If you are from one of the countries that are part of the visa-waiver program, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union, you can visit the United Kingdom without a visa for up to 6 months. However, it is important to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before your visit.
If you are not part of the visa-waiver program, you will need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa to visit the UK, even for short trips.
Who Can Visit the UK Without a Visa?
If you are from one of the following countries, you do not need a visa for short trips to the UK (up to 6 months) for tourism, leisure, or business:
- Argentina
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Brazil
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Dominica
- El Salvador
- Fiji
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Hong Kong (SAR)
- Israel
- Japan
- Mexico
- New Zealand
- Panama
- Peru
- Singapore
- South Korea
- United States of America
- Uruguay
- Vanuatu
- Venezuela
Please note that you must not stay longer than 6 months during any given visit, and you cannot work or study during a visa-free stay. You are also not allowed to extend your stay beyond the permitted period under the visa exemption category.
Starting in 2024, travelers from visa-exempt countries will need to apply for the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering. The ETA will be obtained online, will cost approximately £10, and will be valid for up to two years.
Who Needs a Visa?
If you are from one of the countries listed below, you need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa to visit the UK, even for short trips:
- Afghanistan
- Algeria
- Angola
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bangladesh
- Belarus
- Bolivia
- Congo
- Cuba
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- India
- Iran
- Iraq
- Lebanon
- Libya
- Morocco
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Palestine
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia
- Syria
- Tunisia
- Ukraine
- Vietnam
- Yemen
If you’re traveling from one of these countries, you must apply for a visa at the nearest UK embassy or consulate(link main page “Application Process” “Menu”). Be sure to submit the required documentation(link with main page “Visa Requirements” anchor text in menu) and pay the applicable visa fees as part of your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Activities Are Allowed During a Visa-Free Stay in the UK?
If you are in the UK visa-free, you are permitted to engage in the following activities:
- Tourism: sightseeing, exploring, visiting attractions.
- Business: attending meetings, conferences, interviews, or events.
- Family visits: short visits to family or friends.
- Attending cultural or sports events: concerts, matches, or festivals.
- Short-term educational activities: taking part in workshops, seminars, and short courses.
- Medical treatment: short-term medical visits.
Am I Allowed to Work?
You are not allowed to work in the UK without a visa, regardless of the length of stay. This includes both paid and unpaid work. However, business-related activities, such as attending trade fairs or meetings, are allowed under the visa-exempt status.
Am I Allowed to Study?
You can take part in short-term study programs in the UK without a visa if the course lasts fewer than 6 months. If you wish to study for a longer duration, such as enrolling in a university or other degree programs, you will need to apply for a student visa.
Do I Need a Visa to Go to the UK From the European Union?
Citizens of the European Union do not need a visa for short trips to the UK. However, if you are planning to work, study, or live in the UK for longer than 6 months, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa.
If you are not an EU citizen but are living in the UK as a legal resident, visa requirements will depend on your passport and residency status.
Do I Need a Visa to Go to the UK From the United States?
US citizens do not require a visa for visiting the UK for any reason, including tourism or business, as long as the stay is under 6 months. However, if you plan to stay longer than 6 months or intend to work or study in the UK, you will need to apply for the relevant visa.
If you are not a US citizen, but you are living in the United States as a legal resident (e.g., holding a Green Card), visa requirements will depend on your nationality and passport.