There are many different types of visit visa in the UK, depending upon the purpose of the visit. Not everyone who is coming for a short holiday or to visit friends or family requires a visa: whether or not you do will depend upon your country of origin.  Visits may also be for business purposes, for study, or medical treatment or for marriage. EU nationals and their family members benefit from different arrangements.

Visitors and business visitors

This is the general category and is used by people coming for a holiday or to visit family and friends.  Visit visas can be given for a maximum of six months.  Visitors are not allowed to work while they are in the UK and must have enough money to support themselves while in the UK.  If a person is refused a visit visa they have a right of appeal if the purpose of the visit was to visit a family member. People who are not visiting a family member do not have a right of appeal if their application is refused, making it important to get it right first time.  With effect from 1 September 2007 people who wish to do a course of study in the UK should enter as a student visitor, not as a general visitor.

The visitor category covers people coming to the UK to transact business - attend meetings, negotiate and make contracts. If you intend to work in the UK and to produce goods or provide services in the UK during your visit, it will be necessary to apply for a work permit or to enter in one of the business categories.

Child visitor

A person under 18 who wishes to come to the UK for a visit must apply for entry clearance (a visa) as a Child Visitor.  In addition to the requirements for adult visitors, suitable arrangements have to be made for the child’s travel to the UK and reception and care once in the UK. It is also necessary to identify the person responsible for the child in his/her own country.  As with adult visitors, child visitors are not allowed to work and can stay for a maximum of six months.

Visits for private medical treatment

It is possible to apply for a visa to come to the UK for private medical treatment.  Such visitors must show that they can support themselves and are not allowed to work in the UK.  If they have an infectious disease, they must show that there is no risk to public health in the UK.  These visas are given for treatment of a fixed duration, for example an operation. These visas are given for a maximum of six months.  It is possible in certain circumstances to apply for an extension where this is supported by the medical practitioner giving the treatment.

Marriage or Civil Partnership Visitor

Marriage visitors are people who are coming to the UK only for their wedding or civil partnership ceremony and do not intend to live in the UK afterwards.  These visas are given for a maximum of six months. If you intend to live in the UK after your wedding or civil partnership ceremony, you cannot use this category and should refer to the information on family relationships.

Parent of a Child at School

This is for parents of children under 12 years of age who are attending a private day-school in the UK.  The visa can be given for up to 12 months.  Parents are not permitted to work and must be able to support themselves during their stay in the UK.

Visit visas for Chinese nationals

The UK has special arrangements for Chinese nationals who visit the UK, under the Approved Destinations Status (ADS) Agreement between the UK and China.   The visa is for a maximum of 30 days, and  is for people travelling as a member of a tour group approved for the purposes of the agreement.

Visitors in transit

The UK requires people from certain countries to have a visa even they do not intend to stop in the UK, but only to pass through the UK on their way to another country.  Visas for visitors in transmit can be issued to people who are going to be in the UK for less than 48 hours and can satisfy the UK authorities that they intend and are able to travel on to their destination and that they will be admitted there.