Visiting the UK: Which Visa or ETA You Need
Visitor Visa · IAA-regulated advice in Birmingham and London
UK visitor visas and ETAs
Tourism, family visits, business, medical treatment or short-term study: we check whether you need a visa or an ETA, which visitor route fits, and prepare the application with you.
Overview
What is a UK Visitor Visa?
A UK Visitor Visa allows individuals to travel to the UK for short stays, typically up to 6 months. This visa category is designed for temporary purposes like tourism, business meetings, or visiting family, and does not permit holders to work, claim public funds, or study long-term in the UK. Nationals who do not need a visa to visit must instead get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before travelling.
Each category has unique eligibility criteria and requires specific supporting documents to prove the purpose of your visit.
Visa Categories
Types of Visitor Visas
Standard Visitor Visa
For tourism, visiting family and friends, or short-term business activities.
Read moreMarriage Visitor Visa
For individuals who want to get married or enter into a civil partnership in the UK.
Read moreStandard Visitor Visa (Private Medical Treatment)
For those seeking private medical treatment in the UK.
Read moreShort Term Study Visa
Specifically for English language courses lasting between 6 and 11 months.
Read moreBusiness Visitor Visa
A category now largely covered by the Standard Visitor Visa for permitted business activities like attending meetings or conferences.
Read moreFamily Visitor Visa
This has been replaced by the Standard Visitor Visa, which now covers visiting family members.
Read moreSide by side
Compare UK visitor visa options
A summary to help you see which visit option might fit; business, family and medical visits all use the Standard Visitor route. Check with us before you apply.
Standard Visitor (tourism and general visits) Who it’s forYou want a holiday or another permitted visitor activity, such as a course of up to 6 months or charity volunteering of up to 30 days. Maximum stayUp to 6 months per visit; long-term visas of 2, 5 or 10 years Main things you cannot doWork (paid or unpaid), claim benefits, marry, or live here through frequent visits Key points
- Visa nationals: £135 visa for 6 months; apply up to 3 months ahead
- Most non-visa nationals need an ETA (£20) instead of a visa
- You must show you will leave and can pay for your trip
Family visit (Standard Visitor) Who it’s forYou want to visit relatives or friends in the UK. There is no separate family visit visa: you apply as a Standard Visitor. Maximum stayUp to 6 months per visit Main things you cannot doWork, claim benefits, marry or give notice, or make the UK your main home Key points
- Your host may pay for travel and accommodation if they genuinely can
- Children need proper care arrangements, and parental consent if travelling without a parent
- Visa nationals need a visa; most non-visa nationals need an ETA
Business visit (Standard Visitor) Who it’s forYou are employed or based overseas and want to attend meetings or conferences, negotiate deals, inspect sites or receive training. You apply as a Standard Visitor. Maximum stayUp to 6 months per visit Main things you cannot doWork for a UK business, fill a role, sell directly, or take UK pay Key points
- Training in work practices needed for your overseas job is allowed
- Invited experts may do paid engagements, within 30 days of arrival
- UK sources may cover reasonable travel and subsistence expenses
Private medical treatment (Standard Visitor) Who it’s forYou need private medical treatment and can pay for it, or your government pays for NHS care under a reciprocal arrangement. You apply as a Standard Visitor. Maximum stayUp to 6 months, or 11 months with a visa; can extend in the UK Main things you cannot doHave free NHS treatment, work, or claim benefits Key points
- Over 6 months: visa needed whatever your nationality (£234, up to 11 months)
- Doctor’s letter: condition, estimated cost, likely duration and place of treatment
- Extensions in the UK: 6 months at a time, £1,172 each
Marriage Visitor Who it’s forYou are 18 or over and want to marry, form a civil partnership or give notice of either in the UK, then leave. Maximum stayUp to 6 months; marry within 6 months of arrival Main things you cannot doWork, study, extend or switch visa, or bring dependants on your visa Key points
- Needed even by non-visa nationals; an ETA cannot be used to marry
- Not needed by Irish citizens or EU Settlement Scheme status holders
- Fee £135; you cannot switch to a spouse visa in the UK
Short-term study (English language) Who it’s forYou are 16 or over and accepted onto an English language course (no other subjects) of 6 to 11 months at an accredited institution. Maximum stayCourse length plus 30 days, up to 11 months in total Main things you cannot doWork, do business, change course, extend, or bring family members Key points
- Visa needed whatever your nationality; apply from outside the UK
- Fee £228 plus the immigration health surcharge
- Courses of 6 months or less: study as a Standard Visitor instead
Visa nationals need a visa for every option. Non-visa nationals need one to marry, for short-term study or for visits over 6 months; otherwise most need an ETA.
