STANDARD VISITOR VISA

The UK Standard Visitor Visa enables individuals to travel to the United Kingdom for a short stay, usually for up to six months. It is designed for those visiting the UK for activities such as tourism, to see family or friends, to undertake business activities, to study on a short course, or to receive private medical treatment. Unlike other visa categories, the UK Standard Visitor Visa does not provide a route to settlement, nor does it allow for work, long-term study or marriage in the UK. 

Applicants for a UK Visit Visa must satisfy the Home Office that they are genuine visitors who will leave the UK at the end of their authorised stay and that they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves without accessing public funds or working during their visit.

1. Visa Nationals, Non-Visa Nationals, and the UK Visit Visa Requirement

Whether or not you need to apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa before travelling will depend primarily on your nationality, as well as the purpose and duration of your intended stay. 

UK Visit Visa Requirement for Visa Nationals

If you are a national of a country listed in the UK’s Visa National List (as set out in Appendix Visitor: Visa national list of the Immigration Rules), you are classified as a visa national. As a visa national, you must apply for and obtain a Standard Visitor Visa before travelling to the UK, regardless of the length or nature of your visit.

UK Visit Visa Requirement for Non-Visa Nationals

If you are a non-visa national, you will generally be permitted to seek entry at the UK border without applying for a visa in advance, provided you intend to stay for no more than six months and will not undertake any activities that require a different visa route, such as marrying, working, or studying long term. EU citizens, for example, are treated as non-visa nationals and may enter the UK as visitors without prior entry clearance, subject to meeting all visitor requirements on arrival.

The UK has introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme for non-visa nationals. If you are a national of a country covered by the scheme, you must apply online and receive ETA approval before you travel to the UK without a UK Visit Visa.

If you are a non-visa national, you may still choose to apply for a Visit Visa in advance of travelling to the UK – for example, if you have previously experienced difficulties at the UK border, wish to minimise the risk of refusal on arrival, or plan to undertake a permitted paid engagement and want the activity pre-cleared by UK Visas & Immigration. If your UK Visit Visa application is successful you will not need to apply for a UK ETA.

If you decide not to apply for a Visit Visa, you must still be prepared to demonstrate your eligibility for entry as a visitor at the UK border. This includes being able to explain the purpose of your visit, confirm how you will be maintained and accommodated during your stay, and show that you intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit.

2. Visitor Visa Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a UK Standard Visitor Visa, you will need to satisfy UK Visas & Immigration that you are seeking to enter the UK for a genuine temporary visit that falls within the scope of permitted activities. You must:

• Be genuinely seeking entry to the UK for a purpose that is permitted under the Visitor route;
• Not undertake any prohibited activities, including employment or long-term study;
• Intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit;
• Not intend to live in the UK for extended periods or make the UK your main home through frequent or successive visits;
• Have sufficient funds to cover all reasonable costs of your visit, including travel, accommodation, and living expenses;
• Not fall for refusal under the general grounds for refusal.

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy may vary depending on your circumstances. We recommend consulting an immigration lawyer for expert advice.

3. Genuine Visitor Requirement

To be granted a UK Standard Visitor Visa, you will need to satisfy the UK Home Office that you are a genuine visitor. This means demonstrating that you are coming to the UK for a temporary and lawful purpose permitted under the Visitor route, and that you do not intend to live, work, or settle in the UK through successive or extended visits.

You will need to provide clear and consistent evidence of why you are travelling, what you intend to do during your visit, and your plans to leave the UK at the end of your stay. If your application lacks detail or raises concerns – for example, because your visit appears unusually long, your previous travel history suggests frequent trips to the UK, or your reasons for visiting seem vague – you may be refused on the basis that you are not a genuine visitor.

To demonstrate that your visit is credible and time-limited, it is important to include supporting evidence. This might include proof of employment, a letter from your employer confirming approved leave, return flight bookings, and evidence of where you will be staying while in the UK.

