United Kingdom•Europe

Open

Standard Visitor Visa

Tourist

At a Glance

Processing Time

1–21 days

Varies by processing route

Estimated Cost

£135–£1,635 GBP

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

6 months

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

No dependents

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in United Kingdom

Cost of Living

2% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary£31,200

Quality of Life

176/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Tourism, visiting family, short business, medical treatment, academic activities. Up to 6 months.

The UK Standard Visitor visa allows foreign nationals to visit the UK for tourism, family visits, short business activities, or medical treatment for up to 6 months. Long-term visas valid for 2, 5, or 10 years are available, though each stay must not exceed 6 months.

The standard application fee is £135, with priority processing at £500 (5 working days) and super-priority at £1,000 (24-hour decision). Work and study are not permitted; public funds cannot be accessed; the visa cannot be extended or switched from within the UK. No PR pathway exists.

This visa is ideal for non-EEA nationals planning a short, temporary trip to the UK with clear ties to their home country and no intention to settle.

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Cost Breakdown

Standard application£135 GBP

Priority service (5 working days)£500 GBP

optional

Super-priority service (24-hour decision)£1,000 GBP

optional

Total£135–£1,635 GBP

Processing Time

Standard	2–3 weeks
Priority	5 days
Super-priority	1 day

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

6 months

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit

Able to support yourself and any dependants for the duration of your trip

Able to pay for your return or onward journey

Will not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your main home

Have a valid passport or travel document for the whole of your stay

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport or travel document.

Proof of financial means (e.g., bank statements for the last 6 months, payslips).

Evidence of travel plans (e.g., flight bookings, itinerary).

Accommodation details (e.g., hotel booking or letter from a host).

Evidence of ties to your home country (e.g., employment letter, property ownership).

Purpose-specific documents (e.g., invitation letter for business, letter from doctor for medical treatment, acceptance letter for study).

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Allows for a variety of activities including tourism, visiting family, business meetings, and short-term study.
Can be issued for up to 6 months, with options for long-term visas (2, 5, or 10 years).
Priority and super-priority services available for faster decisions.
Allows for multiple entries during the validity period.

Worth Knowing

Cannot access public funds
Cannot bring dependents
Cannot extend the visa from within the UK
Cannot switch to another visa type from within the UK
Work is not permitted (except certain permitted overseas business activities)
Study is not permitted
Not required if you hold EU Settlement Scheme status or are an Irish citizen

Application Process

Check if you need a visa based on your nationality.

Complete the online application form on GOV.UK.

Pay the application fee (£135 standard).

Book and attend an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photo).

Submit supporting documents online or in person at the VAC.

Wait for a decision (standard processing is usually 3 weeks).

Verified Claims (19)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps

Check if you need a visa based on your nationality.; Complete the online application form on GOV.UK.…

gov.uk

Fee Breakdown

Standard application: 135 GBP; Priority service (5 working days): 500 GBP; Super-priority service (2…

gov.uk

Fees

£135 standard; £500 priority (5 working days); £1,000 super-priority (24-hour decision)

gov.uk

Forms

—

gov.uk

Included Nationalities

—

gov.uk

Job Offer Required

false

gov.uk

Application Portal

https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor/apply-standard-visitor-visa

gov.uk

Official Info

https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor

gov.uk

Apply Now Official Information

Living in United Kingdom

Cost of Living

2% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary£31,200

Quality of Life

176/200

Full Country Guide

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Overview

Tourism, visiting family, short business, medical treatment, academic activities. Up to 6 months.

This visa is ideal for non-EEA nationals planning a short, temporary trip to the UK with clear ties to their home country and no intention to settle.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit

Able to support yourself and any dependants for the duration of your trip

Able to pay for your return or onward journey

Will not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your main home

Have a valid passport or travel document for the whole of your stay

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport or travel document.

Proof of financial means (e.g., bank statements for the last 6 months, payslips).

Evidence of travel plans (e.g., flight bookings, itinerary).

Accommodation details (e.g., hotel booking or letter from a host).

Evidence of ties to your home country (e.g., employment letter, property ownership).

Purpose-specific documents (e.g., invitation letter for business, letter from doctor for medical treatment, acceptance letter for study).

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Allows for a variety of activities including tourism, visiting family, business meetings, and short-term study.
Can be issued for up to 6 months, with options for long-term visas (2, 5, or 10 years).
Priority and super-priority services available for faster decisions.
Allows for multiple entries during the validity period.

Worth Knowing

Cannot access public funds
Cannot bring dependents
Cannot extend the visa from within the UK
Cannot switch to another visa type from within the UK
Work is not permitted (except certain permitted overseas business activities)
Study is not permitted
Not required if you hold EU Settlement Scheme status or are an Irish citizen

Application Process