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 18 September 2026
THE ESSENTIALS
What you’ll need
to show.
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.
Activities the route allows
Tourism, family visits and certain business activities are permitted. Ordinary UK employment and living here through repeated visits are not.
GET ORGANISED
Start with
the right evidence.
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.
- Evidence of funds and where they came from.
- Evidence of your circumstances and commitments outside the UK; sponsor details if someone is supporting you.
PLAN AHEAD
Costs & timing.
Budget for the application fee, any healthcare surcharge that applies and any optional services. Government charges are separate from adviser fees.
Processing times depend on the route, where you apply and your circumstances. Allow time to gather your documents; a published estimate is not a guaranteed decision date.
Check current fees and times on GOV.UK ↗GOOD QUESTIONS
A little more clarity.
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.
Tell us about
your plans.
Start with a brief enquiry. We’ll discuss whether our support is the right fit and explain the next step.
support@dreamgateimmigration.com ↗Keep your first message brief. Please do not include passports, documents or sensitive personal information.