Visit the UK for a holiday or to see family or friends

Find out what you need to do if you’re visiting the UK for a holiday or to see family or friends.

1. Step 1: Check if you’re eligible

   1. Find out what you can do when you visit the UK

   You must meet the Standard Visitor eligibility requirements even if you do not need a visa.

2. 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 (ETA).

   1. Check if you need a visa or an ETA to come to the UK

3. Step 3: Apply for a visa

   1. Apply for a Standard Visitor visa

   A Standard Visitor visa costs £115 and allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months.

   There's a different way to apply if:

   • you're a Chinese citizen visiting as part of a tour group
   • you want to stay in the UK with your family for more than 6 months

4. or Apply for an electronic travel authorisation

   1. Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA)

   An ETA costs £10 and allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months.

5. 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

6. 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

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

   1. Check what you need to show at the UK border