visit visa guidance

A Guide to the UK Tourism, Leisure & Family Visit Visa

The Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa is for individuals who wish to come to the UK for a short-term stay for the purpose of visiting friends and/or family or for a short holiday. The Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa is a sub-category of the Standard Visitor route, which is a route for persons who wish to visit the UK for a temporary period of up to 6 months.

Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa Immigration Rules

In summary, Appendix V of the Immigration Rules provides for 4 types of Visitor :

• Standard Visitor: for those seeking to undertake the activities set out in Appendix Visitor: Permitted Activities, for example tourism and visiting family , usually for up to 6 months. A Standard Visitor may apply for a visit visa of six months, two, five or 10 years validity, however each stay in the UK must not exceed the permitted length of stay endorsed on the visit visa (usually six months).
• Marriage/Civil Partnership Visitor :  for those seeking to come to the UK to marry or form a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership.
• Permitted Paid Engagement Visitor:  for experts in their field coming to the UK to undertake specific paid engagements for up to one month.
• Transit Visitor: for those who want to transit the UK on route to another country outside the Common Travel Area and who will enter the UK for up to 48 hours by crossing the UK border unless Appendix Visitor: Transit Without Visa Scheme applies.

This article will focus on those coming to the UK to visit for the purposes of tourism, leisure or to visit family. 

General Requirements for a Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa

The requirements for a successful Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa application are generally as follows:

• You are a visa national (a non-visa national can normally seek entry as a Visitor on arrival at the UK border);
• You are genuinely seeking entry to the UK for a purpose that is permitted by the visitor routes;
• You will not undertake any prohibited activities;
• You have sufficient funds to cover all reasonable costs in relation to your visit (including travel, maintenance and accommodation costs) without working or accessing public funds;
• You will leave the UK at the end of your visit;
• You will not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your main home;
• Your application does not fall for refusal under the general grounds for refusal.

Guidance is provided to caseworkers in the Visit guidance, Version 11.0, published for Home Office staff on 06 October 2021. 

Visa or Non Visa National

You will first need to consider whether you are required to apply for entry clearance in advance of travel.   Immigration Rules Appendix Visitor: Visa national list contains a list of countries who must apply for entry clearance in advance unless the exceptions in VN 2.1, VN 2.2. (subject to VN 2.3) or VN 3.1 apply. Those that are Non Visa Nationals may consider applying in advance, if for example there is an adverse immigration history and you have been refused entry on a previous occasion.  An application made in advance can provide security and certainty. The Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa requirements have to be met by Non Visa Nationals as well, but this is assessed at the border, by an Immigration Officer.

To discuss your UK Visit Visa application or how we can assist you to meet the requirements for entry to the UK a visitor on arrival, contact our immigration barristers on 0203 617 9173 or complete our enquiry form below.

Making a Valid UK Visit Visa Application

The Validity requirements for entry clearance or permission to stay as a Visitor are set out in paragraphs V 2.1 to V 2.6 of Appendix V.

An Applicant must apply using the relevant online application form , pay the relevant fee, and provide biometrics.  Any application for entry clearance must be made from outside the UK.  

General Grounds of Refusal and Immigration Status Required

You will need to consider if any of the provisions in Part 9 of the Immigration Rules apply.  Part 9 generally covers criminality, non conducive grounds, false representation and deception, previous breaches and other discretionary grounds.  Some grounds are mandatory and others discretionary.  It is important to ensure that you answer all questions on the form accurately and make full disclosure.  Any false information given can lead to a refusal and a ban meaning further applications to enter the UK will be refused.  We examined this in an earlier article .

If an Applicant is applying for permission to stay they must not be in breach of immigration laws or on immigration bail.  If Paragraph 39E applies that period of overstaying may be disregarded (V 3.1 and V 3.2).

Genuine Visitor

You will need to demonstrate that you are a genuine visitor.

The caseworking guidance refers to an assessment of the Applicant’s personal circumstances including the following:

• their previous immigration history, including visits to the UK and other countries 
• the duration of previous visits and whether this was significantly longer than they originally stated on their visa application or on arrival – if this is the case, you should not automatically presume that the visitor is not genuine, but this may be a reason to question the applicant’s overall intentions 
• their financial circumstances as well as their family, social and economic background 
• their personal and economic ties to their country of residence 
• the cumulative period of time the applicant has visited the UK and their pattern of travel over the last 12-month period, and whether this amounts to ‘de-facto’ residence in the UK
• whether, on the balance of probabilities, the information and the reasons for the visit or for extending their stay provided by the applicant are credible and correspond to their personal, family, social and economic background

The guidance continues by setting out reasons for doubting someone is a genuine visitor, these include:

• the applicant has few or no family and economic ties to their country of residence, and has several family members in the UK – for example a person with most of their family in the UK and no job or study in their own country may be considered to have few ties to their home country 
• the applicant, their sponsor (if they are visiting a friend or relative) or other immediate family member has, or has attempted to, deceive the Home Office in a previous application for entry clearance, permission to enter or stay 
• there are discrepancies between the statements made by the applicant and the statements made by the sponsor, particularly on points where the sponsor could reasonably be expected to know the facts but does not 
• it has not been possible to verify information provided by the applicant despite attempts to do so 
• the information that has been provided or the reasons for the visit stated by the applicant are not credible 
• a search of the applicant’s baggage and vehicle at the border reveals items which demonstrate they intend to work or live in the UK

In order to demonstrate this requirement you will need to consider providing full details of ties to the UK, financial and personal as well as ties to your home country.   Visit visas can be complex and require wide ranging evidence. Evidence can take many forms including statements and letters to support and explain documentary evidence from various sources. 

