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You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for tourism, business, study (courses up to 6 months) and other permitted activities.
You can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months. You might be able to apply to stay for longer in certain circumstances, for example to get medical treatment.
Check if what you plan to do in the UK is allowed as a Standard Visitor.
Check you meet the eligibility requirements.
Check if you need to apply for a visa to visit the UK.
Apply for a Standard Visitor visa online - if you need one.
You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor:
You cannot:
You must have a passport or travel document to enter the UK. It should be valid for the whole of your stay.
You must be able to show that:
You may need to meet extra eligibility requirements if you’re visiting the UK:
The rules on what you’ll need to enter the UK may be different if you’re travelling from Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man.
Depending on your nationality, you’ll either:
You can check if you need a visa before you apply.
If you do not need a visa, you must still meet the Standard Visitor eligibility requirements to visit the UK. You may be asked questions at the UK border about your eligibility and the activities you plan to do.
If you’ve previously been refused entry to the UK or have a criminal record, you may want to apply for a Standard Visitor visa (even if you do not need one).
You must apply for a Standard Visitor visa online before you travel to the UK.
A Standard Visitor visa costs £115 for up to 6 months. The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel.
If you visit the UK regularly, you can choose to apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa instead.
You can pass through the UK to another country on a Standard Visitor visa. If transiting is your only reason for coming to the UK, you can apply for a Visitor in Transit visa instead for £64.
Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.
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