01 · Overview
What is the Standard Visitor route?
The Standard Visitor route covers common short visits such as tourism, seeing family or friends, selected business activities, private medical treatment and eligible study of up to six months. Depending on nationality, a traveller may need a Standard Visitor visa, an Electronic Travel Authorisation, or neither, while still meeting visitor rules at the border.
02 · Eligibility logic
The application must tell one coherent story.
A strong application shows that the visit has a permitted purpose, that the applicant will leave at the end of the trip, and that the full cost of the visit and return journey can be covered without working or relying on public funds.
- PurposeTourism, family visit, eligible business, short study or another permitted activity.
- Financial capacityEnough money for travel, accommodation, daily costs and dependants.
- Home ties and return planEvidence that supports the intention to leave the UK after the visit.
- Activity evidenceInvitations or supporting letters for conferences, education visits, training or family stays where relevant.
03 · Documents
Build evidence around the facts of the trip.
A valid travel document with the details used in the online application.
Employment, study, business, retirement or other evidence that explains the applicant’s situation.
Bank records, income evidence or sponsor documents that match the trip budget.
Dates, destination, accommodation, expected costs and the reason for visiting.
Evidence of family relationship or an invitation from the UK host or organisation when relevant.
Documents not in English or Welsh need a full, independently verifiable translation with the required translator details.
Submitting a document does not guarantee approval. Avoid non-refundable bookings until the visa decision is known.
04 · Application route
From online application to decision.
- 1
Check the route
Use the official UK service to confirm whether you need a visa, an ETA or can travel without either.
- 2
Complete the online application
Enter accurate information in English and keep names, dates, travel plans and finances consistent across the evidence.
- 3
Pay and prove identity
Follow the service instructions to pay the current fee, provide documents and complete identity or biometric steps.
- 4
Wait for the decision
Standard Visitor applications made outside the UK are usually decided within about three weeks, but actual times vary.
05 · Applicants under 18
Consent and care arrangements matter.
Young visitors need suitable travel and accommodation arrangements, enough financial support and appropriate parental or guardian consent. A child travelling alone should carry written consent and full contact details for the parent or guardian, plus evidence of suitable accommodation and care in the UK.
When travelling with an adult who is not a parent, that adult’s details must be declared as required in the application. Each traveller still needs their own application where a visa is required.
06 · Boundaries
A visitor is not a worker or resident.
Typically permitted
Tourism, visiting family or friends, meetings, conferences, selected business activities and eligible short study.
Generally not permitted
Taking ordinary paid or unpaid work, using repeated visits to live in the UK, accessing public funds or marrying under the Standard Visitor route.
07 · Official sources
Use the source of truth before you press submit.
Need academy documents for an education visit?
Admissions can help with genuine Come To UK Academy course, study-tour or invitation documentation. We do not guarantee visa outcomes or act as immigration decision-makers.