As a Standard Visitor, you can come to the UK for tourism, business, study (up to 6 months), and other allowed activities. 

You may stay in the UK for a maximum of 6 months. In certain circumstances, such as receiving medical treatment, you may be able to apply for an extension of your stay. Before travelling to the UK, you need to apply online for a Standard Visitor Visa. After you've begun your application, you may save your form and finish it later. You should apply for this visa if you visit the UK frequently.

To enter the United Kingdom, you must have a valid passport or travel document. It should be good for the duration of your stay. 

You should be able to demonstrate: 

• You'll be able to support yourself and your dependents during your trip because you'll be leaving the UK when your visit ends. Or you have funds from someone to support you.  
• You can pay for your return or subsequent journey. Or you have money given by someone else to support your visit. 
• You will not stay in the UK for extended periods of time, nor will you make it your primary residence. 

If you are visiting the UK, you may need to meet additional eligibility requirements:

• Take exam, study or do a placement.
• As a senior doctor, an academic, or a dentist.
• For medical purposes.

Except for passports, all documents can be originals, scans, or photocopies. 

If you send a document that isn't written in English or Welsh, you must include a full translation that the home office can independently verify.

Each translation must include: 

• Verification from the translator that the original document is translated accurately. 
• Provide translators' full name, signature and also the date of the translation.
• Contact information for the translator 

If you are submitting an application as a family or group, then there is no need to provide extra copies of the same documents.

Further documents required are:

• Travel documents/passports of previous journeys.
• Verify that your residence is legal. This verification is needed if you are not a resident of the country where you are applying. Or your passport does not include your right to live there.
• Provide your financial documents to show that you have enough funds. Also, that should include the following documents which verify that you have access to these funds, such as bank statements and earnings proof. Earning proof includes an employer letter, confirming employment details (salary, start date of employment, company contact details, role) etc.

Before travelling to the UK, you should apply for a Standard Visitor Visa online. After you've begun your application, you can save your form and finish it later. You need to prove your identity as part of your application. This is determined by where you are from and which type of passport you possess.

You will either provide your photograph (biometric information) and fingerprints and an at a visa application centre or use the UK Immigration ID Check the app for scanning identity documents. Also, sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. 

When you apply, you'll be told what you need to do. They will contact you if your application process is complex and is taking a long time.

When to Apply
Apply 3 months before your travel.

Visa Processing Time
After you've applied online, proven your identity, and submitted your documents, you should receive a decision on your visa in three weeks. You can see if you can get a visa decision sooner, depending on which country you are in at that time. 

Duration
You may stay with this visa in the UK for 6 months. If you visit the UK frequently, you may apply for a long-term Standard Visitor Visa. Further, this visa is valid for 2, 5, or 10 years. Each visit allows you to stay for six months. 

If you are 18 and applying, your long-term Standard Visitor Visa is going to be valid for 6 months once you turn 18. Unfortunately, you will not get a refund.

If UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) believes you do not fulfil the eligibility requirements for the period of the visa you applied for, you may be granted a shorter visa than requested.

Fees
A Standard Visitor Visa costs £95 for up to 6 months. A Standard Visitor Visa which is for medical reasons or academics, the fee is £190 for 12 months. Other than this, the fees for this visa is as follows according to the period of stay.

• 2 year long-term - Fee: £361
• 5 year long-term - Fee: £655
• 10 year long-term - Fee: £822

If you have permission to stay in the UK for less than six months, you may extend your stay. You can stay for up to 6 months in total. 

You can only apply to stay in the UK for more than 6 months if you are: 

• A patient receiving medical treatment
• An academic who still meets the eligibility requirements
• A graduate who is retaking the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) test. Or doing a clinical attachment; or a patient is receiving medical treatment. 

Regardless of your nationality, you apply to prolong your stay and pay the £993 fee. You must apply while still in the United Kingdom and before your present visa or permission expires.

Study
You can study (6 months), do a placement or take an exam. Or take part in a school exchange programme.

Work
You cannot do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person.

Marriage
The applicant may not marry, register a civil partnership. Or provide notice of civil partnership or marriage. If you want to marry, you'll need to apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa.

Multi-entry
You cannot stay in the UK for a long time by successive or frequent visits.