Personal Immigration Service
We offer a range of services suited to your personal immigration situation, including preparing and submitting visa applications, immigration reviews or representing you in your appeal or challenge of a refusal decision.
Do you need a UK Visitor visa?
If you are from the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, you can visit the UK for up to 6 months without a visa, but you must engage in permitted activities and may be questioned about the purpose of your visit.
If you are from outside these regions, a Visitor visa is required for entering the UK, allowing for various purposes such as family visits, tourism, business, and studying courses for up to 6 months, while non-visa nationals may need to apply for entry clearance based on nationality.
Types of UK Visitor visas
There are various types of Visitor visas available for visiting the UK, each with its own permitted activities and conditions based on the purpose of your visit.
You can make an application for the following types of UK Visitor visas:
- Standard Visitor visa (for various permitted activities, such as business, visiting family, studying, or ‘permitted paid engagements’)
- Marriage Visitor visa (for conducting a marriage or civil partnership)
- Visitor In Transit visa (for entering the UK from certain countries, for up to 48 hours)
If you need guidance, support, or further information regarding any of these visa types, reach out to us. We can provide valuable assistance and insights to help you navigate the visa application process effectively.
UK Visitor visa requirements
You must demonstrate that you meet certain eligibility requirements to be granted a Visitor visa, depending on the type of visit that you are making. For example, you may provide the following evidence:
- Evidence that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit.
- Evidence that you can support yourself and your dependents during your stay in the UK.
- Evidence that you can fund your onward journey out of the UK.
- Evidence that you will not use the Visitor visa to live in the UK by making successive visits.
Relevant additional evidence may be required if you are travelling for various permitted activities such as private medical treatment or a period of study.
UK Visitor visa duration
A Visitor visa typically grants a stay of up to 6 months in the UK. However, extensions are possible for medical treatment (up to 11 months) or as an academic visitor (up to 12 months). It’s important to note that a Visitor visa allows a maximum stay of 6 months within a 12-month period.
Conditions of a Standard UK Visitor visa
Broadly, you cannot:
- Undertake paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person (unless you are attending a permitted paid engagement)
- Claim public funds
- Attempt to live in the UK for long periods of time by making successive or regular visits
- Marry or register a civil partnership or give notice of marriage or a civil partnership (you must ordinarily seek specific permission by applying for the Marriage Visitor visa).
These conditions or restrictions will vary depending on the nature of your visit.
How to apply for a UK Visitor visa
Some countries may not require a Visitor visa – you can check before making an application.
If you require a Visitor visa, you must apply online from outside the UK, up to 3 months before your intended travel date. An appointment at a visa application centre is required, and it is crucial to receive confirmation of your Visitor visa before making any travel arrangements.
UK Visitor visa fees
The fees for a Visitor visa will depend upon the nature of your visa. Additional fees may apply if your visa is for a longer duration (such as where you stay for medical treatment). Fees can be located on the Gov.UK website.
We’re here to help you
When it comes to obtaining reliable legal advice, Seraphus is your dedicated source of expert guidance.
We specialise in providing personalised support to help you navigate the complexities of the application process, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience.
Contact us today using the contact us form.
Application Checks
Need help checking an immigration application? We’ll make sure it’s thoroughly reviewed, and you are provided written feedback so you can perfect your application.
£499 + VAT 5-10 working days
Video Consultation
Get a one-off assessment of your situation and receive advice on next steps.
£199 + VAT 30 min
UK Visitor Visa FAQs
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What is the difference between a UK Visitor visa and Tourist visa UK?
You can visit the UK with a Standard Visitor visa if you are travelling to the UK as a tourist. A Tourist visa is another term for a Visitor visa, it is not a different type of visa.
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How long does a UK Visitor visa take for the outcome?
The Home Office currently estimate a Visitor visa application will be processed within 3 weeks.
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Can I switch to another visa whilst visiting the UK?
With a Visitor visa in the UK, it’s important to note that you cannot switch to another visa category while in the country. For instance, if you receive a job offer, you would need to leave the UK and apply for the relevant visa, such as the Skilled Worker visa, from outside the country. It is crucial to engage only in permitted activities during your visit to avoid breaching visa conditions, as this could have consequences for future UK applications.
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Why might a UK Visitor visa be denied?
There are various reasons why a UK Visitor visa may be denied, such as not being perceived as a genuine visitor, not meeting suitability requirements, lacking sufficient funds or accommodation for the visit, and inadequate evidence of ties to the home country. Providing ample evidence of the purpose of the visit, ties to the home country, and sufficient funds are crucial to avoid refusal.
All Personal Immigration Services:
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Personal legal representation
Seraphus lawyers can represent you in your immigration case from start to finish whether preparing your application or submitting an appeal.
Tailored price levelsLearn more -
Application checks
Our team of experienced immigration lawyers will check your application and offer advice to you based on our experience of successful applications.
£499+VATLearn more -
Video consultation
Access legal advice from anywhere in the world via a 30-minute consultation with an immigration lawyer. Connect with us in a few simple steps.
£199+VAT 30 minsFind out more
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“Knowledgeable advice and straight to the point. I appreciated the fact I could talk to someone who knows the issues about my specific immigration status, and I left the call feeling very confident of a way forward and reassured of my legal position. Money well spent.”