visit the UK. You may be asked questions at the UK border about your eligibility and the activities you plan to do. If you’ve previously been refused entry to the UK or have a criminal record, you may want to apply for a Standard Visitor visa (even if you do not need one). If you have to apply for a Standard Visitor visa You must apply for a Standard Visitor visa online before you travel to the UK. A Standard Visitor visa costs £115 for up to 6 months. The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel. If you visit the UK regularly, you can choose to apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa instead. You can pass through the UK to another country on a Standard Visitor visa. If transiting is your only reason for coming to the UK, you can apply for a Visitor in Transit visa instead for £64.

You can visit the UK for up to 6 months to do the following business activities: attend interviews, meetings, conferences and seminars negotiate and sign deals and contracts attend trade fairs to promote your business (you cannot sell things) get work-related training if you’re employed overseas and the training is not available in your home country give a one-off or short series of talks as long as they’re not for profit or a commercial event - you can only be paid for speaking at certain engagements or events (a ‘permitted paid engagement’) carry out site visits and inspections oversee the delivery of goods and services provided by a UK company to your overseas company or organisation deliver training or share knowledge on internal projects with UK employees of the company you work for overseas install, dismantle, repair, service or advise on equipment, computer software and hardware, if your overseas company has a contract with a UK company or organisation You should: check you meet the basic eligibility requirements for a Standard Visitor check if you need a visa to visit the UK apply for a Standard Visitor visa online - if you need one As a visitor, you cannot work for a UK company or as a self-employed person unless you’re coming to the UK for a permitted paid engagement . You’ll need to apply for a work visa if you want to do any other paid or unpaid work that’s not included in the business activities on this page. Doing activities as part of an overseas job role You can do certain additional activities in the UK as a Standard Visitor, if you’re employed overseas as: an archaeologist an artist, entertainer or musician a bodyguard a camera operator a driver an internal auditor a journalist or correspondent a lawyer or expert witness a market researcher or analyst a personal assistant a pilot or cabin crew member coming to work in the UK under a ‘Wet Lease Agreement’ approved by the Civil Aviation Authority a professor from an overseas academic institution a religious worker a scientist or researcher a seafarer (someone whose normal place of work is on board a ship) a sports person or sports official a tour group courier a translator or interpreter a member of a film crew, including actors, producers, directors or technicians a member of the production team supporting an artist, entertainer or musician a member of technical staff supporting an artist, entertainer, musician or sports person Check the Visitor Rules for details of what you can do as a Standard Visitor in these job roles.

You can visit the UK for up to 6 months to: study at an accredited institution (this includes English language courses) do a short piece of research that’s relevant to your course overseas do an ‘elective’ - an optional additional placement, if you’re studying medicine, veterinary medicine and science, nursing, midwifery or dentistry sit an entrance exam, retake an exam or course module, or do a PhD oral exam (a viva) do an unpaid clinical attachment if you’re a graduate from a medical, dental or nursing school take the Objective Structured Clinical Examination ( OSCE ) test or the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board ( PLAB ) test You should: check you meet the basic eligibility requirements for a Standard Visitor and any relevant extra eligibility requirements listed below prepare any required documents that prove your eligibility check if you need a visa to visit the UK apply for a Standard Visitor visa online - if you need one To study or research certain subjects at postgraduate level or above, you may need to get an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate before you start your course or research. If you’re visiting to study at an accredited institution You must prove that: you’ve been accepted onto a course provided by an accredited UK institution the course is no more than 6 months long (unless it’s a distance learning course) The accredited UK institution cannot be an academy or state-funded school. Distance learning courses If you’re doing a distance learning course, your course can last longer than 6 months. This is because most of your study will happen outside of the UK. You can visit the UK to do certain activities as part of your course, for example: attend induction weeks do face-to-face intensive learning have progress checks sit exams or assessments If you want to study for more than 6 months You’ll need to apply for either a: Short-term study visa - for English Language courses up to 11 months Student visa - for courses run by licensed student sponsors Child Student visa - to study at an independent school if you’re between 4 and 17 years old If you’re visiting to do a short piece of research You must prove that: you’re at least 16 years old you’re already enrolled on a course overseas that is the equivalent of a UK degree you’ve been accepted by a UK higher education institution to take part in research that’s relevant to the course you’re studying overseas You can visit for up to 6 months to do your research. Documents you must provide You’ll need to provide confirmation from your overseas course provider that the research or research tuition is part of, or relevant to, the course you’re doing overseas. If you’re visiting to do an elective You must prove that you’re: at least 16 years old already enrolled on a course overseas that is the equivalent of a UK degree - the course must be in medicine, veterinary medicine and science, nursing, midwifery or dentistry doing an elective at a UK higher education institution as part of your course You can visit for up to 6 months to do your elective. Documents you must provide Your UK higher education provider will need to give written confirmation that you will not be treating patients or being paid for the elective. If you’re visiting to do an unpaid clinical attachment or dental observer post If you’re an overseas graduate from a medical, dental or nursing school you can do an unpaid clinical attachment or dental observer post for up to 6 months. If you want to stay longer than 6 months, you will need to pass the PLAB test and apply to stay in the UK . You must not treat patients. Documents you must provide You must provide written confirmation: of your clinical attachment or dental observer post offer that you’ve not done a clinical attachment or dental observer post in the UK before If you’re taking the OSCE or PLAB test You can visit for up to 6 months to take the OSCE or PLAB test. If you do not pass the PLAB test, you can apply to stay in the UK for a further 6 months to retake the test. If you pass the PLAB test, you can apply to stay in the UK to do an unpaid clinical attachment or dental observer post. You can stay in the UK for up to 18 months in total. Documents you must provide You must provide a letter from the Nursing and Midwifery Council confirming your OSCE test registration. You’ll need a letter from the General Medical Council confirming your PLAB test registration.

