Types of UK Visitor Visas: Which One Do You Need?

The United Kingdom is one of the most visited countries in the world, attracting millions of tourists, business travellers, and short-term visitors every year. Whether you’re planning a holiday, visiting family, attending a conference, or receiving private medical treatment, you’ll likely need a UK Visitor Visa if you’re from a country outside the UK or Ireland.

But not all visitor visas are the same. The UK offers several different types of Standard Visitor Visas, each tailored to specific purposes. Choosing the right visa type is essential to avoid complications at the border or visa refusals.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the main types of UK visitor visas, their requirements, and who they’re designed for.

What is a UK Visitor Visa?

A UK Visitor Visa allows individuals from non-visa-exempt countries to travel to the UK for a short stay—usually up to 6 months. While it’s commonly used for tourism, there are several subcategories depending on the reason for your visit.

All UK visitor visas fall under the Standard Visitor Visa route, introduced in 2015 to streamline the system. However, the purpose of your visit will determine what documents you need and whether you qualify.

1. Tourist Visa

This is the most common type of UK visitor visa. It allows individuals to:

  • Visit family and friends
  • Travel for leisure or tourism
  • Attend religious functions or ceremonies

Who it’s for: Anyone who wants to experience the UK as a tourist or visit loved ones.

Key requirements:

  • Proof of ties to your home country
  • Evidence of sufficient funds
  • A clear travel itinerary (though not mandatory)

2. Business Visitor Visa

Under the Standard Visitor Visa, you can also visit the UK for certain business-related activities. This includes:

  • Attending meetings, conferences, or seminars
  • Negotiating deals or contracts
  • Undertaking site visits or inspections
  • Giving one-off or short talks (as long as it’s not paid work)

Who it’s for: Business professionals, company representatives, entrepreneurs, or investors visiting the UK temporarily for business purposes.

Important: You are not allowed to work or be paid by a UK organisation.

3. Family Visitor Visa

This visa is suitable for people visiting close relatives who are legally residing in the UK. Although this category has been merged under the Standard Visitor Visa, the purpose still affects the evidence required.

Who it’s for:

  • Parents visiting children studying in the UK
  • Adult children visiting elderly parents
  • Siblings, uncles, aunts, grandparents, etc.

Documents may include:

  • An invitation letter from your UK-based relative
  • Evidence of your relationship
  • Accommodation and financial support plans

4. Medical Treatment Visitor Visa

This visa allows individuals to enter the UK to receive private medical treatment at a recognised UK hospital or clinic.

Who it’s for:

  • Patients receiving treatment for serious illnesses
  • Individuals coming to donate an organ to a family member

Key requirements:

  • A letter from a UK-registered medical practitioner
  • Proof you’ve paid (or can pay) for the treatment
  • Evidence of accommodation and return plans

In some cases, you may be granted an extended visa of up to 11 months.

5. Academic Visitor Visa

This is ideal for academic professionals visiting the UK for:

  • Participating in formal exchange arrangements
  • Undertaking research
  • Giving lectures (provided they are not being paid by a UK institution)

Who it’s for:

  • Senior doctors or dentists
  • Professors or researchers

The visa can be issued for up to 12 months in specific academic cases.

6. Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) Visa

Though technically a separate visa type, it is closely related to visitor visas and often confused with them. The PPE visa allows visitors to come to the UK for paid work in very specific situations.

Who it’s for:

  • Artists, musicians, or entertainers invited for a paid performance
  • Guest lecturers or examiners
  • Sportspeople participating in UK-based events

Duration: Maximum of 1 month

7. Marriage Visitor Visa

If you’re travelling to the UK to get married or register a civil partnership, and you do not intend to settle permanently afterward, this visa is required.

Who it’s for:

  • Couples who want to marry or enter a civil partnership in the UK but will not stay long-term

You must leave the UK before your visa expires and cannot switch to a spouse visa without leaving the country first.

Important Notes for All Visitor Visas

  • Duration: Most visitor visas are valid for 6 months. Some long-term visitor visas (valid for 2, 5, or 10 years) are available but only allow 6-month stays per visit.
  • No Work or Study: You cannot work or study in the UK on a standard visitor visa, except under very limited conditions (e.g., PPE visa).
  • No Public Funds: Visitors are not allowed to access benefits or public housing.

Final Thoughts

The UK visitor visa system offers flexibility, but it’s essential to apply under the correct category that matches your visit’s purpose. Whether you’re exploring the UK’s historic landmarks, attending a business conference, or visiting family, your visa type determines what you can and cannot do during your stay.

Always read the latest Home Office guidelines or seek advice from a qualified immigration solicitor to ensure your application is complete and accurate. A small error or wrong category can lead to delays—or worse, a refusal.