The UK Visit Visa allows individuals to travel to the United Kingdom for short-term purposes, such as tourism, business meetings, medical treatment, academic visits, or visiting family and friends. Depending on your reason for travel, you’ll need to apply under the appropriate visa category.
At ICONIQ Solicitors, our immigration solicitors can assess your circumstances, recommend the most suitable visa type, and assist you with every step of your application.
Types of Visit Visas
Standard Visitor Visa
The most common visit visa for short stays is for those visiting the UK for:
- Tourism or leisure
- Family or friends
- Short courses (up to 30 days)
- Business meetings or conferences
- School exchanges or academic visits
Validity is usually up to 6 months, with options for long-term visas (2, 5, or 10 years) for frequent travellers.
Marriage Visitor Visa
This visa is for those who wish to travel to the UK to:
- Marry or form a civil partnership, or
- Give notice of marriage or civil partnership
in the UK.
Validity: Up to 6 months.
Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) Visa
The PPE Visa allows certain professionals invited by a UK organisation to come for a short-term paid engagement, such as:
- Guest lecturers
- Performing artists
- Sportspersons
- Expert witnesses
Validity: Up to 1 month, non-extendable.
Transit Visa
If you’re passing through the UK on your way to another country, you may need a UK Transit Visa depending on your nationality and travel route.
There are two main types:
- Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV): For travellers not entering the UK border control.
- Visitor in Transit Visa: For those entering the UK briefly before continuing their journey (valid up to 48 hours).
Validity: Single or multiple entry, short-term only.
Parent of a Child Student Visa
For parents of children aged 4–11 attending an independent fee-paying school in the UK.
This visa allows the parent to stay in the UK to care for their child during their studies.
Key conditions:
- The child must hold a valid Child Student Visa.
- The parent must not work or study while in the UK.
- The visa does not lead to settlement.
Validity: Aligned with the child’s study duration, typically up to 12 months.
Academic Visitor Visa
For academics, researchers, and senior doctors or dentists undertaking formal research or exchange programmes.
This visa may allow stays of up to 12 months if you are:
- An academic visiting for research, teaching, or exchange.
- A senior doctor or dentist undertaking clinical research or academic practice.
Medical Treatment Visitor Visa
For those seeking private medical treatment in the UK.
Applicants must provide:
- Proof of medical condition and treatment plan.
- Confirmation of payment arrangements.
- Evidence that they can meet all costs (treatment, accommodation, and travel).
Validity: Up to 6 months, extendable to 11 months in certain cases.
Business Visitor Visa (Under Standard Route)
This visa is suitable for professionals who wish to:
- Attend business meetings, negotiations, or interviews.
- Sign contracts or deals.
- Attend training or industry conferences.
- Visit clients or suppliers.
Validity: Up to 6 months, extendable in some cases.
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