Overview
Most short visits to the UK — tourism, family visits, business meetings, private medical treatment, a short course — fall under a single route: the Standard Visitor visa, governed by Appendix V of the Immigration Rules. Visa nationals apply directly on gov.uk: complete the online form, pay the fee, then attend a biometrics appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to give fingerprints and a photo. Standard processing is around three weeks, though this stretches in busy periods.
Visa categories under this route
| Standard Visitor (6 months) | Tourism, family visits, business meetings, short courses. £135 from 8 April 2026. |
|---|---|
| Long-term Visitor — 2 years | £506. Multiple entries, each visit capped at 6 months. |
| Long-term Visitor — 5 years | £903. |
| Long-term Visitor — 10 years | £1,128. |
| Medical treatment visitor | £234, allows a stay of up to 11 months. |
| Academic visitor | £234, allows a stay of up to 12 months. |
Documents checklist
- Passport valid for the duration of your planned stay, with blank pages for stamps
- Completed online application form (gov.uk)
- Digital photo, or one taken at the Visa Application Centre during biometrics
- Bank statements or other evidence of sufficient funds
- Evidence of your reason for visiting (invitation letter, itinerary, business correspondence)
- Evidence of ties to your home country (employment, family, property)
- Accommodation details for your stay
- Biometric residence permit or previous UK visas, if applicable
Photo requirements
| Format | Digital photo uploaded during the online application, and biometrics (fingerprints + photo) captured in person at the VAC |
|---|---|
| Background | Plain, light-colored background |
| Expression | Neutral expression, both eyes open, no glasses glare or tinted lenses |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months, full-face, front-on |
The gov.uk application walks you through the exact upload specification at the point you need it — follow the on-screen guidance, as file-format requirements are occasionally revised.
Step-by-step application process
1. Check whether you need a visa or an ETA
Use the gov.uk checker for your nationality and travel purpose before starting.
2. Complete the online application
Fill in the Standard Visitor visa form on gov.uk and choose your visa length (6 months or a long-term option).
3. Pay the fee
Pay online at the rate matching your chosen visa length.
4. Book a biometrics appointment
Book a slot at your nearest Visa Application Centre to give fingerprints and a photo.
5. Attend your appointment and submit supporting documents
Bring your passport, financial evidence, accommodation proof and a cover letter explaining your visit.
6. Wait for a decision
Standard processing is about 3 weeks; priority (5 working days) and super priority (next working day) services are available for an extra fee.
Fees & processing time (from 8 April 2026)
| 6-month Standard Visitor | £135 |
|---|---|
| 2-year long-term | £506 |
| 5-year long-term | £903 |
| 10-year long-term | £1,128 |
| Priority service | +£500, decision within 5 working days |
| Super priority service | +£1,000, decision by the next working day |
| Standard processing | About 3 weeks |
Visitor visa applicants do not pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, but should still carry travel insurance since routine NHS treatment isn't free for visitors.
Frequently asked questions
What can I not do on a Standard Visitor visa?
It doesn't permit paid or unpaid work for a UK employer, long-term study, claiming public funds, or living in the UK through frequent, extended visits.
Is the fee refundable if I'm refused?
No — visa fees are non-refundable even if the application is unsuccessful, so it's worth checking eligibility carefully before applying.
How does the 180-day rule work for long-term visas?
Long-term visitor visas allow repeated visits over several years, but each individual visit is still capped at 6 months, and frequent long stays can raise questions about whether you're really "visiting."
Sources reviewed: gov.uk (official Home Office / UK Visas and Immigration Standard Visitor visa pages), Home Office fee schedule effective 8 April 2026. Fees and processing times change — always confirm the current rate on gov.uk before applying.