Tourist Visa

Overview

The UK Tourist Visa, officially called the Standard Visitor Visa, allows individuals to visit the UK for tourism, visiting family or friends, certain business activities, short-term study, medical treatment and other permitted activities. This visa route is essential for those who wish to explore the UK’s culture, attend meetings, or spend time with family and friends.

At Imran Solicitors, our experienced UK Tourist Visa solicitors provide clear guidance and personalised support to help you meet the Home Office requirements and submit a strong application. We ensure every detail is handled professionally, giving you the best chance of a smooth and successful visa outcome.

Eligibility Requirements

Purpose of Visit:

• Tourism (holiday or vacation).
• Visiting family or friends.
• Certain business activities, such as meetings, conferences or training.
• Short courses of study and other permitted educational activities.
• Medical treatment.
• Other activities permitted under the Standard Visitor rules.

Duration of Stay:

• The Standard Visitor Visa usually allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months.
• For certain purposes, such as private medical treatment, the visa may allow a stay of up to 11 months.
• Visiting academics may be able to stay for up to 12 months, subject to the relevant requirements.

Intent to Leave:

• You must satisfy the Home Office that you are a genuine visitor and that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit.

Financial Means:

• You need to show that you can support yourself financially during your stay without working or accessing public funds.
• You may also be financially supported by another person, provided the relevant requirements are met.

Accommodation:

• You should provide details of where you intend to stay during your visit and demonstrate that you have sufficient funds or appropriate arrangements for your accommodation.

Application Process

Online Application:

• Complete the online application form through the official UK government website.
• You can generally apply up to 3 months before you travel.

Supporting Documents:

• Passport or valid travel document.
• Evidence of your travel plans and the purpose of your visit.
• Financial documents showing that you can support yourself during your stay, such as bank statements or payslips.
• Details of where you will be staying.
• If employed, a letter from your employer confirming your employment and approved leave.
• If visiting family or friends, evidence of your relationship and details of your UK host where relevant.

Biometric Information:

• Provide your biometric information, including fingerprints and a photograph, at a visa application centre as part of the application process.

Application Fee:

• The current application fee for a Standard Visitor Visa of up to 6 months is £135.

Healthcare Surcharge:

• Standard Visitors do not normally pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
• However, visitors should consider appropriate travel or medical insurance because NHS treatment may not always be free.

After Applying

• Processing Time: Applications made outside the UK usually receive a decision within 3 weeks, although processing times can vary depending on individual circumstances and the need for additional checks.
• Validity: A Standard Visitor Visa normally allows a stay of up to 6 months.
• Long-Term Visas: If you visit the UK regularly, you can apply for a long-term Standard Visitor Visa valid for 2, 5 or 10 years. Each visit can generally last for up to 6 months.

Important Considerations

• Multiple Entries: A Standard Visitor Visa generally allows multiple entries during its validity period, subject to the conditions of the visa.
• Activities Allowed: You can undertake tourism, visit family and friends and carry out other permitted visitor activities. You cannot normally work for a UK company or as a self-employed person, claim public funds, or use frequent visits to effectively live in the UK.
• Marriage and Civil Partnership: A Standard Visitor cannot marry, enter into a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership while in the UK. If the purpose of your visit is to marry or enter into a civil partnership, you will generally need to apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa instead.
• Intention to Leave: You must demonstrate that you are a genuine visitor who intends to leave the UK at the end of your visit. Evidence such as employment, family commitments, financial circumstances and other ties to your country of residence may help demonstrate this.

Long-Term Standard Visitor Visa

For individuals who need to travel to the UK on a regular basis, the long-term Standard Visitor Visa may be a suitable option. This visa can be granted for 2, 5 or 10 years, allowing multiple visits to the UK, with each visit normally lasting up to 6 months.

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a genuine and ongoing need to visit the UK regularly and provide evidence that the purpose of their visits will remain consistent over time.

At Imran Solicitors, we guide visitors through every step of the long-term visitor visa application, ensuring that all requirements are met and the strongest possible case is presented to the Home Office.

Additional Information

• Legal Advice: Consulting with an immigration adviser can help ensure your application meets all relevant requirements.
• Changes and Updates: Immigration rules and visa fees can change, so always check the latest information on the official UK government website or consult an immigration specialist.

Written on: 24 August 2026