tourist visa uk multiple entry

Mar 19, 2018 By visaandmigration.com

UK Multiple Entry Visa Rules

You may require a visa to enter the UK for a wide variety of different purposes – from travel and leisure to business and study. In terms of types of visas, there is a short term visitor visa which allows you to enter the UK for up to 6 months. Aside from this, there are also 2, 5 and 10 year UK multiple entry visas available for those who want to visit the UK on a regular basis.

New UK standard visitor visa

A visitor visa allows you to travel to the UK for up to 6 months – after this period, you must leave the UK. A standard visitor visa allows you travel for:

• Leisure purposes, like visiting for a holiday or to see your family and friends in the UK
• Business purposes or to take part in sports or creative events
• Other reasons, like receiving private medical treatment in the UK

Previously, there were separate visitor visas for particular purposes. These have now been replaced by one single visa known as the UK standard visitor visa. This acts as a UK multiple entry visa, and has replaced the following types of visitor visas:

• Family Visitor visa
• Child Visitor
• General Visitor visa
• Sport Visitor visa
• Business Visitor visa
• Entertainer Visitor visa
• Prospective Entrepreneur visa
• Private Medical Treatment Visitor visa
• Approved Destination Status (ADS) visa

UK multiple entry visitor visa rules

As mentioned, one standard visitor visa has replaced previous visas for different purposes. However, rules vary according to the purpose of your coming to the UK, although the eligibility rules remain the same. When you apply for a multiple entry standard visitor visa, you must show the following:

• You will leave UK once your visit is completed
• You are able to support yourself and dependents (if any) for the complete duration of your trip
• You can pay for your return trip or onward journey and all the other costs related to your visit
• You present the proof of your business activities - or any other activities - you want to undertake in the UK

There are also activities that are not permitted when you enter the UK under a standard visitor visa. For example, you cannot do any work (whether this is paid or unpaid), you cannot have access to public funds (like benefits) and you can’t marry or register a civil partnership.

How to apply for a multiple entry visa?

You can apply for a visit visa by making an application from outside the UK. You must do the following when applying:

• You must complete the online application process
• You must pay any fee that applies
• You must provide your biometric information (if required to do so)
• You must also provide a valid travel document

If there is no online application process available, you must follow the instructions provided by the local visa post or application centre on how you can make an application. 

Other types of visit visas

Other than the new standard visitor visa, there are other types of visitor visa routes depending upon the purpose of your visit. For example, a marriage or civil partnership visa allows you to enter the UK for 6 months, a permitted paid engagement visa allows you to enter the UK for 1 month, and a UK transit visa is valid for up to 48 hours. Within the period for which the visit visa is valid, you – as a visitor – may enter and leave the UK multiple times, unless the visit visa is endorsed as a single- or dual-entry visa. For more information of UK multiple entry visa rules or to apply for a UK visa, get in touch with us today.

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UK Multiple Entry Visa Rules and Application Process

The rich history, iconic landmarks, thriving cities, and captivating countryside of the UK have always been irresistible for global travellers. Whether you’re exploring business opportunities in London, reconnecting with family in Manchester, or simply looking to soak in the arts in Edinburgh, the UK has many experiences to offer.

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But before setting foot on British soil, there’s a crucial aspect one must navigate: the visa process. Among the varied visa options, the UK multiple entry visa stands out for its flexibility and convenience, particularly for frequent visitors.

This detailed blog post explores the ins and outs of this visa type, offering insights into its benefits, application process and more.

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What is the UK Multiple Entry Visa?

The UK Multi-Entry Visa, often referred to as the long-term Standard Visitor visa, allows foreign nationals to visit the UK for extended periods or multiple times over a set period without re-applying each time. 

Designed as a UK immigration path that offers flexibility to genuine visitors, the UK multiple entry visa ensures that frequent travellers, whether for business, family, or tourism, don’t have to go through the lengthy application process every time they intend to visit the UK. It serves as a stamp of trust, meaning the holder has been considered trustworthy enough to enter and leave the UK multiple times.

Benefits of holding a Multi-Entry Visa include:

• Flexibility : The main advantage is the ability to travel to the UK multiple times on a single visa without the need to apply for a new visa each time.
• Cost-effective : Over time, frequent travellers will find it cost-efficient, as they save on repeated visa application fees.
• Convenience : Avoid the wait time associated with visa processing for each trip, allowing for spontaneous trips or emergency visits.
• Enhanced Credibility : Holding a long-term standard visitor visa can often be viewed as a mark of credibility, showcasing that the visa holder has maintained a clean record during previous visits to the UK.

Eligibility and Requirements for a UK Multi-Entry Visit Visa

Every visa category has its set of criteria, and the UK’s long-term standard visitor visa is no exception. While the flexibility of the visa is appealing, there are some stringent requirements that applicants must adhere to.

Some criteria must be fulfilled for the Visa, including :

• Genuine Visitor Status : The applicant must prove their genuine intent to visit the UK without making it their main place of residence.
• Financial Stability : An applicant must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to spend in the UK without recourse to public funds or seeking employment in the UK.
• Purpose of Visit : The motive for the travel (business, tourism, family, etc.) should be clear and credible.
• Previous Travel History : Compliance with the visa rules of other countries, especially countries like the USA, Canada, and the Schengen countries, can act as a positive indicator. Conversely, non-compliance could lead to a refusal.
• Links to Home Country : Applicants must demonstrate strong connections to their native country and the intent to go back following their visit.

The Multiple Entry Visitor Visa Application Process

The visa application is a complex process, and it’s crucial to stick to all requirements. Any discrepancy or lack of documentation can cause delays or even refusals. Ensuring that the application aligns with the UK visa rules and demonstrates the applicant’s genuine visitor status can significantly enhance the chances of approval.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Multi-Entry Visa :

• Online Application : Begin by filling out the respective online visa application form .
• Documentation : Gather all necessary documents that prove your eligibility.
• Visa Application Fee : Pay the application fee, which varies based on the length of the visa.
• Appointment Booking : Schedule an appointment at a visa application centre to submit biometrics.
• Interview : Depending on individual circumstances, a UK visa interview might be required at a nearby UK visa centre.
• Decision : Once all steps are completed, UK Visas and Immigration will start processing the application and communicate the decision.

Required Documentation Checklist

When applying for a Standard Visitor visa to the UK, it’s vital to ensure all your documents are in order. Incomplete or inaccurate documentation can result in unnecessary holds or even application denials. Here’s a basic checklist of documents required for the visa:

Essential Documents :

Passport/Travel Document : Must be valid throughout your stay in the UK, with a blank page reserved for the visa stamp.

Online Application Details : Ensure you’ve furnished the following information:

• Planned travel dates to the UK.
• Your accommodation details during the visit.
• An estimated budget for your trip.
• Current residential address and its duration.
• Parental details, including names and birth dates.
• Annual income, if applicable.
• Any illegal, civil, or immigration violations you might have been involved in.

Additional Documentation (If Applicable) :

• A decade-long travel history.
• Employer’s contact details.
• Details about your partner: name, date of birth, and passport number.
• Information on the sponsor of your trip, if someone else is bearing your expenses: name, birth date, and passport information.
• Details of any UK-based family members: name, address, and passport number.
• If your visit exceeds 6 months, a tuberculosis (TB) test certification may be mandatory.

Specific Visit Purposes :

• If you’re heading to the United Kingdom for educational or medical purposes, expect to provide specialised documentation corresponding to your intent.

Language Requirement :

• If the documents are non-English/Welsh, you must offer certified translations to ensure clarity and transparency in your application.

Remember, the above list is a basic guide. Based on individual circumstances and the specific nature of your visit, additional documents might be required.

Processing Time and Decision 

After you’ve submitted your visitor visa application at a visa application centre, the typical wait time is around 3 weeks. However, it’s wise to apply well in advance of your planned travel schedule to account for any unexpected delays. Some centres might offer expedited services, but this comes at an additional fee.

While the above gives a general timeframe, the exact processing time can vary based on:

• Volume of Applications : Peak travel seasons or large events in the UK can lead to an influx of applications, potentially slowing down processing times.
• Application Completeness : Insufficient applications or missing documentation can lead to delays and denials.
• Additional Verifications : Sometimes, the consulate might require additional checks, especially if there’s something amiss or if they need further clarification on certain aspects of your application.

Duration and Limits of a Multi-Entry Visa

Irrespective of the UK visit visa’s lifespan, travellers are typically granted a maximum stay of up to 6 months on each entry. This makes the standard visitor visa perfect for tourists, business professionals, and others who don’t wish to live in the UK but visit it regularly.

Though there’s no strict limit on how many times one can enter the UK within a visa’s validity, it’s crucial not to make the UK your main home. If authorities find that you’re trying to live in the UK by repeated or successive visits, it can endanger future visa applications.

Visitor Visa Fees

Just like any other UK visa, you must pay a specific fee to apply for a long-term visitor visa. The application fee varies based on the visa’s duration.

Breakdown of Visitor Visa Application fees:

• UK Standard Visitor Visa: If you want to apply for a standard visitor visa for a single visit, this visa comes with a fee of £100 and permits a stay of up to 6 months.
• 2-year Long-term Standard Visitor Visa : Priced at £376, this visa allows multiple visits with a maximum stay duration of 6 months per visit.
• 5-year Long-term Standard Visitor Visa : For a fee of £670, you can enjoy multiple trips to the UK over five years, with each stay being limited to 6 months.
• 10-year Long-term Standard Visitor Visa : The most extensive of the options, for a fee of £837, grants you the freedom to visit the UK over a decade, sticking to the 6-month stay limit for each visit.

Pls note that all these prices are subject to change – the prices listed above are from August 2023

The process to apply for a multiple entry may be tricky, but the rewards of experiencing the vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes of the UK are well worth the effort. With a focused mindset, the right guidance, and proper preparation, anyone can turn their dream to come to the UK into a reality. 

If at any point you feel the need for legal advice or assistance for the long-term UK standard visa, Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors stand ready to help you guide the complexities of the UK visit visa application process. Speak with our specialist at +44 20 7269 9590 or fill out the form below.

The difficulty in obtaining a UK visitor visa depends on an applicant’s individual circumstances. Meeting the visa requirements, providing accurate documentation, and demonstrating genuine visitor intent will enhance the chances of approval.

A daily budget of about £100 to £150 per day per visitor is recommended. However, the exact amount varies based on the objective and duration of the visit.

If your UK Visitor Visa application is denied, you’ll receive a refusal letter detailing the reasons. While there’s no formal appeal process, you can reapply by addressing the concerns raised or seek legal advice for better clarity.

