The Tourism, Leisure, and Family Visit Visa is part of the Standard Visitor category, intended for individuals who wish to have a temporary stay in the UK for leisure or to visit friends and family. The visa enables a stay of up to 6 months in the UK, but it does not confer settlement rights. Each visitor must apply separately, even if traveling as a group.

Visa Requirements for Tourism, Leisure, or Family Visits

In order to qualify for a Tourism, Leisure, or Family Visit Visa, you are required to show UK Visas & Immigration that:

• You hold a visa for entry into the UK (a non-visa national can typically enter as a Visitor upon arrival at the UK border)
• You are genuinely intending to enter the UK for a purpose that is allowed by the visitor routes
• You will not engage in any prohibited activities
• You have enough funds to cover all reasonable costs related to your visit (including travel, living, and accommodation expenses) without working or using public funds
• You are required to leave the UK at the end of your stay.
• You will not reside in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or establish the UK as your primary residence
• Your application does not meet the criteria for refusal under the general grounds for refusal
• You have obtained an Electronic Travel Authorisation, if necessary.

The specific criteria you must meet could differ based on your individual situation. It may be beneficial to consult with a professional immigration solicitor for specialized guidance.

Requirement for Visa Nationals

A visa national is a person who, by virtue of their citizenship, must obtain a Visit Visa in order to travel to the UK as a Visitor. Visa nationals are generally required to obtain a Visitor Visa before their trip to the UK.

The Home Office has released a list of nationalities that must apply for a Visit Visa before traveling to the UK as a Visitor. The list comprises a number of exemptions, enabling particular visa nationals to seek entry as a Visitor upon arrival in the UK.

Non-visa nationals can usually apply for entry as a Visitor upon arrival in the UK. However, non-visa nationals must still meet the requirements for entry as a Visitor and should be prepared to explain, for instance, the purpose of their visit, how they will support themselves and find accommodation in the UK, and their return travel plans upon arrival.

EU citizens are considered non-visa nationals and can enter the UK as a Visitor upon arrival without needing to apply for a Visit Visa.

In addition to assisting visa nationals with Visit Visa applications, our barristers regularly help non-visa nationals meet the requirements for entry as a Visitor upon arrival in the UK.

Permissible activities for the Tourism, Leisure, or Family Visit Visa

In order to qualify for a Tourism, Leisure, or Family Visit Visa, you are required to prove to UK Visas & Immigration that your visit to the UK is for a permissible reason under the visitor routes, and that you will not partake in any activities that are prohibited.

Tourism, Leisure, and Family Visit Visa holders are permitted to engage in the following activities:

• Visit loved ones and relatives in the United Kingdom
• Begin a journey to the United Kingdom.
• Participate in an educational program or visit a publicly funded or private school
• Enroll in a study program (excluding English language courses) for up to 30 days
• Travel to the UK for academic purposes for a period not exceeding 30 days

Tourism, Leisure and Family Visitors under the Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa can engage in activities allowed under other sub-categories of the Standard Visitor route. This encompasses permitted paid engagements, as long as the engagement is arranged prior to traveling to the UK and is finished within 30 days of arrival in the UK.

Visa Requirement for Family Visits, Tourism, and Leisure when Departing from the UK

Furthermore, aside from proving to the Home Office your genuine intention to enter the UK for an authorized reason, you must also demonstrate in your Tourism, Leisure, or Family Visit Visa application that you have plans to depart the UK after your visit and will not reside in the UK for prolonged periods by frequently visiting or making it your primary residence.

When evaluating your application, the Home Office will take into account various factors such as:

• Your immigration background, encompassing trips to the UK and various other nations
• Your financial situation, along with your family, social, and economic upbringing
• Your connections to your current country of residence, both personal and economic

The Home Office may question the authenticity of your visit if you lack strong connections to your home country, have numerous family members in the UK, have a history of trying to mislead the Home Office in immigration matters, or if there are inconsistencies between your statements and those of your sponsor.

Financial Requirement for Tourism, Leisure, and Family Visit Visas

You must have enough money to pay for all reasonable expenses related to your visit (such as travel, living, and accommodation costs) without working or using public funds.

Your funds must be kept in an authorized financial institution.

A third party may cover your travel, living, and accommodation expenses if they have a genuine professional or personal relationship with you, are not violating immigration laws, and can support you during your entire visit as a Visitor.

English Language Requirement for Tourism, Leisure, and Family Visit Visas

English language proficiency is not a requirement for Tourism, Leisure, and Family Visit Visa applicants.

Duration of Tourism, Leisure, and Family Visit Visa Validity

If you desire to travel to the UK for Tourism, Leisure, or a Family Visit, you have the option to apply for a Visit Visa that can be valid for 6-months, 2-years, 5-years, or 10-years.

You are allowed to travel in and out of the UK multiple times while your Visit Visa is still valid, unless it is specifically indicated for a single or dual entry. Please note that each visit to the UK should not surpass 6 months.

Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa Right to Work

Visitors coming to the UK for tourism, leisure, or family purposes are not allowed to work or receive payment from a UK source, with a few exceptions.

This includes not being able to take on employment, establish or run a business, work for an organization, or provide goods or services in the UK.

If visitors are on the Tourism, Leisure, and Family Visit Visa, they may engage in other permitted activities under the Standard Visitor route, including arranged paid engagements completed within 30 days of arrival.

Remote working is allowed, but it should not be the primary purpose of the visit, and visitors can also come to the UK to seek employment and attend job interviews, but must leave the UK and obtain appropriate entry clearance before starting work if successful.

Visa Application Fees for Tourism, Leisure, and Family Visits

The current application fee for a Tourism, Leisure or Family Visit Visa for a short stay of up to 6 months is £115.

Should you choose a visa with a validity of 2 years, 5 years, or 10 years, the corresponding application fees will be £400, £771, or £963.