United Kingdom · Tourist Visa
Tourist and visitor visa requirements, visa-free entry, duration, and application steps.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
Most short visits to the UK use the Standard Visitor route, usually up to 6 months. Visa-exempt nationals must hold an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; visa nationals apply for a Standard Visitor visa online in advance. Visitors cannot work or claim public funds.
Most short visits to the UK for tourism or business use the Standard Visitor route, usually for up to 6 months. Nationals of many countries do not need a visa in advance but must hold an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; others must apply for a Standard Visitor visa online. Visitors cannot work or access public funds.
- The Standard Visitor route covers tourism and business visits, usually up to 6 months.
- Visa-exempt nationals must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling.
- Visa-national travellers must apply for a Standard Visitor visa online before travel.
- Visitors cannot take employment or claim public funds.
- 1
Check whether you need an ETA or a visa
Check your nationality on GOV.UK. Visa-exempt nationals need an ETA; visa nationals must apply for a Standard Visitor visa before travelling.
- 2
Apply online
Apply for the ETA or the Standard Visitor visa through the official GOV.UK service. Use only the official site — third-party sites charge extra for the same application.
- 3
Prepare your supporting evidence
Be ready to show the purpose of your visit, where you will stay, how the trip is funded and that you will leave at the end of it.
- 4
Submit biometrics if asked
Visa applicants usually attend a visa application centre to give fingerprints and a photograph. ETA applications are completed online, including a photo.
- 5
Travel and observe the visitor rules
Carry your passport and authorisation. Do not take employment, do not claim public funds, and leave before your permitted stay ends.
- Nationality checked on GOV.UK (ETA or visa)
- Application submitted on the official GOV.UK service
- Purpose of visit and accommodation documented
- Proof of funds for the trip prepared
- Biometrics given if required
- Passport valid for the whole intended stay
- No work and no public funds during the visit
- Standard Visitor visa (GOV.UK)
Official visitor-visa guide and application.
- Electronic Travel Authorisation (GOV.UK)
Official ETA requirement and application.
Frequently asked questions
What is an ETA and who needs one?
An Electronic Travel Authorisation is a digital permission to travel that visa-exempt nationals must obtain before departure. It is not a visa: it authorises travel to the UK, while the border officer still decides admission.
How long can I stay as a Standard Visitor?
Usually up to 6 months per visit. The route is for temporary visits — it is not meant to be used to live in the UK through repeated or back-to-back stays.
Can I do business activities as a visitor?
The Standard Visitor route covers permitted business activities such as meetings, conferences and negotiations. It does not allow taking employment or delivering paid work to a UK client — check the permitted-activities list on GOV.UK.
Government portals
- UK Government (GOV.UK) — UK's unified government services portal — visas, taxes, driving licences, benefits and more
- UK Visas and Immigration — UK visa applications, Biometric Residence Permits (BRP), and work authorization
- HM Revenue & Customs — Self Assessment tax returns, National Insurance, VAT registration and payment