Length of a Visit Visa

It is possible to apply for a long-term Visit Visa of up to 2 years, 5 years, or 10 years. You may enter and leave the UK on multiple occasions during the validity, unless your Visit Visa is endorsed with a single entry.   You must ensure that each visit is not more than 6 months from the date of entry.   If you do not have an ongoing reason to visit the UK you may consider applying for a 6 month visit visa.  

Even if you apply for a long-term multiple entry Visit Visa you may only be granted one of short duration.  The guidance reads:

You can issue a shorter duration visa if the applicant meets the Visitor rules relevant to their visit but you have concerns about issuing a long term visit visa. Entry Clearance officers must obtain the authority of the Entry Clearance Manager before issuing a visit visa of shorter duration than that applied for. 

You must provide clear reasons for the decision to grant a visa for a shorter period than that applied for in a covering letter when the passport is returned.

It is important to note that no refund, whether full or partial, wll be given.  

Using a Multiple Entry Visit Visa

There is no specified maximum period for which an individual can spend in the UK during a 12 month period (as long as it is for no longer than 6 months from each entry), but you will need to be careful not to make the UK your home through successive visits.  This will form a consideration when you plan your trips to the UK.  The guidance reads:

“There is no specified maximum period, which an individual can spend in the UK in any period, such as ‘6 months in 12 months’ (as long as each visit does not exceed the maximum period for that visit, normally 6 months). However, if it is clear from an applicant’s travel history that they are seeking to remain in the UK for extended periods or making the UK their home you should refuse their application”.

The fact that an Applicant is granted a multiple entry long-term visit visa does not mean that they are guaranteed entry each time they arrive in the UK.  Their circumstances may be examined at the border and you would be advised to carry evidence pertaining to any current circumstances.  Whether an individual is making the UK their home through successive visits will be one matter that will be considered.

The guidance makes reference to a number of factors that will be considered: 

• the purpose of the visit and intended length of stay stated 
• the number of visits made over the past 12 months, including the length of stay on each occasion, the time elapsed since the last visit, and if this amounts to the individual spending more time in the UK than in their home country 
• the purpose of return trips to the applicant’s home country or trips out of the Common Travel Area (CTA) and if these are used only to seek re-entry to the UK
• the links they have with their home country or ordinary country of residence – consider especially any long-term commitments and where the applicant is registered for tax purposes 
• evidence the UK is their main place of residence, for example: o if they have registered with a general practitioner (GP) o if they send their children to UK schools 
• the history of previous applications, for example if the visitor has previously been refused under the Family Rules and subsequently wants to enter as a visitor you must assess if they are using the visitor route to avoid the rules in place for family migrants joining British or settled persons in the UK

At the border, as the guidance confirms, an Applicant may be asked for supporting evidence.  This depends on the questions asked and the answers given. 

Maintenance and Accommodation – What Are the Levels and Who Can Provide This?

As part of the Genuine visitor requirement (paragraph V 4.2) you will need to show you have sufficient funds (paragraph V 4.2(e)).  There is no set level of funds required for an Applicant to show they will be maintained and accommodated for their planned visit to the UK.  

In assessing whether there are sufficient funds, the caseworker will consider the criteria in Paragraph V 4.3. A third party may provide support, this includes family members, family, and other individuals with whom the Applicant has a genuine personal or professional relationship.  You will want to consider the following factors as set out in the guidance and provide evidence of these:

• The Third party’s previous history of sponsorship; 
• The relationship between Applicant and Sponsor;
• Where and how they met;
• How often and by what means they communicate.  

If maintenance and accommodation is to be provided by a third party, that third party must not be in the UK in breach of immigration rules at the proposed date of entry or the application.  The individual will need to show they have the means to provide that support as well as anyone else usually dependent upon them in addition to the Applicant.  There are many ways to evidence these requirements and you will want to ensure any concerns are addressed. 

You will need to demonstrate that the funds are held in a permitted financial institution under FIN 2.1 in Appendix Finance.  

When addressing your finances you will need to evidence your sources of income and savings.    You will need to consider evidencing how long you can be absent from your employment or business, who will provide cover.  You should consider how to address payments in and out of your account, particularly any recent payments prior to the date of application. 

You may consider providing a schedule of costs to demonstrate that the funds held or the funds you rely on are sufficient for your purposes, your costs may for example be less if you are staying with family and not expected to contribute to daily living expenses such as food.   There are many ways and forms to present this evidence. 

In Part Two we will address further frequently asked questions in relation to the Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa route.

Contact Our Immigration Lawyers in London

For expert advice and assistance with a visit visa application , contact our immigration barristers on 0203 617 9173 or complete our enquiry form below. 

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Visa applicants must submit a completed DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application for all nonimmigrant visa categories, including applicants applying for K visas. ( Note:   For K visa cases in process at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate prior to October 7, 2013, review the limited exceptions explained in the FAQs below.) 

Review the Frequently Asked Questions for instructions about using the DS-160.

Access the online DS-160 by clicking: Consular Electronic Application Center website .

Important Notice to Visa Applicants: After you have completed the DS-160, you must take these next steps below:

• Print and keep the DS-160 barcode page. (You will not need to print the full application.)
• You must schedule a visa interview appointment.  (The U.S. Embassy or Consulate does not schedule an appointment for you.) Visit the  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  website where you will be interviewed for country-specific instructions.;
• Pay the visa application processing fee . Review country-specific instructions on the  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  website.

