Standard Visitor visa

Anyone who wants to visit the UK for tourism, business, or to receive medical treatment can apply for a Standard Visitor visa.

You can stay in the UK for up to 6 months on a Standard Visitor visa

No, you cannot work or carry out any business activities in the UK with a Standard Visitor visa.

You can take a short course of study (up to 30 days) with a Standard Visitor visa, but you cannot study for a degree or other long-term course.

Although it is not mandatory to have travel insurance, it is highly recommended to have adequate travel and medical insurance before travelling to the UK.

Processing times can vary depending on your country of residence, but it usually takes up to 3 weeks for a Standard Visitor visa application to be processed.

 The cost of a Standard Visitor visa depends on the length of your stay and whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK. As of September 2021, the fee for a 6-month Standard Visitor visa is £95 if applying from outside the UK.

You may be able to extend your stay in the UK on a Standard Visitor visa for up to 6 months, but you must apply before your current visa expires. Extensions are only granted in certain circumstances, such as for medical treatment or for exceptional humanitarian reasons.

No, if you are from a country that is visa-exempt for the UK, you do not need a Standard Visitor visa or a visa waiver to enter the UK for short visits.