A caseworker might doubt an applicant’s genuine visitor status based on factors like inconsistent travel history, insufficient funds, lack of ties to the home country, ambiguous travel purpose, or previous immigration violations.

No, IELTS is not required for a UK visit visa. It is typically necessary for study, work, or family visas where proof of English language proficiency is a criterion.

Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors specialises in UK immigration law, providing expert assistance in all UK visa applications, citizenship processes, 10 and 20-year-long  residence applications , indefinite leave to remain work permits, and asylum claims. Our team of committed lawyers offers clear, professional advice, ensuring a smooth navigation through the immigration process for our clients.

Ask our Expert Legal Team

At Gulbenkian Andonian, we pride ourselves on “Excellence, Experience and Efficiency”. With over 35 years of experience on your side, our team of London based lawyers and solicitors have a wealth of experience advising individuals, families and businesses of all sizes to find clarity on UK law.

Call us on +44 (0) 207 269 9590 or fill out the form below. We usually reply within a few hours.

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Neither Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors ltd, nor their employees, agents, consultants or assignees, accept any liability based on the contents of written articles which are meant for guidance only and not as legal advice. We advise all readers to take professional advice before acting. If you would like to consult with a professional lawyer or solicitor to discuss your case, please do not hesitate to contact us directly. This site uses reCAPTCHA and is protected by the Google privacy policy and  terms of service .

Dr Bernard Andonian – the Co-Founder of Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors, is an experienced Immigration Solicitor, former Judge, and recipient of a PhD in Law from the University of West London. He has over four decades of experience practising UK Immigration, Human Rights and Civil Litigation Law. He has served on the Law Society  Immigration Law Panel, achieved numerous groundbreaking decisions in higher courts and is featured in the  Legal 500’s Hall of Fame . 

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UK Visitor Visa (Tourism or Leisure) - Top 10 FAQs

Most visitors to the UK will need to make an application for a UK visit visa from their country of residence, before travelling. In this post we answer some of the questions that are most frequently asked by individuals who wish to visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for the purpose of tourism or leisure .

What are the eligibility requirements for a UK Visitor Visa application?

In making an application for a UK Visitor Visa you will be required to prove:

• You will leave the UK at the end of your visit;
• You will not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your main home;
• You’re able to support yourself and your dependants during your trip (or have funding from someone else to support you);
• You are able to pay for your return or onward journey (or have funding from someone else to pay for the journey);
• You have proof of any business or other activities you want to do in the UK, as allowed by the Visitor Rules .

What can I do as a Standard Visitor in the UK?

As a visitor to the UK for the purpose of tourism or leisure, you will be permitted to:

• Visit friends and family and/or come to the UK for a holiday; 
• Take part in educational exchanges programmes;
• Attend recreational courses for a maximum of 30 days;
• Volunteer with a registered charity for a maximum of 30 days.

What does it mean to be a “Genuine Visitor”?

In order to succeed with an application for a UK Visit Visa, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that you are a genuine visitor. This means that you will need to show you are genuinely seeking entry to the UK for a purpose permitted by the visitor routes, will not undertake any prohibited activities during your stay in the UK, will not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits and will not make the UK your home

The Visit guidance lists factors which will be considered by a Caseworker in assessing whether an applicant is a genuine visitor. Theses include your:

• Previous immigration history to the UK and other countries;
• Financial circumstances as well as your family, social and economic background;
• Personal and economic ties to the UK.

In assessing your genuineness, the Caseworker will also consider the cumulative period of time you have spent in the UK over the last 12 months and the duration of your previous visits compared to what was stated on your visa application form or on arrival to the UK. 

If you intend to visit the UK for any other reason including to marry or form a civil partnership , to receive private medical treatment , or to undertake business activities , you must apply for the specific visit corresponding to the purpose of your visit.  

What reasons could a Caseworker have for doubting that I am applying as a Genuine Visitor?

The Visit Guidance provides a non-exhaustive list of reasons a Caseworker may doubt whether you are a Genuine Visitor. This includes whether or if:

• There are discrepancies between the statements made by you and your sponsor in your application; 
• You, your sponsor or other immediate family member has, or has attempted to, deceive or mislead the Home Office in a previous application to enter the UK;
• It has not been possible to verify the information you have provided. 

Although the existence of any of the above reasons will not result in the automatic refusal of your application, it will be essential to address each of these circumstances in your application. 

How much funds do I need to show for a UK Visitor Visa?  

You must have access to sufficient resources to maintain yourself adequately for the duration of your visit to the UK. There is no set level of funds you need to show this.

Some thought should be given to the activities you intend to undertake, and your living expenses, in the UK. This is because, when assessing your application, a Caseworker will consider the likely cost of your stay and assess any source of revenue that will continue to be available to you whilst visiting the UK. A Caseworker will take into consideration your income or savings against any financial commitments you have in your country of residence in deciding whether you are able to support yourself financially during your visit. 

What does it mean to make “frequent or successive visits” to the UK?

Although there is no specific maximum period of time which you can spend in the UK in any period, as long as each visit does not exceed 6 months, your application for a Standard Visitor Visa will be refused if a caseworker has reason to believe that you are living in the UK through frequent or successive visits. In assessing your application a Caseworker will consider your travel history including, how long you spend in the UK on each visit and how frequently you are returning to the UK. 

How do I make an application for a UK Visitor Visa?

An application for a UK Visitor Visa must be made online . A Standard Visitor may apply for a visit visa of 6 months, 2.5 years or 10 years validity. This allows multiple visits to the UK within the period of validity, unless the visa is endorsed as single or dual-entry), but if it is a ‘multiple entry’ visa, you still cannot remain in the UK as a visitor for more than 6 months on any individual visit. 

As part of the application process you will be required to attend a Visa Centre to enrol your biometrics and have your passport scanned as part of the application process. Once your application form is submitted online, you will be able to upload your supporting documents online and book an appointment to enrol your biometrics.

How much does it cost to make a UK Visit Visa application?

The Home Office application fee for a Standard Visitor Visa is £95. You may need to pay an additional fee for a biometric appointment at a Visa Centre. 

How long will it take for my UK Visit Visa application to be decided?

An application for a UK Visitor Visa is typically decided within 3 weeks of making the application and attending a visa application centre. It may be possible to apply for a priority service to speed up the process depending on the country you are applying from. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there may be delays in processing your applications and priority services may be limited. 

What happens if my application for a UK Visitor Visa is refused?

You are unlikely to have a right of appeal if your application for a Standard Visitor Visa is refused.  If you need to challenge a refusal, it is likely you will have to do so by way of judicial review. 

You may wish to speak to our barristers for expert legal advice on making a fresh application following the refusal of your visitor visa. It will be essential for you to make a carefully prepared application which addresses each reason from your refusal to be addressed in order to succeed with a fresh application. 

Contact Our Immigration Barristers

For expert advice and assistance with an application for a UK Tourism and Leisure Visitor Visa , contact our Immigration Barristers on 0203 617 9173 or complete our enquiry form below.

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How to apply for a multiple-entry UK visit visa?

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Can a visit visa be granted for longer than six months , who needs a multiple-entry visitor visa, what are the rules for a multiple-entry visitor visa, the multiple-entry visitor visa requirements are as follows:, do you have a way to calculate the visitor visa uk cost, how do i apply for a multiple-entry visitor visa, conclusion .

If you are looking to come to the UK for reasons of tourism, visiting friends and family, for a business trip or for a short course, you will need a UK standard visitor visa . This visa can also be used for other activities allowed under the visitor visa rules such as private medical treatment. 

Standard visitor visas are normally granted for up to 6 months. However, you can apply for a multiple-entry visitor visa for two, five or 10 years of validity; this type of visa will allow for multiple entries during the specified time period without needing to apply for a new visa for each trip. However, each stay in the UK must not exceed the stay specified on the visa; this is typically six months. Please note, you can also depart and re-enter the UK with a standard visitor visa as long as the visa does not specify that it is a single or dual entry. 

People wanting to undertake short-term visits to the UK on a more regular basis sometimes over several years, a 6-month validity does not suffice. For example, if you have grown-up children that have settled in the UK who you will visit regularly, or if you are a business-person who needs to undertake business visits in the UK over a longer period of time.

In order to apply for a UK multiple entry visa , you need to fulfil UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) ‘genuine visitor’ requirements; this will need to be for the duration of the visa length for which you are applying.

• Your entry or stay is genuinely for a permitted purpose
• You will not be undertaking any prohibited activities such as paid employment
• You have the required funds for all of your costs related to your stay in the UK
• You intend to leave the UK at the end of your stay
• You do not plan to make the UK your main residence 

In addition to the above, the rules state that you cannot live in the UK for extended periods of time through frequent or successive visits. Although frequent or successive visits have not been defined, your caseworker, as advised by the UKVI, will check your travel history carefully looking at the time you have spent in the UK to assess whether you are using frequent or successive visits to in fact live in the UK. For this, they will look at:

• The reasons for your visits
• How many times you have visited in a 12-month period including the length of each stay
• Whether return trips to your home country suggest that they are being used to seek re-entry to the UK Long terms links you have with your country of residence
• If there is any evidence that the UK is your main home
• Previous visa application history – for example, have you been refused another type of visa

Some of the above may be difficult to assess for first-time visitors. However, not only will you be assessed on your initial application whether you are a genuine visitor, but also each time you enter the UK. This is because a multiple-entry visitor visa does not guarantee your entry into the UK for every visit; Border Force officers will determine your entry at each visit. For this, they will assess the following:

• Your previous immigration history both to the UK and other countries
• The duration of previous visits to the UK, if any, and how these compare to what you stated on your application 
• Details relating to your financial circumstances
• Your ties to your home country
• Your reasons for visiting are credible on the balance of probabilities

Please note, a multiple-entry visitor visa can be cancelled at any time if it becomes clear that you are exploiting the rules to use this type of visa to live in the UK for extended periods. 

In addition, if you are under 18 when you submit your visa and immigration application, your multiple-entry visa will only be valid for up to six months after you turn 18.

Yes! Use our calculator below to calculate your Visitor Visa Visa cost.

Please answer the questions and you will be able to calculate the approx. cost for The Visitor Visa –

An application must be made online on the gov.uk site. Once you have completed your application, you will be able to provide your supporting information and book an appointment with a visa centre in your home country in order to provide the required biometric information. 

A standard visitor visa for up to six months costs £100. A long-term visitor visa costs £376 for a 2-year visa, £670 for a 5-year visa and £837 for a 10-year visa. 

Please note, even if you apply for a longer-term visa, a shorter period will be issued if UKVI believe that the duration you have requested is not justifiable. A partial refund will not be provided in these instances. 