If you’re a scientist, researcher or academic you can: take part in formal exchange arrangements with UK counterparts carry out research, either as part of your job or independently If you’re a senior doctor or dentist you can also: take part in research teach (as long as it’s not a permanent teaching post) undertake clinical practice (as long as it’s not a permanent position) To research certain subjects at postgraduate level or above, you may need to get an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate before you start your research. You can also visit if you’re invited for certain paid engagements or events (a ‘permitted paid engagement’) - for example, to give a lecture or be an academic assessor. You’ll need to show you’re an expert in your profession. If you want to visit for up to 6 months You should: check you meet the basic eligibility requirements for a Standard Visitor check if you need a visa to visit the UK apply for a Standard Visitor visa online - if you need one If you want to visit for more than 6 months All academic visits lasting longer than 6 months require a Standard Visitor visa regardless of your nationality. You can: apply for a Standard Visitor visa before you travel to the UK that lasts for up to 12 months and costs £200 visit for up to 6 months and apply to stay longer when you’re in the UK for a fee of £1,000 (you can stay up to 12 months in total) You must meet the basic eligibility requirements for a Standard Visitor and the additional eligibility requirements for academics. You must provide any required documents that show your eligibility. Your partner and children can apply to stay with you for up to 12 months. They can apply for a Standard Visitor visa in advance or visit for 6 months and extend their stay once in the UK. Eligibility requirements if you want to stay longer than 6 months You must prove you’re: highly qualified in your field of expertise - this will usually mean you have a PhD or higher currently working in that field of expertise at an academic institution overseas not filling a permanent teaching post If you’re an academic, but not a senior doctor or dentist, you must also prove you’re visiting to do research or a formal exchange. If you’re a senior doctor or dentist, you must also prove you’re visiting to do research, clinical practice, a formal exchange or to teach. Documents you may need You need to show you meet the eligibility requirements, for example by providing a letter from: your employer outlining the dates of your sabbatical or exchange your employer outlining the research to be undertaken the UK host organisation confirming the arrangements for your research, exchange or clinical practice Depending on where you come from, you may need a certificate that proves you do not have tuberculosis ( TB ). Check if you’ll need to take a TB test .

