What You Can and Cannot Do as a Standard Visitor
Understanding permitted activities is essential for your UK visitor visa application. Learn what activities are allowed and what could lead to refusal.
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UK Visitor Visa TeamRelated reading
How to Apply for a Standard Visitor Visa
A complete guide to the UK Standard Visitor visa application process, including fees, documents required, and what to expect at your appointment.
Overview
You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for tourism, business, study (courses up to 6 months) and other permitted activities. You can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months. Understanding what you can and cannot do is crucial for a successful visa application.
What You CAN Do
You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor:
- For tourism, for example on a holiday or vacation
- To see your family or friends
- To volunteer for up to 30 days with a registered charity
- To pass through the UK to another country ('in transit')
- For certain business activities, for example attending a meeting or interview
- For certain paid engagements or events as an expert in your profession
- To take part in a school exchange programme
- To do a recreational course of up to 30 days, for example a dance course
- To study, do a placement or take an exam
- As an academic, senior doctor or dentist
- For medical reasons
What You CANNOT Do
The following activities are not permitted on a Standard Visitor visa:
- Do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person (unless doing a permitted paid engagement)
- Claim public funds (benefits)
- Live in the UK for long periods of time through frequent or successive visits
- Marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership (you need a Marriage Visitor visa for this)
Eligibility Requirements
You must have a passport or travel document valid for your entire stay. You must be able to show that:
- You will leave the UK at the end of your visit
- You are able to support yourself and your dependants during your trip
- You are able to pay for your return or onward journey
- You will not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent visits
How Our Tool Helps
Our visa assessment tool evaluates your situation against these requirements and provides a tailored document checklist to strengthen your application. We identify potential risk areas and suggest evidence you can provide to address Entry Clearance Officer concerns.
