Match the activity first
- Holiday or sightseeing: begin with Standard Visitor conditions.
- Family, friends or permitted business activity: check what Standard Visitor allows.
- Transit: check airside or landside arrangements and exemptions.
- Study: check the course, duration and purpose. A Student route and a short English-course route are not interchangeable.
Use the official starting point
The GOV.UK visa checker asks about your passport and plans. Answer for the journey you actually intend to make, including study or work activities.
Sources & what this guide covers
Official information checked 12 November 2026. This page explains introductory logistics; it does not assess individual eligibility. Confirm current official instructions before payment or travel.