UK 6 months visit visa

UK 6 months visit visa explained

Overview

You have the option to travel to the UK under the Standard Visitor category for purposes such as tourism, business, short-term study (courses lasting up to 6 months), and other authorized activities.

Typically, you are permitted to remain in the UK for a maximum of 6 months. However, in specific situations, such as for medical treatment, you may be eligible to request an extension of your stay

What you need to do

Verify if your planned activities in the UK are allowed as a Standard Visitor.
Ensure eligibility requirements are met.
Check if a visa is needed for your visit to the UK.
Apply for a Standard Visitor visa online if required.

Allowed and Prohibited Activities (‘permitted activities’)

You are permitted to travel to the UK as a Standard Visitor:

For leisure purposes, such as going on holiday or vacation
To reunite with your family or friends
To engage in volunteering activities for up to 30 days with a registered charity
To transit through the UK to another country
For specific business endeavors, like attending meetings or interviews
For approved paid engagements or events, utilizing your expertise in your profession, such as giving lectures or performances
To participate in a school exchange program
To enroll in a recreational course lasting up to 30 days, such as a dance course
To pursue studies, internships, or examinations
As an academic, senior doctor, or dentist
For medical purposes

You must not:

Engage in paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed individual, unless you are participating in a permitted paid engagement or event.
Apply for public funds (benefits).
Reside in the UK for extended durations through frequent or successive visits.
Marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership, without obtaining a Marriage Visitor visa.

Check you meet the eligibility requirements

You are required to possess a passport or travel document valid for the entirety of your stay in the UK.

Additionally, you must demonstrate:

Intent to depart the UK upon the conclusion of your visit.
Capability to financially support yourself and any dependents for the duration of your trip, or have sufficient funding from another source.
Ability to cover the expenses of your return or onward journey, or have financial backing from another party.
Intention not to reside in the UK for prolonged periods through frequent or successive visits, or to establish the UK as your primary residence.

Depending on your reason for visiting the UK, you may need to fulfill additional eligibility criteria:

If visiting for study, internships, or examinations.
If visiting as an academic, senior medical professional, or dentist.
If engaging in a permitted paid engagement.
If visiting for medical purposes.

Check if you need a visa to visit the UK

Depending on your citizenship status, you will either:

Need to complete a Standard Visitor visa application prior to your travel to the UK.
Be eligible to enter the UK for a period of up to 6 months without requiring a visa.

You can verify whether a visa is necessary before initiating the application process.

Even if you are not required to obtain a visa, you must still satisfy the eligibility criteria for the Standard Visitor category to enter the UK. Border officials may inquire about your eligibility and the intentions behind your planned activities upon your arrival in the UK.

If you have to apply for a Standard Visitor visa

You are required to submit an online application for a Standard Visitor visa before your journey to the UK.

The fee for a Standard Visitor visa is £115, valid for a duration of up to 6 months. The earliest permissible application window is 3 months prior to your intended travel date.

For frequent travelers to the UK, an alternative option is available: applying for a long-term Standard Visitor visa instead.