UK Visitor Visa
Planning to visit the UK? We provide clear guidance and practical support with Standard Visitor Visa applications, supporting documents and previous refusals.
Is the UK Visitor Visa Right for You?
The Standard Visitor route allows eligible people to visit the UK temporarily for purposes such as tourism, visiting family and friends, certain business activities, short-term study and other permitted activities. You must be able to demonstrate that you meet the Visitor requirements and intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit.
Visiting Family or Friends
You want to visit relatives or friends in the UK for a temporary stay.
Tourism & Holidays
You are planning a holiday or short visit to explore the UK.
Sponsored Visits
Someone in the UK will help cover your travel, accommodation or living expenses during your visit.
Previous Refusal
Your previous Visitor Visa application was refused and you need guidance before making another application.
How we help
Common Reasons People Apply
- Visit Family: Visit parents, children, siblings, relatives or friends living in the UK.
- Tourism: Visit the UK for a holiday or to explore UK destinations.
- Business Visits: Attend permitted business activities such as meetings, conferences, seminars or certain other activities allowed under the Visitor rules.
- Short-Term Study: Undertake certain permitted short courses, exams, research or other study activities where the Visitor rules allow them.
What You Need to Demonstrate
- Genuine Visit: You must be coming to the UK for a permitted activity and intend to leave at the end of your visit.
- Financial Circumstances: You need to demonstrate that you can support yourself during the visit, or that appropriate funding is available from another person.
- Travel Arrangements: You should be able to demonstrate that you can meet the costs of your return or onward journey.
- Personal & Economic Circumstances: Your circumstances and connections outside the UK may be relevant when assessing whether you genuinely intend to leave the UK.
FAQs
A Standard Visitor can normally stay for up to 6 months, although different rules can apply to certain permitted activities.
This depends on your nationality and circumstances. Some people need to obtain a visa before travelling, while others may need an ETA or may not need either.
Yes. Visiting family or friends is one of the permitted purposes of a Standard Visitor visit, provided you meet the relevant requirements.
Someone else can provide financial support for your visit where appropriate. The application should clearly explain the financial arrangements and provide relevant evidence.
Generally, no. Standard Visitors cannot undertake paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person, except for activities specifically permitted under the Visitor rules.
Certain short-term study and other educational activities are permitted, subject to the Visitor rules.
You should review the refusal reasons before deciding whether to make another application. A fresh application should address the relevant concerns and provide appropriate supporting evidence.
Yes. The Smart Visa’s existing Visitor Visa work includes reviewing previous refusal decisions and assisting with fresh applications where appropriate.