Visit for a paid engagement or event

You can visit the UK for certain paid engagements or events (a ‘permitted paid engagement’) if you: have a written invitation from a UK-based organisation or client for a pre-arranged event or other permitted engagement can show you’re an expert in your profession are 18 or over The engagement must be relevant to your expertise, qualifications and main job in your home country. You can come to the UK for up to 6 months, but you must do the engagement in the first month. You can be invited: as a professional artist, entertainer or musician as a professional sportsperson as a qualified lawyer - to represent a client to give a lecture or series of lectures to speak at a conference as an academic - to be a student examiner or assessor as an air pilot examiner You should: check you meet the basic eligibility requirements for a Standard Visitor check if you need a visa to visit the UK apply for a Standard Visitor visa online - if you need one Who can invite you and what you can use to show you’re an expert depends on your profession. Professional artists, entertainers or musicians You can be paid to do an activity that relates directly to your profession including: performing talking about, presenting or launching your work to other professionals or the public giving lectures joining judging panels or debate panels taking part in professional conferences A ‘professional artist’ can be anyone working in the performing or creative arts. For example, poets, make-up artists, stylists, set designers, photographers and fashion models. Your invitation You must have an invitation from a UK-based: creative organisation, such as a gallery, university arts faculty, school or events venue agent or agency broadcaster Your expertise and employment The event or engagement must relate directly to your full-time profession. You must be able to show you’re an established artist, entertainer or musician in your home country, for example: your published work publicity material for recent performances, screenings, concerts, talks, readings or exhibitions media coverage and reviews awards you’ve received Professional sportspeople You can be paid to do an activity that relates directly to your sporting profession. For example, taking part in a sporting event. Your invitation You must have an invitation from a UK-based: sports organisation that organises or hosts sporting events or matches agent or agency broadcaster Your expertise and employment The event or engagement must relate directly to your full-time profession. You must be able to show you’re an established sportsperson in your home country, for example: proof of recent performances, awards and media coverage media coverage awards you’ve received Qualified lawyers You can be paid by a client to represent them in the UK at a court or tribunal hearing, arbitration or other form of legal dispute resolution. You can also be paid to visit the UK to prepare for the hearing. Your invitation You must have an invitation from your client, showing you’ve been asked to represent them in the UK. You must provide confirmation of your right of audience or ‘temporary call’. Your expertise and employment You may need to show that you’re a qualified lawyer, such as a practising certificate or certificate of good standing. Lecturers You can be paid to give a lecture or series of lectures about your area of expertise. You cannot take a full-time or part-time teaching post for your host organisation. Your invitation You must have an invitation from a UK-based: higher education institution research organisation arts organisation, such as a museum, theatre, art gallery, arts festival or other arts venue Your expertise and employment Your work overseas must be relevant to the lecture or lectures that you’re giving. You must be able to show you’re highly qualified in your area of expertise. For example, you can provide: a letter from your employer confirming where you work and your area of expertise examples of your published work evidence of lectures you’ve already given If you want to give a lecture on a subject not relevant to your current role, you may need to provide evidence of: any previous employment or posts held in this area publications on the subject other recognised qualifications You can visit for a permitted paid event or engagement, if you’re semi-retired and earning an income from giving regular lectures. You cannot do this if you’re retired. Speakers at conferences You can be paid to speak at a conference or seminar. Your invitation You must have an invitation to speak from the organiser of a conference or seminar in the UK. Your expertise and employment You must be able to show that the conference or seminar is relevant to your area of expertise and profession in your home country. Academic examiners or assessors You can be paid to: examine or assess students chair or take part in selection panels Your invitation You must have an invitation from a UK higher education institution or a UK-based research or arts organisation. Your expertise and employment Your work overseas must be relevant to the role you’ve been invited to do. You must be able to show you’re highly qualified in your area of expertise. For example, you can provide: a letter from your employer confirming where you work and your area of expertise examples of your published work evidence of lectures you’ve already given You can visit for a permitted paid event or engagement if you’re semi-retired and earning an income from regular examination work. You cannot do this if you’re retired. Air pilot examiners You can be paid to examine UK-based air pilots, so they meet the national aviation regulatory requirements of your country. Your invitation You must have an invitation from a UK-based approved training organisation regulated by the UK Civil Aviation Authority. Your expertise and employment You must be able to show that you’re in full-time employment overseas with your country’s national aviation authority.