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B1 B2 Visa (US Visitor Visa Guidance)

• Anne Morris
• 14 February 2022

IN THIS SECTION

B1 and B2 visas come under the US visitor visa classification. With a B1 B2 visa, you are permitted entry into the US on a temporary basis for a range of permissible activities.

Restrictions do however apply, and B1 B2 visa applicants should familiarise themselves with the limitations on the type of activities permitted under the tourist visa to avoid violating the terms of their visa.

B visas may also be the most appropriate option for travellers who are not eligible for visa-free ESTA travel to the US.

B1 B2 visa allowed activities

The B1 visa is issued for short-term business trips, while the B2 visa is issued mainly for tourism purposes.

B1 visa for short term business-related activity

The following are allowed under the B1 visitor visa:

• Conducting business-related contractual negotiations
• Attendance at specialized business-related meetings, conferences
• Participating in trade shows, exhibitions, and other events
• Research, tours, inspections, etc. for business purposes
• Buying products, materials, etc. for business

  Importantly – holders of B visas are expressly prohibited from working or undertaking gainful employment and receiving salary or other remuneration in the US.

If you are intending to travel to the US to work and earn, you will need to apply for the relevant US work or business visa.

Taking advice in advance of your application will ensure your intended activities and plans fall within permissible activities under the B classification.

B2 visa for tourism

The following are allowed under the B2 visitor visa :

• Tourism and related activities in the US and US islands
• Visiting family, relatives, friends, or acquaintances
• Undergoing medical treatment, examination, surgery, etc
• Participating in meetings, exchange programs, etc in the U.S. organized by non-business related organizations

  An approved B 1 B2 visa allows the holder to engage in both short-term business and tourism activities while in the United States.

Making a B visa application 

To apply, you will need to complete the DS 160 form and pay the relevant application fee(s). The next step is to compile the required documents and to make an appointment for an interview with your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate general through the U.S. visa application website.

B1 B2 visa interview questions

As part of the B visa application, you should expect to attend an interview at the US consular post where you filed the petition.

Ahead of the interview, it is advisable to prepare to be questioned by the adjudicating officer on your application, your immigration history and travel plans.

Examples of commonly asked questions include:

• What is the purpose of your visit?
• Have you travelled to the US before?
• When do you plan to travel?
• Have you booked tickets, including for return?
• Have you been denied a visa earlier?
• Which state(s) will you be visiting?
• Do you have any relatives in the US?
• Who will be your contact/sponsor while in the US? What
• Where will you be staying?
• Who will you be travelling with?
• How long will you be in the US for?
• Can you prove you show continued ties to your country of residence?
• What do you do for a living?
• What is your annual income?
• Will you be working while in the US?

  You may also be asked general questions relating to your health and personal and financial circumstances.

You are allowed to take supporting documents with you to help you answer the questions, such as recent bank statements, payslips, mortgage statements.

B visa length of stay

B1 and B2 visa holders are allowed to stay in the US for up to 6 months at a time.

Each visa application will be assessed on its own merit, and the adjudicating officer may grant a stay of less than 6 months – this is the maximum period for an initial stay under the B classification.

Note that there is a difference between visa validity and visa duration.

Visa duration relates to the amount of time the visitor can remain in the US to carry out their intended activities.

Visa validity refers to the period of time the visa has been issued for, and determines the amount of time in which you can use the visa to travel to the US. If the B1 B2 visa is issued for ten years, you can during this period travel to the US for eligible B visa purposes by relying on the B visa, but you can only stay in the US for up to 6 months each time.

B visas can be extended through an application process, but the total stay cannot exceed 12 months.

Extending the B1 B2 visa

In theory, it possible to apply to extend a B1 B2 visa from the initial period for up to a maximum stay of 12 months. It requires an application to be made to US immigration authorities, providing solid reasoning for the extension; it has to be more than just wanting to stay on. The decision will fall to consular discretion.

It may be possible to apply to transfer status from the B classification to another visa in response to a change in your circumstances while you are in the US under the B visa. You will however need to satisfy the adjudicator that this reason was not apparent when you entered the US under the B visa and that your intention when entering the US had been short term visiting. Transfer of status is a complex process, requiring careful handling, and professional advice is best sought to support with the petition.

Do you need advice on the B1 B2 Visa USA?

Contact us  for guidance on your US visa options and application.

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Led by Anne Morris, one of the UK’s preeminent immigration lawyers, and with rankings in The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners , we’re a multi-disciplinary team helping organisations to meet their people objectives, while reducing legal risk and nurturing workforce relations.

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A Visitor is someone who wishes to visit the UK for a temporary duration. Although this duration is normally for a period of six months, a 'Standard Visitor' can also apply for a visit visa with a two, five or ten year validity period. Whilst such visas will allow for multiple entry, the maximum duration of each visit will be restricted to six months.  

Although there are three different types of Visitor visa that you can obtain, the information on this page will focus on the activities permitted with a 'Standard Visitor visa'.

As a Standard Visitor, you are permitted to carry out a number of activities including tourism, visiting friends or family, or undertaking a short course of study. 

What kind of study can you do as a visitor?

From 9.00 am on 1 December 2020, the Short-term study visa route is now only limited to those wishing to study on English language courses for a period of between six to eleven months. Please see the Short-term student visa page for further details of this route.