4. What Activities Are Allowed on a Standard Visitor Visa?

The UK Standard Visitor Visa allows a broad range of permitted activities, which must fall within the parameters set out in Appendix Visitor: Permitted Activities. Acceptable activities include:

• Tourism and leisure travel, including holidays, visiting friends and family, and cultural visits;
• Business-related activities, such as attending interviews, meetings, conferences, seminars, trade fairs to promote your business, delivering non-commercial presentations, negotiating contracts, or receiving internal training within the same corporate group;
• Participation in short recreational courses not involving English language study (up to 30 days);
• Short-term study at an accredited institution, up to six months in duration;
• Receiving private medical treatment or undergoing medical assessment as an organ donor;
• Academic exchanges or conducting independent research if the visitor is an academic employed by an overseas institution;
• Sitting the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) test or attending a clinical attachment (where relevant conditions are met);
• Participation in creative or sporting events, competitions, or festivals as a professional or amateur, provided that the activity does not amount to employment.

5. Activities Not Permitted on a Visit Visa

The UK Visitor Visa is a restrictive visa category. Visitors are prohibited from:

• Undertaking paid or unpaid work in the UK, including taking up employment, self-employment, or internships (except as a permitted paid engagement or under the Permit Free Festival provision addressed below);
• Studying in the UK for more than six months (except in specific permitted cases);
• Living in the UK through frequent or extended visits;
• Marrying, forming a civil partnership, or giving notice of marriage or civil partnership (this requires a Marriage Visitor Visa);
• Accessing public funds, NHS services beyond emergency or private treatment, or enrolling in long-term education programmes.

Any activity that resembles employment, including filling temporary or freelance roles in the UK, will result in a breach of visa conditions and may lead to future refusals. The only exceptions are permitted paid engagements and activities under the Permit Free Festival provisions.

6. When Can You Be Paid on a UK Visitor Visa?

Permitted Paid Engagements (PPEs)

While the UK Standard Visitor Visa generally prohibits paid or unpaid work in the UK, there is a narrow exception for Permitted Paid Engagements (PPEs). If you are invited to the UK to undertake a specific paid activity that falls within the scope of this exception, you may do so lawfully during your visit – provided strict conditions are met.

To qualify, the paid engagement must:

• Be pre-arranged before you travel to the UK;
• Be declared as part of your visa application or, if you are a non-visa national, at the border upon entry;
• Be completed within 30 days of your arrival in the UK;
• Be directly related to your expertise and profession overseas; and
• Be supported by a formal invitation from a UK-based organisation or client.

Examples of permitted paid engagements include:

• Giving a lecture or speech at a university or conference;
• Participating as a professional artist, musician, or performer in a cultural event;
• Engaging in an expert legal activity, such as serving as an arbitrator or giving evidence as an expert witness;
• Carrying out certain professional activities in your field of expertise, such as conducting a masterclass, assessment, or interview.

It is essential that the paid engagement is genuinely one-off and not part of broader employment or freelance activity in the UK. You must remain employed or engaged overseas, and the payment received must be for the specific engagement, not general work or ongoing services.

If your planned activities do not fall within the PPE framework – or if there is any uncertainty – legal advice is recommended to ensure compliance and avoid a breach of visitor conditions. Our immigration barristers can advise on whether your proposed engagement qualifies as a permitted paid activity, assist with evidential preparation, and ensure that your application or entry to the UK is properly structured to reflect the permitted nature of your visit. Where your intended activities fall outside the scope of the Visitor route, we can also advise on alternative UK immigration routes that may be more appropriate for your circumstances.

Permit Free Festivals

In addition to Permitted Paid Engagements, certain performers and artists may be permitted to undertake paid activity in the UK under the Permit Free Festival provisions. If you are participating in a cultural festival listed in the official Permit Free Festival List (maintained by the Home Office), you may perform at the event without the need for a work visa, provided your visit otherwise meets the Standard Visitor requirements. Unlike PPEs, activities at a permit free festival do not need to be declared in advance as paid engagements, but you must still be able to show that your appearance is genuinely part of the listed festival and that you are not undertaking wider work in the UK.

We can advise on whether your planned performance qualifies under this exception and assist with ensuring you meet the evidential requirements to rely on the Permit Free Festival route. Where appropriate, we can also advise on whether the Permitted Paid Engagement provisions – or a separate visa category – would better suit your circumstances.

