Do I need a visa to visit the UK?

It depends on your nationality. Citizens of EU countries, the US, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can visit the UK for up to 6 months without a visa. Citizens of other countries need a Standard Visitor Visa. Check GOV.UK for the full list.

How much does a UK Visitor Visa cost?

A Standard Visitor Visa costs £115 for a 6-month visa. Longer-duration visitor visas are available: 2 years costs £400, 5 years costs £771, and 10 years costs £963.

How long can I stay in the UK on a Visitor Visa?

You can stay for up to 6 months on each visit. Even if you have a multi-year visitor visa (2, 5, or 10 years), each individual stay must not exceed 6 months. You should not spend more time in the UK than in your home country.

Can I work on a UK Visitor Visa?

No. You cannot work, be employed, or receive payment for work on a Visitor Visa. You can attend business meetings, conferences, and training, but you cannot take up employment. If you need to work, you need a work visa.

What documents do I need for a UK Visitor Visa?

Key documents include your passport, a completed application form, evidence of funds, accommodation details, return travel plans, employment or study evidence showing ties to your home country, and an invitation letter if visiting someone specific.

Why are UK Visitor Visas refused?

Common refusal reasons include insufficient evidence of funds, failure to demonstrate strong ties to your home country, incomplete applications, suspicion that you intend to work or stay beyond the visa period, and previous immigration violations.

Visitor Visa Requirements 2026

The UK Standard Visitor Visa allows you to visit the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family, attending business meetings, or receiving medical treatment. This guide explains who needs one, what the requirements are, and how to apply successfully in 2026.

Who Needs a UK Visitor Visa?

Whether you need a visa to visit the UK depends on your nationality. Citizens of many countries can enter the UK for up to 6 months without a visa, including citizens of EU countries, the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, and South Korea.

Citizens of other countries must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa before travelling. Check the GOV.UK visa checker to see if you need a visa.

Note that since 2024, some nationalities that previously did not need a visa may now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) instead. The ETA is simpler and cheaper than a full visa.

What You Can Do on a Visitor Visa

Tourism and sightseeing.
Visiting family or friends.
Attending business meetings, conferences, or training (but not employment).
Receiving private medical treatment.
Taking part in sports or creative events (in some circumstances).
Short courses of study (up to 6 months, or up to 11 months with a Short-Term Study visa).

What You Cannot Do

Work or be employed in any capacity.
Receive payment for work done in the UK.
Live in the UK long-term.
Access public funds or benefits.
Get married or register a civil partnership (unless you have a specific Marriage Visitor visa).

Visa Costs

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 visits over the stated period, but each visit must not exceed 6 months. They are useful for people who visit the UK regularly.

Visitors do not pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. However, you should have travel insurance to cover any medical costs during your visit.

For a comparison with other visa costs, see our UK visa fees guide.

Documents You Need

A Visitor Visa application requires the following documents:

Valid passport: With at least one blank page. Your passport should be valid for the duration of your intended stay.
Evidence of funds: Bank statements (typically 3-6 months) showing you can pay for your trip and accommodation. There is no fixed minimum, but you must show enough for your planned visit.
Accommodation details: Hotel bookings, or an invitation letter from the person you are staying with, including their address and contact details.
Travel itinerary: Evidence of your planned travel, including return or onward flights.
Ties to your home country: Evidence of your job, business, property, or family that demonstrates you intend to return home. This is one of the most important factors.
Invitation letter (if applicable): If you are visiting someone in the UK, a letter from them confirming the visit, your relationship, and accommodation arrangements.

How to Apply

The application process involves:

Step 1: Complete the online application form on GOV.UK.
Step 2: Pay the visa fee online.
Step 3: Book and attend a biometric appointment at a visa application centre in your country.
Step 4: Submit your supporting documents (either at the appointment or by uploading them online).
Step 5: Wait for a decision. Standard processing takes approximately 3 weeks.

Common Refusal Reasons

Visitor Visa refusals are common, particularly for applicants from countries with high refusal rates. The most common reasons include:

Insufficient funds: Not showing enough money in your bank account, or recent large deposits that look like they were placed for the application.
Weak ties to home country: If you are unemployed, have no property, or have few family connections at home, the Home Office may suspect you intend to stay in the UK.
Vague travel plans: Not having a clear reason for your visit or a specific itinerary.
Previous overstays or refusals: If you have previously overstayed a visa or been refused a UK visa, this will count against you.
Inconsistencies: Discrepancies between your application form and your supporting documents.

If your application is refused, see our visa refused guide for your options. For help with your application, see our immigration solicitor costs guide.