Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor

As a Standard Visitor, you can travel to the UK for tourism, business purposes, short-term study (up to 6 months), and other approved activities.

Typically, you can remain in the UK for up to 6 months. In some cases, you may be eligible to extend your stay, such as for receiving medical treatment.

Please contact our immigration solicitor at 0158 235 9990 or fill in the enquiry form to take the first step towards your successful UK Visit visa application.

What is a UK Standard Visitor visa?

A UK Standard Visitor Visa lets you visit the UK for up to 6 months. You can come for tourism, business, study, medical treatment, or to see family and friends.

Who needs a UK Standard Visitor visa?

You'll need a Standard Visitor Visa if you're from a country not in the visa waiver program. Visitors from the US, Canada, and the EU can often enter without a visa for short stays. But, if you're from countries like Pakistan or India, you'll need to apply in advance.

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.

What activities are allowed on a Standard Visitor visa?

You can visit the UK for:

• Tourism or vacations
• Visiting family or friends
• Business-related activities like attending meetings or conferences
• Taking part in short courses (up to 6 months)
• Receiving medical treatment
• Certain paid professional engagements (with restrictions)

What activities are not allowed on a Standard Visitor visa?

You cannot:

• Work (paid or unpaid) for a UK company, unless it's a permitted paid engagement.
• Claim public funds (benefits).
• Marry or register a civil partnership without applying for a Marriage Visitor Visa.
• Stay for extended periods by making frequent or successive visits.

UK Standard Visitor visa requirements

Before applying, check if you meet the basic requirements:

• You must prove that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit.
• Show that you can support yourself financially during your stay.
• Provide proof of accommodation for your visit.
• Demonstrate intentions to return to your home country (e.g., employment or family ties).
• No plans to work or access public funds while in the UK.

Genuine Intention to Leave the UK

The Home Office checks if you really plan to leave the UK. They look at why you're visiting, your past immigration, and how often you've stayed. They also consider your ties to your home country and other important details.

Sufficient Funds for Support

You don't need a specific amount of money to visit the UK. The Home Office will look at how much your trip will cost. They'll check if you have enough money to cover your stay and any financial commitments.

Intent Not to Live in the UK

The Home Office makes sure you're not living in the UK on a Visitor Visa. They'll check your travel history and why you're visiting. They'll also look at how long you plan to stay and if you've been in the UK a lot recently.

How to apply for a Standard Visitor visa to visit the UK?

The UK Standard Visitor Visa application is online. Follow these steps:

1. Complete the Online Application

Go to the official UK government website for visas (GOV.UK) and fill out the online visa application form. You'll need to provide personal details, the purpose of your visit, and your travel history.

2. Pay the Visa Fee

The fee for a Standard Visitor Visa is £115 for stays up to six months. If you need to stay longer, the fee might be higher.

3. Book an Appointment for Biometrics

After applying, book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) for your biometric information. These centres are in major cities worldwide.

4. Prepare Supporting Documents

Supporting documents are key to showing you meet the visa requirements. You'll need:

• Valid passport (with a blank page for the visa).
• Bank statements or payslips showing financial stability.
• Accommodation details (hotel reservations, invitation letters from family or friends).
• Travel itinerary (flight bookings, travel plans).
• Letter from the employer if applying for a business visit.
• Medical records if visiting for medical treatment.

All documents should be in English or Welsh, or translated by a certified translator.

5. Attend the Visa Appointment

At your appointment, submit your biometric information and provide your documents. This step must be done in person.

6. Waiting for a Decision

After you've sent in your application and biometric data, it usually takes 3 weeks for a decision. You can check your application's status online. Sometimes, you might need to provide more documents or have an interview, which can slow things down.

What happens after you receive your visa?

When you get your visa, you'll see a vignette (sticker) in your passport. This vignette shows when your visa is valid and what you can do while you're there.

When you arrive in the UK, show your visa to the immigration officer. They might ask you questions to make sure you're visiting for the right reasons. Keep your travel plans and where you're staying ready to show them.

How long can I stay in the UK with a Standard Visitor visa?

You can stay for up to 6 months at a time. If you need more time for medical treatment, you might be able to extend your stay.

UK Standard Visitor visa processing time

UK Standard Visitor visa usually takes about 3 weeks to get a visa decision after you apply and give your biometrics. But, it can take longer depending on where you are.

Can I extend my Standard Visitor visa?

In some cases, like for medical treatment, you can ask to extend your stay beyond 6 months. But, extensions are usually not given for other reasons.

Long-term Standard Visitor visas

If you visit the UK frequently, you can apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa, which is valid for 2, 5, or 10 years. However, each visit can last no longer than 6 months.

If you're under 18 when applying, the visa will only be valid for up to 6 months after you turn 18. The visa fee is non-refundable.

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) may issue a shorter visa than requested if they believe you don't meet the eligibility criteria for the full duration. No refund will be given if you receive a shorter visa or if your application is rejected.

Your visa may be revoked if your travel history suggests you are staying in the UK for extended periods on repeated visits.

Tips for a successful visa application

• Start Early: Apply for your visa at least 3 months before you plan to travel.
• Be Honest: Always give true and accurate information on your visa application.
• Double-check Documents: Make sure all your documents are complete and correct. Incomplete or wrong documents can cause delays or even refusal.
• Explain Your Intentions: Clearly state your plans to return home to avoid any worries about overstaying.