As a Visitor, you are now permitted to undertake the following types of study under this route:

Undertake a short course of study for six months or less

• Study must be at an accredited institution and not at a state-funded school or academy . You will be required to provide an acceptance letter from the institution or institutions with details of the courses you wish to study.
• Visitors aged 16 years or above at the date of your application, must have obtained an Academic Technology Approval Scheme clearance certificate (ATAS) if your course of study will be at postgraduate level. Your course must also be listed in Appendix ATAS of the Immigration Rules. An ATAS certificate is valid for a period of six months and the earliest that you can apply for an ATAS certificate is up to nine months before the start date of your course. As obtaining an ATAS certificate can take some time to process , it is advisable to apply for your certificate in good time before your application as a Visitor. You will need to be in receipt of your certificate in order to submit this with your Visitor visa application or permission to enter application at the UK border. Nationals from the EU, EEA, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the USA are exempt from obtaining ATAS clearance.
• The visitor guidance states that 'study' refers to one or more consecutive courses, or one or more courses taken at the same time, which must be completed within the duration of your visit. 

Undertake a period of research or receive research tuition

• You must be aged at least 16 years of age or above at the date of application;
• You must be enrolled on a course of study abroad equivalent to at least degree level study in the UK;
• You must be studying at a UK higher education provider ;
• Your UK course provider must confirm that:
• The research or research tuition that you will be conducting in the UK, is relevant to the course of study that you are enrolled on overseas; and
• You will not be employed at the UK institution.
• Obtain an ATAS certificate if required. See Undertake a short course of study for six months or less .

Undertake electives

• You must have been accepted by a higher education provider in the UK;
• Your main course of studies overseas must be in the subjects of either medicine, veterinary medicine and science, nursing, midwifery or dentistry;
• The UK higher education provider where you will be carrying out the electives, must confirm that the electives will be unpaid and not involve the treatment of any patients;

Study abroad programme

If you are studying a course overseas and you wish to complete a study abroad programme of less than six months, this can be done as a Visitor. The study abroad programme in the UK must make up part of your overseas course.

If you are required to obtain an ATAS certificate as set out in Appendix ATAS , you must obtain this to submit with either your visa or permission to enter application - see Undertake a short course of study for six months or less for the ATAS requirements.

Sit an entrance exam

As a Visitor, you are permitted to undertake an entrance exam.

Re-sit an exam or retake a module

If for example you have a Student route visa and you are required to re-sit an exam or retake a module, if your attendance in the UK is no longer required, your Student sponsor will normally report this to the Home Office. The Home Office will then cancel your visa reducing your remaining stay in the UK to a period of sixty days. This will mean that you are required to return overseas within this sixty day period. Should you need to return to the UK in order to re-sit your exam or to retake your module, you are permitted to do this as a Visitor. You should note however that as you will not be permitted to switch into the Student route (see Prohibited activities ) as a Visitor, you will be required to return overseas in order to apply for entry clearance for a new Student route visa if you successfully pass your exam or module. See Applying for a Student route visa outside the UK .

Take an oral (viva) examination

The viva must be part of a PhD qualification at a UK institution.

Distance learning

If you wish to study for a UK qualification overseas by distance learning, there may be some occasions where you are required to come to the UK as part of your course. For example you may need to attend induction weeks or sit exams and assessments. If this is the case, you will be permitted to do so as a Visitor. This may require multiple trips over the course of your studies where you may be required to obtain a new Visitor visa or permission to enter for six months on each occasion. Although this will be permitted in order to complete a course by distance learning, you should not do this in order to pursue a longer course of studies that would normally require entry clearance under the Student route.

Educational exchanges and recreational courses

As a Visitor, you are permitted to take part in educational exchanges or visits to the UK if the purpose of your visit is for leisure or tourism. The institution however must be a state-funded school, academy or an independent school .   You must be in full-time education in your home country to take part in such an exchange and any accompanying teachers or adults must be employed overseas.

You are also permitted to attend recreational courses (not English language training), for a maximum period of 30 days, if the purpose of your visit is for leisure or tourism. The institution offering the recreational course must not be a state-funded school or academy . Unlike those wishing to study for a period of 6 months, those wishing to attend a recreational course, are not required to provide an acceptance letter from the relevant institution.

Additional requirements for child visitors

If you are below the age of 18 at the time of your application, and wish to study under any of the provisions outlined above as a Visitor, there are some additional requirements that you will need to meet as below:

• Suitable arrangements must have been put in place for your travel to the UK, reception in the UK, and care while you are in the UK; and
• If you will be travelling unaccompanied without your parent or legal guardian who is responsible for your care, they must consent to these arrangements;
• If you are travelling unaccompanied with an entry clearance visa, your visa must also state that you are unaccompanied;
• If you are travelling with an entry clearance visa and are accompanied by an adult, your entry clearance visa must state that you will be accompanied, and it must identify the adult that will be accompanying you.

Genuineness

All visitors to the UK must satisfy the genuine visitor requirements. This means that:

• You will leave the UK at the end of your visit;
• You must not intend to live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits. You must also not intend to make the UK your main home. The visitor guidance  lists factors such as the number of visits that you have made over the last twelve months, including the length of stay on each occasion in assessing whether or not your visits to the UK are frequent and successive;
• You must be genuinely seeking to enter the UK for a purpose and activity permitted as a visitor;
• You must not undertake any of the prohibited activities for a Visitor. See Prohibited activities ;
• You must have enough money to support yourself whilst you are in the UK. This includes the cost of your return or onward journey, and any permitted activities that you have planned. You will not be able to work or access public funds in order to support yourself. In assessing this requirement, the visitor guidance states that your income and savings will be looked at minus any financial commitments that you have. The remaining sum must be sufficient to meet the likely costs that you will incur in the UK, and also your reasonable expenditure. Please see Prohibited activities for further details. You can rely on another person to help you demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your travel, maintenance, and accommodation whilst in the UK. You must have a genuine professional or personal relationship with this person however, and they cannot be in breach of any immigration laws at the time the decision on your application is made, or by the time you wish to enter the UK as a Visitor. This person must also be able to support you for the duration of your visit; 
• Any funds that you wish to rely upon must be held in a financial institution permitted under FIN 2.1 in Appendix Finance

In assessing genuineness, the visitor guidance confirms that caseworkers will be looking at factors such as your personal circumstances, and your travel and immigration history. Failure to comply with another country's immigration history in the past for example, is given as one reason for doubting the genuineness of an application to the UK as a Visitor.

