The UK Standard Visitor Visa allows foreign nationals to enter the United Kingdom for short-term visits and temporary purposes only
It is commonly used for tourism, visiting family or friends, business-related activities, short courses, events, and private medical treatment
The visa does not allow employment, long-term study, settlement, or access to public funds
The standard visa permits a stay of up to six months per visit
Long-term Standard Visitor Visas may be issued for two, five, or ten years, but each stay is still limited to six months
UK Standard Visitor Visa – Eligibility Requirements
Genuine Visitor Requirement
➤ The applicant must be a genuine visitor
➤ The visit must be temporary and for a permitted purpose only
➤ The applicant must intend to leave the UK at the end of the visit
➤ The applicant must not intend to live in the UK through frequent or successive visits
Purpose of Visit
➤ The purpose of travel must be clear, specific, and credible
➤ Permitted purposes include
➤ Tourism and leisure
➤ Visiting family or friends
➤ Business meetings, conferences, and negotiations
➤ Short-term study or training lasting no more than six months
➤ Private medical treatment
➤ The declared purpose must match the supporting documents
Financial Requirement
➤ The applicant must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover
➤ Travel costs
➤ Accommodation expenses
➤ Daily living expenses
➤ Funds must be legally obtained and clearly documented
➤ The applicant must not rely on public funds or illegal work
Ties to Home Country
➤ The applicant must show strong ties to their home country
➤ These ties may include
➤ Employment or business commitments
➤ Ongoing education
➤ Family responsibilities
➤ Property ownership or long-term residence
➤ Strong ties support the intention to return after the visit
Accommodation and Travel Plans
➤ The applicant must show details of where they will stay in the UK
➤ Hotel reservations or an invitation letter may be provided
➤ A basic travel plan or itinerary strengthens credibility
Immigration History and Compliance
➤ The applicant must have a good immigration history
➤ Previous overstays, refusals, or violations can negatively affect the decision
➤ All previous visa refusals must be declared truthfully
No Intention to Settle or Seek Protection
➤ The applicant must not intend to
➤ Work in the UK
➤ Study long-term
➤ Settle permanently
➤ Apply for asylum or humanitarian protection
➤ Any indication of such intent may result in refusal
Key Warnings
➤ There is usually no right of appeal for Standard Visitor Visa refusals
➤ Each application is assessed individually based on credibility and evidence
➤ Consistency across the application form, documents, and travel purpose is essential
➤ The visa decision focuses on return intention, not travel motivation
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