A short trip should not need a law library. Here is what visiting the UK actually requires — for tourism, family visits and business.
ETA · Standard Visitor · Long-term visit visas · Business visitors.
Reviewed by the Morgan Smith Immigration team — IAA-regulated UK immigration specialists. Last reviewed 2026-07-20.
TL;DR
Non-visa nationals (including EU citizens) need only a £20 Electronic Travel Authorisation, valid 2 years. Visa nationals need a Standard Visitor visa — £135 for up to 6 months, with long-term options to 10 years. Visitors cannot work or claim public funds.
£20
ETA — valid 2 years
£135
Standard Visitor (6 months)
6 months
Maximum standard stay
Visiting Routes
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about for visitors in 2026.
Do I need a visa to visit the UK?
It depends on nationality. Visa nationals need a Standard Visitor visa (£135). Non-visa nationals — including EU citizens and Americans — need only the £20 Electronic Travel Authorisation before travelling.
How long can I stay in the UK as a visitor?
Usually up to 6 months per visit. Long-term visit visas (2, 5 or 10 years) allow repeated visits, but each stay remains capped.
Can I work on a visitor visa?
No. Visitors cannot take employment or do productive work. Business visitors may only carry out permitted activities — meetings, negotiations, site visits — and the boundary is narrower than most people assume.
What is the UK ETA?
An Electronic Travel Authorisation — £20, linked to your passport, valid 2 years, applied for online before travel. Since 2025 it covers most non-visa nationals, including EU citizens.
Can I extend a visit or switch to another visa?
Visitors generally cannot switch to work or study routes from inside the UK — those applications are usually made from abroad. Plan the right route before travelling.
Can Morgan Smith Immigration help with refusals or complex visits?
Yes — visit refusals, sensitive travel histories, long-term visit visas and business visitor compliance for companies bringing teams to the UK.
Sources
Legal information on this page is based on guidance from GOV.UK, the UK Home Office / UK Visas and Immigration, legislation.gov.uk, and Free Movement. Rules change frequently — speak to our team to confirm current requirements.
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