The UK visitor visa, also known as a standard visitor visa or UK tourist visa, allows foreign nationals to visit the UK as a tourist, for business, for study, and for other permitted activities for a short period of up to 6 months.
Planning a holiday, family visit or business trip to the UK? The Standard Visitor visa is the main route for short stays of up to six months. Our immigration team at Privity Legal helps visitors from around the world put together strong, well-evidenced applications and avoid costly refusals.
The Standard Visitor visa lets you come to the UK temporarily for tourism, family visits, certain business activities, short courses, medical treatment and other permitted purposes. Most visitors can stay for up to six months per visit.
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality. Some visitors must apply for a visa before travelling, others need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), and some can travel with neither. Even if you don’t need a visa, you must still meet the visitor rules and may be questioned at the border.
As a Standard Visitor you can:
You cannot:
To qualify, you must show the Home Office that you:
Extra requirements apply if you are visiting to study, as an academic, for a paid engagement or for medical treatment.
| Visa type | Home Office fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 6 months | £135 |
| Long-term, 2 years | £506 |
| Long-term, 5 years | £903 |
| Long-term, 10 years | £1,128 |
| Priority service (optional) | +£500 |
| Super priority service (optional) | +£1,000 |
Fees apply per applicant and are generally non-refundable if the application is refused. A long-term visa lets you make repeated visits, but each stay is still limited to six months.
The standard decision time is usually around three weeks after you attend your biometrics appointment. Faster priority services are available in some countries. You can apply up to three months before your travel date, so we recommend starting early — especially before summer and Christmas.
Every case is different, but a strong application typically includes:
Most refusals come down to the Home Office not being satisfied that you are a genuine visitor. Common issues include:
There is no right of appeal for most visitor visa refusals, so getting it right first time matters. If you’ve already been refused, we can review the decision and help you prepare a stronger fresh application.
Our UK immigration specialists can:
Ready to apply? Book a consultation with Privity Legal today.
How long can I stay in the UK on a Standard Visitor visa?
Usually up to six months per visit. Longer stays may be possible in limited cases, such as medical treatment.
How much does a UK visitor visa cost in 2026?
The six-month visa costs £135. Long-term visas cost £506 (2 years), £903 (5 years) and £1,128 (10 years).
Can I work on a UK visitor visa?
No. You cannot do paid or unpaid work for a UK company, though some business activities and permitted paid engagements are allowed.
Do I need a visa or an ETA?
It depends on your nationality. Many visa-exempt nationals now need an ETA instead. Contact us, and we’ll confirm what applies to you.
Can I switch to another visa from inside the UK?
Generally, visitors cannot switch into most other visa routes from inside the UK. You would normally need to apply from abroad.
What happens if my visitor visa is refused?
Most refusals carry no right of appeal, but you can reapply with stronger evidence. We can review your refusal letter and advise.
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