Standard Visitor Visa 2026
Visit the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, business meetings, or visiting family. You cannot work or study.
Application fee
£115 (6 months) / £400 (2 years) / £711 (5 years)
NHS surcharge
N/A
Processing time
3 weeks
Who is eligible?
- Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining
- Clear intention to leave at end of visit
- Sufficient funds to cover the visit
- No plans to work, settle, or claim benefits
- Citizens of many countries do not need a visitor visa — check gov.uk
How to apply — step by step
- 1Check if your nationality requires a UK visitor visa at gov.uk
- 2Apply online at least 3 weeks before travel
- 3Pay the fee: £115 (6 months), £400 (2 years), £711 (5 years)
- 4Attend a biometrics appointment if required
Key requirements at a glance
- Intent to leave at end of visit
- Sufficient funds
- No plans to work or settle
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch from a Visitor visa to a work or study visa in the UK?▾
No. You cannot switch from a Standard Visitor visa to any other visa from inside the UK. You must return to your home country and apply for the appropriate visa before travelling back.
Which nationalities do not need a UK visitor visa?▾
Citizens of most EU/EEA countries, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and many others do not need a visa for short visits. Check the full list at gov.uk/check-uk-visa.
Can I do business meetings on a Visitor visa?▾
Yes — attending meetings, conferences, and negotiations is allowed. You cannot be paid by a UK company or take employment, but unpaid business activities and fact-finding are permitted.
Next steps
Official application
Apply for the Standard Visitor Visa on GOV.UK
All visa applications are processed by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) via the official gov.uk website.
Apply on GOV.UK