Apply for UK Visit Visa

Travelling to the UK? Whether for fun, family, or business, the UK Visit Visa lets you step inside and explore.

UK Visit Visa explained

A UK Visit Visa, officially called a Standard Visitor Visa, allows people to travel to the United Kingdom for a short stay. It is meant for tourism, visiting family or friends, short business activities, academic reasons, medical treatment, or passing through the UK on the way to another country.

This visa usually allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months, though longer-term visit visas (2, 5, or 10 years) are available for frequent travelers.

You must leave the UK before your visa expires and cannot work or live permanently while on this visa.

UK Visit Visa types

There are several types of UK Visit Visas:

• General Visit Visa: For tourism, visiting family/friends, or business activities

• Business Visit Visa: For business meetings, conferences, and professional activities

• Medical Visit Visa: For private medical treatment in the UK

• Student Visit - For short term study like an English language course

• Academic Visit Visa: For academic activities, research, or conferences

• Transit Visa: For passing through the UK to another country

UK Visit Visa requirements

To apply for a UK Visit Visa, you need:

• Have a valid passport (with at least one blank page)

• Fill out the online visa application form

• Provide a recent passport-sized photo

• Show proof you can pay for your trip (bank statements, payslips, or sponsor’s documents)

• Provide details of where you will stay (hotel booking or invitation from family/friends)

• Show your travel plans, including return flight tickets

• Submit a letter from your employer or proof of self-employment

• Add documents based on your visit purpose (like invitation letters, medical appointment confirmation, or business event details)

How to apply for UK Visit Visa in 6 steps

Follow these steps to apply for your UK Visit Visa:

1. Apply online

2. Pay the fee

3. Book a biometric appointment

4. Prepare documents

5. Attend your appointment

6. Wait for a decision

Good to know

• You cannot work, claim public funds, or stay longer than allowed

• You must prove that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit

• Your visa can be refused if you do not provide enough proof of your purpose or funds

• If you are from a visa-free country, you may need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) before travel