Standard Visitor Visa
United Kingdom
Last updated: December 29, 2025
6 months
$158
3 weeks
Medium
About this Visa
The Standard Visitor Visa lets you visit the UK temporarily for tourism, seeing family, or attending business meetings. You cannot live or work permanently in the UK with this visa. It's designed for people who want to visit for a short time and return home. You can use this visa to take vacations, visit friends and family, attend conferences, or go to medical appointments. You can do some work activities, like giving a lecture or consulting in your professional field. However, you cannot get a regular job in the UK or run a business there. This visa does NOT lead to permanent residency or citizenship. Time spent as a visitor does not count toward becoming a permanent resident.
Key Benefits
- Visit up to 6 months per trip
- Bring family members (each needs their own visa)
- Do some paid work activities (lectures, professional consulting, remote work for overseas employer)
- Visit multiple times with a long-term visa
- Online application process
- No lengthy interviews required
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be 18 or older
- No serious criminal record
- No overstays in other countries
- Must genuinely plan to return home
- Genuine visit purpose (tourism, family, business, medical, etc.)
- Enough money to cover trip
- Cannot claim UK government benefits
- No lying on previous visa applications
Financial Requirement
You need enough money to cover your entire trip. No fixed minimum exists. Plan for £100-150 per day ($135-200 USD). Show bank statements from the last 3-6 months. If someone else pays, they can sponsor you but must prove they have the money.
Documents
- Valid passportMust be valid for entire stay
- Online application formComplete application
- Accommodation detailsAddress and dates of stay
- Trip cost estimateEstimated expense
- Bank statementsLast 3-6 months
- Employment documentationLetter or payslips if working
- Flight bookingReturn flight or onward journey proof
- Ties to home countryFamily, job, or property evidence
- BiometricsFingerprints and photo at visa application center
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.