Visit Visa & Types

Standard Visitor Visa (UK)

The Standard Visitor Visa allows individuals to visit the UK for tourism, business, study (up to 6 months), and other permitted activities. It generally allows a stay of up to 6 months unless applying for specific circumstances, like medical treatment.

What You Need to Do

  • Check if your planned activities are allowed under the Standard Visitor visa rules.
  • Verify eligibility by reviewing the necessary requirements for entry.
  • Determine if you need a visa based on your nationality and travel plans.
  • Apply online for a Standard Visitor visa (if needed).

Permitted Activities

You Can You Cannot
Visit for tourism, family, or friends Work for a UK company (except for specific engagements)
Volunteer with a registered charity (up to 30 days) Claim public funds (benefits)
Attend business meetings or interviews Live in the UK long-term through frequent visits
Take part in academic, medical, or professional activities Marry or register for a civil partnership (requires a separate visa)

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for a Standard Visitor visa, you must:

  • Hold a valid passport for the entire duration of your stay.
  • Demonstrate that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit.
  • Show that you can support yourself and any dependants during your stay.
  • Prove that you can pay for your return or onward journey.
  • Confirm that you won’t live in the UK for extended periods through successive visits.

Additional Requirements may apply for academic visitors, medical purposes, or certain permitted paid engagements.

Visa Fees

Visa Type Fee Stay Period
Standard Visitor Visa £115 Up to 6 months
Standard Visitor Visa (Medical Reasons) £200 Up to 11 months
Standard Visitor Visa (Academics) £200 Up to 12 months
2-Year Long-Term Visa £432 Up to 6 months per visit
5-Year Long-Term Visa £771 Up to 6 months per visit
10-Year Long-Term Visa £963 Up to 6 months per visit

What You Can Do on Business

If visiting the UK for business, you may:

  • Attend meetings, interviews, conferences, and seminars.
  • Sign contracts and negotiate deals.
  • Deliver training or share knowledge with UK employees (if employed overseas).
  • Oversee delivery of services provided by a UK company to your organization overseas.

You cannot work for a UK company or self-employed unless it’s a permitted engagement.

Studying on a Standard Visitor Visa

You may study in the UK for up to 6 months under this visa. This includes short-term courses at accredited institutions, research, elective placements (medical, dental, nursing), and exams.
If your course exceeds 6 months, consider applying for:

  • Short-Term Study Visa (English Language courses up to 11 months)
  • Student Visa (for courses under licensed sponsors)

Medical Visits

Visitors can apply for the Standard Visitor Visa for private medical treatment or NHS treatment under a reciprocal healthcare arrangement.

Documents Required Purpose
Doctor’s letter Confirming the condition and treatment details
Funding proof Demonstrating ability to pay for treatment

For organ donation, the donor must provide proof of relationship to the recipient and confirm the recipient’s residency status in the UK.

Under 18 Visitors

Children under 18 must have arrangements for their travel, stay, and written parental consent if traveling alone. They need to demonstrate sufficient support funds and proof of accommodation during their stay.

Visa Application Process

The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel. Applications must be made online, and supporting documents, such as passport, travel details, and financial proof, are required. A decision is usually made within 3 weeks of submitting your application.

Extending Your Stay

You may extend your stay for specific reasons, such as medical treatment, academic research, or retaking the PLAB test, but you must apply before your visa expires.

Extension Type Cost
Extend Standard Visitor Visa £1,000
Super Priority Service Additional £1,000

FAQs

What is a Standard Visitor Visa?


A visa allowing visitors to the UK for tourism, business, short studies, and certain activities for up to 6 months.

The visa fee for a 6-month stay is £115. Long-term visas and extensions have different fees.

Visitors can engage in tourism, attend business meetings, study (up to 6 months), and more, but working for UK companies is generally not permitted unless for specific engagements.

Shams BritVisa Lawyers Ltd – Immigration Expertise

Based in Manchester, UK, Shams BritVisa Lawyers Ltd specializes in UK immigration law, offering expert guidance on Standard Visitor Visas, sponsor licences, and more. Their team of professionals assists clients in navigating the complex UK immigration system, ensuring compliance and helping businesses obtain the necessary documentation for hiring foreign nationals.

For personalized legal assistance, contact Shams BritVisa Lawyers Ltd for tailored advice on UK visa applications, including visitor visas, sponsor licences, and ongoing immigration services.

For more details or to begin your application process, visit the official UK government site or consult with Shams BritVisa Lawyers Ltd at 0330 133 8857. You may also request a call back to discuss this with out immigration expert, Shams Sherzad.