The UK Tourist Visa, officially known as the Standard Visitor Visa, allows foreign nationals to visit the United Kingdom for short stays. It is primarily intended for individuals who want to travel to the UK for tourism, visiting family or friends, attending short business meetings. This visa does not permit any form of employment or long-term stay.
Purpose:-The Standard Visitor Visa covers multiple short-term purposes. Tourists can use it for vacations, sightseeing, or exploring the culture and heritage of the UK. It also allows you to visit family or friends residing in the UK. Other acceptable reasons include attending business meetings, conferences. The visa ensures access to the UK for genuine, short-duration visits only.
Duration:-A UK Tourist Visa generally allows you to stay for a maximum of 6 months per visit. Even if you apply for a long-term multiple-entry visa, you cannot remain in the UK for more than 180 days at a time. The length of stay granted depends on the reason for travel and the discretion of the visa officer, but most tourist stays are typically capped at six months.
Validity:-The visa comes in several validity options. The standard visa is valid for 6 months, while frequent travelers can apply for long-term visas valid for 2 years, 5 years, or 10 years. These long-term visas allow multiple entries into the UK, but each stay must not exceed 180 days. Long-term options are generally granted to travelers with a good visa history and strong ties to their home country.
