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Visit the UK for tourism, business, or to see family and friends
The UK Standard Visitor Visa allows you to visit the United Kingdom for tourism, visiting family and friends, business activities, or short-term study. Whether you're planning a holiday, attending a conference, or visiting loved ones, we can help ensure your application is successful.
Visitor visa applications may seem straightforward, but refusals are common, particularly for first-time applicants or those from certain countries. Our experienced team understands what the Home Office is looking for and can help you present a strong application that demonstrates your genuine intentions.
We also assist with long-term visitor visas (valid for 2, 5, or 10 years) for frequent travellers, as well as specialist visitor categories such as permitted paid engagements, academic visitors, and medical treatment visitors.
The UK offers different visitor visa categories depending on your purpose of visit.
The following fees are set by the UK Home Office and are subject to change. All fees are in British Pounds (GBP).
| Visa Type | Fee | Maximum Length of Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor visa | £127 | 6 months |
| Standard Visitor visa for medical reasons | £220 | 11 months |
| Standard Visitor visa for academics | £220 | 12 months |
| 2 year long-term Standard Visitor visa | £475 | 6 months per visit |
| 5 year long-term Standard Visitor visa | £848 | 6 months per visit |
| 10 year long-term Standard Visitor visa | £1,059 | 6 months per visit |
Note: Long-term visitor visas allow multiple entries to the UK, but you cannot stay more than 6 months per visit. You must also not spend more time in the UK than in your home country over the visa validity period.
Find answers to frequently asked questions about UK Visitor Visas.
A Standard Visitor Visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months per visit. You can apply for a long-term visitor visa valid for 2, 5, or 10 years, but you still cannot stay more than 6 months at a time. You must not spend more time in the UK than in your home country, or the Home Office may question your intentions.
You cannot work in the UK on a visitor visa, including paid or unpaid work. However, you can attend business meetings, conferences, and training. You can undertake incidental study as part of your visit, but if study is your main purpose, you'll need a Student Visa.
You need to show you can support yourself during your stay without working or accessing public funds. This typically includes bank statements showing sufficient funds, evidence of employment or business, and proof of accommodation arrangements. The amount required depends on your length of stay and circumstances.
Generally, you cannot extend a visitor visa in the UK. You must leave before your visa expires. In exceptional circumstances (such as medical emergencies), extensions may be granted, but these are rare. If you need to stay longer, you should leave and apply for a new visa from outside the UK.
Since Brexit, EU citizens visiting the UK for up to 6 months do not need a visa for tourism, visiting family, or business activities. However, you cannot work or study for extended periods. Irish citizens have separate arrangements and can continue to live and work in the UK freely.
Book a free consultation with our expert team today. We'll help ensure your visitor visa application is successful.