UK Visitor Visa
Expert Guidance for UK Visit Applications
If you plan to visit the United Kingdom for tourism, family, business, study, or medical reasons, you may need a UK Visitor Visa.
For professional assistance with your application, contact Immigration Solicitors UK at +44 2080 162308 or submit your details through our online form.
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Expert Guidance for UK Visit Applications
If you plan to visit the United Kingdom for tourism, family, business, study, or medical reasons, you may need a UK Visitor Visa.
For professional assistance with your application, contact Immigration Solicitors UK at +44 2080 162308 or submit your details through our online form.
Understanding the UK Visitor Visa
The UK Visitor Visa allows foreign nationals to enter the UK temporarily for approved activities such as sightseeing, visiting family and friends, attending meetings or conferences, short-term study, or private medical treatment.
The standard visa allows stays of up to six months. Applicants must show that they can support themselves financially, intend to leave the UK at the end of their visit, and will not work, study long-term, or access public funds.
To qualify for a Visitor Visa, applicants must demonstrate a genuine reason for travel, sufficient financial resources, and clear plans to return home. They must meet medical and character requirements and ensure that their activities fit within the visitor rules.
The Home Office carefully reviews financial stability and travel history to confirm that applicants are genuine visitors and not intending migrants.
Main Types of Visits Covered Under the Standard Visitor Visa
Tourism and Family Visits
Visitors can travel for leisure, cultural exploration, or family reunions. This category covers holidays, social visits, and tourism-related stays.
Business Visits
The Standard Visitor route permits a wide range of business activities including attending meetings, conferences, trade fairs, or training. Business visitors can negotiate contracts, inspect sites, and provide after-sales services as long as they remain employed and paid overseas.
Short-Term Study
You can take part in short courses of up to six months, such as English language training or a professional workshop. Longer study programmes require a Student or Short-Term Study Visa.
Academic Visits
Academics, researchers, senior doctors, and dentists can visit for research, teaching, or formal exchanges. These visits may last up to six months or up to twelve months for recognised academic sabbaticals.
Medical Treatment
Applicants travelling for private medical care can stay up to six months, or up to eleven months for long-term treatment. You must show evidence of treatment arrangements and funds to cover costs. Organ donors visiting close relatives or friends may also use this category.
Permitted Paid Engagements (PPE)
From 2026, the separate PPE visa has been merged into the Standard Visitor route. Visitors such as artists, lawyers, lecturers, and sports professionals can receive payment for one-off engagements, provided the activity is completed within the first 30 days of arrival. You must declare this engagement when applying and provide evidence of your professional standing.
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Children under 18 may visit the UK but must have proper travel and accommodation arrangements. If travelling alone, they must provide written consent from a parent or guardian confirming travel and stay details. Proof of financial support is also required.
How to Apply
Applications are completed online, ideally three months before travel. Each applicant, including family members, must submit their own application and pay the relevant fee.
Identity verification is completed through the UK Immigration ID Check app or by attending a visa application centre to provide fingerprints and a photograph.
Required Documents
Applicants must provide a valid passport, travel details, financial evidence, and where relevant, confirmation of employment, study, or medical treatment. Any document not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation.
Fees and Processing Times
Home Office fees for UK Visitor Visas vary depending on the length and purpose of stay. The standard visitor visa typically allows a stay of up to six months, while longer validity options are available for multi-year or specialised categories such as medical or academic visits.
Visa decisions are usually made within three weeks after biometrics and supporting documents are submitted. In some locations, Priority and Super Priority processing services are available for an additional charge.
Because Home Office fees are subject to regular review, we recommend checking with Immigration Solicitors UK for the most up-to-date costs before submitting your application.
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Extensions are only available in limited circumstances such as ongoing medical treatment, academic research, or retaking medical exams (PLAB).
Applications must be submitted before your current visa expires and a fee is applicable. Super Priority decisions are available for an additional fee. Standard processing can take up to eight weeks.
Once approved, your immigration status is issued as a digital eVisa, accessed through your UKVI Account, physical visa vignettes and Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are now being phased out. ISUK assists clients in setting up and linking their digital status securely.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) – 2026 Enforcement
From 25 February 2026, all non-visa nationals (including citizens of the EU, US, Canada, and Australia) must hold a valid Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK.
This is now a legal boarding requirement, airlines and other carriers will refuse travel to passengers without a valid ETA or visa.
How Immigration Solicitors UK Can Help
Our immigration lawyers specialise in visitor visa and ETA applications under the modern digital UKVI framework.
We provide:
- Full eligibility assessments and compliance checks
- Expert document preparation and representation
- Fast-track and Priority submission support
- Guidance in linking eVisas to your UKVI account
Whether you are planning tourism, business meetings, academic work, or medical treatment, we ensure your visit complies fully with 2026 Home Office regulations.
Contact us on +44 2080 162308 or through our online form for professional guidance.
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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
For expert guidance on UK Visitor Visa and ETA applications, or to secure your digital eVisa status, call +44 2080 162308 or complete our online enquiry form today.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need a separate visa for a Paid Engagement?
No. Since 2026, the Permitted Paid Engagement route is part of the Standard Visitor Visa. You can stay up to six months, but the engagement must be completed within the first 30 days.
When does the ETA become mandatory?
From 25 February 2026, carriers will legally refuse boarding to any non-visa national without a valid ETA or visa.
What is an eVisa?
An eVisa is a digital immigration status accessed through a UKVI account. Paper vignettes and BRPs are being replaced.
Can I extend my visit?
Yes, but only in limited cases such as medical treatment or academic research.
How long does processing take?
Most visitor applications are decided within three weeks. Priority and Super Priority services can reduce this to five or one working day.