Applications are usually decided upon within three weeks, with priority services available in most locations.

If you have a genuine reason to visit the UK on multiple occasions, a multiple-entry visitor visa is a great option in order to avoid the inconvenience of applying for a standard visitor visa for each occasion. However, please note that these are not an alternative to a visa that allows you to reside in the UK as your main home of residence and they do not guarantee your entry each time you visit the UK. Your eligibility to apply for a multiple- entry visit visa, and your eligibility to enter the UK on each occasion with this visa will be determined by UKVI who will carefully consider your reasons for visiting and your background. In order to help ensure a successful application, it is paramount that you provide the correct supporting documentation.

A Y & J Solicitors is a specialist immigration law firm , with extensive experience with multiple-entry visitor visa applications. We have an in-depth understanding of immigration law and are professional and results-focused. For assistance with your application or any other UK immigration law concerns, please contact us on  +44 20 7404 7933 or at Contact Us today. We’re here to help!  

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UK tourist visa: Requirements and application procedure

Updated: September 9, 2023

The UK tourist visa requirements are clear and easy to understand. UK tourist visa application is online but the rest of the process requires an in-person appointment for biometrics.

The UK or the United Kingdom is comprised of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. To visit any of these four countries, you would need a UK tourist visa. UK tourist visas are valid for 6 months and you can stay up to 180 days in the UK.

The UK tourist visa application process is long and there is no status tracking. Make sure to start your UK visa process at least two months from your intended date of travel to the UK.

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UK TOURIST VISA REQUIREMENTS BY NATIONALITY

Minimum passport validity required to enter the UK

• Passport must be valid for the entire stay in the UK

Visa EXEMPT nationalities

Unlimited entry.

• This requirement will change from 01 Jan 2021 when UK will no longer be part of the EU
• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland

6-month entry

• You must carry all documents needed for a visitor visa to show at the port of entry if asked
• Visa is REQUIRED if you have a criminal record or refused entry into the UK before
• Anguilla (British territory)
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bermuda (British territory)
• Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba (Dutch territory)
• British Virgin Islands (British territory)
• Cayman Islands (British territory)
• Costa Rica
• El Salvador
• Falkland Islands (British territory)
• Hong Kong
• Marshall Islands
• Montserrat (British territory)
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• Pitcairn Island (British territory)
• San Marino
• Solomon Islands
• South Korea
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Lucia
• St Maarten
• St Vincent and The Grenadines
• Timor Leste
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turks and Caicos Islands (British territory)
• United States of America
• Vatican City

Visa REQUIRED nationalities

• Afghanistan
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Burkina Faso
• Cape Verde
• Central African Republic
• Congo, Dem. Rep. of
• Congo, Rep. of
• Cote d’Ivoire
• Dominican Republic
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• North Korea
• North Macedonia
• Palestinian Territories
• Philippines
• Saudi Arabia
• Sierra Leone
• South Africa
• South Sudan
• Sri Lanka
• São Tomé and Principe
• Turkmenistan

Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) required nationalities

• United Arab Emirates

24-hour VISA-FREE entry at Heathrow airport

• Eligible to request a 24-hour VISA-FREE entry at London’s Heathrow airport if holding a valid visa from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or any EU/Schengen country
• Must be in transit to/from the country of visa (Ex: if holding a Canada visa, you must be in transit to/from Canada only)
• Onward flight must be within 24 hours (on the same day or next day before midnight)
• Granting the 24-hour entry is at the sole discretion of the immigration officer
• Applies to all nationalities

BONUS (FREE eBook Download): Travel 56 countries VISA-FREE with a visa from the US, Canada, Schengen, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan or Singapore

UK TOURIST VISA APPLICATION PROCESS

First, check if you need a visitor visa to travel to the UK in the “UK tourist visa requirements by nationality” section above.

Alternatively, you can check your eligibility and requirements on the UK gov website .

Validity of UK tourist visa

UK tourist visas are valid for 6 months from the date of visa issue.

Example: If your UK visa was issued on January 15, the visa will be valid until July 15. 

NOTE There have been instances where visas were issued with validity starting from the date of travel mentioned in the visa application. 

When to apply for UK visa

You can apply for a UK visa up to 3 months in advance.

Example: If you plan to visit the UK on April 15, you can apply for your UK visa on or after January 16.

Also, keep in mind that you must apply for your UK visa at least 3 weeks prior to your travel, otherwise, you may not receive your visa on time. There are no refunds if you receive your visa after your travel date. 

IMPORTANT The UK visa process can take up to 3 weeks and even longer in some cases. I strongly recommend applying for your UK visa at least 2 months in advance.

How long can you stay in the UK?

The UK tourist visa allows you to stay up to 180 days in the UK. But if you stay that long continuously in the UK on a tourist visa, you will have serious trouble getting another UK visa in the future or entering the UK next time.

Here is my advice. Stick to the days you have mentioned in your UK visa application. A few days more or less is fine. But staying months on your UK tourist visa will pretty much look like you “live in the UK” rather than “vacation/holiday”. 

Application procedure

The UK visa application is online. You must apply for the visa online at the UK Visas and Immigration website

Below are the steps you will go through for your UK tourist visa application

• Go to the UK Visas and Immigration website
• Select your preferred language, type of visa, your country, nearest visa application center, etc
• Create a login using email and password
• Complete in the application form
• Sign the declaration
• Pay visa fee
• Submit the application
• Download and print the submitted visa application form
• Make an appointment at your nearest UK visa application center
• Attend the appointment at your nearest UK visa application center
• Submit your passport, visa application and supporting documents at the visa application center
• If applying from the US, Australia or New Zealand, mail your passport, visa application and biometrics receipt to your nearest visa application center
• Pickup/receive the passport when the visa decision is made

Below are some of the information you will provide in the application form

• Your travel dates to the UK
• Your hotel address and telephone number in the UK
• Your total estimated cost for the trip
• Your present home address and how many years you’ve lived there
• Your parents’ names and their dates of birth
• Your annual income
• Your travel history for the past 10 years
• Your employer details including the address and telephone number

Documents required

The following are the documents required for UK visitor visa application 

• Completed online visa application form with GWF number
• A passport-size photo (optional)
• If employed – an employment letter on company letterhead indicating your length of employment, salary, role, etc.
• If self-employed – a business registration document indicating your business name, date of business, etc.
• If student – a letter from the school/university on the letterhead indicating your enrollment, leave of absence, etc.
• Proof of funds ( bank statements or payslips for the last 6 months)
• Proof of legal residence (if applying from a 3rd country. you must submit a copy of your visa or residence permit of that country)

Do you need flight tickets and hotel bookings for the UK visa application?

UKVI has stopped asking for flight tickets and hotel bookings for UK visa applications. But some nationalities are still being asked to submit flight tickets and hotel bookings.

When you complete your online UK visa application, you will see a checklist of documents to be uploaded. Check if you are asked to submit flight tickets and hotel bookings.

Even if you are asked to submit your flight tickets and hotel bookings, you should not book any flights/hotel until your UK visa is approved.

For flights, get a price quote from British Airways which can be used as a flight itinerary for your UK visa application. Visa ticket booking agencies such as DummyTicket offer flight itineraries for the UK visa for $19, valid for 2-3 weeks.

For hotel, book a refundable or pay at check-in hotel on booking.com or Expedia . Cancel the booking after your visa is approved.

For more options, check out my detailed flight itinerary and hotel reservation articles.

Photo requirements

A passport-size photo is only required if are exempt from biometrics. All tourist visa applicants MUST give their biometrics. Your fingerprints and digital photos are taken during your biometrics appointment.

Since all tourist visa applicants MUST give their biometrics, a passport-size photo is not required. But, I suggest bringing one with you on the day of your biometrics appointment just in case.

Visa application fee

The UK tourist visa application fee is £95 GBP. You will pay this fee in your local currency. Due to exchange rates, you may end up paying about £2 – £5 GBP more.

You can use the UK home office visa fee wizard to find out the exact visa fee that you would need to pay in your local currency. 

If you are applying for a long-term UK tourist visa, below is the visa fee for 2, 5 and 10-year tourist visas. 

• 2 years: £361 GBP
• 5 years: £655 GBP
• 10 years: £822 GBP

Visa appointment

As part of the online application process, you will be prompted to make a visa appointment at your nearest UK Visa Application Center . Visa Application Centers are run by either VFSGlobal or TLSContact in conjunction with UK Visas and Immigration.

On the day of the appointment, you will give your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) and submit your original documents. You must bring all your original documents along with one photocopy of each including your passport.

Applicants from the USA, Australia (Adelaide and Hobart only) and New Zealand

You must give your biometrics at your nearest Biometric Enrollment Center and later send/post your documents to the nearest UK Visa Application Center.

During your online UK visa application, you will be prompted to make a biometrics appointment at your nearest Biometric enrollment center.

• Biometric enrollment centers in the USA are run by the US Homeland Security.
• Biometric enrollment centers in Australia are run by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.
• Biometric enrollment centers in New Zealand are run by Immigration New Zealand.

The biometrics appointment takes about 10-15 minutes. You will give your fingerprints and photo. You will receive an acknowledgment stamp on the biometric appointment confirmation.

You must then mail your original passport, visa application, biometric confirmation with the stamp, supporting documents and return postage to the UK Visa Application Center you have selected during your online visa application.

You will be notified via email when the UK Visa Application Center receives your documents.

Visa processing time

The UK tourist visa processing takes up to 3 weeks. There have been incidents where UKVI has taken over 2 months to process, especially when the visa applications are “not straightforward”.

UKVI considers a visa application “not straightforward” if additional information is required to process the visa. Additional information can be, verifying information, background check or requesting additional documents. UKVI usually notifies you in such cases and requests any additional documentation necessary.

Keeping such incidents in mind, ALWAYS apply for your UK visa at least 2 months prior to your travel.

If you have to travel sooner, you should purchase the “Priority Visa Service” while applying online. Or at least before you mail/submit your documents. This way your visa application will be processed within 5 working days.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE When I applied for my UK visa, the visa processing time was about 2 weeks. I had a planned trip to Canada before my trip to the UK. My trip to Canada was in 4 weeks, so I thought I had enough time to apply for my UK visa. However after I submitted my passport, the email confirmation said the visa process would take up to 4 weeks. I panicked. I went ahead and paid for the priority visa service. I panicked again. Then I emailed a formal visa withdrawal request, so I could at least get my passport back and make my trip to Canada. However, my visa was processed within 2 days of paying the priority visa service fee. Please do not make the same mistake as I did. Apply for your UK visa at least 2 months prior to your travel.

