UK Visitor Visa 2026: Complete Guide

Do You Need a Visa to Visit the UK?

Not everyone needs a visa to visit the UK. Whether you need one depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit.

Visa-Free Visitors

Citizens of the EU, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and many other countries can visit the UK for up to 6 months without a visa. However, many of these visitors now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. The ETA costs £10 and is valid for 2 years.

Check our do I need a visa to visit the UK guide or the GOV.UK visa checker to confirm whether you need a visa, an ETA, or can enter freely.

Standard Visitor Visa

If your nationality requires a visa for short visits, you must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa before you travel. You cannot arrive at the UK border and apply on entry. The application must be submitted online and you must attend a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre in your country.

What Can You Do on a Visitor Visa?

The Visitor Visa allows a wide range of activities, but there are strict rules about what you cannot do.

Permitted Activities

• Tourism and sightseeing
• Visiting family and friends
• Attending business meetings, conferences, and interviews
• Short courses of study (up to 30 days on a Standard Visitor Visa)
• Receiving private medical treatment
• Amateur sports competitions and events
• Volunteering for a registered charity (up to 30 days)
• Transit through the UK

Activities NOT Allowed

• Paid or unpaid work for a UK employer
• Self-employment or providing services
• Long-term study (more than 30 days requires a Student Visa)
• Living in the UK by making frequent or successive visits
• Claiming public funds or benefits
• Getting married or giving notice of marriage (you need a Marriage Visitor Visa for this)

Requirements

The full requirements for a UK Visitor Visa are designed to prove that you are a genuine visitor who will leave the UK at the end of your trip.

Genuine Visitor Test

The Home Office must be satisfied that you are a genuine visitor. This means you:

• Will leave the UK at the end of your visit
• Can financially support yourself during your stay (or will be supported by someone in the UK)
• Will not live in the UK through repeated or extended visits
• Have adequate accommodation for the duration of your trip

Financial Evidence

You must show you have enough money to cover your trip. Our financial evidence guide explains exactly what to submit. Generally, you need:

• Bank statements for the last 3–6 months
• Payslips or proof of income
• Evidence of accommodation (hotel bookings or an invitation letter from your host)
• Return flight bookings (recommended but not mandatory)

Ties to Your Home Country

The Home Office wants to see evidence that you have reasons to return home. Strong ties include:

• Employment (a letter from your employer confirming your role and approved leave)
• Property ownership
• Family members remaining in your home country
• Ongoing studies or business commitments

Costs and Fees

The cost of a UK Visitor Visa depends on how long you want the visa to be valid. For a full breakdown of all UK visa fees, see our complete UK visa fees guide.

• Standard Visitor Visa (6 months): £115
• Long-term Visitor Visa (2 years): £400
• Long-term Visitor Visa (5 years): £771
• Long-term Visitor Visa (10 years): £963

Long-term Visitor Visas allow multiple entries over the validity period, but each stay must not exceed 6 months. They are useful if you visit the UK regularly.

You do not need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for a Visitor Visa. However, you will not be entitled to free NHS treatment (except for emergency care). Private medical insurance is recommended.