7. Can I Work Remotely While in the UK on a Visitor Visa?

The UK Standard Visitor Visa permits limited remote working for an overseas employer, provided that this is incidental to the main purpose of the visit. Remote working may be acceptable where, for example, a visitor continues to respond to emails, attend virtual meetings, or manage overseas responsibilities during a UK stay focused on tourism, business meetings, or academic activity.

However, remote working must not become the primary reason for your visit. To qualify under the Visitor Rules, the principal purpose of your stay must fall within one or more of the permitted activities set out in Appendix Visitor: Permitted Activities.

There are strict boundaries to what is allowed:

• You must remain employed and remunerated overseas;
• You must not take up employment in the UK, whether for a UK-based employer or otherwise;
• You must not provide goods or services to the UK public or a UK-based entity;
• You must not fill a role within a UK organisation, even on a temporary basis.

If your plans involve working from the UK for extended periods, or if your activities risk being classified as employment or service provision to a UK client or business, you may require a different visa route. Our immigration barristers can advise on the limits of remote work under the Visitor route and explore alternative visa options – such as the Skilled Worker, Global Talent, or Temporary Work routes – if a different immigration category is more appropriate for your intended activity.

8. Intention to Leave the UK Requirement

In order to qualify for a UK Standard Visitor Visa, you will need to demonstrate a clear intention to leave the UK at the end of your visit. This is a core element of the visitor eligibility requirements and applies to all categories of visitors, including those travelling for tourism, family visits, business, or medical treatment.

The Home Office must be satisfied that you do not intend to live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, and do not intend to make the UK your main home. You should be able to show that your visit is genuinely temporary, and that you have compelling reasons to return to your country of residence.

When assessing whether this requirement is met, UK Visas & Immigration will consider a range of factors, including:

• Your previous immigration history, including visits to the UK and other countries;
• The frequency and duration of your previous UK visits;
• Your financial circumstances and the availability of funds for your visit;
• The strength of your personal, economic and social ties to your home country (e.g. ongoing employment, dependent family members, property ownership, education commitments);
• The presence of close family members in the UK and the risk of you seeking to remain beyond your authorised stay.

Factors that may raise concerns about your intention to leave include a lack of stable employment or income, minimal family or economic ties to your country of residence, a history of overstaying or breaching immigration conditions, or inconsistent or misleading information provided by either yourself or your sponsor.

Applicants are advised to provide comprehensive and credible supporting evidence that clearly demonstrates the temporary nature of their visit, as well as their intention and ability to leave the UK at the end of their authorised stay. Where there is any doubt, the Home Office may refuse the application on the basis that the applicant is not a genuine visitor.

9. Financial Requirement for a UK Visit Visa

In order to qualify for a UK Standard Visitor Visa, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to cover the entire cost of your visit without working in the UK or relying on public funds. This includes covering your travel to and from the UK, accommodation, and day-to-day living expenses for the full duration of your stay.

Funds must be available in a financial institution that meets the criteria set out in Appendix Finance of the Immigration Rules. The Home Office will expect to see evidence that the funds are readily accessible, lawfully obtained, and under your control.

Financial support may also be provided by a third party, such as a family member or friend in the UK or abroad. In such cases, the third party must:

• Have a genuine personal or professional relationship with you;
• Not be in breach of UK immigration laws at the time of the application or your entry to the UK;
• Demonstrate that they are able and willing to provide financial support for your travel, accommodation and maintenance throughout your visit.

Applicants relying on third-party support should provide clear evidence of the relationship with the sponsor, the sponsor’s legal immigration status, and the sponsor’s financial capacity to support the visit.

Failure to satisfy the financial requirement is one of the most common reasons for refusal of UK Visit Visa applications. Accordingly, you should ensure that all financial documents are complete, consistent, and compliant with the evidential requirements of the Immigration Rules.

10. English Language Requirement for a UK Visitor Visa

Applicants for a UK Standard Visitor Visa, including those travelling for tourism, family visits, business, or medical treatment, are not required to meet an English language requirement.

Unlike other immigration routes – such as the Skilled Worker or Family visa categories – the Visitor route does not include any obligation to demonstrate English language proficiency as a condition of entry clearance or leave to enter.

However, applicants should ensure that they are able to communicate effectively for the purposes of their visit, particularly if they intend to travel independently or engage in permitted business or academic activities. In some cases, English language ability may be relevant to demonstrating the plausibility and credibility of the stated purpose of the visit.