Visa application status tracking

Online visa application tracking is NOT AVAILABLE on the UK Visas and Immigration website. To track your UK visa application status, you must use UK Visas and Immigration’s email or phone option, which unfortunately is NOT FREE.

UKVI charges for all phone and email inquiries. 

Below are UK Visa and Immigration phone, email details and charges.

PHONE Telephone: +44 2034811736 Available 24 hours from Monday to Friday Calls cost £1.37 per minute plus any international call charges

EMAIL Email communication must be initiated via Email UK Visas and Immigration Email inquiries cost £5.48. Follow-up emails after that are not charged. You will receive a response to your email within 2 working days.

You must give out your credit card information for billing when you start the phone inquiry. For email, you must fill out the payment form and then you can submit your email inquiry.

PERSONAL OPINION Email inquiries generally receive a standard response saying that your application is “in process”. Phone inquiries are slightly better and cheaper.

Priority visa service

If you would need to travel to the UK urgently, you can opt for the “Priority Visa Service”.  This service is expensive and may not be available in all countries. If available, you will see the option in your online UK visa application. 

• Priority visa service fee: £220 GBP
• Visa processing time: Guaranteed in 5 working days

Priority visa service must be purchased during your online visa application. This will ensure your visa is processed within 5 days.

Purchasing this service after you have submitted/mailed your documents will take much longer than 5 working days. You must first pay the fee on the Visa Application Center (VAC) website and then email the receipt to the Visa Application Center where you have submitted/sent your documents. It can take more than a day for the VAC staff to locate your packet and push it into the priority queue

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE I purchased my priority service after I had mailed my documents. My visa application was approved within two days of buying the priority visa service.

Super priority visa service

If you would need to travel to the UK immediately, you can opt for “Super Priority Visa Service”. This service comes with a hefty price tag, so purchase this service only in super urgent, emergency cases. 

• Super priority visa service fee: £956 GBP
• Visa processing time: Guaranteed in 24 hours

Cancel your UK visa application

If you haven’t given your biometrics at the visa application center yet, you can cancel your UK visa application and get a full refund of your visa fee. The procedure to cancel your UK visa application depends on at what stage your application is in.

Application not submitted and fee not paid : If you haven’t paid your fee and haven’t submitted your application, there is a “Delete Application” option that will delete your current visa application.

Application not submitted but fee already paid : If you have already paid your fee and have not yet submitted your application, you can still delete your application but you may have to send a formal refund request in writing to the visa application center.

Application submitted, fee paid but haven’t given your biometrics : If you haven’t given your biometrics at VFS/BLS, you can cancel your application and request for a refund. The refunds take 4 weeks. 

Application submitted, fee paid, biometric given , and documents/passport already submitted: If you have already given your biometrics and submitted your documents/passport, you CANNOT cancel your visa application anymore. You can only WITHDRAW your visa application. You must email the visa application center a formal withdrawal request. Upon receipt of the withdrawal request, the visa application center will return/mail your passport back. Any visa fee and priority service fee paid are not refundable. 

IMPORTANT Even though UKVI says the refunds are processed in 4 weeks, it usually takes 8 weeks or even longer. There have been instances where applicants waited several weeks and some even gave up on their refunds. However, I have seen applicants having success in getting their refunds by reminding UKVI with phone calls or emails. It costs about $5 USD to email them, but it helps in getting your refund eventually. 

Withdraw your UK visa application

The UK visa application center keeps the passport for the entirety of the visa process, which could be 3 weeks or more. There may be emergencies where you need to have your passport with you. The only way to request your passport back is by formally withdrawing your visa application. 

If you withdraw your application, the visa fee and any priority service fee you have paid are NOT refundable.

To withdraw a visa application, you must submit a withdrawal request along with the reason for the withdrawal to the visa application center via email. It might take up to 72 hours for the consulate to locate your packet and send it back to you.

You must first call/email the UK Visas and Immigration mentioning your intention to withdraw your application. They will guide you through the process of withdrawing your application. Usually, the UK visa application withdrawal request should be a signed document with personal information including the GWF number. This document must be printed and signed. It must be scanned and emailed to the visa application center. Below is a sample withdrawal request letter.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I hereby request to withdraw my UK visa application. I understand that the visa fee is non-refundable. I also understand that my package may not be shipped for up to 72 hours.

Full Name of the Applicant: <name> GWF Number: <GWF number> Date of Birth: <date of birth> Nationality: <Nationality> Country of Residence: <Country of residence> Passport number: <Passport number> Type of Visa Applied: General Visit (up to 6 months) Biometric taken date:  <biometric date> Visa application centre’s address:  <address of the visa application center where you have submitted your documents> Contact number of the applicant: <Your phone number>

Priority Service Paid: <YES/NO> Priority Service Paid On: <Priority service purchased date>

Reason for Withdrawal: Emergency international travel has been scheduled. I need to have my passport in order to travel. Please return my passport as soon as possible. Thank you!

<Your signature here> Signed: <Your full name> Date: <date>

IMPORTANT Cancellation or withdrawal is NOT a refusal. It WILL NOT affect your future UK visa applications. You don’t need to mention it in your future UK visa applications either.

ENTERING AND LEAVING THE UK

Entering the UK by air

At the immigration, the officers may ask you questions about your trip, how long you plan to stay, your next destination, etc. You may be asked to show your return/onward ticket and your hotel booking. If you are traveling on a one-way ticket, you can use OnwardTicket to get proof of your onward ticket. 

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: The immigration officer at Heathrow Airport asked me to show my return/onward ticket. I had a print of my onward ticket, so quickly took it out and gave it to the immigration officer.

Leaving the UK by air

If you are flying out of Heathrow Airport, make sure to arrive early. The airport is huge and you may have to take a bus from the gate to the flight.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is GWF number in UK visa application ?

GWF reference number is the unique visa application number that was provided to you on your visa application submission. You must provide your GWF number when calling or emailing UK Visas and Immigration. Without the GWF number, UK Visas and Immigration will not be able to provide you with a status update on your visa application.

What to do if my UK visa application is refused?

If your UK visa application is refused, the first thing is to understand the  reasons for your UK visa refusal . If the reason is due to missing information, proof of funds or documentation, make sure to fix these the next time you apply for your UK visa.

Write a detailed cover letter explaining the reasons for your previous visa refusal, missing information/documentation and any additional information/documentation that you have provided in the new application. This will help the ECOs cut to the chase and focus on the new information/documentation.

There is no “appeal” for UK visa. So, re-apply for your UK visa by making sure you have the new information, proofs and documents that were lacking previously. You must pay the visa fee again as the fee paid for your previous application was non-refundable.

If you do not know the reason for your visa refusal/denial, give at least 6 months before you apply for the visa again. 

Can I get my UK visa application fee refund if denied?

No. The visa fee and any priority service fee paid are non-refundable if your visa application is denied. The visa fee is also non-refundable in incidents where the visa is approved for less number of days than requested.

I’m planning to visit the UK and Schengen countries on a single trip. Should I apply for my UK visa first or Schengen visa first?

If you plan to visit the UK and Schengen countries on a single trip, ALWAYS apply for your UK visa first. 

UKVI keeps the passport for the entirety of the visa process and there is no visa status tracking. Calls and emails to customer service are charged. Even if you pay and contact, you will usually get a canned response. If your UK visa is refused, there is no “appeal”. You can only re-apply, which means you have to repeat the entire process again.

On the other hand, the Schengen visa application process is much streamlined. There is application tracking, customer service and appeal. 

I highly recommend applying for your UK visa first and get done with it. After that, apply for your Schengen visa. 

When applying for your UK visa, show a “UK-only” itinerary for your UK visa. This eliminates the need for submitting your Schengen visa, flights in/out of the Schengen region, etc. 

The UK tourist visa requirements are clear and easy to understand. But, the visa application process is long and expensive. Apply at least 2 months in advance, and follow all the proper steps and documentation. Tourist visas are usually multiple-entry with 6 months validity.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

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Top Tips for applying for a Multiple Entry Visit Visa to the UK

You can apply for a multiple entry visit visa to enable you to frequently enter the UK on a long-term basis. Many non-visa nationals who need to regularly come to the UK are especially advised to apply for a multiple entry visit visa, in order to avoid any issues they may encounter at the border. LEXVISA Immigration Team has a vast amount of experience in preparing multiple entry visit visa applications and knowledge and understanding of the required documentation that is required in order for the application to be a success.

What is a Multiple Entry Visit Visa?

The Multiple Entry Visit Visa allows non-EEA nationals to come to the UK regularly or 2 years, 5 years or 10 years. Applicants must meet all the  General Visitor rules  relevant to their visit and prove to the Home Office that they have a genuine intention to visit on a regular basis. Multiple entry visitors must also demonstrate the following:

• That they have a credible ongoing reason to visit
• Must show stability of personal and economic circumstances – as far as possible, an applicant’s financial circumstances and ties to their home country should be unlikely to change significantly during the validity of the visa; and
• Travel history showing the Applicant has been compliant with UK’s or any other country’s immigration laws.

The Home Office application fee for a multiple entry visit visa will depend on the length of the visa and multiple entry visit visas must be made from outside of the UK.

What are the Dos and Don’ts of a Multiple Entry Visit Visa?

There are certain activities which multiple entry visit visa holders can and cannot do. Some of these activities are outlined below:

Permitted Activities:

• Stay in the UK for up to 6 months;
• Partake in tourist and leisure activities;
• Receive privately funded medical treatment;
• Study for up to 30 days; and
• Undertake certain business activities.

If you are  under 18 years old when you apply for a multiple entry visit visa, your visa will only be valid for up to 6 months after you turn 18.

Prohibited Activities:

• Engage in paid or unpaid work in the UK;
• Make the UK your primary place of home – i.e. spend longer in the UK than your country of residence;
• Receive public funds;
• Marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership.

Please note that this is not an exhaustie list and it is advised that Applicants seek legal advice from our immigration solicitors before submitting a multiple entry visit visa application.

Using Legal Representation to apply for a Multiple Entry Visit Visa

Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration status. It is possible to instruct an immigration and visa legal representative to submit a Multiple Entry Visit Visa application.

Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications which are improperly prepared for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your application succeeds, all necessary documents must be provided.

This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.

Successful Multiple Entry Visit Visa Applications

Our team of solicitors and barristers  are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your immigration status and the merit of your visa and immigration application before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation of your immigration and visa application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.

We are based in the legal epicentre of London , just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients.  We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.

Preparation is the key to successful immigration applications. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation.

Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our  contact form .

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UK Visa Multiple Entry Rules for Visitors

• 19 May 2023

IN THIS ARTICLE

Visitors to the UK have to ensure they follow strict rules on entry and permissible activities.

