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Uk Standard Visitor Visa

Overview

You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for tourism, business, short-term study (courses lasting up to 6 months), and other permitted activities. You are usually allowed to stay in the UK for up to 6 months. In certain circumstances—such as receiving medical treatment—you may be able to apply to extend your stay.

Steps You Must Follow

  1. Check whether your intended activities in the UK are permitted under the Standard Visitor category.

  2. Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements.

  3. Check whether you are required to apply for a visa to visit the UK.

  4. If a visa is required, submit an online application for a Standard Visitor visa.

You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor:

  1. for tourism, such as a holiday or vacation

  2. to visit family or friends

  3. to volunteer for up to 30 days with a registered charity

  4. to transit through the UK en route to another country

  5. for certain business activities, such as attending meetings or interviews

  6. to participate in a school exchange programme

  7. to take a recreational course of up to 30 days, such as a dance class

  8. to study, undertake a placement, or sit an exam

  9. as an academic, senior doctor, or dentist

  10. for medical treatment or related reasons

As a Standard Visitor, you are not permitted to:

  1. do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed individual

  2. claim public funds (benefits)

  3. live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits

  4. marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership — you must apply for a Marriage Visitor visa for this purpose

You must have a valid passport or travel document to enter the UK. It must remain valid for the entire duration of your stay.

You must be able to demonstrate that:

  1. you will leave the UK at the end of your visit

  2. you can support yourself and any dependants during your stay (or have someone else providing financial support)

  3. you can pay for your return or onward journey (or have someone else funding your travel)

  4. you do not intend to live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your main residence

You may also need to meet additional eligibility requirements if you are visiting the UK:

  1. to study, undertake a placement, or sit an exam

  2. as an academic, senior doctor, or dentist

  3. for medical treatment or related reasons

Entry requirements may differ if you are travelling from Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man.

Depending on your nationality, you will either:

  1. need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa before travelling to the UK, or

  2. be permitted to visit the UK for up to 6 months without requiring a visa.

You can visit the UK for up to 6 months to carry out the following business activities:

  1. attend interviews, meetings, conferences, and seminars

  2. negotiate and sign deals and contracts

  3. attend trade fairs to promote your business (you are not permitted to sell goods)

  4. receive work-related training if you are employed overseas and the training is not available in your home country

  5. give a one-off or short series of talks, provided they are not for profit or part of a commercial event (you must not be paid)

  6. carry out site visits and inspections

  7. oversee the delivery of goods and services provided by a UK company to your overseas company or organisation

  8. deliver training or share knowledge on internal projects with UK-based employees of the same international company

  9. install, dismantle, repair, service, or advise on equipment, computer software, or hardware if your overseas company has a contract with a UK company or organisation

As a Standard Visitor, you may carry out certain additional activities in the UK if you are employed overseas in one of the following roles:

  1. archaeologist

  2. artist, entertainer, or musician

  3. bodyguard

  4. camera operator

  5. driver

  6. internal auditor

  7. journalist or correspondent

  8. lawyer or expert witness

  9. market researcher or analyst

  10. personal assistant

  11. professor from an overseas academic institution

  12. religious worker

  13. scientist or researcher

  14. seafarer (someone whose usual place of work is aboard a ship)

  15. sportsperson or sports official

  16. tour group courier

  17. translator or interpreter

  18. member of a film crew, including actors, producers, directors, or technicians

  19. member of a production team supporting an artist, entertainer, or musician

  20. member of technical staff supporting an artist, entertainer, musician, or sportsperson

You cannot undertake paid or unpaid work for a UK company or work as a self-employed person while in the UK as a visitor. To do so, you must apply for a work visa.

If you are being paid by a UK organisation as a recognised expert in your field, you may be eligible to visit the UK under a Permitted Paid Engagement visa.

You can visit the UK for up to 6 months to:

  1. study at an accredited institution (including English language courses)

  2. undertake a short research project relevant to your overseas course

  3. complete an ‘elective’—an optional additional placement—if you are studying medicine, veterinary medicine and science, nursing, midwifery, or dentistry

  4. sit an entrance exam, retake an exam or course module, or attend a PhD oral exam (viva)

  5. undertake an unpaid clinical attachment if you are a graduate from a medical, dental, or nursing school

  6. take the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) or the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) test

If you intend to study or conduct research in certain subject areas at postgraduate level or above, you may be required to obtain an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate before starting your course or research.

You must prove that:

you’ve been accepted onto a course provided by anaccredited UK institution
the course is no more than 6 months long (unless it’s a distance learning course)

The accredited UK institution cannot be an academy or state-funded school.

If you are enrolled in a distance learning course, the overall duration of your programme may exceed 6 months, as the majority of your studies will take place outside the UK.