Visit for medical reasons

You can visit the UK for up to 6 months to: have private medical treatment at a hospital or other medical facility have treatment at an NHS hospital, as long as the care is paid for by your own government under a reciprocal healthcare arrangement donate an organ to a family member or close friend - this includes being assessed for suitability as a donor match You should: check you meet the basic eligibility requirements for a Standard Visitor and any relevant extra eligibility requirements listed below prepare any required documents that prove your eligibility check if you need a visa to visit the UK apply for a Standard Visitor visa online - if you need one If you’re visiting for private medical treatment You must prove that you: have a medical condition that needs private consultation or treatment in the UK have made arrangements for consultations or treatment have enough money or funding to pay for your treatment will leave the UK once your treatment is completed, or when your visa expires are not a danger to public health if you have an infectious disease, such as leprosy Documents you must provide You’ll need a letter written by a doctor or consultant , that confirms: the condition you have that needs consultation or treatment the estimated cost and likely duration of any treatment where the consultation and treatment will take place If you’re visiting for treatment at an NHS hospital You can visit the UK for treatment at an NHS hospital. Your treatment must be paid for by your own government under a reciprocal healthcare arrangement. Documents you must provide You must provide an authorisation form, issued by the government of your country, saying they will pay for your treatment. If you’re visiting as an organ donor You can only visit the UK to donate organs to: a family member who you’re genetically related to (for example your sibling or parent) someone you have a close personal relationship with (for example your partner or friend) You must prove that the person you’re donating an organ to is legally allowed to be in the UK. Documents you must provide You’ll need a letter from the lead nurse of the transplant team, a General Medical Council registered specialist or a registered NHS consultant that confirms: you’re a donor match to the recipient, or you’re being tested to see if you’re a potential donor the recipient is genetically related to you, or in a close personal relationship with you when and where the transplant or tests will take place The letter should be dated no more than 3 months before you intend to arrive in the UK. If the recipient is not legally resident in the UK, you must provide their name, nationality and date of birth in your application. The recipient should check if they need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa and that they meet the eligibility requirements for medical treatment. If your treatment will last longer than 6 months All visits for medical treatment lasting longer than 6 months require a Standard Visitor visa regardless of your nationality. You can: apply for a Standard Visitor visa before you come to the UK - this lasts for up to 11 months and costs £200 visit for up to 6 months and apply to stay for a further 6 months when you’re in the UK for a fee of £1,000 There is no limit on how many times you can extend your stay. It costs £1,000 each time you do. Depending on where you come from, you may also need a certificate that proves you do not have tuberculosis ( TB ). Check if you’ll need to take a TB test .

You may visit the UK if you’re under 18 and: you’ve made suitable arrangements for your travel and stay in the UK you have written consent from your parent or guardian to travel to the UK (if travelling alone) you’re able to pay for your return or onward journey you have enough money to support yourself without working or getting help from public funds, or you have family and friends that can support you Travelling alone You can travel to the UK without an adult (someone over the age of 18). Your parent or guardian will need to provide their: written consent for you to travel to the UK full contact details They’ll also need to provide proof that you have somewhere suitable to live during your stay in the UK, including: the name and date of birth of the person that you will be staying with an address where you will be living details of your relationship to the person who’ll be looking after you their written consent for you to stay with that person while you’re in the UK If you’re not staying with a close relative Your parent, guardian or school must tell the relevant local authority about your visit if you’re both of the following: under 16 (or under 18 if you have a disability) going to be looked after for more than 28 days by someone who is not a close relative (called ‘private foster care’) You should provide a reply from the local authority if you have one. The same rules apply to education exchange visits that last for more than 28 days, unless: you’re part of a group that is travelling and staying together, for example a school group you’re accompanied by an adult, for example a teacher There are different rules in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Read the guidance for more information . Travelling with an adult You’ll need to show that your parent or guardian consents to your travel and accommodation arrangements. If you do not need a visa to travel, you’ll need to prove this at the border. If you do have to apply for a Standard Visitor visa, you’ll need to identify the adult travelling with you in your visa application. If the person you’re travelling with is not your parent, you’ll need to provide specific information about them in your application. You can identify up to 2 adults in your visa application. Their names will appear on your visa. The adult can apply for a visa at the same time, but you must each complete separate applications.

