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Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for tourism, business, study (courses up to 6 months), medical treatment and other activities. Find out whether you need a Standard Visitor visa, or can visit without a visa.

• Overview

  You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for tourism, business, study…

• Visit on business

  You can visit the UK for up to 6 months to do the following business…

• Visit to study

  You can visit the UK for up to 6 months to: study at an accredited…

• Visit as an academic

  If you’re a scientist, researcher or academic you can: take part in formal…

• Visit for a paid engagement or event

  You can visit the UK for certain paid engagements or events (a ‘permitted…

• Visit for medical reasons

  You can visit the UK for up to 6 months to: have private medical treatment…

• If you're under 18

  You may visit the UK if you’re under 18 and: you’ve made suitable…

• Apply for a Standard Visitor visa

  If you need a Standard Visitor visa, you must apply online before you…

• When you can extend your stay

  You may be able to extend your stay if you have permission to be in the UK…

VisitBritain (VB) is the national tourism agency, responsible for marketing Britain worldwide and developing Britain’s visitor economy. It works with UK Trade & Investment as well as airlines, travel operators, global brands and the official tourism bodies for London, England,...

• Updated: 14 February 2023

This collection brings together guidance about visiting the UK used by UK Visas and Immigration.

• Updated: 29 April 2015

Reasons for a support visit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Visiting Team, what to expect and how to check if the visitor is genuine

Immigration staff guidance about the different visitor categories for visiting the UK and how UK Visas and Immigration makes decisions on visitor cases.

• Updated: 31 January 2024

What to do if you're visiting the UK on business - check if you’re eligible, if you need a visa, what visa to apply for, and what to do before you visit.

Make a request for a social visit to someone in a prison in England and Wales

Visit for tourism, business or a short stay (up to 6 months), airport transit visas

• Updated: 20 February 2024

Information for farmers about inspections carried out when there have been complaints about the welfare of livestock on farms.

• Updated: 12 January 2016

What to do if you're visiting the UK for a holiday or to see family or friends: check if you’re eligible, if you need a visa, and what to do before you visit.