Who Needs a UK Visit Visa?

Use the UK government’s official visa checker tool: 👉 Check if you need a UK visa

In detail

If you're planning a short trip to the United Kingdom, it’s important to know whether you need a UK Standard Visitor Visa. This depends on your nationality, the type of passport you hold, and the purpose of your visit.

Below is a detailed guide to help you understand who must apply for a UK visit visa before travelling.

✅ You Must Apply for a UK Visit Visa Before You Travel If You:

• Are a citizen of a visa national country (examples: India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Egypt, Lebanon)

• Hold a refugee travel document, emergency travel document, or a stateless person passport

• Have previously been refused entry to the UK or other countries

• Are coming to the UK for private medical treatment, to get married, or to participate in a paid engagement

• Plan to stay up to 6 months but are not visa-exempt

If you fall into any of these categories, you must apply online and attend a biometric appointment at a UK visa application centre before travelling.

❌ You Do Not Need a UK Visit Visa in Advance If You:

• Are a citizen of a visa-exempt country such as:

  • United States

  • Canada

  • European Union (EU) member states

  • Australia

  • Japan

  • South Korea

  • United Arab Emirates (UAE) (with an Electronic Visa Waiver)

• Are coming for tourism, business meetings, or short courses (under 6 months)

• Do not plan to work, study long-term, or marry in the UK

These travellers can usually enter the UK as a visitor at the border, but must still meet eligibility criteria and may be asked to show documents (proof of accommodation, return ticket, etc.).