However, you may travel to the UK to undertake specific components of your course, such as:

  1. attending induction or orientation sessions

  2. participating in face-to-face intensive learning modules

  3. undergoing academic progress evaluations

  4. sitting exams or other formal assessments

You will be required to apply for one of the following visas, depending on your circumstances:

  1. Short-term Study Visa – suitable for English language courses lasting up to 11 months

  2. Student Visa – intended for full-time study at institutions that are licensed student sponsors

  3. Child Student Visa – designed for individuals aged between 4 and 17 who wish to study at an independent school in the UK

Eligibility Requirements

You must demonstrate that:

  1. You are at least 16 years old

  2. You are currently enrolled in an overseas course that is equivalent to a UK degree

  3. You have received an offer from a UK higher education institution to undertake research that is relevant to your overseas course

You may stay in the UK for up to 6 months to complete your research.

Required Documentation

You must provide formal confirmation from your overseas course provider stating that the proposed research or research-based tuition in the UK is part of, or directly relevant to, the course you are currently undertaking abroad.

If you’re an overseas graduate from a medical, dental or nursing school you can do an unpaid clinical attachment or dental observer post for up to 6 months.

If you want to stay longer than 6 months, you will need to pass the PLAB test and apply to stay in the UK.

You must not treat patients.
Documents you must provide
You must provide written confirmation:

  • of your clinical attachment or dental observer post offer
  • that you’ve not done a clinical attachment or dental observer post in the UK before.

You can visit for up to 6 months to take the OSCE or PLAB test.
If you do not pass the PLAB test, you can apply to stay in the UK for a further 6 months to retake the test.
If you pass the PLAB test, you can apply to stay in the UK to do an unpaid clinical attachment or dental observer post. You can stay in the UK for up to 18 months in total.

Documents you must provide
You must provide a letter from the Nursing and Midwifery Council confirming your OSCE test registration.
You’ll need a letter from the General Medical Council confirming your PLABtest registration.

If you plan to offer a job to someone applying for a Religious Worker visa, you’ll usually be required to advertise the role—
unless:

  1. The position is non-essential, or

  2. It involves living within a religious order (e.g. a monk or nun)

Record Keeping and Evidence

You must:

  1. Keep records when a job does not require advertising

  2. Be able to prove that no suitable candidate is available who does not require sponsorship

There are specific rules and guidelines for how to advertise roles for religious workers. Make sure to follow them closely to meet immigration compliance requirements.

Individuals on a Creative Worker visa can be employed in a range of creative roles, including:

  1. Ballet dancers and other professional dancers

  2. Film and TV performers

  3. Theatre and opera performers

  4. Film and TV production crew

  5. Fashion models

Sponsorship Requirements

To sponsor someone in a creative role, you must ensure one of the following applies:

  1. The role complies with the Creative Workers Code of Practice (if one exists for the occupation), or

  2. The job is listed on the Shortage Occupation List

If neither of these applies, you must demonstrate that no suitable worker is available who does not require sponsorship.

Sponsoring Creative Workers Under 16

If you’re sponsoring a creative worker under the age of 16, you may need to obtain a Child Performance Licence if they are participating in:

  1. Public performances such as films, plays, concerts, or events held at licensed venues

  2. Paid modelling work

The event organiser must apply for the licence at least 21 days before the performance or assignment takes place.

For sporting jobs that will be done by someone on the International Sportsperson visa, you must get an endorsement letter from the relevant governing body.

You can only sponsor a foreign worker under 18 on:

  • an International Sportsperson visa – they must be 16 or over
  • a Creative Worker visa – there’s no minimum age
  • a Government Authorised Exchange visa – there’s no minimum age

You cannot sponsor a foreign worker under 18 on any other visa.

Read more about your responsibilities if you sponsor a worker under 18.

You can only sponsor a foreign worker under 18 on:

  • an International Sportsperson visa – they must be 16 or over
  • a Creative Worker visa – there’s no minimum age
  • a Government Authorised Exchange visa – there’s no minimum age

You cannot sponsor a foreign worker under 18 on any other visa.

Read more about your responsibilities if you sponsor a worker under 18.

If you’re from an academic institution overseas, you can:

  • take part in formal exchange arrangements with UK counterparts
  • carry out your own research during a sabbatical

If you’re a senior doctor or dentist you can also:

  • take part in research
  • teach (as long as it’s not a permanent teaching post)
  • undertake clinical practice (as long as it’s not a permanent position)

To research certain subjects at postgraduate level or above, you may need to get an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate before you start your research.

You should:

You must prove you’re:

  • highly qualified in your field of expertise – this will usually mean you have a PhD or higher
  • currently working in that field of expertise at an academic institution overseas
  • not filling a permanent teaching post

If you’re an academic, but not a senior doctor or dentist, you must also prove you’re visiting to do research or a formal exchange.
If you’re a senior doctor or dentist, you must also prove you’re visiting to do research, clinical practice, a formal exchange or to teach.

