VISIT / UK VISA GUIDE
Standard Visitor visa.
Make time for the people and places that matter.
Plan a short stay with a clear purpose, a realistic budget and evidence of your plans to leave.
General information · Sources checked 21 September 2026
THE ESSENTIALS
UK visitor visa
requirements.
A genuine visit
Explain what you plan to do, where you will stay and when you intend to leave.
Enough money for your plans
Show you can cover your stay and return or onward journey, including any genuine support from someone else.
Visiting family, tourism and business
Tourism, family visits and certain business activities are permitted. Ordinary UK employment and living here through repeated visits are not.
GET ORGANISED
Visitor visa
document checklist.
This is a starting point, not a complete document list. What you need depends on your circumstances.
- A passport valid for your stay.
- A realistic outline of your visit and accommodation.
- Bank statements showing accessible funds and their source, with evidence of earnings where relevant.
- Evidence of your work, studies or other commitments outside the UK, and any sponsor’s support.
- Certified translations of documents that are not in English or Welsh.
PLAN AHEAD
Fees &
processing times.
A Standard Visitor visa for a stay of up to six months costs £135 per person. Optional services and adviser fees are separate.
You can apply up to three months before travel. A decision usually takes three weeks after you have applied, proved your identity and supplied your documents. Allow extra time for appointments and any further checks.
Check visitor visa fees and processing times on GOV.UK ↗GOOD QUESTIONS
Visitor visa
questions.
Can family in the UK sponsor my visit?
Yes. Explain your relationship, what they will pay for or provide, and show that they can afford the support alongside their own commitments. Include evidence of their lawful UK status where relevant. You still need to meet the visitor requirements yourself.
Is a family visit the same as a family visa?
A short visit to relatives normally falls under the Standard Visitor route. Moving to the UK to live with a partner is a different application. Read the spouse and partner visa guide.
Do I always need a visa?
No. Your nationality and circumstances determine whether you need a visa, an ETA, or neither. Check the official travel requirements before applying.
Can I work during my visit?
A visit does not normally allow work for a UK business or self-employment. Only specifically permitted activities are allowed.
Can Dream Gate help with my application?
We’ll review your circumstances and immigration history before confirming whether we can help. If you need specialist advice, we’ll explain the appropriate next step before any work begins.
READ THE OFFICIAL GUIDANCE
Immigration rules change. These summaries are introductory information, not a complete assessment or a promise of an outcome.
Visitor overview and eligibility ↗Supporting documents ↗Check your travel requirements ↗YOU DON’T NEED ALL THE ANSWERS YET.
Your free
consultation.
Start with a free consultation. We’ll discuss your plans, whether our support is the right fit and your next step.
support@dreamgateimmigration.com ↗Keep your first message brief. Please do not include passports, documents or sensitive personal information.