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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

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…

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.

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.

UK border control - passport checks, visas for entering, customs, transiting and layovers.

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

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

You can apply for or renew a British passport while you're visiting the UK - as long as you expect to be in the UK for long enough

The British Embassy Washington maintains and develops relations between the UK and the United States.

• Updated: 2 February 2026