You need to show you meet the eligibility requirements, for example by providing a letter from:

  • your employer outlining the dates of your sabbatical or exchange
  • your employer outlining the research to be undertaken
  • the UK host organisation confirming the arrangements for your research, exchange or clinical practice

Depending on where you come from, you may need a certificate that proves you do not have tuberculosis (TB). Check if you’ll need to take a TB test.

You can visit the UK for up to 6 months to:

  1. have private medical treatment at a hospital or other medical facility

  2. have treatment at an NHS hospital, as long as the care is paid for by your own government under a reciprocal healthcare arrangement

  3. donate an organ to a family member or close friend – this includes being assessed for suitability as a donor match

You should:

  1. check you meet the basic eligibility requirements for a Standard Visitor and any relevant extra eligibility requirements listed below

  2. prepare any required documents that prove your eligibility

  3. check if you need a visa to visit the UK

  4. apply for a Standard Visitor visa online – if you need one

  1. have a medical condition that requires private consultation or treatment in the UK

  2. have confirmed appointments or treatment arrangements

  3. can fully fund the cost of your treatment

  4. will leave the UK after your treatment or before your visa expires

  5. are not a risk to public health if you have an infectious condition like leprosy

You can visit the UK for treatment at an NHS hospital if your own government covers the cost through a reciprocal healthcare agreement.

Required documents:
You must provide an official authorisation letter from your government confirming they will pay for your treatment.

You can donate an organ to:

  1. a genetically related family member (such as a parent or sibling)

  2. someone with whom you have a close personal relationship (such as a partner or close friend)

You must also prove that the recipient is legally residing in the UK.

  1. You’ll need a letter from the lead nurse of the transplant team, a General Medical Council registered specialist or a registered NHS consultant that confirms:

    • you’re a donor match to the recipient, or you’re being tested to see if you’re a potential donor
    • the recipient is genetically related to you, or in a close personal relationship with you
    • when and where the transplant or tests will take place

    The letter should be dated no more than 3 months before you intend to arrive in the UK.
    If the recipient is not legally resident in the UK, you must provide their name, nationality and date of birth in your application.
    The recipient should check if they need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa and that they meet the eligibility requirements for medical treatment.

  1. All visits for medical treatment lasting longer than 6 months require a Standard Visitor visa regardless of your nationality.
    You can:

    There is no limit on how many times you can extend your stay. It costs £1000 each time you do.
    Depending on where you come from, you may also need a certificate that proves you do not have tuberculosis (TB). Check if you’ll need to take a TBtest.

You may visit the UK if you’re under 18 and:

  1. suitable arrangements have been made for your travel and stay

  2. you have written consent from a parent or guardian if travelling alone

  3. you can afford your return or onward journey

  4. you have enough money to support yourself without working or claiming public funds, or you’ll be supported by family or friends

You can travel to the UK without an adult (someone aged 18 or over).
Your parent or guardian must provide:

  1. written consent for your travel

  2. their full contact details

They must also show you have a suitable place to stay, including:

  1. the name and date of birth of the person you’ll live with

  2. the address where you’ll be staying

  3. details of your relationship to that person

  4. written consent for you to stay with them during your visit

  • Your parent, guardian or school must tell the relevant local authority about your visit if you’re both of the following:

    • under 16 (or under 18 if you have a disability)
    • going to be looked after for more than 28 days by someone who is not a close relative (called ‘private foster care’)

    You should provide a reply from the local authority if you have one.
    The same rules apply to education exchange visits that last for more than 28 days, unless:

    • you’re part of a group that is travelling and staying together, for example a school group
    • you’re accompanied by an adult, for example a teacher

    There are different rules in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Read the guidance for more information.

You must show that your parent or guardian agrees to your travel and accommodation plans.
If you don’t need a visa, you’ll need to prove this at the UK border.

If you do need a Standard Visitor visa, you must name the adult travelling with you in your application.
If the adult is not your parent, you’ll need to give specific details about them.

You can list up to 2 adults in your application. Their names will appear on your visa.
Each person must submit their own visa application, even if you apply together.

If you arrive in the UK without the named adult, you’ll need to show your parent or guardian’s consent again.

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.

 

Fee

Maximum length of stay

Standard Visitor visa

£100

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

£376

6 months per visit

5 year long-term Standard Visitor visa

£670

6 months per visit

10 year long-term Standard Visitor visa

£837

6 months per visit

  1. Once you’ve started your application you can save your form and complete it later.
    If you’re applying with family members, each person must have their own application and pay the fee. They need to attend their own appointment at a visa application centre.
    You can apply on behalf of your partner and child, if they cannot apply for themselves.
    Your application will not be accepted and you will not get a refund if you have the right of abode in the UK (for example you’re a British citizen). You need to apply for a certificate of entitlement instead.

