UK Visit Visas 2026 | Tourism, Family & Business Trips

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.

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UK Visit Visa

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

Match the trip to the right permission.

UK ETA GuideThe £20 authorisation most non-visa nationals now need — apply before travel.Learn more →

UK Visit VisaFor visa nationals — £135 for 6 months, or 2, 5 and 10-year visas.Learn more →

Business Visit VisaMeetings, negotiations, conferences — and the activities that cross the line.Learn more →

Spouse and Partner VisasVisiting became staying? The family routes explained.Learn more →

What Our Clients Say

Independent Google reviews from the people and businesses we have supported.

    
 
 
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   Brenda Pinto 
 
 
 
  I just had my e visa approved by the Home Office. I wish to say a Big Thank You to Ana Maria for helping me through the whole process. Ana is brilliant! I was very apprehensive at first but Ana reassured me and helped me through the whole application! She is very good at her job & knowledge of the immigration.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Andrea Yanet 
 
 
 
  Morgan Smith Immigration service was outstanding! From the moment I first contacted them, their professionalism and dedication were evident. Ana Maria guided us through every step of the process with clarity and precision. She provided expert advice tailored to our specific situation, ensuring that we understood all the requirements and deadlines. Attention to detail was impeccable, which made the whole experience much smoother than I anticipated. She took the time to address all my concerns and was always just a phone call or email away. Their responsiveness and willingness to go the extra mile made me feel supported and confident throughout the entire process. Thanks for an exceptional service. Muchas gracias!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jeffrey Boateng 
 
 
 
  Ana Maria was professional from inception to completion. She provided legal & administrative support throughout the leave to remain, ILR & naturalisation process. I will recommend Ana and the firm with no hesitation!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Bouchiar Imane 
 
 
 
  Exceptional Service. I want to thank Ana for all her help and guidance. she took our case and it was a bit complicated, but she managed to guide us through it when it comes to documentation and the overall process she did an amazing job she was working with us even through her time off which we appreciate - Our application was successful and she will be our go to person for our future visa plans Thank you Ana!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jose Miguel Lopez Bermudez 
 
 
 
  I have been an user of their legal services over the years, they always provide great advice and reassurance in each immigration process, ending with very successful outcomes each time. Dr Ana Duque is an objective, diligent and kind immigration adviser, that knows really well the UK's immigration system, and is a well prepared professional. I highly recommend their services and advice in any immigration process.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Achier Deng Akol 
 
 
 
  Our little kids were able to have their mum around to care for them in the UK because of Morgan Smith Immigration Firm in general but Ana Maria in particular! We cannot thank them enough. Victoria and Achier
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Loreinis Mejia 
 
 
 
  Ana María guided us through all the process to apply for skilled workers visa for my sister, she was very patient explaining all the new changes the Home Office put in place and make her best to reapply on our behalf following the new guidelines. My sister now has her visa thanks to Ana María’s help and guidance.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Hafiz Jarabanda 
 
 
 
  Is great service Ana dealed with my wife case from day one in the Uk and she’s absolutely great solicitor ,  great person We never had any problem with her I just want to say many many thanks for everything she done for us
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Laeto Moor 
 
 
 
  I'm writing this review to express my deepest gratitude to Ana Maria of Morgan Smith Immigration. As a Nigerian citizen applying for a UK visa, the process felt incredibly daunting, especially after a previous refusal. Despite these challenges, Ana Maria was incredibly professional and supportive. She took on my case and provided exceptional guidance throughout the entire process. Her deep understanding of the UK immigration system and her specific knowledge of navigating situations like mine were invaluable. Ana Maria's advice was clear, concise, and put me in the best possible position to succeed with my visa application.  I'm thrilled to say that, thanks to her expertise and dedication, my visa was approved! I highly recommend Ana Maria at Morgan Smith Immigration. Her knowledge, professionalism, and unwavering support will make a world of difference in your journey.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   iris domingo 
 
 
 
  I highly recommend their services.  Ana is amazing and very knowledgeable.  From my first phone call she took time to listen to my concerns and offered the best advice based on my situation, this was followed by her quickly sorting everything out for me.

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.

Travel Without Surprises

The right permission before you book — advice that costs less than a cancelled trip.