As well as satisfying the general genuine visitor requirements, if you wish to study in the UK as a Visitor, you must also meet the genuine study requirements. This means that the proposed course of study that you wish to do must be credible and genuine. The visitor guidance sets out some of the factors that caseworkers may look at in assessing whether or not your proposed course of study is genuine. These factors include, the length of time you intend to study in the UK, and how this will impact upon your personal circumstances in your home country. Whether or not the course is also available elsewhere, and whether it is available online are also other factors that caseworkers will consider.   

Prohibited activities

As a Visitor you are not permitted to work in the UK. Work includes:

• Working for an organisation or business in the UK;
• Conducting business activities in the UK. This includes running or setting up a business as a self-employed person;
• Doing a work placement or internship (including as part of a course of study);
• Providing goods and services;
• Direct selling to the public.

You will not be permitted to access public funds during your stay in the UK as a Visitor. 'Public funds' are defined in paragraph 6 of the Immigration Rules as a list of specific benefits available. As you will be unable to work during your stay in the UK, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to maintain and support yourself without having to claim any of these benefits also.

You are also not permitted to access medical treatment in the UK other than private medical treatment (see  medical insurance ). 

If following finishing your studies as a Visitor, you wish to study a further course of studies for a duration of six months or more, you will not be permitted to switch into the Student route in the UK. You will need to apply for entry clearance in order to do this. Please refer to Applying for a Student route visa outside the UK  for further details. You will also be prohibited from switching into most working routes in the UK - see Working after studies . 

Extending your stay as a Visitor is also prohibited. Two exceptions to this however include visitors in the UK who wish to re-sit the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board Test. Overseas medical, dental, or nursing school graduates who intend on undertaking unpaid clinical attachments or dental observer posts in the UK, are also permitted to extend their stay in the UK.

Marrying, forming a civil partnership or wishing to give notice to marry or form a civil partnership are also prohibited as a Visitor. If you wish to do any of these activities, you must have prior entry clearance specifically endorsed for one of these purposes.

Receipt of payment for any activity carried out in the UK is also prohibited as a Visitor. Whilst there are limited exceptions to this, which include the receipt of reasonable expenses in certain circumstances, this is generally prohibited.

The Immigration Rules do not allow Visitors to bring family members to the UK. The only exception to this is for academic visitors who are permitted to bring an accompanying partner or child.

If you are applying as a Standard Visitor and you have a spouse, partner, child, or other person who wants to come with you to visit the UK, they must also apply to come to the UK in their own right as a  Standard Visitor.

As a Standard Visitor, the same rules on permitted and prohibited activities will also apply to your family members. As such, they must also meet the genuineness requirements, and will not be permitted to work in the UK. They will however be able to study as outlined above.

Do I need entry clearance?

Firstly, you will need to establish whether or not you are a visa national or a non-visa national. To do this, check whether the country you are a citizen of appears on the visa national list . If you see an asterisk next to your country, open up the next heading, 'Exceptions to the list of visa nationals' to see if you fall into any of the exceptions listed there - for example the one for passports issued by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, or the Macao Special Administrative Region, or Taiwan passports that show identification card numbers.

Visa nationals

If you are a visa national then you must apply for entry clearance as a Visitor before you travel to the UK.

It is a good idea to carry with you all of the documents that you submitted with your entry clearance application when you travel to the UK. The Border Force Officer may ask to see these documents when you arrive in the UK.

If you are a child visa national, your entry clearance must clearly state either that you will be accompanied and travelling with an adult identified in the entry clearance, or confirm that you will be travelling unaccompanied.

Entry clearance as a Visitor can be applied for from within any country outside of the UK (it does not have to be the country where you normally live).

Non-visa nationals

If you are a non-visa national it is not compulsory to apply for entry clearance before you travel to the UK should you wish to come to the UK to study as a Visitor. If you choose not to apply for entry clearance then you can apply to enter the UK as a Visitor on arrival at the port of entry.

If you do not obtain entry clearance before you travel, you will need to produce all the documents to support your application to enter the UK as a Visitor to the Border Force Officer when you arrive at the port of entry in the UK. This includes your acceptance letter from your institution confirming the study that you wish to do in the UK as a Visitor, an ATAS certificate (if applicable), and evidence of your finances in order to satisfy the genuineness requirement.

If you are a child Visitor and you wish to travel unaccompanied without either a parent or legal guardian, your parent or legal guardian must consent to your travel to, reception and care in the UK. If requested by a Border Force Officer, this consent must be given in writing. If you are a non-visa national child Visitor wishing to travel unaccompanied, it is therefore advisable to also travel with a letter of consent in writing confirming this.  

