Standard Visitor visa
and electronic travel authorisation, ETA
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.
Visiting United Kingdom
Add your passport to your profile, or check it here, to see exactly what you need to visit.
Ways to save in United Kingdom
Free passes, discounts and programmes from official sources. Those you may qualify for come first.
Free entry to many Historic Environment Scotland sites, including Edinburgh, Stirling and Urquhart Castles, for 14 consecutive days from your start date. Sites in the care of the National Trust for Scotland or private trusts are not included, and the list of sites changes between summer and winter, so check current prices and the site list.
EveryoneFamiliesScots aged 7 to 25 who hold a Young Scot or National Entitlement Card can visit Historic Environment Scotland sites for a reduced entry price (listed as £1 on the Urquhart Castle page). It is for Scottish card holders and is booked online; confirm which sites take part when you book.
ResidentsYouthStudentsVisiting children aged 11 to 15 can have this discount added to an Oyster or Visitor Oyster card for up to 14 days. Take the card to TfL staff at most Tube stations or a TfL Visitor Centre to have it added. Each child needs their own card.
FamiliesYouthUK residents aged 11 to 15 can apply for this photocard. It gives free travel on London buses and trams and child-rate fares on the Tube and rail services in London.
ResidentsYouthFamilies
Offers and conditions change; check the official page before you go.
Life in United Kingdom
Money
3
Currency
British Pound
GBP
British Pound
Cost of living
92
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
20–45%
Income tax (national)
VAT 20% · social security 8%
Personal allowance GBP 12,570 (tapered away above GBP 100,000); 40% from GBP 50,271 and 45% above GBP 125,140. Scotland sets different bands and rates.
Living
1
Happiness
#27 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Non-British, non-Irish people coming to the UK for a short visit for tourism, family, business meetings, short courses or other permitted activities.
Eligibility
Genuine visit
You must show you will leave the UK at the end of your visit.
Funds
You must be able to support yourself and any dependants during the trip, or have someone else fund you.
Return travel
You must be able to pay for your return or onward journey, or have funding from someone else.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementNo long or repeated stays
- Document checklistPassport or travel document valid for the whole stay
- FeesStandard Visitor visa, up to 6 months
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 5 more requirements
- 10 documents
- 8 fees
- 7 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in United Kingdom
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
- Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor (GOV.UK guide, content updated 2026-10-13)
- Standard Visitor: Apply for a Standard Visitor visa
- Standard Visitor: When you can extend your stay
- Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) (GOV.UK guide, content updated 2026-09-18)
- Home Office immigration and nationality fees, 8 October 2026
Other routes to United Kingdom
- StudyStudent visa
- Work permitsGraduate visa
- Skilled migrationGlobal Talent visa
- FamilyFamily visa: partner or spouse
- Asylum & protectionClaim asylum in the UK
- CitizenshipBritish citizenship by naturalisation
Visit & tourism in other countries
- GrenadaVisiting Grenada
- GeorgiaShort-term C category ordinary visa (e-Visa) for tourism
- GuernseyBailiwick of Guernsey visit
- GhanaGhana eVisa - Business (B1) and Tourist (B2); Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for African nationals
- GibraltarGibraltar short-stay visit
- GreenlandGreenland short-stay visa and visa-free visit
