Visa National Requirements

A visa national refers to an individual who, based on their nationality, is required to obtain a UK Visit Visa prior to entering the country as a visitor. Generally, visa nationals must secure their visit visa approval before travelling to the UK.

The UK Home Office has issued a detailed list of countries whose nationals must apply for a visit visa prior to travelling. However, there are specific exceptions to this rule that enable certain visa nationals to request entry clearance as visitors upon arrival in the UK.

On the other hand, non-visa nationals are typically permitted to enter the UK as visitors upon arrival, without needing to apply for a visit visa in advance. Nevertheless, they must still demonstrate their eligibility for visitor entry. This includes being prepared to clearly outline the purpose of their visit, their financial arrangements for accommodation and maintenance, and their plans for returning home.

EU citizens fall under the category of non-visa nationals, which means they can freely seek entry as visitors without the requirement of a prior visa application.

In addition to assisting visa nationals with Visit Visa applications, Link And Day Lawyers can guide non-visa nationals in fulfilling the UK Visitor Entry requirements to avoid any entry-related issues.

Permitted Activities

To obtain a Tourism, Leisure, or Family Visit Visa, applicants must satisfy UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) that they are entering the country for a genuine and lawful purpose allowed under the visitor visa routes, and they will not engage in any restricted activities.

Holders of Tourism, Leisure, or Family Visit Visas are permitted to:

• Visit family members and friends residing in the UK.

• Travel for holidays or leisure purposes.

• Participate in educational visits or cultural exchange programs with state-funded schools, academies, or independent institutions.

• Enrol in a short-term course of study (excluding English language courses) for up to 30 days.

Since the Tourism, Leisure, and Family Visit Visa is a sub-category of the UK Standard Visitor Visa, holders may also engage in other approved activities under this category. This includes Permitted Paid Engagements (PPEs), provided that:

• The engagement is pre-arranged before travelling to the UK.
• The paid engagement is completed within 30 days of arrival.

Intention to Depart the UK Requirement

When applying for a Tourism, Leisure, or Family Visit Visa, it is not enough to simply demonstrate that your purpose of travel to the UK is legitimate. The Home Office must also be convinced that you fully intend to leave the UK at the conclusion of your visit. You must show that you have no intention of residing in the UK for prolonged periods through repeated or back-to-back visits, nor should there be any indication that you are attempting to make the UK your principal place of residence.

During the evaluation of your application, the Home Office will examine various factors, such as:

• Your immigration history, including previous visits to the UK and other international travel records.

• Your financial stability, alongside your family, social, and economic background.

• Your personal, professional, and economic ties to your country of residence.

Indicators that may cast doubt on your status as a genuine visitor include having limited or no family or financial ties to your home country, while having multiple close relatives residing in the UK. Previous attempts to mislead the Home Office in visa applications or inconsistencies between the information provided by you and your sponsor can also lead to the refusal of your application.

Financial Criteria for Tourism, Leisure, and Family Visit Visas

Applicants must demonstrate that they have adequate financial resources to cover all expenses related to the trip, including travel, accommodation, and day-to-day maintenance costs, without needing to work or claim public funds during their stay.

The funds must be kept in an approved financial institution and clearly accessible for the intended purpose.

Your travel, living, and accommodation costs can also be covered by a third-party sponsor, provided that:

• The sponsor shares a legitimate personal or professional relationship with you.
• The sponsor is not, and will not be, in violation of UK immigration laws.
• The sponsor has the financial capacity and willingness to support you throughout your visit as a lawful Visitor.

Tourism, Leisure, and Family Visit Visa – English Language Criteria

Applicants seeking a UK Tourism, Leisure, or Family Visit Visa are not required to demonstrate English language proficiency as part of their application process.

Duration and Validity of a Tourism, Leisure, or Family Visit Visa

Individuals intending to visit the UK for tourism, leisure activities, or family visits may apply for a visa with a validity period of 6 months, 2 years, 5 years, or 10 years.

Holders of this visa may enter and exit the UK multiple times during its validity period, unless the visa is specifically restricted to single or dual entry.

Each stay in the UK must not exceed 6 months per visit.

Employment Restrictions for Tourism, Leisure, and Family Visitors

Tourism, Leisure, and Family Visit Visa holders are strictly prohibited from working in the UK or receiving payment from any UK-based source, except under a few narrowly defined circumstances.

This restriction means visitors are not allowed to:

• Accept employment with a UK employer.

• Establish or manage a business as a self-employed individual.

• Undertake internships, work placements, or engage in freelance services.

• Sell goods or provide services while in the UK.

However, because this visa falls under the Standard Visitor category, applicants may take part in permitted activities allowed under other Standard Visitor sub-categories. For example, permitted paid engagements may be undertaken if they are pre-arranged prior to travel and completed within 30 days of entering the UK.

Remote Work and Other Permitted Activities

Visa holders may engage in remote work while in the UK, provided that remote work is not the main purpose of their visit. The primary intent of travel must be tourism, leisure, or family visits, rather than conducting remote work from the UK.

Applicants are also allowed to visit the UK for the purpose of job-seeking or attending interviews. However, if an applicant is successful in securing a job, they will be required to leave the UK and apply for the appropriate work visa before commencing employment.

Tourism, Leisure & Family Visitor Visa Fees

The official Home Office fee for securing a Tourism, Leisure, or Family Visitor Visa for a short-term stay of up to 6 months is presently £127.

For travellers seeking extended validity, the Home Office charges £475 for a 2-year visa, £848 for a 5-year visa, and £1059 for a 10-year visa.

How Link And Day Lawyers Can Support You

At Link And Day Lawyers, we specialize exclusively in delivering expert immigration services, helping clients from every corner of the globe successfully navigate the complexities of UK visa applications for tourism, leisure, and family visits.

Our seasoned immigration lawyers possess in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in guiding individuals through every stage of the visa process. Whether you require professional advice on the viability of applying for a UK Tourism, Leisure, or Family Visit Visa, strategic assistance in preparing a compelling visa application, or skilled legal representation to challenge a refusal decision, our team stands ready to advocate for your success.

We take pride in our approachable and client-focused approach, ensuring we understand your unique circumstances to provide tailored solutions. At Link And Day Lawyers, we are committed to delivering clear, practical, and trustworthy immigration guidance within a professional yet friendly framework.