Country guideLast checked October 16, 2026

Visas and immigration in United Kingdom

9 routes from official government sources, grouped by type. Each guide covers who it's for, the requirements and where to apply.

Visit & tourism 1
Study 1
Work permits 3
Skilled migration 1
Family 1
Asylum & protection 1
Citizenship 1

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Visiting United Kingdom

Short-stay rules by passport, from official sources. Last checked October 16, 2026.

1 passport visa-free
83 passports need an eTA or eVisa
165 passports need a visa

Passports that can visit without a visa

Ireland

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Visit & tourism1 pathway

Standard Visitor visa
The Standard Visitor route covers tourism, visiting family and friends, some business activities, short study and other permitted activities, usually for up to 6 months. Depending on nationality, you either need a Standard Visitor visa before travel, need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA), or need neither. Everyone must still meet the visitor requirements and only do permitted activities. Regular visitors who need a visa can choose a long-term visa valid for 2, 5 or 10 years.
Temporary only
Last checked October 16, 2026
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Study1 pathway

Student visa
The Student visa lets people aged 16 or over study in the UK on a course offered by a licensed student sponsor. Your education provider gives you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number. You must show you can pay your course fees and living costs and that you meet the English requirement. It replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa.
May lead to permanent residence
Last checked October 16, 2026
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Work permits3 pathways

3 more pathways for members
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Skilled migration1 pathway

1 more pathway for members
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Family1 pathway

1 more pathway for members
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Asylum & protection1 pathway

Claim asylum in the UK
People who have left their country and cannot return because they fear persecution can claim asylum with the Home Office. A claim is made at the UK border or, once inside the UK, at an asylum registration appointment. If a claim succeeds, the Home Office grants refugee status or humanitarian protection. For claims made on or after 2 March 2026, permission to stay is for at least 30 months, renewable.
May lead to permanent residence
Last checked October 16, 2026
View requirements

Citizenship1 pathway

1 more pathway for members
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Official sources

Government pages behind these routes.

Other countries

Visas and immigration in United Kingdom

Visiting United Kingdom

Visit & tourism1 pathway

Standard Visitor visa

Study1 pathway

Student visa

Work permits3 pathways

Skilled migration1 pathway

Family1 pathway

Asylum & protection1 pathway

Claim asylum in the UK

Citizenship1 pathway

Visit & tourism1 pathway

Standard Visitor visa

Study1 pathway

Student visa

Work permits3 pathways

Skilled migration1 pathway

Family1 pathway

Asylum & protection1 pathway

Claim asylum in the UK

Citizenship1 pathway

Official sources