11. General Grounds for Refusal of a UK Visit Visa Application

In addition to the specific eligibility requirements of the Standard Visitor route, all UK Visit Visa applications are subject to the general grounds for refusal set out in Part 9 of the Immigration Rules. These provisions apply across multiple immigration categories and provide the Home Office with discretionary and mandatory grounds on which to refuse entry clearance, leave to enter, or leave to remain.

A Visitor Visa application may be refused under the general grounds for refusal even if the applicant otherwise meets the requirements of Appendix V: Visitor. Applicants should therefore be aware of the broader risks that could impact the success of their application.

Mandatory Grounds for Refusal

A Visitor Visa must be refused if the applicant:

• Has previously breached UK immigration laws (e.g. overstaying, illegal entry, working in breach of conditions) and is subject to a mandatory re-entry ban;
• Has been convicted of a criminal offence in the UK or overseas resulting in a custodial sentence of 12 months or more, unless a specified period of time has passed;
• Is currently the subject of a deportation order or exclusion decision;
• Has failed to provide mandatory biometric information or attend an interview when required;
• Has made false representations or submitted false documents, unless they can show they were unaware of the deception.

Discretionary Grounds for Refusal

The Home Office may refuse a Visitor Visa application if:

• The applicant has previously contrived to frustrate immigration controls, failed to comply with conditions of stay, or breached visa conditions;
• There is a history of non-compliance or adverse immigration history in the UK or other jurisdictions;
• The applicant is considered not conducive to the public good due to conduct, character, or associations;
• There are reasonable grounds to believe that the applicant’s presence in the UK would pose a security risk;
• The applicant owes unpaid litigation debt to the Home Office or NHS debts above a specified threshold;
• The applicant’s past behaviour or circumstances suggest they may not leave the UK at the end of their visit.

Impact on Visitor Visa Applications

The general grounds for refusal are often relied upon by decision-makers when there are concerns about an applicant’s immigration history, criminal record, or credibility. In some cases, even a minor or historic breach – such as a previous visa overstay or use of incorrect documentation – can result in refusal, particularly where a pattern of non-compliance is identified.

Applicants are therefore advised to disclose any adverse history transparently and to seek legal advice where there may be potential issues. Where there is a previous refusal or immigration breach, it may be possible to submit representations to explain the circumstances and demonstrate rehabilitation or changed circumstances.

At Richmond Chambers, our immigration barristers are experienced in advising applicants with complex backgrounds and mitigating general grounds for refusal through targeted legal submissions. We can assist in assessing your risk profile and advising on the appropriate steps to present a credible and compliant application.

12. Duration and Conditions of Stay as a Visitor

A Standard Visitor Visa is typically granted for up to six months per visit. Visitors may apply for long-term multiple-entry visas that are valid for two, five, or ten years, but the maximum permitted stay during each entry remains six months. Extensions of stay are rare and only permitted in limited circumstances.

Visitors who are academics on sabbatical may be granted up to 12 months, while individuals receiving private medical treatment may be granted up to 11 months, subject to strict evidential requirements.

Conditions of stay include a prohibition on work, access to public funds, and limitations on study. Breaching visa conditions may affect future immigration applications and result in refusal of entry or removal from the UK.

13. Right to Work on a Standard Visitor Visa

Standard Visitors to the UK are not permitted to work during their stay. This prohibition applies to both paid and unpaid work and covers a wide range of employment and business activities, regardless of whether the work is for a UK or overseas organisation.

Under the Immigration Rules, Standard Visitors must not:

• Take up employment in the UK;
• Work for a UK organisation or business;
• Establish or run a business as a self-employed person;
• Undertake a work placement or internship;
• Provide or sell goods or services to members of the public;
• Fill a temporary or permanent role, including short-term cover, within a UK-based organisation.

