Search all content on GOV.UK

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…

You may need a visa to come to the UK to visit, study or work.

Compare visas to visit, work, study or join a family member already in the UK. How to apply and what the decision on your application means.

• Choose a visa

  You may need a visa to come to the UK to study, work, visit or join…

• Prepare your application

  You can apply and pay for most visas online. If you have dependants who…

• Prove your identity

  When you apply, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide documents…

• Getting a decision on your application

  You’ll get a letter or an email telling you the Home Office has made a…

Apply for an ETA to come to the UK if you’re a tourist, visiting family or for certain other reasons for up to 6 months. It costs £16. Find out if you need an ETA or a visa instead.

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

• Updated: 28 May 2025

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.

Apply for a transit visa if you stop at a UK airport on your way to another destination - types of visas, cost, documents, how to apply

Apply for a visa to visit the UK if you want to marry or register a civil partnership within 6 months - eligibility, documents, how to apply, how much it costs

FCDO travel advice for USA. Includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements and legal differences.

• Updated: 10 December 2025

Check how quickly you’ll receive a decision on your UK visa application if you are applying from outside the UK.

• Updated: 22 October 2025