Last updated 2026-05-18
Standard visitor visa to United Kingdom
Tourist, Approved destination status agreement, ADS
Travel purpose:
Tourism
, long stay
, other
, work
, medical reasons
, study
Visa overview
Allows individuals to visit the UK for tourism, visiting family or friends, business meetings, short-term study and for some types of paid activities up to 6 months. This visa is highly versatile and can also cover participation in unpaid volunteer work for up to 30 days, recreational courses, and medical treatment.
Visa validity period
from 1 month to 10 years
Consular fee
£127 (~$171) - £1,128 (~$1,514)
Select the purpose of your visit
The selected purpose of the visit determines the visa's cost, processing times, and the list of required supporting documents. The purpose of the visit is often specified in the application form alongside the visa type or category and may also be indicated directly on the visa itself.
Tourist visa
Eligible individuals
Tourist, visitor, passenger
Visa validity period:
from 6 months to 10 years
Duration of stay:
6 months
Number of entries:
single-entry
multiple-entry
Consular fee:
£135 (~$182) - £1,128 (~$1,514)
Private visa
Eligible individuals
Tourist, visitor, family, relative, friend
Visa validity period:
from 6 months to 10 years
Duration of stay:
6 months
Number of entries:
single-entry
multiple-entry
Consular fee:
£135 (~$182) - £1,128 (~$1,514)
Charity visa
Eligible individuals
Volunteer, charity worker, tourist
Visa validity period:
from 6 months to 10 years
Duration of stay:
6 months
Number of entries:
single-entry
multiple-entry
Consular fee:
£135 (~$182) - £1,128 (~$1,514)
Business visa
Eligible individuals
Businessman, entrepreneur
Visa validity period:
from 6 months to 10 years
Duration of stay:
6 months
Number of entries:
single-entry
multiple-entry
Consular fee:
£135 (~$182) - £1,128 (~$1,514)
Paid engagements or events visa
Eligible individuals
Professional, specialist
Visa validity period:
from 6 months to 10 years
Duration of stay:
6 months
Number of entries:
single-entry
multiple-entry
Consular fee:
£135 (~$182) - £1,128 (~$1,514)
Medical visa
Eligible individuals
Patient, needed of treatment
Visa validity period:
from 6 months to 11 months
Duration of stay:
from 6 months to 11 months
Number of entries:
single-entry
multiple-entry
Consular fee:
£234 (~$314)
Visa for school exchange programme
Eligible individuals
Student, schoolchild, examinee
Visa validity period:
from 6 months to 10 years
Duration of stay:
6 months
Number of entries:
single-entry
multiple-entry
Consular fee:
£135 (~$182) - £1,128 (~$1,514)
Recreational course visa
Eligible individuals
Student, tourist
Visa validity period:
from 6 months to 10 years
Duration of stay:
6 months
Number of entries:
single-entry
multiple-entry
Consular fee:
£135 (~$182) - £1,128 (~$1,514)
Academic, senior doctor and dentist visa
Eligible individuals
Academic, senior doctor, dentist, researcher, scientist
Visa validity period:
from 6 months to 1 year
Duration of stay:
from 6 months to 1 year
Number of entries:
single-entry
multiple-entry
Consular fee:
£234 (~$314)
Chinese tour group visa
Eligible individuals
Member of tourist group
Visa validity period:
1 month
Duration of stay:
1 month
Number of entries:
single-entry
Consular fee:
£127 (~$171)
Short-term study visa
Eligible individuals
Student, intern, examinee
Visa validity period:
from 6 months to 10 years
Duration of stay:
6 months
Number of entries:
single-entry
multiple-entry
Consular fee:
£135 (~$182) - £1,128 (~$1,514)