The United Kingdom or UK consists of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. All of these countries share their past and their histories are intermingled. The villages, towns and cities of UK have a lot to interest a tourist and a traveler. The historic buildings, royal palaces, ruined abbeys and ancient monuments are sure to leave you spell-bound. Also, the countryside of UK has mountains to climb, heritage coastal paths to follow and gardens to covet. UK Tourist Visa allows you to visit all these in UK either to sight see or visit family or friends
If you want to visit the UK as a tourist or to stay with friends in the UK, you should apply to go there as a general visitor or as a child visitor if you are under 18. These Visas generally are granted for up to 1 year. Visitors are not allowed to work on this visa and are expected to leave UK before their visa expires. The different categories of UK visitor visa are as follows:
Visiting Family:
If you want to visit members of your family in the UK, you can apply to go there as a family visitor (or as a child visitor if you are under 18). If you want to stay longer than 6 months, you cannot go there as a visitor.
Visiting to do Business:
If you want to do a business in UK, you should apply as a business visitor. This includes academic visitors and doctors undertaking clinical courses. If you want to come to the UK as an Entrepreneur and you need to spend time here first in order to hold discussions and secure funding, you can apply for a visa as a prospective entrepreneur.
Visiting to Study:
If you want to study in the UK for up to 6 months or up to 11 months and you do not intend to work while you are in UK, you can apply for a student visitor visa.
Visiting as a Sportsperson:
If you want to take part in a sporting event in UK, you must apply for a sports visitor visa.
If you do not meet the requirements to be a visitor, you will need to apply under Tier 5(Temporary Workers-Creative and sporting).
Visiting as an Entertainer:
If you want to perform in the UK as an entertainer, you might be able to go to UK through an entertainer visitor visa.
Eligibility:
The following criteria should be met to apply for the UK Visitor visa:
- Applicants must possess sufficient funds to support themselves and their family for the entire period of their visit.
- Applicants must not intend to seek or undertake a job.
- Applicants should have no criminal record and intend to strictly comply with the laws of UK.
- Applicants should not be suffering from a disease or an ailment.
Benefits of UK visitor visa:
The UK visitor visa allows you to travel throughout UK and get registered for short courses in the areas of general interest or to learn English or French. Visitors can also meet with prospective employers or recruiters in pursuit of employment opportunities.
