A UK Standard Visitor Visa allows short-term visits (typically up to six months) for purposes such as tourism, visiting family, attending business meetings, short academic courses, or transit through the UK. It is essential to demonstrate that you are a genuine visitor and that you will leave the UK at the end of your stay, and that you won’t work or settle permanently.
Who Needs It
Nationals Who Need a Visa to Enter or Transit the UK
A–C
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Belarus, Burundi, Cameroon, China (People’s Republic of), Colombia, Congo, Congo (Democratic Republic), Cyprus (Northern part).
D–H
Dominica, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Eswatini (Swaziland), Ethiopia, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Honduras.
I–L
India, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kosovo, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya.
M–N
Malawi, Moldova, Mongolia, Myanmar (Burma), Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, North Macedonia.
P–S
Pakistan, Palestinian Territories, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria.
T–Z
Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Uganda, Venezuela (non-biometric), Vanuatu, Vietnam, Yemen, Zimbabwe.
Nationals Who Need a Visa to Transit the UK (Landside)
A–C
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Cuba.
D–H
Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Fiji, Gabon, Haiti, Indonesia.
K–M
Kazakhstan, Korea (Democratic People’s Republic), Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique.
N–T
Niger, Philippines, Sao Tome e Principe, Surinam, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkmenistan.
U–Z
Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Venezuela (biometric), Zambia.
Key Requirements
To apply successfully, applicants must show:
- Intent to leave the UK at the end of their visit
- Sufficient funds to support themselves and cover return travel
- No intention to live in the UK through frequent successive visits
- A specific and lawful purpose of visit (e.g., tourism, visiting friends/family, business)
Application Details
- Apply online, up to 3 months before your trip.
- Attend a biometric appointment at a visa application centre.
- Review the supporting documents guide for required paperwork.GOV.UK
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Visa Validity & Long-Term Options
Visa Type | Validity & Visit Duration | Fee |
Standard Visitor Visa | Up to 6 months | £127 |
Long-Term (2-year) | 6 months per visit over 2 yrs | £475 |
Long-Term (5-year) | 6 months per visit over 5 yrs | £848 |
Long-Term (10-year) | 6 months per visit over 10 yrs | £1,059 |
Medical (11 months) | 11 months | £220 |
Academic (12 months) | 12 months | £220 |
Summary
- Visitor Visa: up to 6 months, applicable for tourism, visiting loved ones, short courses, or transit.
- Must be a genuine visitor with clear return intent and sufficient funds.
- Extensions are limited to specific cases (medical, academic).
Who needs a UK Visit Visa?
How can ICONIQ Solicitors help with a UK Visit Visa application?
What evidence shows I’m a genuine visitor?
How much funding must I evidence?
Can a visit include business meetings or short study?
How long can I stay and can I extend?
References
- Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor: Overview – GOV.UK
- Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor: Visit on business – GOV.UK
- Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor: Visit to study – GOV.UK
- Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor: Visit as an academic – GOV.UK
- Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor: Visit for medical reasons – GOV.UK
- Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor: Apply for a Standard Visitor visa – GOV.UK
- Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor: When you can extend your stay – GOV.UK