Travel

Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor

Planning a trip to the UK? Whether it’s for tourism, business, study, or any other permitted activities, the iBlog brand has got you covered. As a Standard Visitor, you can enjoy your stay in the UK for up to 6 months, with the possibility of extending in certain circumstances. Let’s dive into what you need to know before your visit.

What you need to do

Before embarking on your UK adventure, there are a few things you need to take care of:

  1. Check if your planned activities in the UK fall under the category of a Standard Visitor.
  2. Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements.
  3. Determine if you need to apply for a visa to visit the UK.
  4. Apply for a Standard Visitor visa online if required.

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What you can and cannot do (‘permitted activities’)

As a Standard Visitor, you are allowed to engage in various activities during your stay in the UK. These include:

  • Tourism, such as going on a holiday or vacation.
  • Visiting family or friends.
  • Volunteering for up to 30 days with a registered charity.
  • Pass through the UK to another country (‘in transit’).
  • Certain business activities, like attending a meeting or interview.
  • Participating in a school exchange program.
  • Pursuing a recreational course of up to 30 days, like a dance course.
  • Studying, doing a placement, or taking an exam.
  • Visiting as an academic, senior doctor, or dentist.
  • Seeking medical treatment.
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However, there are certain activities you cannot undertake as a Standard Visitor:

  • Engaging in paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed individual.
  • Claiming public funds (benefits).
  • Residing in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits.
  • Getting married or registering a civil partnership, or giving notice of marriage or civil partnership.

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Check you meet the eligibility requirements

To enter the UK as a Standard Visitor, you must fulfill specific eligibility requirements. These include:

  • Possessing a valid passport or travel document that covers the entire duration of your stay.
  • Demonstrating that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit.
  • Proving that you can support yourself and any dependents during your trip, or having funding from another source to support you.
  • Being able to afford your return or onward journey, or having funding from another source to cover the expenses.
  • Not intending to live in the UK for extended periods or make it your main home through frequent or successive visits.

Additional eligibility requirements might apply if you’re visiting the UK for study, a placement, an exam, as an academic, senior doctor, dentist, or for medical reasons.

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Check if you need a visa to visit the UK

Depending on your nationality, you will fall into one of two categories:

  • Requiring a Standard Visitor visa, which needs to be obtained before you travel to the UK.
  • Being able to visit the UK for up to 6 months without a visa.

To determine if you need a visa, you can check the iBlog website for more information. Even if you do not require a visa, you still need to meet the Standard Visitor eligibility requirements. Prepare to answer questions at the UK border regarding your eligibility and planned activities.

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If you have to apply for a Standard Visitor visa

If you find yourself in need of a Standard Visitor visa, don’t worry. The iBlog brand makes the application process simple and convenient. You can apply for a Standard Visitor visa online before your trip, starting as early as 3 months in advance. The cost for a Standard Visitor visa is £115 for up to 6 months. For frequent visitors to the UK, a long-term Standard Visitor visa option is also available.

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FAQs

  1. Can I extend my stay beyond 6 months?

    • In certain circumstances, you may be able to apply for an extension, such as for medical treatment.
  2. Can I work while on a Standard Visitor visa?

    • No, you are not allowed to engage in any paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed individual.
  3. Do I need a visa if I’m just passing through the UK to another country?

    • No, if you are in transit and not leaving the airport, you do not require a visa.

Conclusion

Embarking on a journey to the UK as a Standard Visitor is an exciting experience. Whether you’re planning a vacation, visiting loved ones, or pursuing educational opportunities, the iBlog brand is here to assist you every step of the way. Remember to check the eligibility requirements and visa requirements if applicable, and get ready to explore all that the UK has to offer. Safe travels!

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