UK Standard Visitor visa: requirements and document checklist
The Standard Visitor route covers tourism, visiting family or friends, certain business activities and other permitted short visits. It does not normally allow paid or unpaid work for a UK company.
Costs, funds and key figures
A new Standard Visitor visa application is made outside the UK. There is no fixed GOV.UK minimum bank balance: the applicant must show enough accessible money for the planned trip, return or onward travel and any dependants, with evidence consistent with their income and trip cost.
Figures checked against the official source on 7 August 2026. Government charges and rules can change.Standard Visitor visa for up to 6 months. Long-term options cost £506 (2 years), £903 (5 years) or £1,128 (10 years); each visit is normally limited to 6 months.
Verify with GOV.UK ↗Living fundsNo fixed amountPrepare a realistic trip budget covering travel, accommodation and daily costs, and documents showing the source and availability of the money.
Verify with GOV.UK ↗Healthcare surchargeNot chargedVisitors do not pay the immigration health surcharge and may have to pay for NHS care when used.
Verify with GOV.UK ↗When to applyUp to 3 months before travelApply online before travelling and attend a visa application centre if instructed.
Verify with GOV.UK ↗Prepare for the purpose of the visit
Start with the general Visitor rules, then use the checklist for identity, purpose, funding, sponsor and activity-specific information.
Identity, purpose, funding, sponsor and conditional evidence.
Read focused guide →Fees and additional costs6-month and long-term application fees, IHS and extra charges.
Read focused guide →Family visit or Family visa?Separate a temporary visit from moving to live with family.
Read focused guide →Standard Visitor (up to 6 months) calculator
Use the intended visa duration for the IHS estimate. Partial years are calculated by the official application.
The inside-UK figure is only for a permitted Visitor extension, not a new Visitor visa application.
Priority and super priority are optional and are not available for every route, location or appointment. Selecting one here does not confirm availability.
General eligibility points
Use these as research prompts. Meeting them does not guarantee a successful application.
- You intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit.
- You can support yourself and any dependants during the trip without working or accessing public funds.
- You can pay for your return or onward journey.
- Your planned activities are permitted under the Visitor rules.
Document checklist
The exact evidence depends on the route and circumstances.
- A passport or travel document valid for the whole stay.
- Travel dates, accommodation plans and an estimate of the trip cost.
- Evidence of funds and the source of those funds where relevant.
- Evidence explaining the purpose of the visit and your circumstances in your home country.
- Certified translations for documents that are not in English or Welsh.
Outside and inside the UK are different pathways
Choose the column matching where the applicant will be when they apply. This is general orientation; always check the linked GOV.UK route page.
Four preparation steps
Check whether your activity is permitted
Confirm whether your nationality requires a visa
Prepare evidence that matches the purpose of the visit
Apply online and attend an appointment if required
Check the current GOV.UK rules
Government requirements can change. Use these official pages as the authoritative source.
Administrative document checklist — £20 per document
We check legibility, orientation, page order and file naming, and record whether the document type appears on the published GOV.UK checklist you selected. We do not decide whether the document satisfies an immigration requirement or recommend evidence.
Important boundary: this is an administrative comparison, not immigration advice. We do not decide whether a document proves a requirement, is sufficient for a particular case or is likely to be accepted. We do not recommend evidence, interpret refusals or guarantee an outcome. Do not send documents through the enquiry form; secure delivery instructions must be agreed first.
Request a document quality check →Visitor visa FAQs
How long can a visitor usually stay?+
A Standard Visitor can usually stay for up to 6 months, although different limits can apply to particular activities.
Does a flight booking guarantee approval?+
No. Travel bookings do not establish eligibility, and GOV.UK advises applicants to consider waiting for a decision before committing to travel.
Can a visitor work in the UK?+
The route does not normally permit work for a UK company or self-employment. Only specific permitted activities are allowed.