UK Visitor Visa
If you’re a foreign national looking to visit the UK for tourism or to spend time with family and friends, you may need to apply for a UK Visitor Visa.
Call us now on +2080162308 for expert advice and assistance with your UK Visitor Visa application. We’re available to support you in person, over the phone, or online.
If you’re a foreign national looking to visit the UK for tourism or to spend time with family and friends, you may need to apply for a UK Visitor Visa.
Call us now on +2080162308 for expert advice and assistance with your UK Visitor Visa application. We’re available to support you in person, over the phone, or online.
What is a UK Visitor Visa?
The United Kingdom Visitor Visa is a temporary visa that allows citizens of other countries to enter the United Kingdom for a specific purpose. It is aimed at individuals wishing to visit the UK for tourism, business, study, or other temporary purposes, but have no intention of living, working, or permanently settling in the country.
The standard validity of this visa is to enable the visitor to remain in the UK for up to 6 months, although the visitor may be allowed less or more time depending on the reason for the visit. The visa is extensive in the list of permitted activities, which include sightseeing, visiting friends or family, attending business meetings or conferences, receiving private medical treatment, and undertaking short courses of study of up to 6 months duration.
It is a requirement that applicants show that they have sufficient funds to sustain themselves in the UK without claiming public funds and that they have the intention of leaving the UK after the end of their visit. They must also demonstrate that they fulfill the visa conditions, including possessing a bona fide purpose of the visit and satisfactory travel plans.
The UK Visitor Visa does not permit its holder to engage in gainful employment or full-time studies, nor can the applicant bring dependents or receive public services, except in emergency health care situations. Visitors should not overstay their visa terms and remain in the UK after their permitted stay unless they are entitled to an extension in certain exceptional cases, such as undergoing medical treatment.
- Purpose of Visit: Applicants should indicate the purpose of visit, which must match the activities permitted under the visa.
- Period of Stay: The proposed stay must not exceed six months, with possible extensions granted on specific grounds.
- Bona fide Visitor: The applicants should demonstrate that they will depart the UK at the expiry of their visit and that they have enough money to sustain themselves and their dependents.
- Medical and Character Requirements: The applicant should not present a danger to society in terms of public health and safety.
- Visa Restrictions: They can not work, study long-term, marry, or enter a civil partnership.
- Access to State Funds: Tourists are not able to obtain benefits or public housing support.
- Compliance with the UK Immigration Rules and Regulations: Failure to comply may result in punishment, including a ban on future visits.
Depending on the purpose of the visit, the UK has several categories of visitor visas. No matter the purpose of your travel, whether it is tied to tourism, business, medical treatment, or short-term study, a visitor visa category exists that will fit your intentions. There are specific eligibility requirements and allowable uses of each type. The following are the principal categories of visitor visas offered to individuals intending to visit the UK.
UK Business Visitor Visa
When you want to come to the UK on business, you are allowed to remain in the country for up to 6 months to undertake several activities. So here is a basic rundown of what you can do:
- Participate in interviews, meetings, conferences, and seminars.
- Negotiation and signing of deals and contracts.
- Take part in trade fairs to advertise your business (however, you are not allowed to sell goods).
- Receive work training that you cannot receive in your home country.
- Do short speeches, but not to make a profit (you may be paid to speak on some occasions).
- Undertake site visits and inspections.
- Manage the supply of products and services of a UK company to your organization abroad.
- Provide training or impart knowledge to the UK employees of your foreign firm.
- Install, repair, or consult on equipment when your foreign company has a contract with a UK company.
Important Notes
- You should pass the minimum eligibility criteria of a Standard Visitor visa.
- Find out whether you require a visa before your visit.
- If necessary, apply online to obtain a Standard Visitor visa.
Restrictions
- Unless you are attending an authorized paid engagement, you are not permitted to work for a UK company or to be self-employed. Other paid activities may require a separate visa.
Additional Activities
When you work abroad in certain occupations (such as an artist, journalist, or scientist), you might be permitted to undertake additional activities in the UK. See Visitor Rules to find out more about what is allowed in your job role.