In this guide to the UK standard visitor visa , we explain how the UK visa multiple entry requirements work, including the express prohibition under the rules against living in the UK for extended periods through either frequent or successive visits. We also look at how to apply for a multiple entry visa, including the procedure, cost and wait time involved.

What is the UK multiple entry visitor visa?

The UK standard visitor visa is for visa nationals looking to visit the UK for the purposes of tourism, seeing friends and family, undertaking unpaid business trips, engaging in a short course of recreational study or other permitted activities under the visitor rules. Other permitted activities could include, for example, private medical treatment.

It is also possible to get married or form a civil partnership in the UK under a visitor visa, or give notice of a marriage or civil partnership, although this is treated as a separate visitor category in its own right. Other categories of visitor visa include the permitted paid engagement (PPE) visa and the transit visa. The PPE visa is for experts in their field coming to the UK to undertake specific paid engagements for up to one month, while the transit visa is for those wanting to transit the UK en route to another country for up to 48 hours.

A standard visitor visa will usually be granted for a maximum period of 6 months. However, visitors may apply for a visa with 2, 5 or 10 years validity, provided each stay in the UK does not exceed the permitted length of stay endorsed on the visa, usually 6 months. This is known as a multiple entry visa where, within the period of validity, you may enter and leave the UK multiple times. However, you can also depart and re-enter the UK multiple times under a standard 6-month visitor visa, unless the visa has been endorsed as either single or dual entry.

Who needs a multiple entry visitor visa?

If you plan to regularly visit the UK you can apply for a long-term visitor visa, allowing for multiple entries over several years, instead of a standard visitor visa over just 6 months. You may be looking to visit the UK on a regular basis for all sorts of permissible reasons.

When visiting the UK to see friends and family, especially loved ones who are living in the UK permanently, or temporarily working or studying in the UK under a visa themselves, a multiple entry visitor visa can be an ideal way to make a number of planned visits over the coming years. For example, you might have a spouse or partner working for their overseas employer in a UK branch, or studying for their degree at a UK university, where you have been unable to relocate at the same time, but still want to regularly visit and spend time with them. You might also have adult children, siblings or other relatives who have settled in the UK.

Equally, when visiting the UK for the purposes of business, the rules provide an extensive list of permitted activities, many of which will necessarily require visiting the UK on more than one occasion. This could include, for example, where you regularly need to visit the UK for business meetings, conferences and seminars. It could also be where you need to undergo work-related training in the UK or attend various different trade fairs, or you are involved in protracted business negotiations that are likely to require more than one attendance.

UK visa multiple entry rules for visitors

The visitor route is described under the rules as for visa nationals wanting to temporarily stay in the UK, for periods of up to 6 months at a time, for things like tourism, visiting family and friends, carrying out a business activity or undertaking a short course of study. The visitor route is therefore clearly designed for, and typically limited to, short-term visits.

However, the rules recognise and make provision for the fact that many visa nationals will be looking to visit the UK on a regular basis for legitimate reasons. It is therefore possible to apply for a multiple entry visa, provided you can satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that you meet the eligibility requirements for the duration of visa that you are applying for. This means that you must be able to satisfy the UKVI caseworker dealing with your application that you are able to meet the ‘genuine visitor’ requirements for a multiple entry visa lasting either 2, 5 or 10 years. Under the visitor rules, to be classed as a genuine visitor, you must:

• be genuinely seeking entry or stay for a purpose that is permitted
• will not be undertaking any of the activities that are prohibited under the rules, such as accepting paid employment
• have enough funds to cover all of your reasonable costs in relation to your UK visit without either working or accessing public funds, including the cost of your return or onward journey
• be intending to leave the UK at the end of your stay
• not be living in the UK for extended periods of time through either frequent or successive visits, nor be planning to make the UK your main home.

What are ‘frequent or successive visits’ under the visitor rules?

To overcome the UK visa multiple entry rules, you must be able to show that you are a genuine visitor, despite the fact that you are planning to regularly visit the UK, potentially on several occasions over several years. In any application for a long-term visitor visa, the UKVI caseworker will be alert to the fact that the rules can be easily exploited by the visa-holder by living in the UK for extended periods through either frequent or successive visits. This is because it is not uncommon for applicants to look for loop-holes in the rules, including making the most of the UK visa multiple entry allowances to live in the UK on a long-term basis.

The phrase ‘frequent or successive visits’ has no definition within the rules, although the Home Office ‘Visit guidance’ (published 06 October 2021) advises UKVI caseworkers to check the visitor’s travel history, including how much time they have previously spent in the UK and how often they are returning. The caseworker must assess if you are, in effect, living in the UK through frequent or successive visits, or making the UK your main home, having regard to:

• the purpose of your visit(s) and intended length of stay stated
• the number of visits you have made over the past 12 months, including the length of stay on each occasion, the time elapsed since your last visit, and if this amounts to you spending more time in the UK than in your home country or country of residence
• the purpose of return trips to your home country or country of residence, and if these appear to be used only to quickly seek re-entry to the UK
• the long-term links you have with your home country or country of residence, such as being registered for tax purposes
• any evidence that the UK is your main place of residence, for example, if you have registered with a UK doctor or if you send your children to a UK school
• your history of any previous applications, for example, if you have recently been refused leave under the family rules, or any other immigration route, and subsequently want to enter the UK as a visitor on a multiple entry visa.

There is no specified maximum period of time that you will be allowed to spend in the UK in any period under a multiple entry visa, such as ‘6 months in 12 months’, provided each visit does not exceed the maximum period for that visit. However, if it is clear from your recent travel history that you are seeking to stay in the UK for extended periods, or making the UK your main home, your application for a multiple entry visa will be refused.

Coming to the UK as a visitor

In the case of first-time visitors, the use of frequent or successive visits to live in the UK for extended periods of time cannot easily be judged in advance. However, a number of factors will be used to assess if you are a genuine visitor, not only on your initial application but also each time you enter the UK. This is because the grant of a multiple entry visitor visa will not guarantee you being allowed into the UK on each and every occasion, where it will be for Border Force officers to make their own determination on your arrival at a port of entry.

In assessing if you are a genuine visitor, the following will be considered:

• your previous immigration history, including any visits to the UK and other countries
• the duration of previous visits to the UK compared to what was stated on your visa application form or on arrival in the UK
• your financial circumstances, as well as your social, economic and family background
• any personal and economic ties to your home country or country of residence
• the cumulative period of time that you have spent in the UK and your pattern of travel over the last 12 months, and whether this amounts to ‘de-facto’ residence in the UK
• whether, on the balance of probabilities, the information and reasons given for your visit are credible, and correspond to your social, economic, family and personal background.

As a visitor, you can undertake multiple permitted activities whilst you are in the UK, although you must be able to explain what your main reason for coming to the UK is at the visa application stage and on entry at a UK port. Equally, if you are granted a multiple entry visit visa valid for 2, 5 or 10 years, it is likely that your reason(s) for visiting will differ over time. This is permissible, provided you continue to intend to undertake one or more of the permitted visitor activities. This means that you can enter the UK to do different permitted activities, but you will still be expected to have a main reason or reasons for visiting, for example, for business purposes or visiting family, and be able to provide details on arrival.

Importantly, your visitor visa may cancelled if it becomes apparent from your travel history, following the grant of a multiple entry visitor visa, that you are exploiting the rules by living in the UK for extended periods through either frequent or successive visits.

How to apply for a UK multiple entry visa

An application for a UK multiple entry visa must be made online. As part of the application process you will be required to attend an overseas visa centre to enrol your biometric information. Once your application form has been submitted online, you will be able to upload your supporting documents and book an appointment. You must also pay the visa fee.

The cost of applying for a short-term standard visitor visa is £100 for up to 6 months. For a long-term standard visitor visa, with multiple entries, the cost is £376 for a 2-year visa, £670 for a 5-year visa and £837 for a 10-year visa. However, you may be given a shorter visa than requested if UKVI believe that you cannot meet the eligibility requirements for the duration of the visa that you have applied for. You will also not get a partial refund of the application fee.

It will usually take up to 3 weeks from the date of your appointment for a decision to be made, although you may be able to pay for a faster decision. If you are successfully granted a multiple entry visa over either 2, 5 or 10 years, you will be permitted to visit the UK over the validity period of the visa, but will only be able to stay for a maximum of 6 months on each visit.

UK Visa Multiple Entry Rules FAQs

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Legal disclaimer

The matters contained in this article are intended to be for general information purposes only. This article does not constitute legal advice, nor is it a complete or authoritative statement of the law, and should not be treated as such. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information is correct, no warranty, express or implied, is given as to its accuracy and no liability is accepted for any error or omission. Before acting on any of the information contained herein, expert legal advice should be sought.

Gill Laing is a qualified Legal Researcher & Analyst with niche specialisms in Law , Tax , Human Resources , Immigration & Employment Law .

Gill is a Multiple Business Owner and the Managing Director of Prof Services - a Marketing & Content Agency for the Professional Services Sector.

• Gill Laing https://www.xpats.io/author/editor/ Medical Visa UK: Step-by-Step Guide
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• Gill Laing https://www.xpats.io/author/editor/ UK Transit Visa - Requirements 2024 Guide

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UK Multi Entry Visa Rules and How to Apply

By Amar Ali, Immigration Solicitor

The UK Multi-Entry Visitor Visa (also called Long-Term Standard Visitor Visa), is valid for 2 years, 5 years, or 10 years and enables holders to make multiple visits to the UK for up to 6 months each time. The Standard Visitor Visa (also called Type C Visitor Visa) differs from the Long-Term Visitor Visa as it is normally only issued for up to 6 months (or 12 months for academics). It is important to note that while there is no limit to the number of times you can enter and leave the UK on a Multi-Entry Visit Visa, you must not use this visa as a way of living permanently in the UK through frequent or successive visits.

UK Multi-Entry Visa Rules

As a UK Multi-Entry Visa holder, it is important to adhere to the immigration rules at all times, specifically:

• You must not intend to make the UK your permanent home by making frequent or successive visits. If the Home Office suspect that you are doing so, they may cancel your visa.
• Your entry as a visitor must be for a genuine and permitted purpose (e.g. tourism, to visit family or friends, or for medical reasons). Remember, you cannot use a visitor visa to do paid or unpaid work for a UK company, work as a self-employed person, claim benefits, or marry or register a civil partnership.
• You must leave the UK before you exceed the maximum duration of 6 months for each stay.
• You must have sufficient funds to support yourself and your dependants during your stay in the UK.

