Personal Immigration

UK Standard Visitor Visa

UK Visitor Visa

What is a UK Visitor Visa?

The UK Standard Visitor Visa is a short-term visa for individuals visiting the UK for a variety of fixed purposes like tourism, business meetings, or private medical treatment. This visa is valid for up to six months and offers flexibility for many types of visitors while restricting activities such as paid work, long-term study or accessing public funds.

Standard Visitor Visa has simplified multiple previous categories, such as the Business Visitor Visa and Family Visitor Visa, in a single integrated route. It allows visitors to conduct permitted business visits or attend short courses while staying within the defined terms by the UKVI (UK Visa and Immigration).

It is possible to apply for longer visas, or up to 10 years, which allow multiple visits during their validity.

Non-visa nationals, do not require a visitor visa before entering the UK. They only need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), if applicable, and can simply present themselves at the border. Having an ETA does not guarantee entry in the UK, if the border officer is not satisfied that the person is a genuine visitor.

At MGBe Legal, we simplify the application process for your standard visitor visa by guiding you through eligibility, documentation, and submission. Whether you are planning a family trip, a business visit, or a short English language course, our team of immigration consultants ensure your visitor visa application is accurate and gives you peace of mind for your journey.

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Check your eligibility for Standard Visitor Visa

Financial stability

You also need to show proof of funds and financial stability to cover your stay and return journey.

Duration of stay

Your stay must not exceed six months, unless eligible for extensions under specific circumstances like medical treatments.

Compliance with rules

During your stay in the UK, you must adhere to visa conditions and regulations like not studying or working in your UK visit.

Purpose of visit

You must clearly define your visit’s purpose, such as tourism, business, or short-term medical treatment and ensure it aligns with the activities permitted under the standard visitor visa route.

Genuine visitor

You must confirm you will leave the UK after the visit, with no intention of making it your residence by presenting the required evidence to satisfy the criteria.

How our team of legal experts can help in applying for a Standard Visitor Visa

1Check eligibility
We first confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria for a Standard Visitor Visa based on your intended purpose of visit. We help you evaluate your eligibility to ensure a successful application.
2Prepare required documents
We assist you gather all necessary documents, including your passport, financial evidences, and travel details. Our team ensures your documentation is complete and well-organised.
3Complete the online application
We guide you through filling out the online visa application form on the official UK Government website with accurate details with a step-by-step process to avoid errors.
4Pay the visa fee
We provide clarity on fee structures and optional services like priority processing in the visa application process, and ensure you pay the applicable visa fee online using a secure payment method.
5Book and attend biometric appointment
We help in scheduling your Biometric Appointment and make sure you attend with confidence with the required documents.
6Submit the application and wait for a decision
We submit your application and supporting documents and keep you updated on your application status and estimated processing time.
7Receive your visa and plan your travel
Once approved, we proceed to check the visa details in your passport for accuracy and help you prepare for your trip by verifying all required documents are in order.

Processing timeline in Standard Visitor Visa

The usual processing time is approximately 15 working days (around three weeks) from the date of your biometric appointment. Processing times may vary greatly depending on the time of year, with longer durations during peak periods such as holidays.

Priority Visa Service can provide you with a speedier visa decision by charging an additional fee.

Remember, there may occur delays in a visa decision if the application or supporting documents are incomplete or contain errors. Ensure your application is complete and documents are error-free with our experienced immigration consultants at MGBe Legal.

Why choose MGBe Legal for Standard Visitor Visa in the UK?

Trust MGBe Legal and make your standard visitor visa process painless and enjoyable

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    FAQs

    1What can I do on a UK Standard Visitor Visa?
    You can visit for tourism, certain business activities, short courses, or private medical treatment.
    2How long can I stay with a UK Visitor Visa?
    Standard Visitor Visas last up to six months per visit, with some longer multiple-entry options available.
    3What documents are needed for a UK Visitor Visa?
    Required documents include proof of purpose, financial stability, accommodation, and travel itinerary.
    4How long does it take to process a UK Visitor Visa?
    Most applications are processed within three weeks, but times can vary by season and completeness.
    5Can I work in the UK on a Visitor Visa?
    No, paid work or long-term study is not allowed under the Standard Visitor Visa.
    6What is an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?
    Non-visa nationals need an ETA to travel to the UK instead of a visa, but entry is still subject to border checks.
    7What activities are permitted under a UK Standard Visitor Visa?
    You can visit the UK for tourism, business meetings, short courses (like English language), or to receive private medical treatment. This visa prohibits the visitor from undertaking paid work or accessing public funds.
    8What is the maximum duration I can stay in the UK with this visa?
    The visa is generally valid for a stay of up to six months, though you can apply for longer multiple-entry visas valid for up to 10 years. You must confirm that you will leave the UK afterward. Even if you have a multi-entry visa, you cannot stay more than six consecutive months on any visit.
    9How long is the processing time for a Standard Visitor Visa application?
    The usual processing time is approximately 15 working days (about three weeks) from the biometric appointment date. Priority Visa Service is available for an additional fee to secure a speedier decision.
    10Can I submit my visa application if I am a non-visa national?
    Non-visa nationals do not require a visitor visa but must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before travelling to the UK. However, entry is still conditional on satisfying the border officer that you are a genuine visitor.
    11Do I need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?
    As of late 2025, all non-visa nationals (including EU/EEA citizens) must obtain an ETA before traveling to the UK. This is a mandatory digital requirement for short-term stays.
    12Can I work remotely while visiting the UK?
    Yes. Visitors are permitted to undertake remote work for an overseas employer, provided it is not the primary purpose of their visit.