The UK Standard Visitor visa covers tourism, visiting family, business trips and private medical treatment. This 2026 guide explains how long you can stay, what you can and can’t do, the fees, and how to apply — including the key rule that you can’t work.
How long can you stay?
You can stay up to 6 months per visit. Long-term visitor visas (2, 5 or 10 years) allow multiple entries, but each individual visit must still not exceed 6 months, and you can’t effectively live in the UK through back-to-back trips.
Fees (from 8 April 2026)
- £135 — 6-month visa
- £506 — 2-year · £903 — 5-year · £1,128 — 10-year
Optional priority service costs extra. There’s no Immigration Health Surcharge for visitors (the NHS may charge for treatment).
What you can do
Tourism and sightseeing across the UK, visiting friends and relatives, business activities (meetings, conferences, negotiations — but not doing a job), private medical treatment, and short study (courses up to 6 months, or recreational courses up to 30 days).
What you can’t do
- No work — paid or unpaid, employed or self-employed, including delivering services to UK clients;
- no running or setting up a business;
- no long-term study (that needs a Student visa);
- no access to public funds, and no marrying (that needs a Marriage Visitor visa).
How to apply
Apply online, pay the fee, then give your biometrics at a visa application centre. You must show you’re a genuine visitor who will leave at the end of your trip and can fund it. A decision usually takes about 3 weeks. If you’re refused, see our guide on what to do after a visa refusal.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I stay on a Standard Visitor visa?
Up to 6 months per visit, even on a 2, 5 or 10-year visa.
How much does a UK Visitor visa cost?
From 8 April 2026: £135 for 6 months, £506 for 2 years, £903 for 5 years or £1,128 for 10 years.
Can I work on a Visitor visa?
No — you can’t do paid or unpaid work, be self-employed, or run a business; business visitors can only attend meetings and similar activities.
What can I do as a visitor?
Tourism, visiting family and friends, business meetings and conferences, private medical treatment, and short courses.
Do visitors pay the Immigration Health Surcharge?
No — there’s no IHS for visitors, though the NHS may charge for treatment.
How long does a decision take?
Usually about 3 weeks after you provide your biometrics.
