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4 ways to enter

United Kingdom visas

United Kingdom tourist visa

For a holiday, you may need a Standard Visitor visa or an ETA (an online travel permit). Some travellers can enter without either.

Ways to get a United Kingdom tourist visa

  1. Standard Visitor visa

    Visa needed

    Visitors who do not qualify for visa-free entry or another exemption must apply before travelling.

    Stay
    Up to 6 months per visit.
    Valid for
    Longer visitor visas are available for 2, 5 or 10 years.
    Entries
    Single or multiple visits, depending on the visa.
    Fee
    £135 for a single stay or multiple stays of up to 6 months; £506 for a 2-year multiple-entry visa; £506 for a 5-year multiple-entry visa; £1128 for a 10-year multiple-entry visa.
    Processing
    Most visa applications are decided within 3 weeks.
    1. Register an online account, unless you are a North Korean citizen.
    2. Complete the application form and pay the fee.
    3. Attend a visa application centre appointment.
    4. Provide fingerprints and a digital face image, unless exempt.

  2. ETA (an online travel permit)

    eTA needed

    Citizens of the listed countries and territories, all European Union countries except Ireland, all European Free Trade Association countries and all Gulf Cooperation Council countries can obtain an ETA. Visitors with visa-exempt nationalities generally need one unless they have a valid UK visa or British or Irish citizenship.

    Stay
    Up to 6 months per visit.
    Valid for
    2 years, or until the passport expires if sooner.
    Fee
    £16.
    Processing
    Up to 3 business days. Most applications are approved or refused within a few hours.

  3. Entry without a visa for British and Irish travellers

    No visa needed

    British citizens, Irish citizens, British subjects with the right of abode and holders of a certificate of entitlement can enter as of right. Other listed British nationality groups can visit for up to 6 months.

    Stay
    Up to 6 months for British nationals without the right of abode. No visit limit is stated for entry as of right.

    Passports that qualify (2)

  4. British-Irish Visa Scheme

    No visa needed

    Citizens of China and India with a valid Irish visa marked BIVS can visit under the British-Irish Visa Scheme.

    Stay
    No longer than the time remaining on the traveller's current permission to stay in Ireland.
    Valid for
    Requires a valid Irish visa marked BIVS and current permission to stay in Ireland.

    Passports that qualify (2)

    1. Apply for the Irish visa at a UK/Irish visa application centre in India or China, including Hong Kong and Macau.
    2. Clear immigration in Ireland first.
    3. Travel directly from Ireland to the UK.

Who needs it

Visitors who do not qualify for an exemption must get a visa before travelling.

Who doesn't

British and Irish citizens, certain other British nationals and holders of a certificate of entitlement can enter without a visa. Eligible visitors can travel with an ETA, and some Irish visa holders qualify for a separate exemption.

How to apply

  1. Register an online application account.
  2. Fill in the application form.
  3. Pay the fee.
  4. Attend an appointment at a visa application centre and provide fingerprints and a digital face image, unless exempt.

What to bring

  • Travel document linked to your digital immigration record.
  • Evidence that you can pay for your stay, if requested.
  • For visitors under 18, evidence of suitable care arrangements and consent from a parent or guardian.

Good to know

  • Visitors must intend to leave at the end of their stay and be able to pay for their onward journey.
  • Visitors must not work for UK clients or enter the UK jobs market, apart from limited authorised paid engagements.
  • Remote work for clients or an employer outside the UK is allowed.
  • Visitors using visa-free entry must not marry or register a civil partnership during their stay.
  • Regular visitor permission does not allow access to public funds.
  • Citizens of North Korea must apply in person at the British Embassy.
  • Since 1 July 2026, successful visa applicants receive an eVisa.
  • A longer visa validity does not mean you can stay for that whole period.

Questions

Do I need a tourist visa for the United Kingdom?

Visitors who do not qualify for an exemption must get a visa before travelling. British and Irish citizens, certain other British nationals and holders of a certificate of entitlement can enter without a visa. Eligible visitors can travel with an ETA, and some Irish visa holders qualify for a separate exemption.

What are the ways to get a tourist visa for the United Kingdom?

There are 4 options: Standard Visitor visa (a visa from an embassy); ETA (an online travel permit) (an online travel permit); Entry without a visa for British and Irish travellers (no visa at all); British-Irish Visa Scheme (no visa at all).

Who can go to the United Kingdom without a tourist visa?

British citizens, Irish citizens, British subjects with the right of abode and holders of a certificate of entitlement can enter as of right. Other listed British nationality groups can visit for up to 6 months. Citizens of China and India with a valid Irish visa marked BIVS can visit under the British-Irish Visa Scheme.

Can I apply online for the United Kingdom?

Yes: ETA (an online travel permit). Citizens of the listed countries and territories, all European Union countries except Ireland, all European Free Trade Association countries and all Gulf Cooperation Council countries can obtain an ETA. Visitors with visa-exempt nationalities generally need one unless they have a valid UK visa or British or Irish citizenship.

How long can I stay on a the United Kingdom tourist visa?

Up to 6 months per visit.

How much does a the United Kingdom tourist visa cost?

£135 for a visitor visa covering a single stay or multiple stays of up to 6 months.

How long does a the United Kingdom tourist visa take?

Most visa applications are decided within 3 weeks.

How long is a the United Kingdom tourist visa valid?

Visitor visas are available for 2, 5 or 10 years. Entries: Single or multiple visits, depending on the visa..

What documents do I need for a the United Kingdom tourist visa?

Travel document linked to your digital immigration record.; Evidence that you can pay for your stay, if requested.; For visitors under 18, evidence of suitable care arrangements and consent from a parent or guardian..

How do I apply for a the United Kingdom tourist visa?

1. 1. Register an online application account. 2. 2. Fill in the application form. 3. 3. Pay the fee. 4. 4. Attend an appointment at a visa application centre and provide fingerprints and a digital face image, unless exempt.

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