The UK Visit Visa, officially the Standard Visitor route, is for short visits to the UK for tourism, family visits, business meetings and other permitted activities. For companies, it is useful for short commercial trips where the visitor will not be working for a UK business.
Officially called the Standard Visitor visa on GOV.UK.
Reviewed by the Morgan Smith Immigration team — IAA-regulated UK immigration specialists. Last reviewed 2026-07-13.
TL;DR
A UK Visit Visa is the Standard Visitor route for short UK visits for tourism, family, business meetings and other permitted activities. The short visit application fee is £135, visitors can usually stay for up to 6 months, and the typical decision time outside the UK is 3 weeks.
£135
Short visit fee
6 months
Usual maximum stay
3 weeks
Typical decision
What is a UK Visit Visa?
The UK Visit Visa allows eligible overseas nationals to visit the UK temporarily. It can cover holidays, visiting family or friends, short study, permitted paid engagements and specific business activities.
For business visitors, GOV.UK allows activities such as meetings, interviews, conferences, negotiations, signing contracts, site visits and certain internal training or knowledge-sharing activities. It is not a substitute for a work visa and must be planned carefully where a UK company is involved.
Visitors must show they will leave the UK at the end of the visit, can support themselves and will not use frequent or successive visits to live in the UK.
Eligibility Requirements
You must satisfy all three conditions to qualify for the UK Visit Visa.
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Genuine Visit Purpose
The applicant must show a clear temporary reason for visiting the UK. Evidence should match the itinerary, funding, employment or business context and planned return arrangements.
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Funds and Return Plans
The applicant must be able to support themselves, pay for the return or onward journey and show they will leave the UK at the end of the visit. A third party may fund the trip if properly evidenced.
£
Permitted Activities
Business visitors can attend meetings, conferences, interviews, negotiations and some training, but cannot work for a UK company unless a specific visitor rule permits the activity.
What You Can and Cannot Do
Your rights and restrictions while in the UK on a UK Visit Visa.
✓ You Can
- Attend meetings and conferences for permitted business purposes.
- Visit family or friends during a short UK trip.
- Negotiate and sign contracts where the activity fits visitor rules.
- Study for up to 6 months where the course and provider are eligible.
- Use long-term visit visas for repeated short visits if genuine.
✗ You Cannot
- Work for a UK company or be self-employed in the UK unless a permitted exception applies.
- Claim public funds while in the UK as a visitor.
- Live in the UK through frequent visits or make the UK your main home.
- Marry or give notice unless applying under the Marriage Visitor route.
- Switch into most long-term routes from visitor status inside the UK.
Costs & Fees
Current fees as of 2026. Set by the Home Office — subject to change.
Fees set by the Home Office and subject to change. Last reviewed: July 2026.
| Item | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| Short visit visa | £135 |
| 2-year visit visa | £506 |
| 5-year visit visa | £903 |
| 10-year visit visa | £1,128 |
| Priority service | Additional fee — check current fees |
How to Apply for a UK Visit Visa
Five steps from preparation to decision.
Check the Visit Purpose
Confirm that tourism, family visit, business activity or another permitted activity is allowed under the Standard Visitor rules.
Prepare Evidence
Gather proof of funds, employment or business ties, accommodation, travel plans and reasons to return home.
Apply Online
Complete the Standard Visitor visa form before travel; the earliest application date is normally 3 months before travel.
Attend Biometrics
Provide identity evidence and upload or submit supporting documents through the relevant visa application process.
Receive Your Decision
Standard Visitor applications outside the UK are usually decided within 3 weeks.
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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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the UK Visit Visa from employers and applicants.
What is the UK Visit Visa?
The UK Visit Visa is commonly used to describe the Standard Visitor visa. It allows short visits for tourism, family visits, permitted business activities and some other temporary purposes.
How much does a UK Visit Visa cost?
A short Standard Visitor visa costs £135 in the 2026 Home Office fee table. Longer visit visas cost more, including £506 for 2 years, £903 for 5 years and £1,128 for 10 years.
How long can I stay on a UK Visit Visa?
Most visitors can stay in the UK for up to 6 months per visit. A long-term visit visa allows repeated visits, but each visit must still be genuinely temporary.
Can I work in the UK on a visit visa?
You cannot work for a UK company or be self-employed in the UK as a visitor unless a specific permitted visitor activity applies. If the trip involves productive work for a UK business, a work route may be needed.
Can I visit the UK for business meetings?
Yes, visitors can attend meetings, interviews, conferences and seminars. They can also negotiate and sign deals or contracts where the visit remains within the permitted business visitor rules.
Do I need a visa or an ETA to visit the UK?
That depends on nationality and circumstances. Some visitors need a Standard Visitor visa, some need an ETA, and some can seek entry at the border while still meeting the visitor rules.
Can I switch from a visit visa to a spouse visa?
You will usually need to leave the UK to apply for a family visa if you are in the UK as a visitor. The family visa rules contain limited exceptions, so the timing should be checked before travel.
Can I marry in the UK on a Standard Visitor visa?
A Standard Visitor cannot marry, register a civil partnership or give notice of marriage or civil partnership. A Marriage Visitor visa is normally required for that purpose.
How long does a UK Visit Visa decision take?
The published outside-UK processing time for a Standard Visitor visa is usually 3 weeks. Priority services may be available in some locations for an additional fee.
Can a UK Visit Visa lead to settlement?
No. The visitor route is temporary and does not lead to settlement. Visitors must not use repeated visits to live in the UK.
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