Electronic Travel Authorisation

An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), is a requirement for non-visa nationals who wish to travel to the UK for either the purpose of entering as a Visitor, or under the Creative Worker route. An ETA provides an individual with permission to travel to the UK and must be obtained in advance of travel. As an ETA only provides permission to travel to the UK, eligible individuals with an ETA must also subsequently obtain permission to enter the UK on arrival.

In order to apply you can either use the UK ETA app or apply online on the gov.uk website . Applications are automated, electronically linked to your passport, and cost £10 per applicant. Please note that each eligible individual must obtain their own ETA including children and babies.

The requirement to obtain an ETA will initially only apply to Qatari nationals from 25 October 2023, who wish to travel to the UK on or after 15 November 2023. The requirement will then be extended to nationals from Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia from 1 February 2024, who wish to travel to the UK on or after 22 February 2024.

The use of eGates

In June 2019 , the use of eGates at UK airports and the Brussels and Paris Eurostar terminals, was expanded to include the use by nationals from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the United States of America. Although nationals from these countries are non-visa nationals and therefore have a choice whether or not to apply for entry clearance, or to apply for permission to enter as a Visitor as outlined above, nationals of these countries are also permitted to use eGates.

The use of eGates to enter the UK as a Visitor will mean that you do not receive a stamp endorsed in your passport as you do not have to see a Border Force Officer in order to use one. Following using the eGates however, you will be permitted to enter the UK as a Visitor for a period of six months. In order to use an eGate, your passport must have a biometric symbol on the cover, and you must be above the age of ten in order to use one. Visitors between the ages of ten to seventeen must be accompanied by an adult.

It is important that you retain some form of evidence of your date of arrival in the UK if you use the eGates. Acceptable evidence includes an e-ticket, paper or electronic boarding pass. This will help you to remember the exact duration of your six month stay, and also provide you with appropriate documentation to produce to your institution as proof of your arrival date in the UK.

EU, EEA and Swiss nationals

Nationals from the EU, EEA and Switzerland are also non-visa nationals if wishing to visit the UK for a period of six months or less. If you are a national from one of these countries, you have the choice whether or not to apply for prior entry clearance as a Visitor, or for permission to enter as a Visitor at the port of entry in the UK.

Nationals from the EU, EEA and Switzerland are also permitted to use the eGates in order to enter as a visitor for a period of six months or less. As the use of an eGate is dependent on possessing a biometric passport, if you wish to travel to the UK using your national identity card and not a passport, you will not be able to use an eGate or request to see a Border Force Officer. You will need to apply for prior entry clearance in order to enter the UK as a Visitor.

School children aged 18 or under on organised school trips from France

If you are 18 or below, and studying at a school or educational institution in France which is registered with the French Ministry of Education, you are not required to obtain entry clearance in order to enter the UK. You must be entering the UK in a school party of five or more pupils which is organised by the school or the institution. This exemption applies regardless of your nationality. As entry clearance is not required, you will be permitted to either enter using an eGate (depending on your age and nationality), or by seeking permission to enter at the port of entry to the UK.

Applying for entry clearance

Your application must include:

• The completed application form. In every country apart from North Korea, you have to fill this in online .
• An acceptance letter confirming that you will be studying at an accredited institution if the purpose of your visit is to study (this does not apply to those visiting the UK for tourism or leisure who wish to attend a recreational course);
• The current application fee in local currency is £115 for a six month visitor visa. The fee for a long-term visitor visa is £400 for a two-year visa, £771 for a five-year visa and £963 for a ten-year visa;
• A valid travel document;
• Evidence that you have enough money to support yourself while you are in the UK. You need to show that you can pay for any applicable tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses. There are no specific requirements which state the amount of money you must show when you apply for a Visitor visa. However you must show that you have enough money to cover your course fees plus accommodation and living expenses. Using the Student maintenance figures as a guide only, it would be reasonable to show that you have the equivalent of £1,023 per month, or £1,334 per month if studying in London, for the duration of your studies. If you will be staying with friends or family while in the UK, which will decrease your living costs, you can include evidence of this;
• All other supporting documents as applicable as outlined in the Home Office's website on supporting documents for Visitor applications to the UK.

You must submit original documents. You will also need to provide a translation of any documents which are not already in English. Please refer to the Home Office's information on supporting documents for further details.

You must submit your completed immigration application to your nearest UK visa application centre . You do not need to apply in the country where you live.

Medical insurance

Please refer to the page for England , Scotland , Wales or Northern Ireland (depending on where you are going to stay in the UK), to see whether you will be entitled to free hospital treatment if you become ill during your visit to the UK.

Testing for Covid-19 is no longer free of charge for most people. For details, see NHS information , which explains the limited number of people eligible for a free test. If you are not eligible for a free test, you will have to pay for a test yourself. NHS treatment for people who are infected with Coronavirus (Covid-19) however remains free of charge for everyone.

As accessing medical treatment (other than hospital care as outline above), is prohibited as a Visitor, you will need to ensure that you obtain private medical insurance for your visit. Your private medical insurance should be obtained from the beginning of your stay and should cover the whole length of your stay.

Definitions

Accredited institution.

Is an institution which:

• Holds a student sponsor licence ; or
• Holds a valid accreditation from Accreditation UK, the Accreditation Body for Language Services (ABLS), the British Accreditation Council (BAC), or the Accreditation Service for International Colleges (ASIC); or
• Holds a valid and satisfactory full institution inspection, review or audit by Estyn, Education Scotland, the Independent Schools Inspectorate, Office for Standards in Education, the Office for Students, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education or the Education and Training Inspectorate Northern Ireland; or
• An overseas higher education institution offering only part of its programmes in the UK.

