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UK Visit Visa

Home » Immigration » UK Visit Visa

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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.

We’re here to help.
Book your consultation with Connaught Law today.
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Connaughts is the trading name of Connaught Law Limited, a company registered in England and Wales (Company No. 10595036). This firm is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

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