Standard Visitors are also not generally permitted to receive payment from a UK source for activities undertaken during their visit. There are narrow exceptions to this rule, which include:

• Permitted Paid Engagements (PPEs): Standard Visitors may undertake a specific paid engagement, such as delivering a lecture, performing in a permitted cultural event, or participating in a professional activity, provided the engagement is:
  
  • Pre-arranged before travel;
  • Declared as part of the visa application (or at the border if applying for entry);
  • Completed within 30 days of arrival in the UK;
  • Related to the visitor’s area of expertise and overseas occupation;
  • Supported by a formal invitation from a UK-based organisation.
• Permit Free Festivals: Visitors invited to perform at a cultural festival listed on the official Home Office Permit Free Festival List may undertake paid performance activity without requiring a separate work visa. The performance must form part of the listed festival programme and the visitor must otherwise satisfy the requirements of the Standard Visitor route.
• Reimbursement of reasonable expenses, such as travel and accommodation, may be allowed in limited circumstances where permitted by the Rules.

While Standard Visitors are not permitted to work in the UK, they may carry out remote work for an overseas employer, for example by attending virtual meetings or responding to emails. However, this must be incidental to the main purpose of the visit, which must otherwise fall within the scope of permitted activities (e.g. tourism, attending meetings, academic exchange).

Visitors may also attend job interviews while in the UK, but if offered employment, they must leave the UK and apply for the relevant work visa before starting any role.

Engaging in unauthorised work is a breach of visa conditions and may result in refusal of entry, visa curtailment, removal, or refusal of future applications.

14. Supporting Documents for a Visitor Visa

The success of a UK Standard Visitor Visa application will often depend on the quality, relevance and presentation of the supporting documents submitted. The Home Office requires compelling evidence that the applicant is a genuine visitor, intends to leave the UK at the end of their stay, and has the financial means to support themselves during their visit.

There is no fixed or exhaustive checklist of documents that applies in every case. The nature and extent of the evidence required will vary depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances, the stated purpose of the visit, and any relevant immigration history. A document that is helpful in one case may be irrelevant or even unhelpful in another.

Applicants frequently make the mistake of relying on generic checklists or unverified online guidance. Standardised templates often fail to account for the nuanced requirements of the Immigration Rules, or the particular evidential burden faced by an individual applicant. Submitting documents that are inconsistent, incomplete, or poorly presented can undermine credibility and result in refusal.

At Richmond Chambers, we take a case-specific approach to evidential preparation. We work closely with our clients to identify the key risks in each application, determine what evidence is genuinely required, and ensure that all documents are coherent, up-to-date, and fully aligned with the stated purpose of travel.

Applicants should be aware that the Home Office will assess not just the existence of documents, but the overall credibility of the application as a whole. Inconsistencies between the application form and supporting evidence, or gaps in the documentation provided, may cast doubt on the applicant’s intentions and result in refusal.

Professional legal advice can significantly reduce the risk of such outcomes by ensuring that the application is properly prepared from the outset, with evidential submissions tailored to the specific requirements of the visit.

15. How to Apply for a UK Visitor Visa

Applications for a UK Standard Visitor Visa must be made online using the relevant application form. Once submitted, applicants must:

• Pay the applicable visa fee;
• Book and attend a biometric appointment at a visa application centre;
• Upload supporting documents, following the instructions for their country of application;
• Await a decision, which is typically issued within three weeks for non-settlement applications.

16. Where to Apply for a Standard Visitor Visa

Applications for a UK Standard Visitor Visa must be submitted from outside the UK. The Immigration Rules do not permit individuals to apply for initial entry under the Visitor route from within the UK. This means that prospective visitors must be physically outside the UK at the time they complete and submit their online visa application form.

Applicants should apply from the country in which they are lawfully resident, and not from a country they are simply visiting. Applications made from countries where the applicant lacks legal residence may be delayed or refused on procedural grounds.

17. Visit Visa Fees and Processing Times

As of April 2025, the Home Office fee for a Standard Visitor Visa valid for up to six months is £127. For applicants requiring more frequent travel, long-term visit visas are available:

• £475 for a visa valid for two years;
• £848 for a visa valid for five years;
• £1,059 for a visa valid for ten years.

Each individual visit must not exceed six months. Processing times vary by application centre and time of year but typically take up to three weeks. Priority and super priority services may be available in some locations, offering expedited decision-making for an additional fee.

18. Switching into the Visitor Route from Inside the UK

There is no provision to switch into the Standard Visitor route from within the UK. Individuals already in the UK under a different immigration category – such as a Student, Skilled Worker, or dependent visa – are not permitted to vary their leave to become a visitor. 