Be sure to check out these guidelines so that your business trip to the UK goes well!
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And in case you are going to make a short study visit to the UK, this is what you have to know:
Duration
You may remain for 6 months.
Eligible Activities
You can:
- Train in a recognized institution (such as English language training)
- Undertake small-scale research applicable to your overseas course.
- Take part in an elective (when studying medicine, nursing, etc.)
- Take the entrance exams or retake the exams.
- As a medical, dental, or nursing graduate, do unpaid clinical attachments.
- Pass specific professional exams such as the OSCE or PLAB.
Requirements
- Make sure you qualify to apply for a Standard Visitor visa.
- Prepare the requisite documentation to show your eligibility.
- Find out whether you require a visa to enter the UK and apply online if it is necessary.
Special Cases
- A Short-term study visa (to study English courses of up to 11 months) or a Student visa might be required if your course is more than 6 months.
- In some postgraduate courses, you may require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.
Documents Needed
- Evidence of acceptance on a course with a recognised institution in the UK
- Overseas research or elective placement confirmation in your institution
- Letter evidence of unpaid clinical attachments or tests
Important Notes
- You should not treat patients when you are on unpaid clinical attachments.
- Once you have passed the PLAB test, you can then apply to extend your stay to get additional training.
- Don’t forget to check your eligibility and prepare all needed documents before applying!
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As an academic, researcher, or scientist, you may visit the UK to:
- Engage in official interactions with UK colleagues
- Carry out research, either in the course of your employment or on your own.
Senior Doctors and Dentists
You may also:
- Get involved in research
- Instruct (not permanently)
- Provide clinical practice (not permanently)
Visa Requirements
The First 6 Months
- Make sure you satisfy the basic eligibility requirements of a Standard Visitor visa.
- Visa requirements
- Make an online application in case of a Standard Visitor visa.
Over 6 Months
- All academic visits exceeding 6 months require a Standard Visitor visa, irrespective of nationality
- Before you travel, you can receive a visa valid up to 12 months for £220
- Or visit up to 6 months and apply to extend your stay for £1,100
Longer Stays Eligibility
To extend your stay beyond 6 months, you have to:
- Be exceptionally qualified (usually a PhD or more)
- Work in your profession at a foreign academic establishment currently
- Not having a permanent teaching post.
- Unless you are a senior doctor or dentist, you have to be an academic to visit, and then only for research or a formal exchange.
- You should be a senior doctor or dentist and visit to conduct research, practice clinically, engage in a formal exchange, or teach.
Required Documents
You will probably be required to:
- A document supporting your sabbatical or exchange dates, written by your employer
- A letter detailing your research proposals
- The document is confirmation by the UK host organization of your arrangements.
- You may be required to produce a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate (depending on your country)
Family Members
Your partner and children may apply to join you up to 12 months, either by applying before coming to the UK or by coming to stay with you for 6 months and then applying to extend their stay in the UK.
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- To visit the UK on paid engagements or events, you must meet the following criteria:
- You require a written invitation from an organization or a client in the UK to a particular event.
- You have to prove that you are a professional in your field.
- You must be 18 years of age or older.
- The activity should be connected with your primary employment in your country.
- You are allowed to remain in the UK up to 6 months; however, the paid engagement should take place within the first month.
Eligible Professions
- Artists, entertainers, musicians: Activities include performances, lectures, and serving on panels
- Sportspeople: The sporting events
- Competent attorneys: To represent individuals in court proceedings
- Lecturers: Delivering lectures in institutions of learning
- Conference speakers: Talking at conferences or seminars
- Academic examiners: Examining students or sitting on selection panels
- Air pilot examiners: Testing pilots to ensure they abide by the rules of aviation
Requirements
- Find out whether you require a visa (apply for a Standard Visitor visa, as necessary)
- Show evidence of your experience, write-ups, honors, or alumni association.
- Ensure your visit complies with the requirements in your line of work to facilitate a productive interaction in the UK.
