UK Visit Visa Guide 2026 - Standard Visitor Visa
Learn how to apply for UK standard visitor visa, requirements, documents needed, fees, processing times and tips for approval.
UK Standard Visitor Visa Guide 2026
The UK Standard Visitor visa lets you visit the UK for tourism, to see family and friends, or for permitted business activities, usually for up to 6 months. This guide covers who needs it, the 2026 fees, documents, processing times and how to avoid a refusal.
Quick facts
- Stay: usually up to 6 months per visit
- Fee: £135 for a 6-month visa (from 8 April 2026)
- Decision time: usually within 3 weeks when applying from outside the UK
- Earliest you can apply: 3 months before you travel
- Apply at: gov.uk/standard-visitor
Fees last checked: October 2026. Confirm on the official Home Office fee tool before you pay.
Do You Need a Visa or an ETA?
Not everyone needs a visa. Check this first.
- Visa nationals must apply for a Standard Visitor visa before travelling.
- Visa-exempt nationals (for example the US, Canada, Australia and most EU countries) do not need a visa for short visits but must get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before they travel. The ETA costs £20.
Use the official “Check if you need a UK visa” tool on gov.uk to see which applies to your passport.
What You Can Do on a Standard Visitor Visa
- Tourism and holidays
- Visiting family and friends
- Business activities such as meetings, conferences and negotiating contracts
- Private medical treatment
- Some short periods of study (the limits are narrow, so check the rules on gov.uk for your course)
- Transit through the UK (if passing through is your only purpose, a Visitor in Transit visa may cost less)
You cannot work for a UK employer, do paid or unpaid work as a part of the UK labour market, live in the UK through frequent or successive visits, or claim public funds.
How Long Can You Stay?
- Standard stay: up to 6 months per visit.
- Private medical treatment: up to 11 months.
- Academics on sabbatical: up to 12 months.
- Long-term visas (2, 5 or 10 years): you can visit many times, but each stay is still capped at 6 months.
The border officer decides how long you can stay on arrival, so carry proof of your plans.
UK Visitor Visa Fees 2026
| Visa | Validity | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor | Up to 6 months | £135 |
| Long-term Standard Visitor | 2 years | £506 |
| Long-term Standard Visitor | 5 years | £903 |
| Long-term Standard Visitor | 10 years | £1,128 |
| Priority service (optional) | About 5 working days | +£500 |
| Super priority (optional) | By end of next working day | +£1,000 |
- Fees apply from 8 April 2026 and are shown in pounds. In some countries you pay the local currency equivalent.
- Visitors do not pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.
- You may pay extra to the visa application centre for services such as appointments, courier return or premium lounges. These are optional, and the visa fee itself is paid to the Home Office.
- A multi-year visa can be cheaper if you travel often, for example two visits a year makes the 2-year visa better value than separate applications.
Processing Time
Standard decisions usually take up to 3 weeks from the date you attend your biometric appointment, when applying from outside the UK. Priority and super priority services are faster but cost extra and are not available everywhere. Apply early, but no earlier than 3 months before you travel, and do not book non-refundable travel until you have your decision.
How to Apply
- Complete the online application on gov.uk and create your account.
- Pay the visa fee online.
- Book your biometric appointment at a visa application centre (or use the app route if it is offered for your country).
- Attend and provide your fingerprints and photo, and submit your supporting documents.
- Wait for the decision, and follow the instructions in your decision email on how your visa is issued and how your documents are returned. This varies by country.
Documents Checklist
UKVI does not publish one fixed list for every applicant. The documents below are commonly requested. Only provide documents that are relevant to your trip, and include translations where needed.
| Document | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Required. Also bring previous passports to show travel history |
| Bank statements (usually last 6 months) | Shows income and savings, and that large deposits have a clear source |
| Payslips or employment letter | Shows your job, salary and approved leave |
| Business or tax records (if self-employed) | Shows a stable income |
| Travel itinerary and accommodation | Shows your plans are clear and genuine |
| Invitation letter and host documents (if visiting someone) | Shows who you are visiting and where you are staying |
| Property or family documents (if relevant) | Shows ties to your home country |
| Business invitation and details (if on a business trip) | Shows your purpose and that it is permitted |
Money Requirements
There is no official fixed daily amount. You must show you can pay for your trip, including travel and accommodation, without working or using public funds. Banks statements should show a steady history, regular income and a clear source for any large deposits. Your plan should match your funds. For example, a 3-week stay with a detailed itinerary is easier to support than an open-ended trip.
Common Reasons for Refusal
- Unclear or unexplained source of funds, such as a recent large deposit
- Weak ties to your home country, such as no job, family or property
- A purpose for the visit that is vague or does not match your documents
- Inconsistent information across your application, bank statements and letters
- Incomplete, false or altered documents
- A previous refusal or immigration breach that you did not declare
- Doubts that you will leave at the end of your visit
Tips for a Stronger Application
- Answer every question honestly and declare any previous refusals.
- Make sure dates, names and amounts match across all documents.
- Explain unusual items, such as a large deposit, in a short cover letter.
- Provide a realistic itinerary and show who is paying.
- Keep copies of everything you submit.
- Apply with enough time, and no earlier than 3 months before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a UK visitor visa in 2026?
£135 for up to 6 months. Long-term visas cost £506 (2 years), £903 (5 years) and £1,128 (10 years).
Can I work on a Standard Visitor visa?
No. Permitted business activities such as meetings and conferences are allowed, but you cannot take a job.
Can I extend my stay?
Extensions are limited and expensive, and usually only allowed in specific cases. Plan your stay to fit within 6 months.
What if my visa is refused?
You will get a refusal letter with the reasons. You can reapply, but fix the problem first, and you must declare the refusal on future applications.
Do Americans, Canadians and Australians need a visa?
Not for short visits, but you do need an ETA.
Where can I apply?
Online at gov.uk/standard-visitor, then complete your biometrics at an official visa application centre.
Official Sources
- GOV.UK: Standard Visitor visa
- GOV.UK: Check if you need a UK visa
- Home Office visa fees tool: visa-fees.homeoffice.gov.uk
Note: Last reviewed: October 2026. Visa rules and fees can change, so always confirm on GOV.UK before you apply. This guide is for general information and is not legal advice.
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