Summary of the Immigration Rules and GOV.UK guidance as at 9 October 2026. Rules change often; this is general information, not advice on your case.
Eligibility
UK Visitor Visa Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a UK Visitor Visa, you must meet specific criteria set by the UK Home Office. Based on the latest official guidance, the main conditions include the following:
Genuine Intention to Visit
You must satisfy the Home Office regarding your travel motivations, planned routes, and intended departure timeline.
Core Conditions:
- You must clearly state the purpose of your visit (tourism, family, business, short study, or medical treatment).
- You must intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit and secure your return route.
- You must not plan to live in the UK temporarily or permanently through frequent or successive visits.
Ties to Your Home Country: You must prove significant ties, such as ongoing employment, family responsibilities, studies, or property ownership, showing your firm intention to return home.
Financial Requirement
You need to prove you have enough funds to cover all costs while in the UK without the need for public funds or work.
Financial Indicators:
- There is no set minimum amount, but you must demonstrate you can fully handle daily expenses, travel, and accommodation costs.
- Acceptable documentation includes:
- Recent personal bank statements covering consecutive months
- Official payslips or tax returns from ongoing employment
- Proof of third-party sponsorship or financial support letters
Sponsorship: A third party can cover your expenses, but you must provide evidence of their active financial ability, available liquid funds, and genuine willingness to support you.
Accommodation & Travel
Applicants must show structural details of where they will stay and provide clear visibility into their general travel plans.
Expected Information:
- Flight booking confirmations, dynamic travel itineraries, or route preferences.
- Hotel reservations, hostel bookings, or formal accommodation arrangements.
- An official invitation letter and proof of space if staying with family or friends.
- Clear indication of how all internal travel within the UK will be managed and funded.
Booking Policy: You do not need to pay for accommodation or travel before you apply, but you must show you have considered these arrangements and can comfortably afford them.
Required Documents & Rules
All applications must be backed by official paperwork, adhering strictly to the Home Office’s prohibited activity guidelines.
Typical Supporting Documents:
- A valid passport or official travel document with at least one blank page.
- Proof of funds, current employment status, or certified proof of current studies.
- Purpose-specific papers (conference invitations, medical letters, or short course admission letters).
Prohibited Activities: You cannot do paid/unpaid work, claim state benefits, study long-term (over 6 months), or intend to marry (unless holding a specific Marriage Visitor Visa).
All requirements above reflect the latest official UK government guidance and will be checked as part of the application process. A well-prepared application includes a range of documents, such as a valid passport, an invitation letter (if applicable), an employment letter, travel booking confirmations, and financial records.
How we help
Our Standard & Visitor Visa Services
We advise on each visitor route below, including what you can and can’t do during your visit, and the evidence that shows you will leave the UK at the end of it.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the maximum stay under a UK Visitor Visa?
The standard duration is up to 6 months. Longer-term visitor visas (2, 5, or 10 years) are available, but each stay is still limited to a maximum of 6 months.
Can I work while in the UK on a visitor visa?
No, you are not permitted to do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person. Certain business activities like attending meetings are allowed.
How much money do I need to show?
There is no specific amount. You must prove you can cover all reasonable costs for your trip, including travel, accommodation, and daily expenses, without needing public funds.
Do I need an invitation letter from the UK?
While not mandatory, an invitation letter from a family member, friend, or business contact in the UK can strengthen your application by clarifying your purpose of visit.
How long does the visa process take?
Standard visitor visa applications are typically processed within 3 weeks. Priority services may be available for a faster decision.
Can I extend my visitor visa?
Generally, no. You are expected to leave the UK before your visa expires. Extensions are only granted in very limited and exceptional circumstances.
Can I study short-term courses on a visitor visa?
Yes. On a Standard Visitor visa you can study for up to 6 months at an accredited institution, including English language courses, but not at an academy or state-funded school unless you are taking part in an Erasmus+ project.
What are the differences between business and standard visitor visas?
The Business Visitor Visa category is now part of the Standard Visitor Visa. You can use a Standard Visitor Visa to conduct permitted business activities.
What should I do if my visa is refused?
There is no right of appeal for a visitor visa refusal. You can either re-apply after addressing the reasons for refusal or, in some cases, apply for a judicial review.
Can I switch to another visa from within the UK?
No, it is not possible to switch from a visitor visa to another visa category (like a work or family visa) from inside the UK. You must apply from outside the UK.
No questions match. Ask us instead.
Planning a visit to the UK?
Book a consultation and we’ll tell you which route fits and what evidence to prepare. We’re regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (F202638454).