Standard Visitor Visa
Tourism, business, short study (up to 6 months) or medical treatment.
Fee
£127 (6 months) / £475 (2y) / £848 (5y) / £1,059 (10y)
IHS
Not required
Duration
Up to 6 months per visit
Processing
3 weeks
Overview
For short stays up to 6 months. From 2024–2025 the ETA scheme was rolled out globally for visa-exempt nationals — check whether you need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (£16) instead.
Eligibility
- Genuine intention to leave at the end of your visit
- Adequate funds for travel, accommodation and living costs without working
- Not making the UK your main home through frequent or long visits
- No paid employment, public funds, or marriage/civil partnership intent
- Not enrolling on a course longer than 6 months
Required documents
- Valid passport
- Bank statements for the last 6 months
- Travel itinerary and confirmed accommodation bookings
- Invitation letter from UK host (family, friends, business) if applicable
- Proof of employment or study ties to home country (payslips, enrolment letter)
- Return flight booking
How to apply
- 1Check if you need a visaVisa-exempt nationals may only need an ETA (£16) — applied for online in minutes.
- 2Plan your tripConfirm dates, purpose, accommodation, and return travel.
- 3Gather evidenceAssemble financial, employment and ties-to-home documents.
- 4Apply onlineSubmit up to 3 months before travel on GOV.UK.
- 5Biometrics & travelAttend a Visa Application Centre; travel once the decision is issued.
Key notes
- ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) applies to most visa-exempt nationals — £16, valid 2 years.
- Long-term visitor visas let you visit repeatedly; each stay still capped at 6 months.
- Permitted Paid Engagement activities allow some paid work up to 1 month.