Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor (2024)

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 circ*mstances, 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
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:

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 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.

As a seasoned expert in international travel regulations and immigration procedures, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge to guide you through the intricacies of visiting the UK as a Standard Visitor. Having closely followed and studied the evolving policies in this domain, I can assure you that my insights are up-to-date as of my last knowledge update in January 2022.

Let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the provided information:

Purpose of Visit:
- Standard Visitors are allowed for various purposes, including tourism, business, short-term study (up to 6 months), and other permitted activities.
- The duration of stay is typically up to 6 months, with potential extensions under certain circ*mstances, such as medical treatment.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Prospective visitors must ensure that their planned activities in the UK align with the Standard Visitor category.
- Eligibility criteria include possessing a valid passport or travel document for the entire stay, demonstrating the intent to leave the UK, and having the means to support oneself financially.
Permitted Activities:
- Standard Visitors are allowed to engage in various activities, such as tourism, visiting family or friends, volunteering with a registered charity (up to 30 days), attending business meetings or interviews, participating in school exchange programs, taking recreational courses (up to 30 days), and pursuing academic, medical, or dental endeavors.
Restrictions and Prohibitions:
- Visitors are explicitly prohibited from undertaking paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as self-employed individuals.
- Claiming public funds (benefits) is not allowed.
- Living in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits is also restricted.
Additional Requirements for Specific Activities:
- Special eligibility criteria may apply for those visiting the UK for study, placements, exams, or medical reasons as academics, senior doctors, or dentists.
Documentation and Financial Requirements:
- A valid passport or travel document is mandatory.
- Visitors must demonstrate the ability to financially support themselves and cover return or onward journey expenses.
Visa Application Process:
- Depending on nationality, visitors may need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa before traveling to the UK.
- The online application for a Standard Visitor visa costs £115 for a maximum stay of 6 months and can be submitted up to 3 months before travel.
- Long-term Standard Visitor visas are an option for regular visitors.
Visitor in Transit Option:
- Visitors passing through the UK to another country can apply for a Visitor in Transit visa for £64.

In summary, a thorough understanding of the Standard Visitor framework, eligibility criteria, and application processes is crucial for a seamless visit to the UK. Whether you are planning a vacation, business trip, or educational pursuit, adherence to these guidelines will ensure a smooth and lawful experience during your stay.