Medical Reasons for a UK Visit
In case you wish to visit the UK as a medical visitor, you will be allowed to stay for a maximum of 6 months. The deal is this:
Visit Types
- You will be able to receive personal medical care
- As long as your government is willing to pay, you can get treatment at an NHS hospital.
- It is possible to donate an organ to a close friend or a member of your family.
Eligibility
- Familiarise yourself with the minimum entry requirements as a visitor
- Be ready to provide supporting documents of your eligibility.
- See whether you require a visa to enter the UK.
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- Apply online for a Standard Visitor visa (you need a visa)
In the case of Private Medical Treatment
- You must demonstrate that you possess a medical condition that must be treated in the UK.
- You need to have made treatment arrangements and have the necessary funds to cover them.
- You are supposed to depart the UK once you have been treated or once your visa has expired.
- You cannot create a risk to the health of the population.
Required Documents
- A letter asking your doctor to explain your condition, the cost of treatment, and the place of therapy.
To receive NHS Treatment
- Your government must provide coverage for your treatment.
Required Documents
- A form of authorization by your government that they will cover your treatment costs
In the case of Organ Donation
- Donation is only possible to a person with whom you have close relations or are closely related.
- You will have to demonstrate that the recipient is lawfully in the UK.
- A letter written by a medical professional that proves your relationship to the recipient and that you are a donor match.
Longer Treatments
- A Standard Visitor visa is required when your treatment lasts more than 6 months.
- Before you arrive in the UK, you can apply to get a visa that can take up to 11 months, or you can extend your stay in the UK at a cost.
Health Checks
- You might also be required to have a certificate that shows you do not have tuberculosis (TB), depending on your country.
Be sure to visit all requirements and prepare your documents before your visit!
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Under 18? Want to come to the UK? Then these are the main rules you have to remember:
Travel / Stay arrangements
You should also have adequate arrangements for how you will travel and your place of stay in the UK.
Parental Consent
When an adult does not accompany you, you must have written consent from your parent or guardian to travel to the UK.
Financial Support
You must also have sufficient funds to cover your journey back home and to sustain you in the UK, or have relatives/friends who can assist you.
Traveling Alone
You may travel without an adult; however, your parent or guardian should:
- Written permission regarding your trip
- Their personal information
- Evidence of accommodation where you will stay, such as:
- Name and age of the person you will be staying with
- Their address
- What is your relation to that person?
- Their permission that you should lodge with them
Your parent or guardian should tell the local authority about your visit if: you are under 16 (or under 18 and have a disability) and you are living with a person who is not a close relative for longer than 28 days.
Traveling With an Adult
And in case you are traveling with an adult, then you must be able to demonstrate that your parent or guardian consents to your travel and stay.
In case you require a visa, you should provide the information of the adult in your application. You are allowed to name two adults, and they should apply independently for their visas.
Note
The position may differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland, so please refer to the guidance in those regions.
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To apply for a UK Standard Visitor visa, follow these steps:
Eligibility Check
Determine if you need a visa by checking your nationality. If you do, you must apply online at least 3 months before your travel date.
Visa Fees
The fees vary based on the type of visa:
- Standard Visitor visa: £127 for up to 6 months
- Medical reasons: £220 for 11 months
- Academic purposes: £220 for 12 months
- Long-term visas (2, 5, or 10 years): £475, £848, and £1,059 respectively, allowing stays of up to 6 months per visit
Application Process
- Complete the online application form, which can be saved and completed at a later time.
- Each family member must submit their application and pay the fee
- Book an appointment at a visa application centre to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photo) and required documents.
Required Documents
You will need:
- A valid passport with a blank page
- Travel details (dates, accommodation, estimated costs)
- Personal information (home address, parents’ names, income)
- Additional documents may be required based on your circumstances (travel history, employer details, etc).
- Certified translations for documents not in English or Welsh
Decision Timeline
After submitting your application and attending your appointment, expect a decision within 3 weeks. You will receive an email with the outcome.
Changes and Cancellations
If you need to modify or cancel your application, contact UKVI. Refunds are only available if the application hasn’t been processed.
Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements and only engage in permitted activities during your stay.
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You Can Prolong Your Visit when
You can also prolong your visit in the UK, provided you are permitted to stay for up to 6 months, with a maximum stay of 6 months. Table extensions of more than 6 months can be granted in certain situations, such as medical treatment, academic reasons, or a reattempt of the PLAB test.
Eligibility
- General Visitors: You have to apply before your current visa expires and pay the 1,100 fee
- Medical Treatment: Should have paid for the front treatment and submit a statement from a medical practitioner in the UK.
- Academics: Need to demonstrate qualification and that you are not occupying a permanent teaching post. Extensions are allowed for a maximum of 12 months.
- PLAB Test Candidates: To retake the test, a candidate must submit a confirmation by the General Medical Council
- Clinical Attachments: Once you have passed the PLAB test, you may apply to extend your clinical attachments to a total of 18 months
Fees
- Standard Visitor Extension: 1,100 pounds.
- Super Priority Service: +1,000 lbs
- No charge to give biometric details (fingerprints and photo)
Application Process
- Fill out the application in the UK itself.
- Schedule an appointment at a UKVCAS service point to give biometric data and file supporting documents.
- You can submit your documents online, or they can be scanned during your appointment.
- You should not leave the UK until a decision has been reached; otherwise, your application will be withdrawn.
Processing Time
The Standard Service for extending a UK Visitor Visa typically takes up to 8 weeks to receive a decision. However, if you require a faster outcome, the Super Priority Service offers a decision by the next working day, or within 2 days if your biometric appointment falls on a weekend.
Outcome
Upon success, you will be issued with an eVisa, which is an online record of your immigration status. You will be told how to access your eVisa using a UKVI account.
To assist with application procedures, help can be offered to individuals who may have difficulties filling out online forms or lack internet access.
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What We Offer
Our Services
we understand that immigrating to a new country is a significant
decision that comes with its own set of challenges.
Family Visas
Partner Visas
Settlement in the UK
Settlement of EEA Nationals
British Citizenship and The Right of Abode
Challenge a Refusal
Removals/Deportations
Asylum/Human Rights
Sponsor License for a UK Business
UK Business Visas
Student Visas
Popular Work Visas
Other work visas and permits
Visas without a job offer
Work for an overseas employer
Temporary work visas
UK Visit Visas
Processing of UK Visitor Visas usually takes three weeks, but this may vary depending on the country and the traveler’s destination. Travelers covering a long distance should ensure that they apply in good time to get their visas processed.
There are Priority Services (including Priority Service and Super Priority Service) which are offered in case of urgent appointments. The Priority Service is administered within five working days at 500 and one working day at 1000. These services are dependable but not guaranteed to be available in every country.
If you need to travel to the UK for business or tourism, ISUK offers a fast-track application package that includes reserving a Home Office Same-Day Premium appointment, reviewing the necessary documents, and preparing a Letter of Representation for the Home Office.
Get in touch with ISUK to find out how they can assist.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the processing time of a UK Visitor Visa?
Processing typically averages three weeks but may take longer or shorter, depending on the applicant’s country of origin and travel destination. There are priority services that can be processed at a faster rate.
What are the Priority Services UK Visitor Visa applications?
Priority Service costs 500 pounds to process the visa in five working days, and Super Priority Service costs 1000 pounds to give a decision within one working day.
What about an urgent trip, Can I still apply for a UK Visitor Visa?
Yes, emergency cases may be eligible for Priority or Super Priority Services, where available, to receive quicker processing times.
What does ISUK provide in the fast-track application package?
ISUK can provide a fast-track service, which includes booking a Home Office Same-Day Premium appointment, analyzing your documentation, and drafting a Letter of Representation to the Home Office.
Does the Priority Service apply to every country?
No, Priority and Super Priority Services are not always available, depending on the applicant’s country of residence.
When is the right time to apply for a UK Visitor Visa?
It is advisable to apply early, particularly if one is traveling a long distance, so that there is ample time to process the visa.
