Business visa to travel to England
A UK business visa is an administrative authorization giving a foreign citizen the right to enter and stay in the UK to carry out business for a fixed period. The business visa obtained for the UK takes the form of a stamp on the traveler’s passport. A business visa is issued if the foreign traveler meets the specific visa requirements.
For a stay of less than 6 months: You don’t need a British tourist visa, simply apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) by clicking on the ETA online form.
Which visa is required for a business trip to the UK?
To visit the UK for business-related activities, you need a standard visitor’s visa. There are different possible durations for standard visas, ranging from 6 months, 2 years, 5 years or 10 years. Among other things, these visas make it possible to:
- Attend meetings and trade shows.
- Signing agreements.
- Conduct research visits or inspections of premises.
Who needs a standard UK visitor visa?
Anyone wishing to travel to the UK for business or professional purposes and who is not a British citizen must obtain a business visa. This visa is required for individuals coming to the UK to negotiate contracts, attend meetings, participate in conferences or carry out business transactions.
How do I apply for a British visa?
The main stages of the UK visa procedure are as follows:
- Complete the visa application form on gov.uk.
- Pay visa fees online.
- Attend a visa interview at the embassy.
When should I apply for a UK visa?
It is advisable to apply for a business visa at least 3 months before the planned date of travel to the UK. This is to ensure that all the necessary checks have been carried out and that the visa can be issued in time for departure.
How much does a standard business visa cost?
| Standard visitor visa | Visa fees |
| Short-stay visitor visa (up to 6 months) | 140 € |
| Long-stay visitor visa for up to 2 years | 526 € |
| Long-stay visitor visa up to 5 years | 939 € |
| Long-stay visitor visa up to 10 years | 1173 € |
For more information, see our page with a full list of UK visa fees.
What is the PBS points-based visa system?
The Points Based System (PBS) is used by the UK to manage the immigration of those wishing to work or study in the UK. This system awards points for specific criteria such as qualifications, salary offered, and level of English proficiency. For business visas, certain categories such as the Skilled Work visa require meeting a points threshold to be eligible for entry.
PBS points contribute to the process of obtaining a visa for England. They improve the reliability of the UK visa system.
ETA and visa waiver for the United Kingdom
Since the end of 2023, the UK has launched its ETA electronic travel authorization system for eligible foreign nationals. It only takes a few minutes to complete the online ETA form.