Standard Visitor visa
Visitor visa
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Visitor visa
Standard Visitor visa
You can come to the UK as a Standard Visitor if you are studying for up to six months and your course does not include a work placement.
The information on this page is for guidance only. It is intended for students who may be suitable to apply for a Standard Visitor visa, including those who are:
- Applying to UEL for one semester as part of an Exchange or Study Abroad programme
- Studying a UEL degree overseas through a partner institution or by distance learning, and need to travel to the UK occasionally for a short period, for example to attend course induction
- Undertaking re-sit exams or re-taking a module
- Taking a viva (oral) examination as part of a PhD
- Attending a graduation ceremony if a Student visa expires before the ceremony and they do not already hold a valid UK visa
This route must not be used for longer courses of study that would normally require a Student visa.
You should read the information carefully on the Standard Visitor visa eligibility and requirements on GOV.UK before applying. You can also find further information on the UKCISA guidance on visitors.
Who needs to apply for a Standard Visitor visa?
Depending on your nationality, you may not need a visa before you travel to the UK. You should check if you need a visa in advance of travelling to the UK, or if you can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and request entry at the UK border.
Visa Nationals
You need to apply for a Visitor visa in advance of travelling to the UK.
If you are on the list of nationalities who require entry clearance before travelling to the UK as a Visitor, you are considered a visa national under the Immigration Rules.
You must apply online for a Standard Visitor visa from your country of residence once you have all the documents and information you need to submit your application.
You must receive a successful decision before you travel to the UK. You can travel only from the start date shown on your visa.
Non-Visa Nationals
You do not need to apply for a Visitor visa in advance, but you must apply for an ETA before travelling to the UK.
Nationals of certain countries, including those from the EU, do not need to apply for a visa in advance if they plan to visit the UK for up to six months. However, they must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling.
If your country is not listed on the UKVI visa national list, you are considered a non-visa national. This means you can request permission to enter the UK on arrival rather than applying for a visa in advance.
However, you must still meet the requirements for entry as a Standard Visitor, including the purpose and length of your stay.
You should prepare supporting documents in advance and keep them in your hand luggage in case you are questioned at the UK border.
The six-month visit period starts on the date you first enter the UK and ends when you leave. It is your responsibility to make sure you do not stay in the UK for more than six months as a visitor.
You should also be prepared to show evidence of your return travel arrangements, such as a booked flight leaving the UK.
If you enter the UK using the eGates, your passport will not be stamped. You should keep your boarding pass or luggage tag as evidence of the date you entered the UK.
How to apply for a Standard Visitor visa?
If you need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa, you must apply online.
The earliest you can apply is three months before you travel. Make sure you allow enough time to submit your application and receive your decision.
The current fee for a Standard Visitor visa for up to six months is £135. Processing usually takes around three weeks once you have applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents.
You can check the most up-to-date visa processing times and Standard Visitor visa requirements on GOV.UK before you apply.
Fees are subject to change.
What documents should I prepare?
You must show that you are a genuine visitor. This means confirming that you will:
- Stay in the UK for no more than six months
- Leave the UK at the end of your visit
- Have enough money to support yourself, or have financial support from a sponsor, and pay for your return or onward journey
- Not live in the UK through frequent visits or make the UK your main home
The documents you need may vary depending on your country and personal circumstances, but standard documents include:
- A passport
- Evidence of the purpose of your visit, such as a supporting letter from the University, an offer letter or a graduation invitation
- Proof that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay, such as bank statements, payslips or a letter from your employer. As a guide, £1,529 per person per month
- Accommodation and travel details, including where you will stay and evidence that you can pay for your return travel
- Evidence of ties to your home country, such as employment or study letters, property ownership or family ties
All documents that are not in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation that meets UK Visas and Immigration requirements.
For more guidance, read the guide to supporting documents for visiting the UK.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
What is the ETA scheme and who needs to apply?
Most visitors travelling to the UK will need either an ETA or a visa.
The ETA is a digital permission to travel. It is linked to your passport and is checked before you travel to the UK.
It lasts for two years, or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner.
An ETA is required for non-visa nationals travelling to the UK for up to six months and does not guarantee entry to the UK.
You can check if you need an ETA or a visa to come to the UK.
You do not need an ETA if you have a British or Irish passport, or if you already hold valid immigration permission to live, work or study in the UK.
How to apply and obtain an ETA
It costs £20 to apply for an ETA.
You cannot get a refund after you apply. Fees are subject to change, so you should always check the latest information before submitting your application.
What you cannot do
There are restrictions on what you can do in the UK as a Standard Visitor. You must not:
- Undertake paid or unpaid work, including work placements or work experience
- Study on a course that lasts longer than six months
- Access medical treatment, except in limited circumstances, other than private medical treatment
- Use this visa as a way to live in the UK for extended periods
- Extend your stay while in the UK
- Switch to a different visa category from within the UK
- Claim public funds, including benefits
- Marry, register a civil partnership or give notice of marriage
This is not a full list. You can read more in the Immigration Rules Appendix V: Visitor.
Bringing family members (Dependants)
Visiting the UK with family members
The Immigration Rules do not allow visitors to bring family members to the UK. The only exception is for academic visitors, who may bring an accompanying partner or child.
If you are applying as a Standard Visitor and your spouse, partner, child or another family member wants to travel with you, they must:
- Apply for a Standard Visitor visa in their own right
- Meet the visa requirements independently
Each application is assessed on its own merits, even if you are travelling together.
Exception: Academic visitors
If you are visiting the UK as an academic visitor, you may be able to bring:
- A partner
- A child
This exception applies only to academic visitors. It does not apply to Standard Visitors.
Check the Standard Visitor visa eligibility and requirements on GOV.UK before applying.
Medical treatment
Accessing medical treatment, other than in limited circumstances, is not permitted while you are in the UK as a Standard Visitor. You should therefore make sure you have private medical insurance for your trip.
Your insurance should be arranged before you travel, start from the beginning of your stay and cover the full duration of your visit.
Read the UKCISA guidance on healthcare in the UK for more information.