Who needs to apply for a Standard Visitor visa

Non-visa nationals and the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme

Nationals of certain countries (including EU nationals) do not need to apply for a visa from outside the UK if intending to visit for up to 6 months.

If you are not on the UKVI visa national list, you are classed as a non-visa national. A non-visa national Visitor can choose to request entry on arrival in the UK. Non-visa nationals must meet requirements for Standard Visitor permission for entry and duration or intended visit. An ETA will be required before you can travel to request entry. 

You should prepare documents to meet the requirements and carry them in your hand luggage. 

If entry is successful, you will be in the UK with Standard Visitor permission. 

UKVI Visa National list

Documents required for Standard Visitor permission

Visa Nationals (entry clearance required)

If you are a national of one of the countries on the visa national list, you will require a visa application (entry clearance). You must apply online for a visa application and receive a successful decision, before you can travel to the UK from the visa start date. 

You should aim to apply up to 3 months before you intend to travel.  

UKVI Visa National list 

Standard Visitor visa guidance

If your programme of study is longer than 6 months 

If your programme of study has a duration length of longer than 6 months, you must apply and be granted a Student visa (entry clearance). This applies to all non-visa and visa nationals. 

To meet the requirements of the Standard Visitor permission for a short period of study, you must prove that you:  

• do not intend to extend your stay or live in the UK through frequent and successive visits
• intend to leave the UK within 6 months
• intend to study on a programme of no more than 6 months in length 

However, there are limited circumstances where it may be possible for you to come to the UK as a Standard Visitor, even if your programme is longer than 6 months. Our team can provide advice on these matters.

For example:

• if you are studying a distance learning programme and you wish to come to the UK for short periods of study activity (for example, exams, meetings with a supervisor, revision sessions)
• if you need to repeat a single semester, or resit exams before progressing to the rest of your programme
• if you can complete your studies within 6 months of arriving in the UK 

Please contact us with full details of your circumstances. 

Student visa guidance