Visitor Visa — simple, decision-ready UK applications

We’ll confirm if you need a visa or ETA, check your purpose and documents, and prepare a clean, compliant file for smooth entry to the UK

At-a-glance

Apply for a Standard Visitor Visa if you’re coming to the UK for tourism, family visits, business meetings, short study (≤6 months), or medical treatment. Citizens of certain countries can instead apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

Stay: 5 years Full work rights Apply from outside the UK Path to ILR Dependants allowedApply from outside the UK Path to ILR Dependants allowed Dependants allowed

Who can apply

You must be genuinely seeking entry as a visitor for a permitted purpose (e.g., tourism, business, family visit, short study).

You must intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit.

You must have enough funds to cover your travel, accommodation, and living costs without working or relying on public funds.

You must not live in the UK through frequent or successive visits.

If you’re visa-national, you must apply before travel; non-visa nationals may need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation).

We’ll confirm if you need a visa or ETA and help you present your visit purpose and financial evidence clearly.

What you can and can’t do

You can: visit family or friends, travel as a tourist, attend business meetings, conferences, or short courses (up to 6 months).

You can also: receive private medical treatment, volunteer at a registered charity (up to 30 days), or take part in academic or creative exchanges.

You cannot: work in the UK, take paid/unpaid employment, live for long periods, or use public funds.

Study of up to 6 months is permitted at an accredited institution (short courses only).

We’ll ensure your stated visit purpose matches Home Office guidance and that your supporting documents align with the allowed activities.

Supporting documents

Ties to home country — proof of employment or studies, company ownership, property deeds/tenancy, family responsibilities.

Purpose of visit — invitations for family visits, conference/event confirmation, short-course enrolment letter (≤6 months), or private medical treatment plan.

Identity & travel history — passport, previous visas, and entry/exit stamps where available.

Minors — consent letters from parent(s)/guardian(s), birth certificate, custody/permission evidence, details of who is accompanying the child.

Quick checklist

ItemAim

Bank statements (3–6 months)

Show you can fund the trip without working or public funds

Employer/student letter

Confirm status, approved leave, and return to work/study

Itinerary + return ticket

Demonstrate short, time-limited visit

Accommodation proof

Where you will stay and who pays

Invitation/booking evidence

Substantiate reason for travel (family, business, study, medical)

Financial evidence

Proof of funds — recent personal bank statements (typically last 3–6 months) showing regular income and available balance.

Employment or business status — employer letter (role, salary, approved leave dates) or self-employment registration and recent accounts/tax returns.

Accommodation — hotel bookings or host’s proof of address (tenancy/title) with permission letter if staying with family/friends.

Travel plans — draft itinerary and return/onward ticket reservation (paid or reservable).

Third-party support (if any) — sponsor’s letter, relationship proof, and sponsor’s financial documents.

Tip: Make sure statements show normal activity (not just one-off deposits). If documents aren’t in English or Welsh, include a certified translation.

Tip: Make sure statements show normal activity (not just one-off deposits). If documents aren’t in English or Welsh, include a certified translation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some nationalities can use the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) instead of a visa for short visits. Others must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa before travel. We’ll confirm your route in minutes.

Contact & Location

Get in Touch

We offer in-person consultations at our UK offices, available by appointment only.

Our Sheffield Office Address

422 Pitsmoor Road
Sheffield S3 9AY
United Kingdom

Other UK Offices

  • Birmingham
  • Bradford

To schedule your consultation or ask a question, please contact us:

Book your consultation today for expert guidance on all your immigration matters.

Our Sheffield Office Address:

422 Pitsmoor Road
Sheffield S3 9AY
United Kingdom

UK Immigration Helpline is a trading name of UK Legal Solutions Ltd, operating as a trading style of Haleys Solicitors, which is regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) Ref: ER164151. UK Legal Solutions Ltd collaborates with a network of independent regulated immigration advisors, solicitors and barristers across England and Wales. By submitting an enquiry through this website, you provide consent for your information to be securely shared with one or more participating advisors or firms for the sole purpose of responding to your enquiry. This website is designed, developed and maintained by UK Legal Solutions Ltd.

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