UK Visitor Visa
Expert Immigration Services for UK Visit Visa Applications
Our specialist immigration solicitors provide comprehensive UK visitor visa services for tourists, business visitors, and family visits. From standard visitor visas to permitted paid engagements, we ensure successful applications meeting all Home Office requirements. Contact us today: 0203 909 8399 | Book a Consultation
What Is A UK Visitor Visa?
The UK Visitor visa allows individuals to visit the UK temporarily for tourism, business, medical treatment, or family visits. This short-term visa category covers various purposes from holidays to business meetings, with stays typically limited to 6 months. Our experienced team ensures your application demonstrates genuine visitor intent and meets all eligibility criteria.
When Do You Need A Visitor Visa?
You need a visitor visa when:
- Visiting UK for tourism or leisure
- Attending business meetings or conferences
- Visiting family or friends
- Receiving private medical treatment
- Taking short courses or training
- Getting married or entering civil partnership
Types of Visitor Visas
Standard Visitor Visa
The most common visitor category for:
- Tourism and sightseeing
- Visiting family and friends
- Business activities (non-paid)
- Short courses up to 30 days
- Medical consultations
- Academic conferences
Business Visitor Activities
Permitted business activities include:
- Attending meetings and conferences
- Negotiating and signing contracts
- Attending trade fairs
- Conducting site visits
- Receiving training
- Delivering training or sharing knowledge
Marriage Visitor Visa
Specifically for those coming to:
- Get married or register civil partnership
- Valid for 6 months
- Cannot work or extend stay
- Cannot switch to spouse visa
- Must leave UK after ceremony
Permitted Paid Engagement
For experts in their field:
- One month validity
- Invited by UK organization
- Specific paid engagement only
- Academic examiners
- Expert witnesses
- Professional artists
Medical Visitor Visa
For private medical treatment:
- Up to 11 months for treatment
- Evidence from UK medical practitioner
- Proof of payment arrangements
- Accommodation during treatment
- Can include accompanying persons
Eligibility Requirements
General Requirements
All visitors must demonstrate:
- Genuine intention to visit temporarily
- Will leave UK at visit end
- Sufficient funds for stay
- Accommodation arrangements
- No intention to work
- Not living in UK through frequent visits
Financial Requirements
Show sufficient funds for:
- Accommodation costs
- Living expenses during stay
- Return or onward journey
- Any planned activities
- Bank statements (3-6 months)
- Sponsor letter if applicable
Genuine Visitor Test
Must convince officer of:
- Genuine reason for visit
- Credible travel itinerary
- Strong ties to home country
- Employment or studies to return to
- Family obligations at home
- Previous travel history
Duration and Conditions
Standard Visit Duration
- Usually 6 months per visit
- Cannot extend beyond 6 months
- Multiple entry options available
- 2, 5, or 10-year validity possible
- Maximum 6 months per stay
Long-term Visit Visas
- 2-year multiple entry
- 5-year multiple entry
- 10-year multiple entry
- Still limited to 6 months per visit
- Cannot live in UK through successive visits
Visitor Conditions
Cannot:
- Work (paid or unpaid)
- Study long-term courses
- Access public funds
- Marry without proper visa
- Bring family members (except dependents)
- Live in UK through frequent visits
Application Process
Required Documents
- Valid passport
- Completed application form
- Financial evidence
- Accommodation details
- Employment letter
- Travel itinerary
- Previous UK travel history
- Supporting letter explaining visit
For Family Visits
Additional documents:
- Invitation letter from UK host
- Host’s immigration status proof
- Relationship evidence
- Host’s accommodation details
- Host’s financial documents (if sponsoring)
For Business Visits
Additional documents:
- Invitation from UK company
- Employer letter confirming purpose
- Conference/meeting details
- Business activity evidence
- Company registration documents
Financial Evidence
Personal Funds
- Bank statements (3-6 months)
- Salary slips
- Tax returns
- Property ownership
- Business ownership documents
- Investment portfolios
Third-party Support
If someone else is funding:
- Sponsor’s bank statements
- Sponsorship declaration
- Sponsor’s employment evidence
- Relationship to sponsor
- Legal undertaking if required
Special Categories
Academic Visitors
- Academics on sabbatical
- Research collaborations
- Conference participation
- Examining students
- Up to 12 months possible
Sports Visitors
- Amateur sportspersons
- Sports events participation
- Tournaments and competitions
- Training camps
- Personal appearances
Entertainment Visitors
- Artists and entertainers
- Film crew members
- Musicians on tour
- Personal appearances
- Specific engagements only
Child Visitors
Accompanied Children
- Traveling with parents/guardians
- Same visa validity as adults
- Listed on parent’s application
- Birth certificates required
Unaccompanied Minors
Additional requirements:
- Parental consent letters
- Care arrangements in UK
- Accommodation details
- Return travel confirmed
- Adult meeting at airport
Common Refusal Reasons
Credibility Issues
- Unclear visit purpose
- Inconsistent information
- Lack of ties to home country
- Previous immigration breaches
- Overstaying history
Financial Concerns
- Insufficient funds shown
- Unexplained large deposits
- Questionable fund sources
- Inadequate sponsor support
- Disproportionate travel costs
Documentation Problems
- Missing required documents
- False or forged documents
- Unverifiable information
- Poor quality translations
- Outdated documents
Visa Fees 2025
Short-term Visas
- 6 months: £115
- 2 years: £432
- 5 years: £771
- 10 years: £963
Additional Services
- Priority service: £500
- Super Priority: £956
- Keep my passport: £55
After Arrival
Immigration Control
- Present documents at border
- Answer officer’s questions
- Biometric checks
- Possible baggage inspection
- Six-month stamp typical
Maintaining Status
- Adhere to visa conditions
- No unauthorized work
- Leave before expiry
- Keep travel records
- Maintain visitor activities only
Our Visitor Visa Services
Application Support
- Eligibility assessment
- Document checklist preparation
- Application form completion
- Supporting letter drafting
- Financial evidence review
- Submission assistance
Complex Cases
- Previous refusals
- Overstaying history
- Criminal records
- Medical visits
- Multiple entry applications
- Business visitor compliance
Appeal Services
- Refusal analysis
- Fresh applications
- Administrative reviews
- Judicial review options
- Reapplication strategy
Why Choose Connaught Law
- SRA regulated solicitors
- Visitor visa specialists
- High success rates
- Same-day service available
- Multi-language support
- Fixed fee options
Our Expertise
- Complex visitor applications
- Business immigration specialists
- Family visit experts
- Medical tourism guidance
- Appeals and reapplications
- Multi-entry visa applications
Client Support Services
- Pre-application consultation
- Document verification
- Interview preparation
- Travel itinerary planning
- Sponsor support letters
- Post-refusal advice
Next Steps
Ensure successful UK entry with expert visitor visa assistance. Our specialist immigration solicitors guide you through every requirement, from tourist visits to complex business trips. We maximize your chances of approval with meticulous preparation and strategic advice. Call 0203 909 8399 or Book Online for your visitor visa consultation.
Priority services available. Fixed fees quoted upfront. Free initial eligibility assessment. Same-day appointments for urgent cases.