Tower Bridge over the River Thames in London
Visit visas

UK visit visas for short stays

Tourism, business, family visits, and transit routes. Confirm whether you need an ETA or a visa before you plan travel.

Explore routes Build a Standard Visitor checklist

Visit route flow

01
Pick your visit route

Standard Visitor, transit, marriage visitor, or ETA pathway.

02
Build your evidence

Prepare purpose, itinerary, finances, and return-intent records.

03
Apply with time buffer

Submit early and avoid fixed bookings until a decision is issued.

Rules change often. We refresh this guide when published updates are released, but always confirm requirements on the official page before you apply.

Visit visas overview

Visit routes are designed for short stays and specific purposes. Rules on work, study, and access to public funds are limited, so confirm your conditions on the official site.

Typical purposes

Tourism, business meetings, family visits, medical treatment, and short courses.

When to apply

Most visit visas can be applied for up to 3 months before travel; check ETA timelines separately.

Common evidence

Valid passport, travel plans, accommodation, financial evidence, and ties to your home country.

Common visit routes

Select the route that matches your purpose. Some travellers only need an ETA rather than a full visa.

Visit route step-by-step guidance

Use these route checklists to move from route selection to application-ready evidence.

ETA route

  1. Confirm your passport nationality is in the ETA travel list.
  2. Check your purpose fits permitted visitor activities.
  3. Prepare passport details, travel timing, and payment method.
  4. Apply online and keep confirmation before travel.

Standard Visitor

  1. Confirm your visit purpose fits the route conditions.
  2. Set travel dates and planned length of stay.
  3. Prepare financial, accommodation, and return-intent evidence.
  4. Submit online form, book biometrics, and upload documents.

Visitor in Transit

  1. Check if your journey requires a transit visa.
  2. Confirm onward destination entry permission.
  3. Prepare flight itinerary and connection evidence.
  4. Apply and carry supporting travel documents for checks.

Marriage Visitor

  1. Confirm you are visiting only to marry/register partnership.
  2. Book venue/notice arrangements and keep confirmations.
  3. Prepare relationship evidence and travel funding records.
  4. Apply in time and keep ceremony-related documentation ready.

Chinese tour group visitor

  1. Confirm your trip is under an approved ADS group.
  2. Collect operator booking and group itinerary details.
  3. Prepare passport and supporting identity records.
  4. Complete application steps through the group travel process.