What Is a UK Visitor Visa?
The UK Standard Visitor Visa allows individuals to come to the UK for a short stay of up to 6 months for purposes such as:
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Tourism and holidays
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Visiting family and friends
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Business activities (e.g. attending meetings or conferences)
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Short-term study (up to 6 months)
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Medical treatment
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Other permitted activities under visitor rules
This visa does not allow work, marriage, or long-term study.
Who Needs a Visitor Visa?
You’ll need to apply for a visitor visa before you travel if you are from a country that requires a visa to enter the UK (e.g. China, India, Nigeria).
Visa Requirements
To qualify for a visitor visa, you must:
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Intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit
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Be able to support yourself financially during your stay
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Show that you have accommodation arrangements
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Provide evidence of your activities in the UK (e.g. tourism, family visit, business)
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Not planning to work, live, or study long-term in the UK
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Have sufficient ties to your home country to prove you will return
Common questions asked about the General Visitor Visa
Q: How long can I stay in the UK on a visitor visa?
A: You can stay up to 6 months per visit in a rolling 12-month period.
Q: Can I apply for a 2-year or 10-year visa?
A: Yes — if you travel regularly to the UK, you may apply for a long-term visitor visa (2, 5 or 10 years), but you’re still limited to 6 months per visit in a rolling 12-month period.
Q: Can I study or work on a visitor visa?
A: You can only study for up to 6 months at an accredited institution. Working is not allowed under this visa.
Q: Can I apply from inside the UK?
A: No — all visitor visa applications must be made from outside the UK.
Q: How long does it take to process a visitor visa?
A: Most applications are processed within 3 weeks, but priority services may be available in some countries.
Q: What if my visa is refused?
A: We can help you understand the reasons and prepare a stronger reapplication with improved documentation.
Start Your Journey
Whether you’re applying now or planning ahead, we’re here to help you confidently take your next step.
Book a free 15-minute consultation today.
Our Services
We help you understand and assist with your legal rights:
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Status check: Are you eligible for a different type of permission to stay, indefinite leave to remain or British citizenship?
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Application preparation & document review
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Switch to a different type of visa
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Dependant and family applications
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Setting up a UKVI account and eVisa