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▼Taking a trip to the United Kingdom? Check you have the right travel permit or visa before you travel.
If you’re visiting for tourism, or to see friends and family, you can get a Standard Visitor visa, or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
In this post, we explain who is eligible for the most popular travel permits and visas for tourist trips to the UK, and how to apply. You can also find out which documents you need to get your UK tourist visa.
Visiting as a tourist: who can travel to the UK without a visa?
Citizens from many countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, and Japan, can visit the UK for tourism purposes for up to 6 months visa-free. The same applies to EU nationals.
In the future, all visa-exempt visitors will need an ETA to enter the UK. It’s not a type of visa — it’s an entry pass that gives immigration officials some information about passengers arriving in the country.
Only British residents and Irish citizens will be exempt. For travellers from GCC countries, the ETA is already a requirement for visiting the UK.
To get your ETA, simply fill out a short online form. Once approved, it will be automatically linked to your passport and valid for 2 years.
Types of tourist visas for the UK
The Standard Visitor visa is available to citizens of all countries who need a visa to come to the UK. It’s valid for short trips for tourism, or seeing family and friends.
All Standard Visitor visas are multiple-entry, meaning you can enter and leave the UK as often as you like while your visa is valid. You’ll be able to stay for up to 6 months at a time.
Choose the validity period that best suits your travel plans:
- 6 month Standard Visitor visa
- 2 year long-term Standard Visitor visa
- 5 year long-term Standard Visitor visa
- 10 year long-term Standard Visitor visa
To get your Standard Visitor visa, you’ll need to provide some information about your travel plans.
Visiting relatives in the UK: EU Settlement Scheme family permits
If you have a family member who lives in the UK permanently, you may be eligible for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit.
It’s only open to applicants with relations from an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein. The permit allows you multiple-entries to the UK during 6 months. Make your application on the official visa portal of the UK government.
Extending your stay in the UK
In some cases, you can convert your EU Settlement Scheme family permit into a long-term residence visa.
If you are not eligible for the EU Settlement Scheme, you can join a partner or family member who lives in the UK to stay permanently with a Family visa.
Check the UK Government visa portal for the specific requirements and eligibility for your visa.
Visiting as a tourist: do I need an ETA or Standard Visitor visa?
Check the details of the ETA and Standard Visitor visa to find the right travel pass for your trip:
| ETA UK | Standard Visitor Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Who can apply? | Citizens of GCC countries* | Anyone who needs a visa to come to the UK |
| How long can I stay? | Up to 6 months on each visit | Up to 6 months on each visit |
| What’s the validity period? | 2 years | 6 months - 10 years |
| Can I leave and re-enter the UK? | Yes, while your ETA is valid | Yes, while your visa is valid |
*Citizens of more countries who can travel to the UK visa-free will soon require an ETA. Stay up-to-date with the latest UK tourist visa and entry requirements with UK Visa Kingdom.
How to apply for your UK tourist visa or travel pass
If you need a Standard Visitor visa, visit the UK’s official visa portal to make your application. You’ll need to submit passport data, details of your travel plans, and information about your personal circumstances.
Eligible for the ETA? Start your application with UK Visa Kingdom today, and get your approved travel authorisation in just 1 to 3 days.
We’ve designed our application service with you in mind — save time and complete our streamlined online form to get your ETA quickly and easily.
What documents do I need to travel to the UK for tourism?
To meet the United Kingdom’s entry requirements for tourist arrivals, you’ll need to carry:
- Passport that’s valid for at least the duration of your stay
- UK tourist visa, or ETA, if required
If you renew your passport after applying for your ETA, you’ll need to get a new travel authorisation. It’s automatically linked to your passport, so will not be valid if you travel with different passport details.
If you hold pre-settled status in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme, you can travel to the UK with your EU, EEA, or Swiss national ID card, instead of a passport.
This also applies to travellers of the same status under Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man’s settlement schemes.
Visiting the UK as a foreign tourist: travel advice
Non-UK residents are not covered by the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). You can access healthcare services, but you’ll need to pay for your treatment.
You’re advised to take out travel health insurance to cover any medical expenses during your stay.
There are no mandatory vaccinations for visitors to the UK. Before you travel, it’s recommended to check that you’re up-to-date with all routine vaccines.
Travelling to the UK by air
Your entry pass or travel permit is valid for all the United Kingdom’s 4 nations — England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
International airports are spread across the UK, offering direct and connecting flights to many major destinations around the world.
| UK nation | International airports |
|---|---|
| England | London
|
| Scotland | Edinburgh
|
| Wales | Cardiff
|
| Northern Ireland | Belfast
|
Your UK tourism visa or ETA is not valid for visits to the Republic of Ireland. It’s a separate nation and is not a part of the United Kingdom.
