What You Can & Cannot Do on a UK Standard Visitor Visa

Thinking about visiting the UK from the UAE? Whether you're traveling for leisure, business, or a short course, it’s important to understand what’s allowed—and what’s not—under the Standard Visitor Visa.

✔️ What You Can Do:

• Tour the UK for holiday or leisure

• Visit family and friends

• Volunteer for up to 30 days (with a registered UK charity)

• Transit through the UK to another country

• Attend business meetings, interviews, or conferences

• Perform or lecture as an expert (permitted paid engagement)

• Join a school exchange program

• Enroll in a short course (up to 30 days)

• Take exams or do a short study placement

• Visit as an academic, senior doctor, or dentist

• Receive private medical treatment

❌ What You Cannot Do:

• Work or freelance for a UK company

• Claim public benefits

• Live in the UK long-term by repeating short visits

• Marry or register a civil partnership (apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa instead)