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.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the UK visitor visa, applicants must:
- 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
How much does the visa cost?
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 |
When can I apply?
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.
How long can I visit the UK on this visa?
You can visit the UK for up to 6 months.
What activities are prohibited with A Business Visitor Visa?
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.
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.
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.