A State-funded school or academy

A "state-funded school or academy" means:

a) In England: An “Academy” as defined by and established under the Academies Act 2010, as amended. This includes academy schools, 16-19 academies and alternative provision academies b) In England and Wales: A “school maintained by a local authority” being an institution defined in the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 or the Education Act 1996, both as amended. This includes community schools, foundation schools, voluntary aided schools, voluntary controlled schools, community special schools, foundation special schools, pupil referral units, and maintained nursery schools. c) In Northern Ireland: A “grant-aided school” being a school to which grants are paid under the Education Orders as defined in the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986. This includes controlled, maintained, grant-maintained integrated schools and voluntary grammar schools. d) In Scotland: A “public school” and a “grant-aided school”, both as defined in section 135 of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 which defines a “public school” to mean “a school under the management of an education authority”. For the avoidance of doubt, these definitions include any such nursery schools and special schools. “Special school” has the meaning given in section 29(1) of the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004.

Higher Education provider

“Higher education provider” means a student sponsor which:

(a) in England, is an institution that is required to register with the Office for Students, because it is an “English Higher Education Provider”, as defined in the Office for Students Regulations and section 83 of the Higher Education and Research Act 2017; or (b) in Northern Ireland, is a higher education institution as set out in the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1993, or a body that provides higher education, and is recognised under the Further Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1997, with “in developmental” or “established provider” status; or (c) in Scotland, is an institution that provides higher education within the meaning of section 38 of the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992 and which is a post-16 education body within the meaning of section 35(1) of the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 2005; or (d) in Wales, is an institution that offers higher education provision and is a “regulated institution”, as defined in the Higher Education (Wales) Act 2015 (for the purpose of the 2015 Act, higher education is defined as education provided by means of a course of any description mentioned in Schedule 6 to the Education Reform Act 1988). 

Independent School

“Independent School” means:

(a) a school in England or Wales (which is not an Academy, a school maintained by a local authority, or a non-maintained special school), at which full-time education is provided for:

(i) five or more pupils of compulsory school age (whether or not such education is also provided at it for pupils under or over that age); or

(ii) for at least one pupil of compulsory school age (whether or not such education is also provided at it for pupils under or over that age) for whom an education, health and care (EHC) plan or a statement of special educational needs is maintained, or who is looked after by a local authority (within the meaning of section 22 of the Children Act 1989); or

(b) a school in Scotland (which is not a public school or a grant-aided school), at which full-time education is provided for pupils of school age (whether or not such education is also provided for pupils under or over that age); or

(c) a school in Northern Ireland (which is not grant-aided), which has been registered with the Department of Education.

Recreational courses

A recreational course means a course undertaken purely for leisure purposes that does not lead to a formal qualification, for example, a leisure course in pottery or horse riding.

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Essential Supporting Documents for UK Visit Visa Application

Navigating the requirements for a UK Visit Visa application can be daunting, but understanding the necessary supporting documents is crucial for a strong application. This blog post outlines the required documentation for all types of UK Visit Visa applications to help applicants prepare effectively.

Table of Contents

1. Required Supporting Documents for UK Visit Visa Application

When applying for a UK Visit Visa , certain supporting documents are essential across all visa types to validate your application:

• Valid Travel Document : A national passport or other travel documents that allow international travel.
• Previous Travel : Past passports or other travel documents showing previous travel.
• Financial Proof : Evidence of sufficient funds, such as bank statements or a letter from an employer, must be clear and verifiable.
• Confirmation of Legal Residence : If you’re not a national of the country from where you’re applying, or if your right to reside there isn’t evident in your passport, additional proof is needed.
• Employment or Study Details : A letter from your employer or education provider confirming your employment or enrolment and leave of absence.

If you’re self-employed, business registration documents are required to confirm the name of the business owner and the commencement date of trading.

For Business-Related Visits

Applicants visiting the UK for business purposes should provide:

• Details of their business activities in the UK, including letters from any inviting organizations.
• Proof of any performances or entertainment engagements if applicable.

Special Considerations for Applicants Under 18

Minors must include:

• A Birth Certificate or legal document showing the relationship with their parent or guardian.
• If traveling without parents, a detailed signed letter from the parent(s) is required, along with a copy of the parent(s) or legal guardian’s biographical passport page.

2. Academics Coming to Undertake Research (12-Month Visa)

Academics visiting the UK to engage in research must provide:

• A letter from their current employer on official company-headed paper, detailing the specifics of the sabbatical, exchange, or the research to be conducted.
• A confirmation letter from the host organization in the UK specifying the arrangements for the research or exchange.

If applicants are from a country listed in Appendix T part 1 of the Immigration Rules, they must also present a valid medical certificate from an approved medical practitioner as per Part 2 of Appendix T.

Family Accompanying Academics (12-Month Visa)

Family members of academics need to follow the same requirements for the medical certificate if they originate from countries listed in Appendix T Part 1.

3. Private Medical Treatment (6 and 11-Month Visa)

Applicants seeking visas for medical treatment must submit:

• A detailed letter from their UK-based doctor or consultant, specifying the medical condition, the estimated cost and duration of the treatment, and the location of the treatment.
• If applying for an 11-month visa from a country listed in Appendix T part 1, a valid medical certificate is required from a medical practitioner listed in Part 2 of Appendix T.

Extensions for private medical treatment require:

• A letter from a registered medical practitioner in the UK, which includes evidence of having paid for previous treatments and outlines the need for continued treatment.

