You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for tourism, business, study (courses up to 6 months) and other permitted activities.
You can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months. You might be able to apply to stay for longer in certain circ*mstances, for example to get medical treatment.
What you need to do
Check if what you plan to do in the UK is allowed as a Standard Visitor.
Check you meet the eligibility requirements.
Check if you need to apply for a visa to visit the UK.
Apply for a Standard Visitor visa online - if you need one.
What you can and cannot do (‘permitted activities’)
You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor:
You cannot:
- do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person, unless you’re doing a permitted paid engagement or event
- claim public funds (benefits)
- live in the UK for long periods of time through frequent or successive visits
- marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership - you’ll need to apply for a Marriage Visitor visa
Check you meet the eligibility requirements
You must have a passport or travel document to enter the UK. It should be valid for the whole of your stay.
You must be able to show that:
- you’ll leave the UK at the end of your visit
- you’re able to support yourself and your dependants during your trip (or have funding from someone else to support you)
- you’re able to pay for your return or onward journey (or have funding from someone else to pay for the journey)
- you’ll not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your main home
You may need to meet extra eligibility requirements if you’re visiting the UK:
Check if you need a visa to visit the UK
Depending on your nationality, you’ll either:
- have to apply for a Standard Visitor visa before you travel to the UK
- be able to visit the UK for up to 6 months without needing a visa
You can check if you need a visa before you apply.
If you do not need a visa, you must still meet the Standard Visitor eligibility requirements to visit the UK. You may be asked questions at the UK border about your eligibility and the activities you plan to do.
If you’ve previously been refused entry to the UK or have a criminal record, you may want to apply for a Standard Visitor visa (even if you do not need one).
If you have to apply for a Standard Visitor visa
You must apply for a Standard Visitor visa online before you travel to the UK.
A Standard Visitor visa costs £115 for up to 6 months. The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel.
If you visit the UK regularly, you can choose to apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa instead.
You can pass through the UK to another country on a Standard Visitor visa. If transiting is your only reason for coming to the UK, you can apply for a Visitor in Transit visa instead for £64.
FAQs
What are the documents required for UK Visitor Visa applications?
- A valid passport or travel document.
- Bank statements confirming that you can support yourself and your return journey.
- Evidence of your purpose for the visit.
- Evidence that you will leave the UK at the end of your proposed visit.
Standard visitors can come to the UK for up to six months in any 12 month period, so this type of visa would be suitable for anyone coming to the UK to visit you for a holiday, to attend your graduation or to stay with you for a short period of time.
How long can US visitors stay in UK? ›
You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for tourism, business, study (courses up to 6 months) and other permitted activities. You can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months. You might be able to apply to stay for longer in certain circ*mstances, for example to get medical treatment.
What do American citizens need to enter the UK? ›
Your identity document (for example your passport or identity card) will be checked when you arrive at a UK port or airport to make sure you're allowed to come into the country. It should be valid for the whole of your stay. You may also need a visa to come into or travel through the UK, depending on your nationality.
What are the new requirements for travel to the UK? ›
You do not need to take any COVID-19 travel tests or self-isolate on arrival in England if you qualify as fully vaccinated. The testing and quarantine rules for international travel to England will change 11 February 2022. You can now choose a lateral flow test or a PCR test as your post arrival test.
Is a UK visitor visa difficult to get? ›
Securing a UK visitor visa can be a challenging process, but with careful planning and preparation, it is entirely achievable.
How much bank balance is required for an UK tourist visa? ›
If you want to apply for a UK tourist visa, you must present your bank statements from the last 6 months. While there is no fixed minimum balance, it is recommended that you maintain a balance of 2,00,000-3,00,000 INR for smooth processing.
How much bank balance is required for a US tourist visa from the UK? ›
While no exact minimum balance is stipulated, your bank balance for US visitor visa must reflect the capacity to cover all travel and living costs during your stay.
Why is UK visitor visa so expensive? ›
The Government charges more than the cost of processing applications to help fund the wider borders and immigration system.
How much is a tourist visa to UK from USA? ›
Standard Visitor visa - for UK, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey
| Visa types | Visa application fee (USD) |
|---|
| Short-term (up to 6 months, single or multiple entry) | 152 |
| Longer-term (valid for up to 2 years) | 571 |
| Longer-term (valid for up to 5 years) | 1020 |
| Longer-term (valid for up to 10 years) | 1274 |
5 more rowsPassports providing visa-free entry to the UK
Malta, Vanuatu, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis and St Luciaare members of the Commonwealth of Nations. Therefore, citizens of these countries can come to the UK without visas and stay for up to 6 months.
What documents do I need to travel to the UK? ›
What Are the Required Documents for a UK Visa?
- UK visa application form. ...
- Two photographs. ...
- Your Valid Passport. ...
- Proof you have the financial means to cover the living costs while in the UK. ...
- Proof of accommodation. ...
- Detailed travel itinerary. ...
- Tuberculosis Test Results. ...
- Biometric information.
If you've spent time outside the UK
You must have spent no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 months. If you think you're affected by this rule, the Home Office has guidance about how to calculate your time in the UK ('continuous residence').
Is it safe to travel to London right now? ›
Is London safe for travel? Generally — yes, absolutely! London is a lovely destination with an exciting mix of museums, nightlife, history, and more. Some London locals helped us put together this guide to staying safe in their hometown.
What are the requirements to go to UK? ›
UK Visa Requirements
A completed and printed Visa Application FormValid passport (valid for 6 months from departure date, with 2 blank pages) A completed and printed Visa Application FormBank statements for the last 3 months. A completed and printed Visa Application FormConfirmation of salary.
Do US citizens need ETA to enter the UK? ›
Once it is fully implemented, the new ETA travel requirement will apply to visitors to the UK from all round the world, including the EU, US, Canada, and Australia. An ETA gives permission to travel to the UK but is not permission to enter the UK – it is not a visa or permission to live or work in the UK.
How to get UK tourist visa from USA? ›
To apply for a UK visa in the USA you need to:
- apply online.
- pay your fee.
- book and attend your biometric appointment.
- Attend an Application Support Center ( ASC )
- mail your application.
By the end of 2024, Electronic Travel Authorisation will be a requirement worldwide for visitors who do not currently need a visa for short stays.
