Do you want a family member or friend to visit you in the UK? Or are you planning a trip for a holiday, a business meeting or a short course? Many people from outside the UK need a Standard Visitor visa. Some people need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) instead, and some need nothing at all.
This guide explains the main rules in simple English. All figures below were checked on GOV.UK on 7 October 2026. Fees and rules can change, so always check GOV.UK before you apply.
Do you need a visa, an ETA or nothing?
It depends on your nationality. GOV.UK says there are three groups:
- people who must apply for a Standard Visitor visa before they travel;
- people who can apply for an ETA instead – this is usually people from Europe, the USA, Australia, Canada and certain other countries;
- people who can visit without a visa or ETA for up to 6 months, such as British and Irish citizens.
The easiest way to check is the “Check if you need a UK visa” tool on GOV.UK. It only takes a few minutes.
What is a Standard Visitor visa?
A Standard Visitor visa lets you come to the UK for tourism, business, study on short courses and some other activities. You can usually stay for up to 6 months on each visit.
You can use it, for example, to:
- visit family and friends;
- go on holiday;
- attend business meetings, conferences or interviews;
- volunteer for up to 30 days with a registered charity;
- take a recreational course of up to 30 days;
- get private medical treatment.
What you cannot do as a visitor
A visit visa is for visiting only. GOV.UK says you cannot:
- do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person (unless it is a permitted paid engagement);
- claim public funds (benefits);
- live in the UK for long periods through frequent or back-to-back visits;
- marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership – you need a Marriage Visitor visa for this.
What you must show to get the visa
When you apply, you must show that:
- you will leave the UK at the end of your visit;
- you can support yourself and any family with you during the trip (or someone else will support you);
- you can pay for your return or onward journey;
- you will not make the UK your main home through repeated visits.
Strong evidence of your life at home – for example your job, business, studies, family and property – helps show that you will go back.
Visit visa fees (checked 7 October 2026)
- Standard Visitor visa (up to 6 months): £135
- Long-term visit visa, 2 years: £506
- Long-term visit visa, 5 years: £903
- Long-term visit visa, 10 years: £1,128
With a long-term visit visa you can travel many times, but you can still only stay up to 6 months on each visit.
If you only need an ETA, the cost is £20 per person. Every person needs their own ETA, including children and babies.
How to apply, step by step
- Check on GOV.UK whether you need a visa or an ETA.
- Apply online on GOV.UK. The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel.
- Pay the fee online.
- Prove your identity. Most people book an appointment at a visa application centre, where they give fingerprints and a photo (biometrics).
- Send your documents.
- Wait for a decision. GOV.UK says you will usually get a decision within 3 weeks after you apply, prove your identity and send your documents.
Documents you may need
You will need a valid passport or travel document. You will also be asked for details such as:
- your travel dates and where you will stay;
- how much you think the trip will cost;
- your home address and how long you have lived there;
- your parents’ names and dates of birth;
- your income each year;
- any criminal, civil or immigration offences.
Depending on your situation, you may also need your travel history, your employer’s details, and details of family or friends in the UK. Some people need a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate if they will stay for more than 6 months. Documents not in English or Welsh usually need a certified translation.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not showing enough evidence of strong ties to your home country.
- Bank statements that do not clearly show where the money comes from.
- Saying different things in the form and in the documents.
- Planning to work in the UK on a visit visa.
- Applying too late – leave time for the decision.
Check everything before you apply. See our UK visit visa page or our UK immigration page to see how we can help.
FAQ
How long can I stay on a UK visit visa?
Usually up to 6 months on each visit.
How much is a UK visit visa in 2026?
£135 for a Standard Visitor visa of up to 6 months (checked on GOV.UK on 7 October 2026). Long-term visit visas cost £506 (2 years), £903 (5 years) and £1,128 (10 years).
How long does a decision take?
GOV.UK says usually within 3 weeks after you apply, prove your identity and send your documents.
Can I work in the UK on a visit visa?
No. You cannot do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as self-employed, except for permitted paid engagements.
What is an ETA and how much does it cost?
An ETA is a digital permission to travel for people who do not need a visa, such as many visitors from Europe, the USA, Australia and Canada. It costs £20 per person.
This article is general information, not legal, immigration or financial advice. Rules and fees can change – always check GOV.UK.
Need help? Call David Parley on 020 7050 0712 or email info@davidparley.co.uk.
