UK TOURIST VISA (Standard Visitor Visa)

Visit the UK for Tourism, Family, Events, or Short Business Trips

If you’re planning to visit the UK for a holiday, to see family or friends, attend an event, or conduct limited business activities, you may need to apply for a UK Tourist Visa, officially known as the Standard Visitor Visa.

This visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months per visit, depending on your purpose of travel.

We will help you connect with a specialist immigration solicitor who can guide you through the application process, ensure your documents are correct, and improve your chances of success.

What You Can Do on a UK Visitor Visa

With a UK Tourist Visa, you can:

• Visit friends or family
• Travel around the UK for tourism and leisure
• Attend weddings, festivals, and cultural events
• Take part in business meetings, interviews, or short-term unpaid engagements
• Receive private medical treatment (with proof and funding)
• Study short courses (up to 6 months)

You cannot:

• Work or take paid employment
• Claim public funds
• Live in the UK long-term
• Marry or form a civil partnership (you need a Marriage Visitor Visa for this)
  
  

Tourist Visa Requirements

To be eligible, you must show:

• A genuine reason for visiting the UK
• Intent to leave the UK at the end of your visit
• Evidence of sufficient funds for your trip
• Accommodation details (e.g. hotel bookings, family invitation)
• Proof of ties to your home country (job, family, studies, property)
• You will not work, settle, or breach visa conditions

Your solicitor will help you gather strong supporting documents and avoid common errors.

Documents You May Need

Here are some of the key documents required:

• Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)
• Bank statements or financial proof (last 6 months)
• Travel itinerary, hotel bookings, flight details
• Letter of invitation (if visiting family or friends)
• Employment letter, school/university letter, or property ownership evidence
• Cover letter explaining your purpose and plans
  
  

The exact documents will vary depending on your circumstances. A Solicitor can help ensure everything is correctly prepared and presented.

Validity & Multi-Year Visitor Visas

Most Tourist Visas are valid for 6 months. However, you may be eligible to apply for:

• 2-year, 5-year, or 10-year multiple-entry visitor visas
• Each visit is limited to 6 months max, even on long-term visas
  
  

Your Solicitor can help assess which visa is right for your travel plans.

Common Reasons for Refusal

Unfortunately, many tourist visa applications are refused due to:

• Incomplete or inconsistent documentation
• Doubts about the applicant’s intention to leave the UK
• Insufficient financial evidence
• Lack of ties to the home country
• Previous immigration history
  

We will connect you with a professional who can ensure your application is well-prepared and clearly explained, greatly reducing your risk of refusal.

How We Help

Applying for a UK Tourist Visa can be confusing, especially if it’s your first time or if you’ve had a visa refused in the past.

We will help you connect with a trusted UK immigration solicitor who can:

• Review your documents before submission
• Assist with writing a strong cover letter
• Help gather the right evidence (invitation letters, financial proof, etc.)
• Guide you through the online application
• Prepare you for interviews (if required)
• Support with visa appeals or reapplications if your visa was refused