UK visit visa: Everything tourists need to know about the Standard Visitor visa

The UK visit visa is your ticket to exploring the UK for business, tourism, or even a short study program. But before you pack your bags, it’s important to understand who needs one, how to apply, and what you can and can’t do while you're there. This Global Law guide will help you navigate the process easily, so you can focus on enjoying your trip.

What is UK visit visa?

The UK visit visa allows individuals to visit the UK for a variety of short-term reasons, including:

Tourism and leisure – holidays, visiting family or friends
Business – attending meetings, interviews, or specific paid engagements
Short-term study – courses or exams lasting up to 6 months
Volunteering – for up to 30 days with a registered charity
Medical treatment, school exchange programs, or academic research

Most visitors can stay in the UK for up to 6 months under this visa. In some cases—such as for ongoing medical treatment—you may apply to stay longer.

	Details
When to apply	Up to 3 months before your travel date
Who needs a Standard Visitor visa	- Nationals of countries that require a visa to enter the UK - Those with a history of UK entry refusals or criminal records - Visitors coming for study, exams, or medical treatment
Who doesn’t need a visa	- Nationals from visa-free countries (stay up to 6 months) - Those eligible for an ETA - Dual citizens with a British or Irish passport
What you can do	- Visit for tourism, holidays, or seeing family (up to 6 months) - Attend business meetings or conferences - Take part in short educational or recreational courses (up to 30 days) - Receive private medical treatment - Transit through the UK - Give lectures or perform in a professional capacity (permitted paid engagement)
What you cannot do	- Stay longer than 6 months - Work or do unpaid work for a UK company (unless it's a permitted paid engagement) - Claim public funds - Make the UK your main home through frequent or long visits - Get married or register a civil partnership (requires a Marriage Visitor visa)

For those seeking extended stays or specific permissions, visa options include the UK ETA for tourist or business visits, the UK E-Visa for digital processing, the UK Settlement Visa for residency, the UK Sponsorship License for employers hiring foreign workers, and the UK Student Visa for education. Additionally, individuals may apply for a Self-Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visa to work independently or a Spouse Visa to join a UK-based partner.

UK visit visa requirements

To qualify as a UK Standard Visitor, you must:

Hold a valid passport or travel document
Show that you intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit
Prove you can support yourself during your stay (or be supported by someone else)
Have the means to pay for your journey home or onward

Depending on your reason for visiting (e.g. studying, paid engagement, or medical treatment), you may need to meet additional criteria, such as:

Visit purpose	Additional requirements
Studying or taking an exam	Proof of enrollment or exam booking, course must last no more than 6 months
Medical treatment	Letter from a UK medical professional confirming treatment details and estimated costs
Permitted paid engagement (PPE)	Invitation letter from the UK organization outlining your role, dates, and payment details
Academic, senior doctor/dentist	Documentation from your home institution and the UK host organization

How to apply for UK visit visa easily

To ensure a smooth UK visit visa application process and avoid delays, rejections, or complications at the UK border, Global Law provides expert assistance tailored to your travel needs:

Accurate and fully prepared applications to reduce the risk of refusals and delays.
Specialist legal advice for travelers with previous visa refusals, overstays, or criminal records.
Priority solutions for urgent or last-minute travel plans.
Personalized guidance for business travelers, families, students, and high-net-worth individuals.

How long can you stay in the UK on a tourist visa?

You can stay in the UK for up to 6 months on a Standard Visitor visa, which includes visits for tourism, such as holidays, sightseeing, or visiting family and friends.

What happens if you overstay 6 months in UK?

Overstaying your 6-month limit in the UK—even by one day—can have serious consequences, such as:

Illegal stay: You're considered an overstayer the moment your visa expires.
Re-entry ban: You could be banned from re-entering the UK for 1–10 years.
Future visa refusals: UK and other countries may reject your visa applications.
Bad immigration record: Damages your credibility for future travel.
Risk of detention/removal: You could be detained and removed by immigration authorities.

Always leave before your visa expires or apply for an extension in advance. Accidental overstay? Contact UKVI immediately and provide strong evidence (e.g. medical emergency).

Can I leave the UK after 6 months and come back?

You can return to the UK on a UK visit visa as long as:

Your visa is still valid (if it's a long-term multiple-entry visa), and
You're not seen as trying to live in the UK through frequent or back-to-back visits.

UK border officials may refuse entry if they believe:

You’re spending too much time in the UK, especially over a 12-month period.
You’re effectively living in the UK on a visitor visa.
You lack strong ties to your home country or don’t have a clear reason for returning there.