Standard Visitor (Business Visitor and Permitted Paid Engagements)

Business visitors can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months, as long as their visit is temporary and they follow the visitor rules. However, any permitted paid engagements must be carried out within the first 30 days of entry. This visa route does not allow for extended periods through frequent or successive visits or for an individual to make the UK their main home.

Business visitors may face issues at the UK border if their intentions are unclear or their planned activities appear to go beyond what is permitted under the business visitor rules. Problems can arise if an individual cannot clearly explain the purpose of their trip, lacks supporting documents (such as an invitation letter or evidence of meetings), or carries materials suggesting they intend to work in the UK, for example, tools, equipment, or detailed project documents.

The paid engagement must last no more than 30 days and must be arranged before the visitor arrives in the UK.

The Permitted Paid Engagement route is tightly restricted and does not allow visitors to undertake work, activities or services that go beyond the specific, pre‑arranged engagement they were invited for. Visitors cannot take on any form of employment in the UK, cannot perform additional paid or unpaid work outside the defined engagement, and cannot carry out activities that fall under the Skilled Worker, Creative Worker or other sponsored routes.

From 25 February, nationals of all countries (part from Ireland), including EU nationals, will have to apply for an ETA visa to be able to enter the UK as a visitor.