UK Long-Term Visitor Visa: 2-Year, 5-Year and 10-Year Visitor Visas

For those who visit the UK regularly — whether for family, business or leisure — a long-term multi-entry visitor visa can be a practical and cost-effective option. Our Bolton immigration solicitors explain the long-term visitor visa options.

What is a Long-Term Visitor Visa?

A long-term visitor visa allows the holder to make multiple trips to the UK over an extended period — 2, 5 or 10 years — without needing to apply for a new visa each time. Each individual visit is still subject to the standard maximum stay of 6 months, and the holder must continue to comply with the conditions of the Standard Visitor Visa on each entry.

Costs

• 2-year multi-entry visitor visa: £400
• 5-year multi-entry visitor visa: £670
• 10-year multi-entry visitor visa: £963

Who Should Consider a Long-Term Visitor Visa?

Long-term visitor visas are particularly suitable for those who visit the UK regularly to see family — such as grandparents visiting British grandchildren — or for those with ongoing business relationships in the UK. For frequent visitors, the cost saving compared to multiple single-entry visa applications can be significant.

Conditions on Long-Term Visitor Visas

All standard visitor visa conditions apply on each entry: no work, no recourse to public funds, no studying (beyond short courses), and the visit must be for the stated genuine visitor purpose. There is no restriction on the number of visits within the visa period, but spending more time in the UK than outside it will attract scrutiny at the border.

When a Visitor Visa is Not the Right Route

Some people apply for visitor visas but actually wish to live in the UK — to care for an elderly relative, for example, or to be with a partner. Using a visitor visa for this purpose is not permitted and can lead to refusal of entry and future visa applications. Our solicitors can advise on the appropriate visa for your actual intentions.