UK Multi-Entry Visa requirements

To make a successful application for a UK Multi-Entry Visa for 2 years, 5 years, or 10 years, you will need to demonstrate that you meet the following eligibility requirements:

• You must be at least 18 years
• As an academic, senior doctor or dentist
• Business activities – e.g. business meetings or interviews
• Medical treatment
• Recreational courses of up to 30 days
• School exchange programme
• Tourism (e.g. a holiday or vacation)
• Transiting through the UK to another country
• Visiting family or friends
• Volunteering for up to 30 days with a registered charity
• You must have a genuine need to make regular visits to the UK (e.g. if you are a parent of adult children living in the UK or if you need to come here for regular business-related visits)
• You must have sufficient funds to pay for your onward or return journey
• You must not meet any grounds for refusal (e.g. prior breaches of the immigration rules, certain criminal convictions)

Please note, the eligibility requirements are the same whether you are applying for a 2-year, 5-year, or 10-year multi-stay visitor visa. What matters is that you must have a genuine and valid reason for needing a long-term visa. The Home Office understands that it is likely that your reasons for visiting the UK will change over time, hence you can use your long-term visa for any valid purpose while your visa remains valid.

To ensure that your long-term visa application is approved for your preferred duration, please speak to our friendly professional immigration team in complete confidence on 020 3744 2797 or by email at [email protected] .

How to apply for a UK Multi-Entry Visa

To apply for a UK Multi-Entry visitor visa, you will need to complete the online application form 1 and pay the application fee as follows:

• 2-year multi-stay visitor visa: £400
• 5-year multi-stay visitor visa: £771
• 10-year multi-stay visitor visa: £963

You will also need to provide any documents and additional information requested by the Home Office; these may include:

• the exact dates you will be in the UK
• where you will stay
• how much your stay will cost
• your present home address and how long you have lived there
• the names and dates of birth (if known) of your parents
• your annual income
• details of any criminal, civil or immigration offences
• your travel history over the past 10 years
• your employer’s address and telephone number
• your partner’s name, date of birth and passport number
• the name and address of anyone paying for your trip
• the name, address and passport number of any family members you have in the UK

Alternatives to UK Multi Entry visa

If the multi-entry visa does meet your exact needs, you may be able to consider the standard visitor visa or the following visa alternatives:

Paid Permitted Engagement (PPE) visa

The PPE visa is for foreign nationals who have been invited as an expert in their profession by a UK organisation or client. This visa is aimed at certain professionals, including:

• Professional artists, entertainers and musicians
• Professional sportspersons
• Qualified lawyers representing a client in the UK
• Lecturers giving a series of lectures
• Academics in the role of student examiner or assessor
• Air pilot examiners

If granted a PPE visa, you will be able to visit the UK for a maximum of 1 month (this cannot be further extended).

Adult Dependant Relative visa

The Adult Dependant Relative visa is part of the family visa scheme and enables foreign nationals to come to the UK to be cared for by relatives here. The relative in the UK must be settled here and have sufficient funds to support themselves. In practice, it can be extremely difficult to make a successful application for an adult dependant relative visa given the strict requirements (i.e. applicants must be able to prove they cannot be cared for in their home country).

1 GOV.UK: Online visa application form

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Long Term Visitor Visa

• Anne Morris
• 24 March 2024

IN THIS SECTION

If you are looking to visit the UK on multiple occasions over a number of years, you may want to apply for a UK long term visitor visa. Whilst this will not allow you to stay in the UK for more than 6 months at any one time, it will enable you to enjoy frequent visits over the course of several years, without having to re-apply for a visa each time you want to take another trip.

In this guide to the UK’s long term visitor visa, we look at the visa requirements and application process, as well as what is permitted – and not permitted – under this visa route.

What is the long term visitor visa UK?

The long term visitor visa is the permission given by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), the division of the Home Office responsible for the UK’s visa system, to be able to visit the UK for a prescribed period of time. This could be, for example, for the purposes of tourism and leisure, such as visiting friends and family, or taking regular holidays. It could also be to carry out a range of different business activities , such as attending meetings or conferences.

If you are a visa national , ie; a citizen of a country that does not qualify for visa-free travel to the UK, you will need to obtain a visitor visa in advance to obtain entry clearance before arriving at a UK port-of-entry. Even if you are a non-visa national, it can often be advisable to obtain a long term visa for multiple visits . Whilst this will not necessarily guarantee entry to the UK on each occasion, as you must still persuade border officials that you are a genuine visitor and the reason for each visit, it can help to ensure a smoother process.

What does the long term visitor visa allow?

The rules relating to visitor visas are set out under ‘Appendix V: Visitor’ of the UK’s Immigration Rules, including how long this visa will last. In most cases, you will not be permitted to stay in the UK for more than a maximum of 6 months.

However, where you are looking to visit the UK a number of times, for example, for the purposes of visiting friends and family, or taking several different business trips, you may be able to apply for a visitor visa with a validity period of either 2, 5 or 10 years. This means that you will be able to visit the UK multiple times, although each stay must not exceed the maximum length of stay endorsed on your visa, in most cases, a period of 6 months.

The UK long term visitor visa can therefore be ideal, for example, for parents whose adult children have settled in the UK, where they would like to regularly visit their children and grandchildren. It can also be well-suited to those who need to visit the UK regularly for the purposes of business meetings or attending conferences over the course of time.

Other activities permitted under the long term visitor route, as set out under ‘Appendix Visitor: Permitted Activities’ of the Immigration Rules, include doing some volunteer work for a registered charity for a period of up to 30 days, provided this is not the main reason for your visit to the UK. It can also include undertaking a short course of recreational study, again for up to 30 days and as long as this is incidental to the main reason for any UK trip.

What are you not allowed to do under a long term visitor visa UK?

When applying for a long term visitor visa, UKVI will always carefully consider the reason for wanting a visa over a prolonged period of time. The UKVI caseworker dealing with your application must be satisfied that you will leave the UK at the end of each trip. They must also be satisfied that you do not intend to use your visa to live in the UK for extended periods through either frequent or successive visits, or to make the UK your main home.

Equally, the long term visitor visa is not designed for those looking to undertake paid employment in the UK. If you are planning to work, look for work or start your own business, you will instead need to apply for a visa under one of the various work routes .

Importantly, as you will not be allowed to work whilst in the UK on a long term visitor visa, you must have sufficient funds to support yourself throughout your stay. This is because you will not be granted access to public funds, even though you cannot legally get a job.

UK long term visitor visa requirements

The eligibility requirements for visitor visas are again set out under Appendix V of the Immigration Rules. To be eligible for any subcategory of visitor visa, you must show that:

• you are genuinely seeking to visit the UK for a purpose permitted under the visitor rules
• you are able to support yourself for the entire duration of each stay
• you are able to pay for reasonable costs relating to each UK visit, without undertaking paid work or accessing public funds, and can cover each return or onward journey
• you will not undertake any prohibited activities
• you will leave the UK at the end of each visit
• you will not seek to reside in the UK for extended periods of time through either frequent or successive visits, nor will you make the UK your main home.

When it comes to long term visitor visas, and the risk that this can be used to live in the UK for extended periods of time, you will need to persuade UKVI that you have stable finances, as well as strong ties to your home country. Essentially, UKVI must be satisfied that you are a genuine visitor, with good reason to regularly visit the UK over either 2, 5 or 10 years.

How to apply for a long term visitor visa UK

To make an application for a long term visitor visa, you must apply online from outside the UK using the GOV.UK website on form ‘Apply for a UK visit visa’. You must pay the relevant fee, submit your biometric information at an overseas visa application centre, where required, and provide proof of your identity and nationality. You will also need to provide various documents in support, depending on the reason for your multiple visits.

The earliest you can apply for a long term visitor visa is 3 months before you travel to the UK, and you should get a decision from UKVI within 3 weeks of attending a visa application centre. However, it is currently taking up to 5 weeks for decisions to be made.

Long term visitor visa supporting documents

The type of documents you will need to support your application for a long term visitor visa will depend on the reason for your visits to the UK. However, in all cases, you will need to satisfy UKVI that your intentions are genuine and you intend to return home after each trip. This means that you will need to provide a passport or other valid travel ID, together with additional documentation to prove the purpose of your proposed trips to the UK.

Additionally, you must show that you have enough money to cover all reasonable costs in relation to your visits, and that any funds you rely upon are held in a regulated financial institution in relation to which the UKVI caseworker is able to make satisfactory verification checks as permitted under Appendix Finance of the Immigration Rules. For long term visitor visa applications, UKVI are looking for those with a stable income or sufficient wealth.

Importantly, as being granted a long term visitor visa does not guarantee entry to the UK, on your arrival at a port-of-entry you must also be in possession of sufficient documentation to persuade border officials that you are a genuine visitor, and that you are able to support yourself without undertaking work or accessing public funds during your stay.

How much is a long term visitor visa UK?

The cost of your visa will depend on how long you apply for. To apply for a standard single or multiple-entry visa lasting up to 6 months, the cost is £100. For a 2-year long term visitor visa the cost is £432 from 10 April 2024; for a 5-year long term visitor visa the cost is £670; and for a 10-year long term visitor visa the cost is £837. However, if you would like to expedite the time taken for UKVI to make a decision, there will be an additional fee for premium processing.

You may be able to get a decision from UKVI within as little as 5 working days using the priority service, at an additional cost of £250, or even by the end of the next working day using the super priority service, at a cost of £956. You will need to check with the visa centre at which you are making your application to see if these services are available.

If UKVI believe that you cannot meet all of the eligibility requirements for the duration of the visa applied for, you may be granted a shorter visa than that requested. If you are granted a shorter visa, you will not receive a partial refund of the application fee. Equally, if your application is refused, you will again not be entitled to a refund. Importantly, paying for one of the priority services does not guarantee a favourable outcome to your application for a long term visitor visa, nor the grant of a long term visa for the intended duration.

What happens if your long term visitor visa application is refused?

There are various reasons as to why your application may be refused. This could be because you fail to satisfy UKVI that you meet all of the requirements as a long term visitor for your intended purpose. UKVI must also be satisfied that you are a genuine visitor and that you intend to leave the UK after each trip. For example, if you are not able to show that you have stable finances and strong ties to your home country, an adverse inference may be drawn that you intend to work in the UK. Equally, if it is clear from any previous travel history that you are planning to make the UK your home, your application will be refused.

Additionally, you could fall for refusal under ‘Part 9: grounds for refusal’ of the Immigration Rules. In some cases, your application could be refused on mandatory grounds, whilst in others, this will be at the discretion of the UKVI caseworker deciding your application. For example, if you have been to prison for a criminal offence in the UK or overseas, where your sentence was for 12 months or more, your visa application ‘must’ be refused. In contrast, if you have been convicted of an offence for which you received a prison sentence of less than 12 months, or a non-custodial sentence, your application ‘may’ be refused.

