Family / spouse for US citizens travelling to United Kingdom
Family visits may use Standard Visitor rules. Joining family long-term needs the correct family visa.
For a US citizen passport. Lawful permanent residents and other statuses can follow different rules.
Key facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who it's for | Visiting relatives or joining family in the UK. · UK: Standard Visitor (opens in a new tab) |
| Maximum stay | Visitor stay as granted; family visas for long-term routes. · UK: Standard Visitor (opens in a new tab) |
| Cost | Family visa fees on gov.uk. · UK: Standard Visitor (opens in a new tab) |
| How to apply | No visa for many short visits—see UK Standard Visitor guidance. · UK: Standard Visitor (opens in a new tab) |
Each fact above is linked to the authority that sets the rule. Entry Visa Guide does not take applications.
Apply only on the government website linked above. This site does not issue visas or travel authorisations and does not take applications. Other websites charge their own service fee on top of any government charge.
How to apply
- For holidays, travel under Standard Visitor rules if eligible.
- For settlement routes, apply for the correct family visa.
- Prepare relationship evidence for spouse or partner cases.
FAQ
Can I marry on a Standard Visitor entry?
Marriage visitors have a specific route—see gov.uk.
Does a UK spouse waive visas?
Long-term stay still needs immigration permission.
Sources
- UK: Standard Visitor (opens in a new tab)
- U.S. Embassy & Consulates in the United Kingdom (opens in a new tab)
- U.S. Embassy & Consulates in the United Kingdom (opens in a new tab)
Independent guide, not legal advice. Entry Visa Guide is an independent information site. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or run by any government or public authority. Always check official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Report an error.