Visit the United Kingdom as a Standard Visitor – Complete Guide
- Category:Student Visa
- Country:United Kingdom
- View Counts:272
- Published on:14-Feb-2026
The United Kingdom welcomes millions of visitors each year for tourism, business, short-term study, medical treatment, and other permitted activities. If you plan to visit the UK for a short stay, you may need a Standard Visitor visa.
This guide explains eligibility, permitted activities, visa requirements, and application steps.
Overview
You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for:
- Tourism and holidays
- Visiting family or friends
- Business activities
- Short courses (up to 6 months)
- Medical treatment
- Academic visits
- Paid engagements (in limited cases)
Most visitors can stay in the UK for up to 6 months. In certain circumstances, such as medical treatment, you may be able to apply to stay longer.
Depending on your nationality, you may:
- Need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa before travel
- Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
- Visit without a visa
You must always check visa requirements before travelling.
What You Need to Do
Before planning your visit:
- Check that your planned activities are allowed under the Standard Visitor rules.
- Make sure you meet eligibility requirements.
- Check whether you need a visa or ETA.
- Apply online if required.
What You Can and Cannot Do
✅ Permitted Activities
You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor:
- For tourism or holidays
- To visit family and friends
- To volunteer (up to 30 days with a registered charity)
- To transit through the UK
- For certain business activities (meetings, interviews, conferences)
- For permitted paid engagements as an expert (lectures, performances)
- To take part in a school exchange programme
- To complete a recreational course (up to 30 days)
- To study, sit exams, or complete a short placement
- As an academic, senior doctor, or dentist
- For medical treatment
❌ What You Cannot Do
You cannot:
- Work (paid or unpaid) for a UK company
- Be self-employed (except permitted paid engagements)
- Claim public funds (benefits)
- Live in the UK through frequent long visits
- Marry or register a civil partnership (you need a Marriage Visitor visa for this)
Visit on Business
You may attend meetings, conferences, training, or negotiate contracts. However, you cannot take full-time employment or provide services directly to the public.
Visit to Study
You may study in the UK for up to 6 months under the Standard Visitor visa. If your course lasts longer than 6 months, you must apply for a Student visa instead.
Visit as an Academic
Academics, senior doctors, and dentists may visit for research, teaching, or clinical practice under specific conditions.
Visit for a Paid Engagement or Event
Experts in their profession may enter the UK for a short paid engagement, such as:
- Giving lectures
- Performing at events
- Participating in conferences
These engagements must be arranged before travel.
Visit for Medical Reasons
You can travel to the UK for private medical treatment. In some cases, you may apply to extend your stay if treatment requires a longer period.
If You’re Under 18
Children under 18 can apply as Standard Visitors. Additional documents may be required, including:
- Parental consent
- Accommodation arrangements
- Travel details
Eligibility Requirements
To enter the UK, you must:
- Hold a valid passport for your entire stay
- Prove you will leave the UK at the end of your visit
- Show you can financially support yourself (and dependants if applicable)
- Demonstrate you can pay for your return or onward journey
- Not use frequent visits to make the UK your main home
Additional requirements may apply depending on the purpose of your visit.
Do You Need a Visa?
Depending on your nationality, you may:
- Need a Standard Visitor visa
- Need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
- Not require a visa at all
Even if you do not need a visa, you must still meet the Standard Visitor rules. Border officials may ask questions about your travel plans.
If you have previously been refused entry or have a criminal record, it may be advisable to apply for a visa before travelling.
Applying for a Standard Visitor Visa
If required, you must apply online before travelling.
Visa Fee:
- £127 for up to 6 months
You can apply up to 3 months before your travel date.
If you visit the UK frequently, you may apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa.
If you are only transiting through the UK, you may apply for a Visitor in Transit visa (cost: £70).
When You Can Extend Your Stay
In limited situations, such as ongoing medical treatment, you may apply to extend your stay. Most visitors, however, must leave the UK before their visa expires.
Plan Your UK Visit with Confidence
Whether you’re travelling for tourism, business, short study, or medical reasons, the Standard Visitor route offers flexibility for short-term stays in the United Kingdom.
If you need guidance on eligibility, documentation, or the visa application process, our team is here to help you prepare a smooth and successful UK visit.