If your application for a long term visitor visa is refused by UKVI, you will not be permitted to travel to the UK. In these circumstances, you should seek expert legal advice from an immigration specialist with a view to submitting a fresh application. It can be tricky to make a successful application following a refusal, but with a detailed explanation and proper evidence in support to address the reasons given for the refusal, it is possible.

Importantly, even if you are granted a long term visitor visa, this cannot be used as a means of living in the UK by spending 6 months, leaving and immediately returning, as this will breach the rule not to live in the UK for extended periods. Several long stays which reach the 6-month limit each time may arouse suspicion that your intentions are not genuine. In these circumstances, you may be refused entry. You also run the risk that your visitor visa will be cancelled altogether, presenting very real difficulties in applying for a new one.

Need assistance?

Travellers to the UK should note that even with a valid visitor visa in place, you may still be questioned at the UK border by immigration officials, to verify that you are a genuine visitor and will comply with the visitor visa rules. Where officials are concerned that you may stay longer than your visa date, or if your activities are prohibited under the visitor rules, you may be denied entry. For specialist UK visa and immigration advice , contact us.

Long term visitor visa FAQs

How do i get a uk long term tourist visa.

To make an application for a long term tourist visa, you must apply online from outside the UK. You must also pay the relevant fee, submit your biometric information, where required, and provide proof of your identity and nationality.

How much is a long term standard visitor visa UK?

For a 2-year long term standard visitor visa the cost is £432 from 10 April 2024; for a 5-year long term visitor visa the cost is £670; and for a 10-year visa the cost is £837.

How long visitor visa can stay in UK?

A standard visitor visa is typically for 6 months, although you can apply for a visa with a validity period of either 2, 5 or 10 years for regular visits of up to 6 months each time.

How much is a 2 year visitor visa UK?

The cost of applying for a 2 year long term visitor visa is £432 from 10 April 2024, although you can pay an additional fee to expedite the time it takes to get a decision.

Last updated: 24 March 2024

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• Entering and staying in the UK
• Visas and entry clearance
• Visit and transit visas
• Visit visa: guide to supporting documents
• UK Visas and Immigration

Visiting the UK: guide to supporting documents

Updated 1 February 2024

© Crown copyright 2024

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected] .

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visitor-visa-guide-to-supporting-documents/guide-to-supporting-documents-visiting-the-uk

To visit the UK, you need to show that you’re a genuine visitor.

You can do this by providing evidence that:

• you’re coming to do a permitted activity – see Appendix Visitor: Permitted Activities
• you’ll leave the UK at the end of your visit
• you’re able to support yourself and any dependants for the duration of your trip
• you’re able to pay for your return or onward journey and any other costs relating to your visit

Wherever possible, digital images should be taken of original documents, not copies.

If you submit a document that is not in English or Welsh, it must be accompanied by a full translation that can be independently verified by the Home Office. Each translation must contain:

• confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document
• the date of translation
• the translator’s full name and signature
• the translator’s contact details

You do not need to provide multiple copies of the same documents if you’re applying as a family or group at the same time.

If you’re applying to visit the UK as part of a Chinese tour group, you should read the specific guidance for ADS visitors .

Further information about coming to the UK as a visitor can be found in Appendix V: Visitor of the Immigration Rules and in the Visitor Guidance .

Submitting or presenting any of the documents listed below does not guarantee that your application for a visit visa or entry at the border will be successful. You should bear this in mind when making any bookings, particularly if you need to apply for a visitor visa before you travel to the UK.

1. Travel document (passport)

You must provide a valid passport or other travel document with all applications and when travelling to the UK. Your passport must have at least 1 page blank if you use it to apply for a visa.

Some passport holders may need to provide alternative evidence of their identity and nationality.

2. Demonstrating personal circumstances

If you are intending to visit the UK you will need to show that you are a genuine visitor who is coming to the UK to undertake a permitted activity, that you will leave at the end of your visit and that you have sufficient funds for yourself and any dependants to cover all reasonable costs in relation to your visit.

It is recommended that you provide information about your circumstances in your home country and details of the activity that you will be doing in the UK.

The following provides information about the types of documents that you might want to provide to help us consider your application against the Immigration Rules for Visitors ( Appendix V: Visitor ). This list is not exhaustive.

• what you will be doing in the UK, the reason for your visit and whether any costs are being met, including any letters from inviting or sending organisations
• a letter from your employer on company headed paper, detailing your role, salary and length of employment
• a letter from your education provider, on headed paper, confirming your enrolment and leave of absence
• business registration documents or recent invoices that confirm on-going self-employment
• copies of previous passports showing evidence of travel to other countries
• confirmation of legal residence, if you are not a national of the country in which you are applying or your right to reside there is not included in your passport
• bank statements which detail the origin of the funds held
• building society books which detail the origin of the funds held
• proof of earnings, such as a letter from your employer confirming employment details (start date of employment, salary, role, company contact details)

3. If you have a sponsor

If someone else (your sponsor) is providing your travel, maintenance or accommodation you should provide evidence showing:

• what support is being provided and whether it extends to any dependent family
• how this support is being provided

the person supporting you has enough funds to adequately support themselves and their dependents

the relationship between you and the sponsor, for example if they’re your family member or your employer

• the person supporting you is legally in the UK (if applicable), for example if they have a British passport or residence document

4. If you’re a child (under 18)

You should show a legal document showing the relationship between you and at least 1 of your parents or guardians, for example a birth certificate or adoption papers.

You should show a copy of the photo page of at least 1 parent’s or guardian’s passport, including their signature and passport number, if they’re not also applying for a visa.

If you have a different family name to your parent/guardian, you may be asked to provide evidence of your relationship. Evidence you can provide may include:

a birth or adoption certificate showing your relationship to your parent or guardian

a divorce or marriage certificate for your parent or guardian

4.1 If you’re not travelling with your parent or guardian

You should provide additional documents to show that your parent or guardian is aware of your travel plans and that they give you permission to enter the UK. Your application may be refused if you don’t.

You should provide a signed letter from your parent or guardian confirming your travel arrangements, including:

• your parent or guardian’s consent for you to travel to the UK
• who’s travelling with you – you’ll need to provide their passport number if they’re an adult
• who’ll look after you while you’re in the UK
• how you’ll travel to the UK
• If your parent or guardian does not have a passport, you should provide another official document that includes their signature

5. Visiting for business purposes

• the relationship between you and the sponsor, for example if they’re your family member or your employer)

6. Attendees of business-related events or conferences

If you are attending a business event or conference, you should provide a letter of invitation from the organiser of the event you are attending.

7. Intra-corporate visits

If you are visiting the UK to work with your UK based colleagues you should provide a letter from your employer confirming this, and if this will involve working with clients, your employer should confirm that this is not the main purpose of your visit.

8. Wet lease arrangements

If you are a pilot or cabin crew member travelling to the UK to work temporarily under a wet lease agreement, you should provide a letter from your employer confirming that you are employed by them and that a wet lease agreement is in place.

9. Visiting for training, research or paid engagements

9.1 academics coming to undertake research (12-month visa).

You should show that you’re highly qualified and working in your field at an academic or higher education institution. For example, you could provide:

• a letter from your employer outlining the research to be undertaken
• a letter from the UK host organisation confirming the arrangements for your research or exchange

You should check if you need a TB test .

You should check if your family members need a TB test if you’re bringing them to the UK with you.

9.2 Performers at one or more permit-free festivals

You may want to provide a letter of invitation from the organisers of each event, including the dates of your performances and details of any payments you’ll receive.

9.3 Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) test and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) test

You’ll need to provide a letter from the General Medical Council or Nursing and Midwifery Council confirming your test.

9.4 Work-related training – unpaid clinical attachments and dental observer posts

You’ll need to provide confirmation of your offer to undertake a clinical attachment or dental observer post, that it involves no treatment of patients and that you’ve not previously undertaken this activity in the UK.

You should provide an acceptance letter from your course provider confirming the details of the course.

9.6 Study – medical electives 

You must provide written confirmation from your UK Higher Education provider confirming you have been accepted to undertake an elective relevant to your course of study overseas.

9.7 Study – research placements  

You must provide confirmation from your overseas course provider that the research or research tuition is part of, or relevant to, the course you’re doing overseas.

9.8 Permitted Paid Engagements

You’ll need to provide an invitation letter showing why you’re carrying out the engagement and how long it’s for from a relevant UK-based organisation, such as:

• a Higher Education institution
• an organisation in the creative arts or entertainment industries
• a sports organisation, agent or broadcaster
• a research organisation
• an aviation training organisation regulated by the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority
• a client, if you are a lawyer
• the organiser of a conference or seminar confirming your invitation to speak at their event

You should provide evidence of professional status in your home country or expertise, depending on the engagement.

9.9 Lecturers or examiners

You can provide:

• the names or details of your publications in your field of expertise
• dates and times of lectures you’ve given in that field
• a letter from your employer confirming where you work and your area of expertise

9.10 Entertainers/artists/sports people

• dates and times of performances, screenings, concerts, talks, readings and exhibitions
• details of any awards you’ve received
• proof of recent performances

9.11 Air pilot examiners

You should provide evidence showing you’ve been invited by an approved training organisation. They must be based in the UK and regulated by the UK Civil Aviation Authority .

9.12 Lawyers

You’ll need to provide evidence that you’re a qualified lawyer, for example a practising certificate or equivalent document.

You should also show you’ve been invited to represent a client in the UK court, for example confirmation of your right to audience, or ‘temporary call’ (where required).

10. Visiting for private medical treatment

If you’re applying to visit the UK as an S2 Healthcare Visitor, you should read the specific guidance for S2 Healthcare Visitors

10.1 Private Medical Treatment

You’ll need to provide a letter written by a doctor or consultant , that includes:

• details of the condition requiring consultation or treatment
• estimated cost and likely duration of any treatment
• details of where the consultation or treatment will take place.

If you are coming to the UK to receive medical treatment as part of a reciprocal healthcare arrangement between your country and the UK, you must provide an authorisation form from that country.

You should check if you need a TB test if you’re applying for an 11 month visa.

If you’re applying to extend your stay in the UK to receive private medical treatment you must show:

• a letter explaining your medical condition from a registered medical practitioner
• you’ve met the costs of the treatment you’ve already received

If you’re applying to extend your stay in the UK to continue receiving medical treatment as part of a reciprocal healthcare arrangement between your country and the UK, you must provide an authorisation form from that country which authorises further treatment.

