Visit the UK on a business trip

Check what to do if you’re visiting the UK for an unpaid business activity, for example attending an interview, meeting or conference.

»Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp rules are different if you’re an expert in your profession and you’re being paid by a UK company to attend an event or engagement in the UK.

  1. Step 1 Check if you’re eligible

    Find out what activities you can do and how to prove your eligibility if you’re:

    You must meet the eligibility requirements even if you do not need a visa.

  2. Step 2 Check if you need a visa

    Depending on the country you're from, you might be able to visit the UK without a visa or by applying for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA).

    1. Check if you need a visa or an ETA to come to the UK
  3. Step 3 Apply for a visa

    1. Apply for a Standard Visitor visa if you're:

    A Standard Visitor visa costs £127 and allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months.

    If you are visiting the UK for a paid engagement or event (a ‘permitted paid engagement�), you must do the engagement in the first month.

  4. or Apply for an electronic travel authorisation

    1. Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA)

    An ETA costs £16 and allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months.

  5. or Apply for a family permit

    You may be able to visit on a family permit if you have a family member who is:

    • a citizen of an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland
    • a Person of Northern Ireland
    • a British citizen
    1. Check if you can apply for a family permit
  6. Step 4 Check what you can bring with you

  7. Step 5 Check what you need to show at the UK border