United Kingdom

Most visitors apply for a Standard Visitor visa. Some nationalities instead need an Electronic Travel Authorisation.

Where you apply
Online, then biometrics at a visa application centre
Priority service
Available at extra cost at most centres
Standard wait
About 3 weeks after the appointment
Long-term options
2, 5 and 10 year visitor visas exist
Study
Short courses allowed; longer study needs a student visa

Good to know

  • The Standard Visitor visa covers tourism, family visits, business activity and short courses under six months.
  • Financial evidence must be traceable. Large unexplained deposits are a frequent refusal ground.
  • A long-term visitor visa still limits each individual stay to six months.
  • Paid work is not permitted, including remote work for a UK client.

Requirements vary by nationality

We do not publish an automated eligibility check — the rules change too often for that to be honest. A consultant confirms your exact checklist in writing before any work starts.

Get my checklist

Available visa types

Standard Visitor visa

Visa

Covers tourism, visiting family, business activities and short courses of study.

Validity — Six months standard; two, five or ten year options exist
Stay — Up to 6 months per visit
Processing — About 3 weeks from the biometrics appointment (estimate)
Stampwise service feefrom USD 109
Government / visa centre feeUSD 145 (estimate)
Paid at cost, subject to change.
View requirements

ETA guidance

Guidance

Eligible nationalities need an Electronic Travel Authorisation instead of a visa for short visits. We confirm eligibility and prepare the submission.

Validity — Two years, or until the passport expires
Stay — Up to 6 months per visit
Processing — Usually within 3 working days (estimate)
Stampwise service feefrom USD 39
Government / visa centre feeUSD 20 (estimate)
Paid at cost, subject to change.
View requirements