For organ donors, the application must include a letter confirming:

• The intent to donate an organ, the relationship with the recipient, and where the procedure or further tests will occur.
• Proof of the recipient’s legal residency in the UK is also required.

4. Work-Related Training

Applicants must submit:

• For those taking Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board or Objective Structured Clinical Examination tests, a letter of confirmation from the respective Council.
• For unpaid clinical or dental observation, evidence of the offer and confirmation that such activities have not been previously undertaken in the UK.

5. Performers at Permit-Free Festivals

For performers at Permit-Free Festivals additional supporting document required for UK visit visa is:

• An invitation letter from the event organizers detailing the engagement terms and any remuneration.

6. Permitted Paid Engagements

Applicants must provide:

• An invitation from a UK organization within their field.
• For lecturers/examiners: Publications, evidence of prior lectures, or a letter confirming expertise.
• For entertainers/artists/sportspeople: Publicity materials, awards, reviews, or recent performance proof.
• For air pilot examiners: Membership documentation from their national aviation authority.
• For lawyers: A practicing certificate or equivalent professional standing evidence.

7. Visitor (Marriage/Civil Partnership)

Applicants should present:

• Documentation to prove they are free to marry or form a civil partnership if previously married.
• Evidence of arrangements to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK, or a letter from a registry office.

8. Transit Visitor

Transit visitors must provide:

• Proof of onward travel within the required timeframe, such as booking confirmations or travel agent documentation.
• Assurance of entry into the destination country, like a residence permit, ‘green card’, or valid visa.
• If applicable, evidence supporting the purpose of travel, like a holiday booking confirmation.

9. Documents Generally Not Required

You might not need to provide:

• Multiple copies of the same documents for family/group applications.
• Documents issued more than a year before the application.
• Non-essential personal documents like driving licenses, leisure activity certificates, or travel insurance.

Remember, submission of these documents does not guarantee visa approval. Be cautious about making any travel or accommodation bookings before your visa decision.

If your supporting documents are not in English or Welsh, a full translation must be provided, including the translator’s confirmation, date of translation, full name, and signature.

10. UK Visit Visa Document Checklist Guide

It’s important to recognize that the UK Visit Visa does not have a universally applicable list of required documents. Instead, the necessary documentation varies based on the specific purpose and nature of the visit.

Below is an illustrative guide—our ‘UK Visit Visa Document Checklist’—that provides general advice for applicants. Please be aware that this is not a mandatory list; it serves as an example of the types of documents typically submitted.

Indicative UK Visit Visa Document Checklist includes:

• Valid Passport or Travel Document : Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your visit.
• Passport Quantity : Indicate the number of passports being submitted.
• Photograph : Include one recent photograph following UKVI’s guidelines.
• Legal Status : If applying from a country where you are not a national, provide evidence of your legal status there.
• Confirm arrangements for your trip with documents such as tour itineraries, flight details, invitation letters, and evidence of the immigration status of your sponsor in the UK.
• For employment, provide documents such as an employer’s letter, pay slips, tax returns, business registration documents, and business bank statements.
• For education, furnish proof of enrollment and any qualifications obtained.
• Show evidence of your monthly income as claimed on the application, which can include bank statements, tax returns, and balance certificates.
• Demonstrate your financial ability to cover the trip costs, with documents such as bank statements from the person financing your trip.
• Present evidence of property ownership or rental, including property deeds, mortgage statements, or tenancy agreements.
• Provide details of your UK accommodation and travel plans, such as hotel bookings or sponsor accommodation details.
• Offer proof of marital status through certificates of marriage, civil partnership, divorce, or death where applicable.
• Show evidence of family members remaining in your home country during your UK visit.
• Submit any additional documents that you believe support your UK Visit Visa Application.

Remember, this checklist is intended to guide you through your visa application process. Specific requirements may vary, and applicants should tailor their documentation to their individual circumstances.

11. Conclusion

For applicants seeking to visit the UK, presenting the correct supporting documents is a significant part of the application process. Always refer to the UK Visas and Immigration website for the most current and detailed information, including any additional documents for specific types of visit visas.

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• Entering and staying in the UK
• Refugees, asylum and human rights
• Refugee, asylum and human rights claims

Visas and immigration operational guidance

Visas and immigration operational guidance for staff.

A collection of operational policy guidance used by UK Visas and Immigration staff to make decisions.

Asylum guidance

• 11 June 2014
• 2 October 2023
• 13 January 2021
• 25 October 2023
• 31 March 2023
• 19 September 2017

Enforcement guidance

• 1 August 2023
• 3 November 2016
• 28 November 2013

Electronic travel authorisation (ETA) guidance

• 1 February 2024
• 25 July 2023

Entry clearance guidance

• 17 December 2013
• 18 December 2013
• 16 April 2014

Fees and forms

• 24 November 2022
• 16 June 2023
• 31 January 2024
• Policy paper

Immigration rules

• 13 March 2024
• 11 March 2024

Immigration staff guidance

• 14 May 2021
• 27 November 2013
• 13 January 2023
• 7 January 2022
• 29 August 2023
• 6 October 2023
• 11 October 2022
• 14 September 2020
• 8 February 2018
• 26 October 2023
• 27 April 2015
• 17 August 2022
• 17 January 2022
• 21 November 2022
• 14 November 2022

Nationality guidance

• 10 May 2023
• 23 November 2022
• 14 November 2017
• 28 June 2022
• 31 January 2021

Windrush guidance

• 16 January 2024
• 24 October 2023

Added caseworker guidance for the electronic travel authorisation.

New caseworker guidance on the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Irish resident exemption added.

First published.

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