You must have a valid passport or travel document for your entire stay in the UK.
There must be a blank page in your passport for the visa.

In your online visa application, you must include:

  1. your planned travel dates

  2. where you’ll stay in the UK

  3. the estimated cost of your trip

  4. your home address and how long you’ve lived there

  5. your parents’ names and dates of birth (if known)

  6. your yearly income (if you earn)

  7. any criminal, civil, or immigration offences you’ve committed

You might also need to provide:

  1. your travel history from the past 10 years

  2. your employer’s contact details

  3. your partner’s name, birth date, and passport number

  4. who’s paying for your trip, with their name and address

  5. names, addresses, and passport numbers of UK-based family members

  6. a TB test certificate if staying over 6 months

Extra documents are required if you’re visiting:

  1. to study

  2. for academic work

  3. for medical treatment

If your documents are not in English or Welsh, you must submit certified translations.

  1. As part of your online application, you need to book an appointment at a visa application centre. Allow time to attend your appointment, as the visa application centre could be in another country.
    At your appointment, you’ll need to:

    • prove your identity with your passport or travel document
    • have your fingerprints and photograph (known as ‘biometric information’) taken
    • provide the required documents that show you’re eligible for a Standard Visitor visa

    The visa application centre may keep your passport and documents while processing your application.

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.

You can check to see if you can get your visa decision faster – this depends on what country you’re in.
You’ll get an email or a letter containing the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next

  • If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it, contact UKVI.
    You can ask to cancel your application. You’ll only get your fee refunded if the application has not been processed yet.

You may be able to extend your stay if you currently have permission to be in the UK for less than 6 months. You can extend your visit up to a maximum total of 6 months.

You can only apply to stay longer than 6 months if you are:

  1. receiving medical treatment as a patient

  2. an academic who still meets the eligibility requirements

  3. a graduate retaking the PLAB test or completing a clinical attachment

To extend your stay, you must:

  1. apply before your current visa or permission expires

  2. be in the UK at the time of your application

  3. pay the £1,000 extension fee, regardless of your nationality

  • It costs:

    • £1000 to extend your stay as a Standard Visitor
    • an extra £800 if you use the super priority service

    You’ll also need to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken – there’s no fee for this.

  1. You may be able to extend your stay as long as the total time you spend in the UK is no more than 6 months. You must meet the eligibility requirements and pay the £1000 fee.

    For example, if you have been in the UK for 3 months, you can apply to extend your stay for 3 more months. This applies if you needed a visa to visit the UK and also if you did not need one.

  1. If you’re already in the UK, you can apply to stay for a further 6 months if you:

    There is no limit on how many times you can extend your stay. It costs £1000 each time you extend.

You must obtain a letter from a UK-registered medical practitioner or NHS consultant confirming the details of your medical condition and the need for further treatment.

If you are receiving treatment at an NHS hospital under a reciprocal healthcare agreement, you must also provide an official authorisation form from your home country’s government confirming that they will cover the cost of your treatment.

  1. If you’re already in the UK and have permission to visit for less than 12 months, you can apply to stay for up to 12 months in total.
    Your partner and children can apply to stay for up to 12 months too. They must have their own application and each pay the £1000 fee.
    You must prove you:

    • are highly qualified in your field of expertise, for example you have a PhD or higher
    • were working in that field of expertise at an academic institution overseas prior to your arrival in the UK
    • are not filling a permanent teaching post

    If you’re an academic, but not a senior doctor or dentist, you must also prove you’re visiting to do research or a formal exchange.

    If you’re a senior doctor or dentist, you must also prove you’re visiting to do research, clinical practice, a formal exchange or to teach.

    Before you extend your stay, check if you need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate. You may need one if you’re researching certain subjects at postgraduate level or above.

If you are already in the UK, you may apply to extend your stay for up to 6 months in order to retake the PLAB test.
You must provide written confirmation from the General Medical Council confirming your rebooking for the test.

If you pass the PLAB test, you may apply to extend your stay to undertake an unpaid clinical attachment or dental observer post.
You can remain in the UK for a maximum of 18 months in total.

You must provide written confirmation of:

  1. your clinical attachment or observer post offer

  2. confirmation that you have not previously undertaken a clinical attachment in the UK

Note: You are not permitted to treat patients during your attachment.

  1. If you use the standard service, a decision will usually be made within 8 weeks of providing your supporting documents and proving your identity.
    If you use the super priority service a decision will be made:

    • by the end of the next working day after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is on a weekday
    • 2 working days after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is at the weekend

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