Planning to visit the UK for a vacation, meetings, a short course, or medical treatment? Smart Migrate UK, led by Aditi Bhardwaj—a well-known, experienced UK visa consultant—helps you pick the visa or ETA you actually need, organise your papers, and plan your trip sensibly.
What does “Visit the UK” cover under the Standard Visitor route?
When you visit the UK, you can come for tourism, to see family or friends, attend business meetings,give a talk under a Permitted Paid Engagement, take a short recreational class (up to 30 days), study for up to 6 months, sit exams, or receive medical care (if eligible).
Learn how Smart Migrate UK supports visitors
How long can you stay when you visit the UK?
Most visitors can stay in the UK for up to 6 months. In narrow situations such as ongoing medical treatment, you may request more time if you have strong evidence and funding.
Ask about the length and timing of your stay
Do you need a visa, an ETA, or neither to visit the UK?
Your passport decides whether you must apply for a Standard Visitor visa, get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), or need neither. We check nationality, itinerary, and purpose so you travel with the right permission.
Confirm what you personally need to travel
What you can do when you visit the UK
- Holiday trips and family/friend visits
- Business activities like meetings or interviews
- Permitted Paid Engagements (e.g., a lecture or performance as an expert)
- Transit through the UK
- Volunteering for 30 days or less with a registered charity
- Short recreational courses (≤30 days) or study up to 6 months
- Academic/senior doctor/dentist visits (extra rules)
- Medical treatment, if eligible and funded
Read quick tips on visitor rules
What you cannot do on a UK visit
- Work in the UK (paid or unpaid) or be self-employed here, other than a narrow Permitted Paid Engagement
- Claim public funds
- Use repeated or back-to-back visits to live in the UK
- Marry or give notice (that needs a Marriage Visitor visa)
Check that your plans follow the rules
What proof should you carry when you visit the UK?
Bring a valid passport/travel document for your whole trip and be ready to show that you will leave at the end,
can pay for yourself (and anyone travelling with you), can fund your return/onward journey,
and won’t try to live in the UK by frequent visits.
Extra checks apply for study, exams, placements, academic/medical visits, and PPE.
Ask for a simple document list tailored to you
How to apply to Visit the UK (simple steps)
- Make sure your activity is allowed under visitor rules.
- Check eligibility and gather evidence (purpose, funds, ties, itinerary).
- Confirm whether you need a visa, an ETA, or neither.
- If needed, apply online, attend biometrics, and travel with supporting papers.
Begin your application with one-to-one help
Fees and timelines when you visit the UK
Costs vary depending on whether you need a visa or an ETA, as well as optional priority services where available.
We map fees and timing so you can book flights without last-minute hassles.
See UK visa fee ranges by category
Extra notes for students, academics, and medical visitors
If you plan to visit the UK for study (up to 6 months), a short placement/exam, academic work, or medical treatment,
you’ll need extra documents and clearer funding proof.
We’ll help line up the right evidence and letters and talk through any unusual details.
Send us the specifics of your visit
Why choose Smart Migrate UK for “Visit the UK” cases?
- Led by Aditi Bhardwaj, a recognised UK visitor visa specialist
- Clear, simple lists and drafts that match your trip plan—so you put together a simple, easy-to-read file
- Timing advice matched to flights, conferences, courses, or treatment dates
Read about our team and approach
Ready to Visit the UK with confidence?
Whether you need a visa, an ETA, or just a quick review, we’ll help you put together a simple, easy-to-read file so you can travel smoothly.
Planning costs from India?
See UK visa costs for applicants based in India.