When you can extend your stay

You may be able to extend your stay if you have permission to be in the UK for less than 6 months. You can extend your stay up to a total of 6 months. You can only apply to stay in the UK for longer than 6 months if you’re: a patient receiving medical treatment an academic and you still meet the eligibility requirements a graduate retaking the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board ( PLAB ) test or doing a clinical attachment You must apply to extend your stay and pay the £1,000 fee regardless of your nationality. You need to apply while you’re still in the UK and before your current visa or permission expires. Fees It costs: £1,000 to extend your stay as a Standard Visitor an extra £1,000 if you use the super priority service You’ll also need to have your fingerprints and a photo (biometric information) taken - there’s no fee for this. If you have permission to be in the UK for less than 6 months You may be able to extend your stay as long as the total time you spend in the UK is no more than 6 months. You must meet the eligibility requirements and pay the £1,000 fee. For example, if you have been in the UK for 3 months, you can apply to extend your stay for 3 more months. This applies if you needed a visa to visit the UK and also if you did not need one. If you need to stay longer for medical treatment If you’re already in the UK, you can apply to stay for a further 6 months if you: have paid for any treatment you’ve already had in the UK can and will pay the further costs of your treatment continue to meet the medical treatment eligibility requirements There is no limit on how many times you can extend your stay. It costs £1,000 each time you extend. Documents you must provide You must get a medical practitioner or NHS consultant who’s registered in the UK to provide details of your medical condition that needs further treatment. If you’re having treatment at an NHS hospital under a reciprocal healthcare arrangement, you will need to provide another authorisation form from your country’s government saying they will pay for your treatment. If you need to stay longer as an academic If you’re already in the UK and have permission to visit for less than 12 months, you can apply to stay for up to 12 months in total. Your partner and children can apply to stay for up to 12 months too. They must have their own application and each pay the £1,000 fee. You must prove you: are highly qualified in your field of expertise, for example you have a PhD or higher were working in that field of expertise at an academic institution overseas prior to your arrival in the UK are not filling a permanent teaching post If you’re an academic, but not a senior doctor or dentist, you must also prove you’re visiting to do research or a formal exchange. If you’re a senior doctor or dentist, you must also prove you’re visiting to do research, clinical practice, a formal exchange or to teach. Before you extend your stay, check if you need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate . You may need one if you’re researching certain subjects at postgraduate level or above. If you need to stay longer to retake the PLAB test If you’re already in the UK, you can apply to extend your stay for up to 6 months to retake the PLAB test. You must provide written confirmation from the General Medical Council that you’re retaking the test. If you want to do a clinical attachment or dental observer post If you pass the PLAB test, you can apply to stay longer to do an unpaid clinical attachment or dental observer post. You can stay in the UK for up to 18 months in total. You must provide written confirmation: of your clinical attachment offer that you’ve not done a clinical attachment in the UK before You must not treat patients. Proving your identity and providing your documents When you apply, you’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services ( UKVCAS ) service point to provide your fingerprints and a photo (biometric information). You’ll also need to submit the supporting documents that prove your eligibility. You can: upload your documents into the online service have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do. Apply to extend your stay as a Standard Visitor Once you’ve started your application you can save your form and complete it later. Apply now Continue your application You can sign back into your application if you’ve saved it. Find out how to sign in to your account . Get help to apply online You can get help with completing the online form if you: do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device do not have internet access You can only use this service if you’re applying to extend your stay in the UK. You cannot get immigration advice through this service. How long it takes to get a decision If you use the standard service, a decision will usually be made within 8 weeks of providing your supporting documents and proving your identity. If you use the super priority service a decision will be made: by the end of the next working day after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is on a weekday 2 working days after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is at the weekend Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays. You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example: if your supporting documents need to be verified if you need to attend an interview because of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction) Once you’ve applied you can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your permission to be in the UK ended. If your application is successful You’ll get an eVisa (an online record of your immigration status). Your decision email or letter will tell you how to get access to your eVisa . You’ll need to create a UKVI account. Find out how to get your biometric residence permit (BRP) if you were told you’d get one when you applied.

Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor

Overview

You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for tourism, business, study (courses up to 6 months) and other permitted activities.

You can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months. You might be able to apply to stay for longer in certain circumstances, for example to get medical treatment.

What you need to do

Check if what you plan to do in the UK is allowed as a Standard Visitor.
Check you meet the eligibility requirements.
Check if you need to apply for a visa to visit the UK.
Apply for a Standard Visitor visa online - if you need one.

