Visitor Visa Solicitors

Visa nationals normally need a visitor visa before travel. Many non-visa nationals instead need an electronic travel authorisation, while exemptions apply to some travellers. Nationality alone should not be assessed using an old EEA or visa-exempt list: check the current government tool against the passport, status and journey.

An ETA is permission to travel, not a guarantee of admission or an exemption from Visitor conditions. British and Irish passport holders and people with permission to live, work or study in the UK are among those who do not need an ETA. Check individual circumstances, including transit, before booking.

• Electronic travel authorisation
• Standard Visitor overview

The applicant must show a permitted purpose, an intention to leave and enough money for the visit and return or onward journey without working or accessing public funds. Costs should be realistic for the proposed itinerary and personal circumstances.

A third party can provide support where the rules are met, including a genuine relationship and the ability and intention to provide it. A UK invitation is helpful context but does not replace the applicant’s own eligibility or guarantee entry.

• A clear itinerary and explanation of the visit’s purpose.
• Evidence of funds and their source, including any supporter’s arrangements.
• Accommodation details and relevant commitments outside the UK.
• An accurate account of previous travel, refusals and immigration history.

• Appendix V: Visitor

Permitted business activities include meetings, interviews and negotiating contracts. The detailed rules also allow specified activities connected with overseas employment. Permission to attend a meeting should not be treated as permission to take a UK job or provide unrestricted services.

Remote activity relating to overseas employment is permitted only where it is not the main purpose of the visit. There are specific provisions for some paid engagements and professional activities; these do not create a general right to work. The actual duties, payment arrangements and purpose should be checked.

• Visitor permitted activities
• Work visa options

Visitors can generally study for up to six months at an accredited institution, subject to the relevant conditions. This differs from the separate provision for a short recreational course; the old blanket 30-day study limit should not be used.

Research, electives, professional examinations and distance-learning visits have specific conditions. A longer course or different study plan may require a Student or other study route. Medical visits and other specialist purposes also need their own supporting evidence.

Standard Visitor permission is not the usual route for giving notice of marriage or marrying in the UK. Consider the appropriate marriage route and whether the intention is to leave afterwards or apply to live with a partner.

• Visiting to study
• Student visas
• Fiancé(e) family route

An ordinary Standard Visitor stay is usually limited to six months. Specific provisions can allow longer stays for certain purposes; they are not a general extension option for anyone who wants more time.

Long-term Standard Visitor visas can be issued for two, five or ten years, but ordinarily limit each visit to six months. Their longer validity does not authorise continuous residence. Frequent or successive trips must still satisfy the genuine-visitor requirement, and the Home Office may issue a shorter visa than requested.

• Applying for a Standard Visitor visa

Where a visa is required, apply online before travelling and follow the identity and document instructions. Evidence should support the stated purpose and finances, with explanations for unusual transactions or apparent inconsistencies.

Check current government fees and processing guidance when preparing the application. Past refusals need accurate disclosure and analysis of the reasons; a fresh application should address the actual concerns rather than simply repeat the same documents.

Legal assistance may help assess the intended activities and supporting evidence. The scope of any Highfin instruction would need to be confirmed, and no visitor visa or border decision can be guaranteed.

• Personal immigration