19. Travel While a Visit Visa Application Is Pending

Importantly, applicants must not travel to the UK while their Visitor Visa application is pending. Doing so may lead to refusal of entry at the border, as the application will be treated as withdrawn and the individual will be expected to satisfy the visitor requirements at the point of entry without the benefit of prior clearance.

For these reasons, it is essential to wait for a decision on the visa application and ensure that the appropriate visa has been issued before attempting to travel to the UK.

20. Common Reasons for UK Visit Visa Refusals

UK Standard Visitor Visa applications are refused with notable frequency. While the route appears relatively straightforward, the Home Office applies a rigorous evidential and credibility assessment. Even minor inconsistencies or unsupported claims can lead to a negative outcome. Understanding the most common reasons for refusal can help applicants avoid preventable mistakes and better prepare their case.

Lack of Credible Evidence of a Genuine Visit

One of the most frequent reasons for refusal is a failure to convince the Home Office that the applicant is a genuine visitor. Applicants must demonstrate a clear, plausible, and lawful reason for visiting the UK. Where the visit appears vague or the evidence lacks credibility, decision-makers may conclude that the applicant’s true intentions are inconsistent with those permitted under the Visitor Rules.

Inconsistencies in Application or Supporting Documents

Discrepancies between the application form, personal statements, and supporting documents can quickly raise concerns about the authenticity of a UK Visit Visa application. Inconsistencies in travel dates, financial records, or information provided by a sponsor may lead to refusal on credibility grounds. The Home Office will assess the application holistically, and even small errors may undermine confidence in a case.

Inadequate Financial Evidence

Applicants must demonstrate that they can meet all costs associated with their visit – including travel, accommodation, and living expenses – without working or accessing public funds. A failure to provide clear, coherent, and adequately documented evidence of financial means is a common reason for refusal. The source of funds must also be credible and verifiable.

Insufficient Ties to the Country of Residence

A visitor must satisfy the Home Office that they intend to leave the UK at the end of their stay. If an applicant cannot demonstrate strong personal, economic, or familial ties to their country of residence – such as ongoing employment, property ownership, dependent family members, or educational commitments – the Home Office may conclude that there is a risk of overstaying.

Adverse Immigration History

A history of previous visa refusals, overstays, or breaches of immigration conditions – whether in the UK or elsewhere – can weigh heavily against an applicant. Even if past breaches were inadvertent or occurred many years ago, they may raise doubts about the applicant’s intentions or willingness to comply with immigration control.

Perceived Risk of Long-Term Stay or Settlement

Where there are indications that an applicant may use successive or extended visits as a way of living in the UK long term, or effectively making the UK their main home, the application is likely to be refused. Frequent travel to the UK, unclear visit patterns, or lengthy intended stays without sufficient explanation may be viewed as evidence of such intent.

21. Challenging a Visit Visa Refusal

There is no general right of appeal against a UK Visitor Visa refusal. In rare cases, a refusal that engages a human rights claim (Article 8 – the right to private/family life) may attract a right of appeal. However, even where there is no right of appeal, a refusal does not prevent the applicant from reapplying. In many cases, a carefully prepared fresh application – supported by stronger evidence and legal representations – can be successful.

Where a refusal is based on a legal or procedural error, or where the decision is unreasonable or irrational, it may be possible to challenge the refusal by way of judicial review. Judicial review is a complex remedy and should only be pursued following legal advice.

If your application has been refused, it is strongly recommended that you seek expert legal guidance before submitting a new application or pursuing litigation. At Richmond Chambers, our immigration barristers are experienced in identifying the root causes of refusal and advising on the most effective course of action.

22. Extending Your Stay as a Visitor

The Standard Visitor route does not generally allow for an extension of stay. However, in limited cases, an extension may be granted. These include:

• Individuals in the UK for private medical treatment who require additional time;
• Academics on sabbatical leave who were initially granted less than 12 months;
• Individuals who need additional time to resit the PLAB test or complete a clinical attachment.

Applications for an extension must be made from within the UK before the current visa expires. The total duration of stay, including any extension, must not exceed the maximum period permitted by the specific category.

23. Standard Visitor Visa UK: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a UK Standard Visitor Visa and who is it for?

