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UK Visit Visa Information | UK Visitor Visas

UK Visit Visa Information

Complete guide to UK visitor visas for tourism, family visits, business trips, and short-term study

UK Visit Visa Types

Categories for short-term visits to the United Kingdom

Standard Visitor Visa

For tourism, visiting family/friends, or short business trips

Purpose

Leisure, family visits, business meetings, short courses

Duration

Up to 6 months (longer for academic visitors)

Cost

£115 for 6 months, £400 for 2 years, £771 for 5 years, £963 for 10 years

Family Visitor Visa

For visiting close family members in the UK

Eligibility

Parents, grandparents, siblings, children over 18 of UK residents

Requirements

Proof of relationship and accommodation arrangements

Duration

Up to 6 months per visit, multiple entries possible

Business Visitor Visa

For short-term business activities without work

Activities

Meetings, conferences, negotiations, site visits

Restrictions

Cannot take employment, do paid work, or receive payment from UK source

Documents

Invitation letter from UK company, proof of overseas employment

General Requirements

Key criteria for all UK visitor visa applications

Financial Requirements

Proof you can support yourself during your stay

Bank statements showing sufficient funds (typically £1,000+ per month)

Pay slips or tax returns if employed

Sponsorship letter if being supported by host

Travel Documentation

Documents related to your trip

Travel itinerary or flight reservations

Hotel bookings or accommodation details

Planned activities schedule

Personal Documentation

Required personal documents

Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)

Passport-sized photographs meeting UK standards

Completed online application form

Application Process

Steps to apply for a UK visit visa

1

Check Eligibility

Confirm you meet the requirements for a visitor visa

2

Online Application

Complete the application form on GOV.UK website

3

Book Appointment

Schedule biometrics appointment at visa application center

4

Submit Documents

Provide all required supporting documents

5

Pay Fees

Pay visa application fee and healthcare surcharge if applicable

6

Decision

Typically within 3 weeks (standard processing)

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about UK visit visas

What can I do on a Standard Visitor Visa?

Permitted activities on a Standard Visitor Visa include:

  • Tourism: Sightseeing, vacations, visiting attractions
  • Family visits: Spending time with family/friends in UK
  • Business activities: Attending meetings, conferences, negotiations
  • Short-term study: Courses up to 6 months (11 months for English language)
  • Medical treatment: Private medical consultations/treatment
  • Transit: Passing through UK to another destination

Not permitted: Paid work, marriage/civil partnership, living in UK long-term

How long can I stay in the UK on a visitor visa?

Standard visitor visas typically allow:

  • Maximum stay: 6 months per visit
  • Academic visitors: Up to 12 months
  • Private medical treatment: Up to 11 months
  • Frequent visitors: 2, 5 or 10 year visas available (but each visit still max 6 months)

Important considerations:

  • Border officer may grant shorter stay than visa validity
  • You cannot live in UK through frequent visits
  • Time between visits should generally exceed time spent in UK
Can I extend my UK visitor visa?

Extensions are possible in limited circumstances:

  • Medical treatment: Can extend up to total 11 months if continuing treatment
  • Academic research: May extend up to total 12 months
  • Permitted Paid Engagements: Can extend up to 1 month
  • Other reasons: Only if exceptional circumstances (e.g., flight cancellations, medical emergencies)

General tourism or family visits cannot normally be extended. You must apply before current visa expires and meet all requirements.

What are the financial requirements for a visitor visa?

There's no fixed amount, but you must show:

  • Sufficient funds: Typically £1,000+ per month of stay (more for London)
  • Source of funds: Savings, income, or sponsorship
  • Financial stability: Evidence you can support yourself without working
  • Return/onward travel: Funds for return ticket

Key documents to provide:

  • Bank statements (last 6 months)
  • Pay slips or tax returns if employed
  • Sponsorship letter if being hosted
  • Evidence of assets/property in home country
Can I switch to another visa from a visitor visa?

Generally no, with limited exceptions:

  • Not permitted: Most work visas, student visas, family visas
  • Possible exceptions:
    • Partner of British citizen (in exceptional circumstances)
    • Applications for asylum or humanitarian protection
    • Switching to visa for private medical treatment

Important notes:

  • You must return home to apply for most other visas
  • Attempting to switch improperly may affect future applications
  • Always check current rules as policies change
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