UK Standard Visitor Visa in 2026: Rules, Fees and Duration

The Standard Visitor visa is the main way to come to the UK for a short time — tourism, visiting relatives, short study or business meetings. ONLYWAY NEWS has gone through the official GOV.UK rules that apply in 2026.

What can you do on this visa?

A Standard Visitor can take part in tourism and holidays, visit family and friends, pass through the country in transit, carry out certain business activities such as meetings, and study on courses lasting up to 6 months. Volunteering with a registered charity and recreational courses (for example dance) are allowed for up to 30 days.

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What is not allowed?

You cannot do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or be self-employed (unless it is a permitted paid engagement), claim public funds, effectively live in the UK through frequent visits, or make the UK your main home. You also cannot marry or give notice of marriage — that needs a separate Marriage Visitor visa.

What other activities are allowed?

As well as tourism, a Standard Visitor can come to study, do a placement or take exams, take part in Erasmus+ programmes and school exchanges, carry out permitted paid engagements as an expert in their profession, and visit as an academic, senior doctor or dentist. You need a passport or travel document valid for the whole of your stay. If you have been refused entry before or have a criminal record, it can make sense to apply for a visa even when you do not strictly need one.

How long can you stay?

You can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months on a Standard Visitor visa. In some cases, such as medical treatment, you may be able to stay longer. Even if your nationality does not need a visa, you must still meet the same requirements; some travellers only need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA), which allows up to 6 months without a visa.

How much does it cost?

A short visa for up to 6 months costs £135. A Visitor in Transit visa costs £74.50. A visa for medical reasons (up to 11 months) and an academic visa (up to 12 months) each cost £234.

Is there a long-term visa?

If you visit regularly, you can apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa valid for 2, 5 or 10 years — although each individual stay is still limited to 6 months. The fees are £506 for 2 years, £903 for 5 years and £1,128 for 10 years.

How do you apply?

You apply online before you travel, at the earliest 3 months in advance. You then attend a visa application centre, prove your identity with your passport and give your fingerprints and photo. A decision usually takes about 3 weeks, after which you receive an eVisa. You must show that you will leave at the end of your visit and can support yourself and pay for your return journey.

Always check the current fees and rules on GOV.UK before you apply. This guide was prepared by the ONLYWAY NEWS editorial team.