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Updated for 2026
UK Visit Visa Guide 2026
Clear guidance on UK visitor rules, eligibility, supporting documents, fees, ETA requirements, permitted activities, and common refusal risks.
£135
Standard Visitor visa up to 6 months
£20
Current ETA fee
Up to 6 months
Typical maximum stay for standard visits
2026
Guidance aligned for the current rules and fee structure
Overview
Key Takeaways
The UK Standard Visitor route is for temporary visits only. Applicants must show they are genuine visitors, intend to leave the UK at the end of their trip, can fund their stay, and will only undertake activities permitted under the visitor rules.
Temporary visits only
No general work rights
ETA may be required
Short-term route only
It is not a work route, not a settlement route, and not suitable for living in the UK through frequent visits.
ETA rules now apply widely
Most non-visa nationals now need an ETA before travel unless they fall within an exemption.
Documents matter
Weak finances, unclear travel purpose, or inconsistent evidence commonly lead to refusals.
Section A
What is the UK Visit Visa?
The main legal route for short stays is the Standard Visitor visa. It covers tourism, family visits, certain business activities, short study, and other limited permitted purposes.
| Visa Type | Description | Maximum Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor Visa | Main route for tourism, family visits, short business activities, and other permitted purposes. | Up to 6 months |
| Long-term Standard Visitor Visa | Valid for 2, 5 or 10 years for frequent travellers. Each visit must still remain within the permitted stay. | Up to 6 months per visit |
| Marriage Visitor Visa | For those visiting the UK to marry or form a civil partnership without intending to settle. | Up to 6 months |
| Permitted Paid Engagement | For invited experts undertaking a specific permitted paid engagement. | Up to 1 month |
| Visiting Academic | For eligible senior academics carrying out permitted academic activity. | Up to 12 months |
| Private Medical Treatment Visitor | For visitors coming to the UK for private medical treatment. | Up to 11 months |
Permitted activities
Visitors may undertake tourism, leisure, family visits, meetings, conferences, interviews, site visits, and other activities specifically permitted under the visitor rules.
Important restriction
Visitors must not work, fill a role in a UK business, or use frequent trips to make the UK their main home.
Travel permission
Visa Nationals, Non-Visa Nationals and ETA
Visa nationals must apply for a visa before travel. Most non-visa nationals now need an ETA unless exempt. An ETA is not a visa and does not guarantee entry.
| Feature | Standard Visitor Visa | ETA |
|---|---|---|
| Who it is for | Those who must obtain permission as a visa applicant before travelling | Most non-visa nationals travelling for a short visit |
| How to apply | Online application plus biometric appointment | Online through GOV.UK or the UK ETA app |
| Validity | Up to 6 months, or long-term validity of 2, 5, or 10 years | Usually 2 years or until passport expiry |
| Current fee | £135 for up to 6 months | £20 |
| Work rights | No, except permitted visitor activities only | No, visitor conditions still apply |
Section B
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must prove they are genuine visitors and that they will leave the UK at the end of the trip. Clear documents and a credible travel purpose remain essential.
What UKVI will look at
- Purpose of visit
- Ability to fund the trip
- Ties to the home country
- Travel history and consistency of evidence
- Whether the applicant intends to leave the UK after the visit
Common supporting documents
- Passport or travel document
- Bank statements and proof of income
- Employment or business documents
- Travel booking and accommodation evidence
- Invitation letter where applicable
- Family, business, study or property ties
Important: Remote work linked to overseas employment may be acceptable only where it is incidental to the visit and not the main purpose of travel.
Section C
2026 Fees
These are the current visitor route fees for 2026 and should be reviewed before application in case of future Home Office changes.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard Visitor visa up to 6 months | £135 |
| Long-term Standard Visitor visa up to 2 years | £506 |
| Long-term Standard Visitor visa up to 5 years | £903 |
| Long-term Standard Visitor visa up to 10 years | £1,128 |
| Visiting academic more than 6 months up to 12 months | £234 |
| Private medical treatment visitor more than 6 months up to 11 months | £234 |
| ETA | £20 |
Application process
How the process usually works
Most visitor applications follow a clear sequence. Careful preparation at the start often improves the quality of the application.
1
Confirm the correct route
Check whether the applicant needs a Standard Visitor visa, ETA, Marriage Visitor visa, or another visitor sub-route.
2
Prepare supporting documents
Gather financial evidence, employment or business documents, travel plans, invitation letters, and proof of ties to the home country.
3
Submit the online application
Complete the form accurately, pay the fee, and upload documents where required.
4
Attend biometrics if required
Visa applicants usually attend a biometric appointment. ETA applicants follow the ETA process instead.
5
Wait for the decision
Processing times vary, but visitor visa applications are often decided in around 3 weeks after biometrics.
Refusals
Common refusal risks
Refusals often arise when the application does not clearly explain the travel purpose, source of funds, or the applicant's reasons for returning home.
Weak finances
Insufficient or unexplained funds are a common refusal reason.
Unclear purpose
If the reason for travel is vague, inconsistent, or unsupported, credibility concerns may arise.
Insufficient ties
Applicants should show reasons to return home, such as work, business, family, studies, or property.
For employers
Employer and HR Considerations
Employers should never treat a visit visa or ETA as permission to work. Visitors can only undertake activities allowed under the visitor rules.
| Risk Area | Example | Possible Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Unlawful work | Visitor performs operational or productive work | Compliance action and penalties |
| Misuse of business visitor rules | Meetings used to disguise service delivery to UK clients | Refusal, removal, and reputational risk |
| Poor record keeping | No evidence of the visitor's actual purpose or permitted activities | Weak audit trail and compliance concerns |
Why choose us
Why clients choose Whitehall Visa Services
We focus on clear advice, careful document preparation, and a professional approach tailored to each application.
Application review
We help review documents and identify issues before submission.
Clear guidance
We explain the route, supporting evidence, and common refusal risks in simple terms.
Client-focused support
Every case is approached with care, attention, and practical guidance from start to finish.
Related services
Other services you may be interested in
UK Tourist Visa
Guidance for short visits, family trips, and leisure travel to the UK.
UK Student Visa
Support with study route applications, documents, and financial requirements.
UK Skilled Worker Visa
Advice on sponsored work routes, eligibility, and supporting evidence.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
In practice, most people use the term tourist visa to refer to the Standard Visitor visa.
In many cases yes. Most non-visa nationals now need an ETA before travelling to the UK unless exempt.
Only in a limited way where it is incidental to the trip and connected to overseas employment. It must not become the main purpose of the visit.
No. Entry is always subject to Border Force being satisfied that the visitor meets the requirements on arrival.
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