What you can and cannot do (‘permitted activities’)

You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor:

for tourism, for example on a holiday or vacation
to see your family or friends
to volunteer for up to 30 days with a registered charity
to pass through the UK to another country (‘in transit’)
for certain business activities, for example attending a meeting or interview
for certain paid engagements or events (a ‘permitted paid engagement’) as an expert in your profession, for example to give lectures or perform
to take part in a school exchange programme
to do a recreational course of up to 30 days, for example a dance course
to study, do a placement or take an exam
as an academic, senior doctor or dentist
for medical reasons

You cannot:

do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person, unless you’re doing a permitted paid engagement or event
claim public funds (benefits)
live in the UK for long periods of time through frequent or successive visits
marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership - you’ll need to apply for a Marriage Visitor visa

Check you meet the eligibility requirements

You must have a passport or travel document to enter the UK. It should be valid for the whole of your stay.

You must be able to show that:

you’ll leave the UK at the end of your visit
you’re able to support yourself and your dependants during your trip (or have funding from someone else to support you)
you’re able to pay for your return or onward journey (or have funding from someone else to pay for the journey)
you’ll not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your main home

You may need to meet extra eligibility requirements if you’re visiting the UK:

The rules on what you’ll need to enter the UK may be different if you’re travelling from Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man.

Check if you need a visa to visit the UK

Depending on your nationality, you’ll either:

have to apply for a Standard Visitor visa before you travel to the UK
be able to visit the UK for up to 6 months without needing a visa

You can check if you need a visa before you apply.

If you do not need a visa, you must still meet the Standard Visitor eligibility requirements to visit the UK. You may be asked questions at the UK border about your eligibility and the activities you plan to do.

If you’ve previously been refused entry to the UK or have a criminal record, you may want to apply for a Standard Visitor visa (even if you do not need one).

If you have to apply for a Standard Visitor visa

You must apply for a Standard Visitor visa online before you travel to the UK.

A Standard Visitor visa costs £115 for up to 6 months. The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel.

If you visit the UK regularly, you can choose to apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa instead.

You can pass through the UK to another country on a Standard Visitor visa. If transiting is your only reason for coming to the UK, you can apply for a Visitor in Transit visa instead for £64.

View a printable version of the whole guide

Step 1 Check if you’re eligible
Find out what activities you can do and how to prove your eligibility if you’re:
- being paid by a UK company to visit as an expert in your profession
- visiting for business and not being paid by a UK company
You must meet the eligibility requirements even if you do not need a visa.
Step 2 Check if you need a visa
Depending on the country you're from, you might be able to visit the UK without a visa or by applying for an electronic travel authorisation.
1. Check if you need a visa
Step 3 Apply for a visa
The visa you apply for depends on if you're:
- being paid by a UK company to visit as an expert in your profession £95 for up to 1 month
- You are currently viewing: coming for unpaid business activities as a Standard Visitor £95 for up to 6 months
or Apply for a family permit
You may be able to visit on a family permit if you have a family member who is:
- a citizen of an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland
- a Person of Northern Ireland
- a British citizen
1. Check if you can apply for a family permit
or Apply for an electronic travel authorisation
Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) if you're a national of:
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
1. Apply for an ETA £10
Step 4 Check what you can bring with you
1. Check what you can bring with you
2. Check what food, animals or plants you can bring into the UK
Step 5 Check what you need to show at the UK border
1. Check what you need to show at the UK border

Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor

Overview

What you need to do

What you can and cannot do (‘permitted activities’)

Check you meet the eligibility requirements

Check if you need a visa to visit the UK

If you have to apply for a Standard Visitor visa

Step 1 Check if you’re eligible

Step 2 Check if you need a visa

Step 3 Apply for a visa

or Apply for a family permit

or Apply for an electronic travel authorisation

Step 4 Check what you can bring with you

Step 5 Check what you need to show at the UK border

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Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor

Overview

What you need to do

What you can and cannot do (‘permitted activities’)

Check you meet the eligibility requirements

Check if you need a visa to visit the UK

If you have to apply for a Standard Visitor visa

Part of Visit the UK on a business trip

Step 1: Check if you’re eligible

Step 2: Check if you need a visa

Step 3: Apply for a visa

or Apply for a family permit

or Apply for an electronic travel authorisation

Step 4: Check what you can bring with you

Step 5: Check what you need to show at the UK border

Also part of

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Step 1 Check if you’re eligible

Step 2 Check if you need a visa

Step 3 Apply for a visa

Step 4 Check what you can bring with you

Step 5 Check what you need to show at the UK border