Visitors

Standard visitor

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
• 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

You can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months.  You might be able to apply to stay for longer in certain circumstances, for example to get medical treatment.

You cannot:-

• do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person
• 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’ll need to apply for a marriage visitor visa

Marriage visitor visa

You must apply for a marriage visitor visa if:-

• you want to get married or register a civil partnership in the UK
• you want to give notice of a marriage or civil partnership in UK
• you’re not planning to stay or settle in the UK after your marriage or civil partnership

You can:-

• marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months of your arrival – you must use a venue licensed for this purpose
• pass through the UK in transit (on your way to another country)

You cannot:-

• get public funds (benefits)
• bring in family members (‘dependants’) – they must apply separately
• live in the UK for extended periods through frequent visits
• extend your visa or switch to another visa
• work – except for permitted activities related to your work or business overseas, such as attending meetings
• study

You can use this visa to visit the UK for up to 6 months.