Standard UK Visitor Visa | Tourist Visa UK

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If you plan on staying in the UK for a short period, then the standard visitor visa is the visa for you. This type of visa allows you to travel within the UK for up to six months and is suitable for tourism, leisure, short-term business needs, or private medical treatment.

UK visas for international travellers can sometimes become confusing, but the standard visiting visa will cover you for up to six months for any leisure purposes. Whether coming for a family visit, sightseeing, or general travel, your needs fall under the standard visa because it functions as a general visitor visa and tourist visa.

If you need to enter the UK for short-term business requirements such as conferences, events, or business appointments, then the general visitor visa will allow you to travel to the UK to conduct your business here for a period of up to six months.

The standard visitor visa can also allow you to travel to the UK if you are receiving private medical treatment.

Intend to leave the UK at the end of their visit and not stay longer than six months.

Provide evidence of activities they plan to undertake in the UK.

Afford their travel and stay without accessing public funds.

Provide details about current and previous passports or valid travel identification.

Submit additional documents like travel plans, immigration history, estimated costs of the visit, contact details, and details of any overseas employer if travelling for business.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can apply for a Standard Visitor visa, or if you visit the UK regularly you can choose to apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa instead.

Type of Visa	Fee	Maximum length of stay
Standard Visitor visa	£115	6 months
Standard Visitor visa for medical reasons	£200	11 months
Standard Visitor visa for academics	£200	12 months
2 year long-term Standard Visitor visa	£432	6 months per visit
5 year long-term Standard Visitor visa	£771	6 months per visit
10 year long-term Standard Visitor visa	£963	6 months per visit

The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel.

What happens if I need to visit regularly?

If you visit the UK regularly, you can choose to apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa instead. This will be valid for 2-5 years and you can visit for 180 days within the validity of this visa.

You can visit the UK for up to 6 months.

The business visitor visa rules have strict limitations on the business duties you can perform during a short-term stay in the UK with the visa.

If you’re being paid by a UK organisation as an expert in your profession, you may get permission to visit the UK for a Permitted Paid Engagement.

No, it is not possible to work in the UK while a Graduate visa application is pending. Applicants must wait until their visa has been granted before they can start working in the UK.

It is possible to achieve permanent settlement in the UK after the 2-year Graduate visa period through various routes, such as the Skilled Worker visa or the Innovator visa. However, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements for these visas and follow the necessary application processes.

Why Choose UK Visas?

Why We know that it can be overwhelming when attempting to decipher which visas allow you to perform which business duties in the UK. You can contact us for support.

Let Our Experts Guide You.

The list of business activities you can and can’t perform under the standard visitor visa (business visitor visa) is long and can be a little confusing. If you’re still unsure as to which work or business visa will cover your needs, the expert immigration lawyers here at UK Visas are always on hand to provide advice and assistance.

I can honestly say everyone that I deal with at UK Visas are very efficient, super helpful and informative and extremely nice (especially Ana and Garima). Also patient with all my questions – nothing is ever too much trouble, and very prompt with their responses.

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HR Assistant

I’ve worked with UK Visas for almost 10 years now, and the support and advice never fails. From the sponsorship of new employees to training for the whole team, UK Visas are always extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend their services!

Helena Wittenbach

Head of Human Resources

Having worked with UK Visas for more than eight years, I cannot recommend their services enough. We have worked with them on a wide variety of immigration topics, including complex licence matters (following acquisitions), day to day sponsorship processes, and reporting; and we have always received an amazing service. Members of the team are responsive and come back to our queries quickly, they are always polite, and go out of their way to be as helpful as possible. Thank you to all of the team for the wonderful ongoing support you provide!

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Director, Human Resources - EMEA

We have worked with UK Visas for a number of years and the service that is provided is excellent. No query is too big or too small. Always accommodating and helpful. Thank you team!

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Executive Business Partner to CEO and the Board

We have worked with UK Visas for over 10 years, since we initially requested obtaining a Sponsor Licence. From day one, their guidance, communication, professionalism, efficiency and support has been and continues to be exemplary, with no request too much. Thank you and we look forward to continuing the relationship.

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Head of Human Resources and Payroll

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HR Business Partner

We have been using UK Visas for many years and service is always expeditious, even as number of requests have increased in recent years. The team advise on a wide range of queries and are always supportive, informative and clear in their advice.

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HR Administrator CVS Vets

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Please submit your details via our online enquiry form and our expert team will be in touch to progress your enquiry. Alternatively, you may contact us directly on the phone number below.

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