Visitor Visa — simple, decision-ready UK applications
We’ll confirm if you need a visa or ETA, check your purpose and documents, and prepare a clean, compliant file for smooth entry to the UK.
At-a-glance
Stay: up to 6 months Fee: £115 Typical decision: ~3 weeks ETA replaces visa for some nationals No work or long-term study
Apply for a Standard Visitor Visa if you’re coming to the UK for tourism, family visits, business meetings, short study (≤6 months), or medical treatment. Citizens of certain countries can instead apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
Who can apply
- You must be genuinely seeking entry as a visitor for a permitted purpose (e.g., tourism, business, family visit, short study).
- You must intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit.
- You must have enough funds to cover your travel, accommodation, and living costs without working or relying on public funds.
- You must not live in the UK through frequent or successive visits.
- If you’re visa-national, you must apply before travel; non-visa nationals may need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation).
We’ll confirm if you need a visa or ETA and help you present your visit purpose and financial evidence clearly.
What you can and can’t do
- You can: visit family or friends, travel as a tourist, attend business meetings, conferences, or short courses (up to 6 months).
- You can also: receive private medical treatment, volunteer at a registered charity (up to 30 days), or take part in academic or creative exchanges.
- You cannot: work in the UK, take paid/unpaid employment, live for long periods, or use public funds.
- Study of up to 6 months is permitted at an accredited institution (short courses only).
We’ll ensure your stated visit purpose matches Home Office guidance and that your supporting documents align with the allowed activities.
Financial evidence
- Proof of funds — recent personal bank statements (typically last 3–6 months) showing regular income and available balance.
- Employment or business status — employer letter (role, salary, approved leave dates) or self-employment registration and recent accounts/tax returns.
- Accommodation — hotel bookings or host’s proof of address (tenancy/title) with permission letter if staying with family/friends.
- Travel plans — draft itinerary and return/onward ticket reservation (paid or reservable).
- Third-party support (if any) — sponsor’s letter, relationship proof, and sponsor’s financial documents.
Supporting documents
- Ties to home country — proof of employment or studies, company ownership, property deeds/tenancy, family responsibilities.
- Purpose of visit — invitations for family visits, conference/event confirmation, short-course enrolment letter (≤6 months), or private medical treatment plan.
- Identity & travel history — passport, previous visas, and entry/exit stamps where available.
- Minors — consent letters from parent(s)/guardian(s), birth certificate, custody/permission evidence, details of who is accompanying the child.
Quick checklist
| Item | Aim |
|---|---|
| Bank statements (3–6 months) | Show you can fund the trip without working or public funds |
| Employer/student letter | Confirm status, approved leave, and return to work/study |
| Itinerary + return ticket | Demonstrate short, time-limited visit |
| Accommodation proof | Where you will stay and who pays |
| Invitation/booking evidence | Substantiate reason for travel (family, business, study, medical) |
Fees, ETA vs Visa & decision times
We’ll confirm your exact route (visa or ETA) and final totals before submission.
| Type | Amount (guide) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor (up to 6 months) | £127 | Applies from 9 April 2025. |
| Long-term Visitor (2 years) | £475 | Multiple visits; max 6 months per visit. |
| Long-term Visitor (5 years) | £848 | Multiple visits; max 6 months per visit. |
| Long-term Visitor (10 years) | £1,059 | Multiple visits; max 6 months per visit. |
| Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) | £16 | For eligible nationalities instead of a visa; valid 2 years or until passport expiry. |
| Priority / Super Priority | +£500 / +£1,000 | Availability varies by Visa Application Centre. |
Visa or ETA?
If your nationality qualifies, you’ll usually need an ETA (not a visa) for short visits. Others must apply for a Visitor Visa before travel.
Decision times
Standard Visitor: typically about 3 weeks from biometrics to decision when applying from outside the UK.
FAQs
Do I need a Visitor Visa or an ETA?
Some nationalities can use the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) instead of a visa for short visits. Others must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa before travel. We’ll confirm your route in minutes.
How long can I stay?
Up to 6 months per visit. Long-term (2/5/10 year) visas allow multiple visits, but each visit is still capped at 6 months.
Can I work or take paid gigs while visiting?
No. Paid or unpaid work is not permitted on a Visitor Visa. Limited business activities (e.g., meetings, conferences) are allowed.
Can I study?
Yes, short courses up to 6 months at an accredited provider are permitted under the Standard Visitor rules.
How long do decisions take?
Typical Standard Visitor applications are decided in about 3 weeks from biometrics, depending on location and season. Priority options may be faster.
What if someone else is paying for my trip?
Provide a sponsor letter, their relationship to you, and their financial/identity evidence alongside your own documents.
Make your Visitor application decision-ready
We’ll confirm whether you need an ETA or visa, assemble the right evidence, and file a clean, compliant application.