Search all content on GOV.UK

Understand what the visa application process is to come to the UK. How to apply, what fees you might need to pay, how you will prove your identity and what the decision means on your application.

• Overview

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

• Paying fees and proving your identity

  You’ll need to pay the fee as part of your online application. How much…

• Applying online and getting a decision

  You need to know which visa you’ll be applying for before starting the…

• Travelling to the UK

  You must not travel to the UK before your visa application is approved.…

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 as a Standard Visitor for up to 6 months: to do…

• 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…

Find the address, contact details and opening times of the UK visa application centre for your country.

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

Apply for a Student visa to study in the UK if you're 16 or over - eligibility, extend or switch your visa, how much it costs and how long it takes

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

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

• Updated: 26 June 2026

Apply for a Skilled Worker visa (formerly a Tier 2 General work visa) if you’ve been offered a skilled job with a UK employer - eligibility, fees, documents, extend, switch or update, bring your partner and children, taking on additional...

Getting a faster decision on a visa, settlement or citizenship application; priority service, super priority service; waiting times; how to check if you're eligible

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is responsible for making millions of decisions every year about who has the right to visit or stay in the country, with a firm emphasis on national security and a culture of customer satisfaction for...

• Updated: 30 January 2026