Q&A: UK Tourist / Visit Visa

Going to the UK for a holiday? Want to know if you need a visa and how long you can stay? Read on…

Do I need a visa prior to travelling to the UK for a holiday?
Nationals of certain countries, referred to as visa nationals, are required to obtain a visa prior to travelling to the UK for a holiday. If you are a national of one of the countries listed at — http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/policyandlaw/immigrationlaw/immigrationrules/appendix1/ — you will need to apply for a visa at your nearest British Diplomatic Post prior to travelling.

If your nationality does not appear on this list then you are a non-visa national and can travel to the UK without obtaining a visa.

How long can I stay?
Regardless of whether you are a visa national or non-visa national, the longest you can stay in the UK for a holiday is 6 months.

Can I work?
No. If you would like to work during your stay in the UK you should explore other visa options such as the Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 5 visas.

Can I study?
No. If you would like to study in the UK you should obtain a Study Visit Visa or a Tier 4 Student Visa.

Can I conduct business such as attend meetings or job interviews?
There are additional requirements to conduct business in the UK, please contact one of our advisors on usa@smithstonewalters.com.

How much money do I need?
You need enough money to support and accommodate yourself without working or claiming public funds. Alternatively, you can be supported and accommodated by relatives or friends. You may be asked to provide evidence of this when you apply for a visit visa and / or when you seek entry on arrival.

Is there a risk that I will be refused entry as a tourist at my port of entry?
The Immigration Officer at your port of entry does have the discretion to refuse you entry. Typical reasons for refusal of entry as a tourist are:

- You cannot demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support and accommodate yourself.
- You cannot demonstrate that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit.
- You don’t have a return / onward ticket, or sufficient funds to purchase one.
- The Immigration Officer suspects that you will work or study, in breach of your visa conditions.
- The Immigration Officer suspects that you are setting yourself up in the UK, e.g. that you are living in the UK, or intending on living in the UK, in breach of your visa conditions.

This is not an exhaustive list. If you are concerned that you may be denied entry you should contact one of our advisors on usa@smithstonewalters.com.

If you have a query on this topic that we haven’t answered we would be happy to hear from you – please leave a comment or contact one of our advisors and we’ll be sure to get back to you with an answer.

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