10.2 Organ donors

You’ll need to provide a letter from either the lead nurse of the transplant team or a GMC-registered specialist , dated no more than 3 months before you intend to arrive in the UK, confirming:

• you’re a confirmed match to the recipient with whom you have a genetic or close personal relationship, or you’re being tested to determine whether you are a potential donor
• when and where the transplant or tests will take place

You should show the intended recipient is legally resident in the UK, such as a copy of their British passport or residence permit. You should provide the intended recipient’s name, nationality and date of birth if they are not legally resident in the UK and are applying for a visa at the same time.

11. Visiting for your marriage or civil partnership

You must apply for a marriage or civil partnership visitor visa to enter the UK to marry, form a civil partnership, or give notice of this.

You should provide evidence that you intend to give notice, marry or form a civil partnership during your stay, for example an appointment confirmation with a registrar or booking confirmation for your reception. If you’ve been married or in a civil partnership before, you should provide documents to show that you are free to marry or form a civil partnership.

You must be over 18.

12. Passing through the UK in transit

You should provide evidence that:

• your outward journey from the UK has been confirmed and is within 48 hours of arrival, for example travel booking confirmation
• you can enter the country you’re travelling to, for example a valid visa or residence permit

Further information can be found on the Visitor in Transit visa pages or in the Transit Guidance .

13. Documents you should not use as evidence

Some types of documents are less useful as evidence in visit applications. These include:

• bank statements or letters issued more than 1 year before the date of application
• credit card statements
• driving licence
• educational certificates that are not listed as required for your visa
• evidence of car ownership
• personal photographs
• notarial certificates
• business cards
• hotel bookings
• flight bookings (unless transiting)
• photocopies of bank cards
• certificates relating to leisure activities, for example sports trophies
• travel insurance
• sponsor’s utility bills
• sponsor’s council tax bills

You may be asked to provide additional information by a decision maker.

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UK standard visitor visa: multiple entry

Travelling to other countries can sometimes require obtaining a visa. Several countries are required to apply for a visa prior to traveling to the United Kingdom. For most purposes, the United Kingdom standard visitor visa will suffice.

The standard visitor visa has a lot of great benefits. You can learn more about the benefits of the standard visitor visa below!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the time restrictions placed on visits to the uk.

Currently, the United Kingdom allows a max stay of 180 days in Total for the standard visitor visa.

When Will My Standard Visitor Visa Expire?

Your visa will expire in 180 days after issued .

How Long Does Processing Take for the application?

The speed at which your visa application will be processed depends on the processing speed you choose:

• Standard: 30 days
• Rush: 30 days
• Super Rush: 30 days

How Much Does the Standard Visitor Visa Cost?

The cost of your visa will depend on the processing speed of your application:

• Standard: USD $320.99
• Rush: USD $321.99
• Super Rush: USD $325.99

How Many Entries are Allowed with the United Kingdom Standard Visitor Visa?

The current policy enforced by the UK allows Multiple Entry for the standard visitor visa.

How Do I Apply?

You can apply here . The United Kingdom Standard Visitor Visa can only be applied for online.

Can people under the age of 18 travel to the UK alone?

Yes. Keep in mind that being under 18 does not exempt you from visa requirements.

What Do Applicants under 18 Need to Apply for this Visa?

When applicants under the age of 18 apply for the standard visitor visa , their legal guardians will need to provide additional documentation:

• written consent
• contact details
• the name and date of birth of the person you will be staying with
• address of where you will be staying
• details of your relationship to the person who'll be looking after you

Am I required to give biometrics to travel to the United Kingdom?

Yes. Biometrics are required of travelers who visit the UK. Biometrics are given by setting up an appointment with the visa center nearest to you.

Can I work while in the UK on a standard visitor visa?

No. Working is not permitted with the standard visitor visa . This includes paid and unpaid work. However, you are permitted to participate in business conferences and seminars, research, academic pursuits, tourism, and more.

Where can I go with the standard visitor visa?

The great thing about the United Kingdom is that it is a country that contains four sovereign nations! The UK standard visitor visa allows its holders to travel between Ireland, Great Britain, Wales, and Scotland, as well as some sovereign commonwealth islands that are occupied by the UK. It will surely be a challenge to run out of things to do while in the United Kingdom!

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UK ETA for US citizens

• iVisa is NOT affiliated with any government agency. This site does not provide legal advice and we are not a law firm. None of our customer service representatives are lawyers and they also do not provide legal advice. We are a private, internet-based travel and immigration consultancy provider dedicated to helping individuals travel around the world. You may apply by yourself directly on the various government websites. The source of information: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration

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UK visa rules tore my family apart – and for others like us, it’s about to get much worse

A new income threshold means only the richest 30% of employed Britons will be able to bring their partners here. It’s unspeakably cruel

S ix years ago almost to the day, with my 15-month-old daughter strapped to my chest, I fought back tears, waved my husband off at Bengaluru airport in India and boarded a plane back to the UK. I wasn’t sure when I’d see him again, or when he’d see his child.

Even though he was the foreign spouse of a British citizen (at that point, we had been married for more than five years) and the father of a British child, he had no right to accompany us when we relocated to the UK. This despite the protestations of friends and relatives, who felt sure we’d not done our research properly.

A minimum income threshold in order to apply for a spouse visa was introduced by Theresa May in 2012, but public consciousness of the policy – then as much as now – was low outside those people directly affected. It was set at £18,600 a year, but the devil was in the details.

As we dug deeper, we realised that I needed to produce six months of continuous payslips proving the income before a visa application could even be submitted. I had a job offer with a salary above the threshold waiting for me back in the UK, and my husband already earned above the threshold in India – yet this meant a “best-case” scenario of nine months apart in order to relocate our family from his home country to mine, once the visa processing time was taken into account.

In the end, our time apart was closer to a year. My husband missed our daughter’s first sentences, her transition out of a cot and her second birthday. In the process, she forgot the Hindi he’d lovingly sung and spoken to her since birth.

Commuting to a full-time job to meet the income requirement while in essence being a single parent meant that I too saw far less of her, and my mental health spiralled out of control. All of that time was spent wondering if we’d made the right choice.

In all of this, we were the lucky ones. Our application, while onerous and expensive, went through smoothly. Then, the basic fee for a two-and-a-half-year spousal visa was about £1,500. Now, it stands at £1,846.

After a small amount of lobbying, our local MP wrote a letter to the Home Office in support of our application, despite having voted in support of the policy. Crucially, my mother stepped in to care for our daughter and to prop me up emotionally.

Ultimately, we were reunited. Six years and three visas later, my husband has indefinite leave to remain, and we finally have a degree of security. Tragically, there are now children who have been separated for more than a decade from one of their parents, and couples who know there is no realistic possibility of them living in the same country. There will now be many more.

On 11 April, a new income threshold for spousal visas will come into place, set at £29,000. The threshold will go on to more than double from its original rate, rising to about £34,500 later this year, and then to about £38,700 in early 2025. This is part of the plan of the home secretary, James Cleverly, to reduce immigration. Migration Observatory research suggests that the new threshold means that about 50% of employed British citizens cannot “afford” to have a foreign spouse, which will rise to 70% by 2025.

The Home Office will tell you that this is to ensure “integration” and to avoid a burden on taxpayers. This is not true. Those on a spouse visa already have no recourse to public funds, pay an annual NHS surcharge and have the best possible support – a spouse – when adjusting to life in the UK. Separated families, on the other hand, struggle financially and emotionally, the collateral damage of a policy incomprehensible even to the MPs who voted for it.

I’m writing this in the early hours of the morning, having just relieved my husband from night duty caring for a toddler – our second child – who is feeling miserable with an ear infection. Night-wakings and poorly children are still very much a feature of family life. But we are doing it together, and we’ve never lost our sense of how precious, how essential, that is.

Families belong together. The spouse income threshold, unparalleled in any other country, means that our government stands in opposition to this fundamental and most sacred of rights.

Maegan Dobson Sippy is a children’s book editor and writer

• Parents and parenting
• Home Office

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TIPS: What you need to know about getting a Japan visa

Planning to travel to Japan any time soon?

Applying for a visa can be daunting, but it shouldn't stop you from taking that trip to see the Land of the Rising Sun. With some proper preparation of all the necessary documents, you'll be able to get approved for your Japan vacation.

There are different types of Japanese visas but we'll focus more on the tourist ones for those who want to go on a quick leisure trip to experience the country. There are two common tourist visas: the single-entry allowing holders to enter Japan once and stay for as long as 90 days, and the multiple entry visa which lets the holder enter the country many times within a specified period for at least 15 to 30 days each stay. Here are the requirements you'll need to get ready.

• Valid Philippine passport  in good condition, must be signed and have at least two blank visa pages
• Visa application form which you can download here
• Your itinerary in Japan which includes your port of entry, where you intend to stay and the contact number of the accommodation
• A passport photo 2 x 1.4 inches with a white background taken within six months
• If your birth certificate is "late registration," you must also submit a  Baptismal Certificate  and a Form 137  from high school or elementary, both of which must be issued within at least three months
• You only need to submit a birth certificate if you have never applied for a Japan visa before
• You will also need to write a letter of authorization for the Japan Embassy to verify your birth certificate
• Original Marriage Certificate (if married) issued within one year
• Bank Certificate  of a personal account (not company/business) issued within three months
• A copy of your latest Income Tax Return

If someone else will be shouldering your travel expenses, you must also submit the following:

• Guarantee letter
• Proof of relationship between applicant and guarantor
• Bank Certificate and Income Tax Return of the guarantor

Once you've acquired all the requirements, choose an accredited travel agency from this list from the Japanese Embassy. Fees may cost P950 to P1,200 for a single entry visa, depending on the travel agency.

Multiple-entry requirements

Want to get a multiple-entry visa? This type of visa has some conditions for issuance, so it may not be as easy to get one. For instance, you will need to have a history of travel as a temporary visitor to the country in the last three years.

If you pass the conditions, you will need the same requirements as above but also include an explanation letter for requesting multiple entry, proof of your travel to Japan in the last three years, and proof of financial capacity. 

So how much money do you need in your bank account to get your visa approved? The Japanese Embassy hasn't really specified a certain amount but what's advised is to have enough to fund your travel expenses. 

As for how long a tourist visa is processed, it will usually take seven to 10 business days. It's best to get your visa processed a month before your trip so you have ample time to request documents that you might not have around.

Additionally, you don't need to book a hotel or a flight before your visa is processed. In fact, travel agencies advise against it. It's best to book once your visa is approved.

Remember, just because you submitted all your documents, it doesn't automatically mean that you'll be granted the visa.

This article TIPS: What you need to know about getting a Japan visa was originally published in PhilSTAR L!fe