Standard Visitor
You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for tourism, business, study (courses up to 6 months) and other permitted activities. You can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months. You may be able to apply to stay longer under certain circumstances, such as to get medical attention.
To travel to the UK you need to have a Standard Visitor visa; in case you do not, you can request it by booking online on this site, by calling us or by sending an e-mail to our address.
The cost of a Standard Visitor Visa may vary based on the services requested. We recommend that you submit your application at least 3 months before the trip.
If you visit the UK regularly, you can choose to apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa instead.
You can travel through the UK to another country on a Standard Visitor visa. If transit is your only reason to come to the UK, you can apply for a Visitor in Transit visa.
What do you have to do
- Check if you need to apply for a visa to visit the UK.
- Apply for a Standard Visitor at our agency if you need it.
What can you do
With Standard Visitor visa you can travel:
- for tourism, for example for a holiday
- to see your family or your friends
- do voluntary work for up to 30 days with a registered charity
- go through the UK to another country ("in transit")
- for certain business activities, such as attending a meeting or an interview
- to partecipate in a school exchange program
- take a recreational course for up to 30 days, for instance a dance class
- to study, do an internship or take an exam
- as an academic, a senior physician or a dentist
- for medical reasons
What you cannot do
With a Standard Visitor visa you can not:
- carry out paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person
- apply for public funds (benefits)
- live in the UK for long periods of time through frequent or subsequent visits
- get married or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil union: you will need to apply for a visa for matrimonial visitors
Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements
You must have a passport or travel document to enter the UK.
It should be valid for the entire stay.
You must be able to prove that:
- you will leave the UK at the end of your visit
- you are able to support yourself and your family members during your trip (or get funding from someone else to support you)
- you can pay for your return or onward journey (or get funding from someone else to pay for the trip)
- you will not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or subsequent visits, nor will you make the United Kingdom your main home
You may need to meet additional eligibility requirements if you visit the UK:
- to study, do an internship or take an exam
- as academic, senior doctor or dentist
- for medical reasons