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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…

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.

• Overview

  An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) lets you travel to the UK for…

• When you do not need an ETA

  You do not need an ETA to travel to the UK if: you’re a British or Irish…

• What you can and cannot do with an ETA

  Whether you need to apply for an ETA depends on why you’re travelling to…

• Apply for an ETA

  It costs £16 to apply online or through the UK ETA app. You cannot get a…

This guide sets out who has to apply for a permit, how to apply and explains the other rules covering travel to Antarctica.

• Updated: 16 July 2025

Use this service to check when you can expect a decision on your visa application. For example, if you've applied for a visa to study, visit as a tourist or attend a business event.

How UK citizens or residents can get healthcare when visiting countries or territories outside the EU where the UK has reciprocal healthcare agreements.

• Updated: 15 January 2025

Planning for the risks of Arctic travel, including during cruises.

• Updated: 15 December 2023

You can come to the UK for up to 30 days as part of a tour group through the approved destination status agreement (ADS) if you're a Chinese citizen

Working with the EU in the tourism sector.

• Updated: 5 January 2021

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

VisitEngland (VE) is the national tourist board for England, responsible for marketing England to domestic and established overseas markets and for improving England’s tourism product. VE is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and...

• Updated: 14 February 2023