The UK Standard Visitor Visa is designed for individuals who wish to travel to the UK for a temporary stay of up to six months. It covers visits for tourism, family and friends, business activities, short-term study, private medical treatment, or other permitted purposes under Appendix Visitor: Permitted Activities. This visa does not allow settlement, long-term study, or employment in the UK.

Do I need to apply for a Visitor Visa before travelling to the UK?

Whether you need to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa depends on your nationality. Nationals of countries listed in the Visa National List must apply for entry clearance before travelling. Non-visa nationals, including EU citizens, can usually seek entry at the UK border, provided they satisfy all visitor requirements. Non-visa nationals must also obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling.

What are the eligibility requirements for a Standard Visitor Visa?

You must be able to demonstrate that you are a genuine visitor, that you intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit, and that you have sufficient funds to cover your travel, accommodation, and maintenance. You must not intend to work, live in the UK through frequent or extended visits, or engage in activities that require a different visa category.

What types of activities can I undertake as a Standard Visitor?

Permitted activities include tourism, visiting family or friends, attending business meetings or conferences, short-term study (up to six months), private medical treatment, and academic or professional exchanges. You may also undertake a pre-arranged permitted paid engagement, or carry out limited remote work, provided this is incidental to your main reason for visiting.

Can I work on a UK Visitor Visa?

No. The Visitor Visa does not permit paid or unpaid work in the UK. Exceptions exist for permitted paid engagements (e.g. speaking at a conference or performing at an event), which must be pre-arranged and completed within 30 days. Remote working for an overseas employer is allowed, but it must not be the main purpose of your visit.

How long can I stay in the UK on a Standard Visitor Visa?

Most visitors are granted permission to stay for up to six months per visit. Some categories, such as academics or those receiving private medical treatment, may be eligible for longer stays of up to 12 or 11 months respectively. Long-term multiple-entry visas are available for two, five, or ten years, but each stay must still not exceed six months.

Do I need to meet an English language requirement?

No. There is no English language requirement for the Standard Visitor Visa. However, applicants should be able to communicate effectively if required, particularly in business, academic, or medical contexts.

What documents do I need to support a Visitor Visa application?

There is no standard checklist, as the required documents depend on your individual circumstances and the purpose of your visit. Typically, you will need to demonstrate that your visit is genuine, that you have sufficient funds, and that you intend to leave the UK. Poorly prepared or inconsistent documents are a common reason for refusal, so professional legal advice is recommended.

What are the most common reasons for refusal?

Visitor Visa applications are frequently refused due to a lack of credibility, insufficient financial evidence, weak ties to the applicant’s home country, or concerns that the applicant may not leave the UK at the end of their visit. Past immigration history and inconsistencies in supporting documents can also lead to refusal.

Can I appeal a Visitor Visa refusal?

There is no general right of appeal, unless human rights grounds have been raised in the application. However, if the refusal contains legal or procedural errors, you may be able to challenge it by way of judicial review. In most cases, the appropriate response is to reapply with improved evidence and legal submissions that address the refusal grounds.

Can I extend my stay as a Visitor?

Extensions are only available in limited circumstances, such as for private medical treatment, academic sabbaticals, or to resit the PLAB test. These must be applied for from within the UK using the appropriate form before your current visa expires.

Can I switch from another visa category to a Visitor Visa while in the UK?

No. You cannot switch into the Standard Visitor route from inside the UK. Initial applications must be made from outside the UK. If you wish to change your immigration status, you must leave the UK and apply from abroad under the appropriate route.

Can I travel to the UK while my Visitor Visa application is pending?

No. If you travel to the UK while a Visitor Visa application is under consideration, your application will be treated as withdrawn. You will be expected to meet the visitor requirements at the border without the benefit of prior clearance, which increases the risk of refusal of entry.

How long does it take to get a Visitor Visa?

Processing times vary, but most Standard Visitor Visa applications are decided within three weeks. Priority and super priority services may be available for faster processing in certain countries, subject to an additional fee.

Can I visit the UK frequently on a Visitor Visa?

Frequent visits are permitted, but if the Home Office suspects that you are effectively living in the UK through successive visits, future applications may be refused. You must not use the Visitor Visa as a means of long-term or continuous residence.