If you’re working overseas and need to carry out specific job duties in the UK, a Standard Visitor visa has got you covered. It allows various professionals to engage in activities related to their overseas roles.
| Overseas Role | Permitted Activity in the UK as a Standard Visitor |
| Archaeologist | Participate in a one-off archaeological excavation |
| Artist, Entertainer, Musician | – Perform solo or in a group
– Join competitions or auditions – Make personal appearances participate in promotional activities – Attend cultural events or festivals listed in the Immigration Rules Appendix Visitor: Permit Free Festival List |
| Bodyguard | Support an overseas business person at events (must be employed by them outside the UK and not provide personal care/domestic work) |
| Camera Operator | Gather information for an overseas publication, programme, or film |
| Driver | – Deliver or collect goods/passengers between the UK and outside the UK
– Undertake cabotage operations – Must be employed/contracted to an operator outside the UK or self-employed; the operator must hold an International Operators Licence or operate on an own account basis |
| Internal Auditor | Conduct regulatory or financial audits at a UK branch of the same group of companies as the employer |
| Journalist, Correspondent | Gather information for an overseas publication, programme, or film |
| Lawyer, Expert Witness | – Expert witness may provide evidence in a UK court
– Overseas lawyer may advise on specific international litigation/transaction |
| Market Researcher, Analyst | Conduct market research or analysis for an enterprise outside the UK |
| Personal Assistant | Support an overseas business person at events (must be employed by them outside the UK and not provide personal care/domestic work) |
| Professor from Overseas Institution | Accompany students to the UK for a study abroad programme, provide limited teaching |
| Religious Worker | Preach or do pastoral work |
| Scientist, Researcher | – Gather information for a specific project related to employment overseas or conduct independent research
– Share knowledge or advise on an international project led from the UK (cannot conduct research in the UK) |
| Sports Person, Sports Official | – Participate in sports tournaments or events
– Make personal appearances and participate in promotional activities – Join trials (not in front of a paying audience) – Engage in short training periods (not paid by a UK sporting body) – Join an amateur team/club for experience |
| Tour Group Courier | Guide a tour group for a company headquartered outside the UK |
| Translator, Interpreter | Translate or interpret in the UK for an overseas enterprise |
| Film Crew (Actors, Producers, Directors, Technicians) | Participate in a location shoot for an overseas-produced and financed film/programme |
| Production Team Member (Supporting Artists, Entertainers, Musicians) | Support activities in PA 14.1. or Appendix V: Visitor at V13.3 (e) if attending the same event as the artist, entertainer, or musician and employed to work for them outside of the UK |
| Technical Staff (Supporting Artists, Entertainers, Musicians, Sports Persons) | Support activities in PA 15.1. or in Appendix V: Visitor at V13.3.(f), if attending the same event as the sports person and employed to work for them outside the UK |
UK Business Trip on a Budget?
No-Cost Entry for Short Stays: Planning a quick business trip to the UK for up to six months? Great news – it’s free if you don’t need a visa!
Need a Visa? It’s Affordable! If a Standard Visitor visa is on your checklist, it’s just £115.
Your Business Visit Checklist
- Purpose of Visit: Make sure your business activities align with what’s allowed for Standard Visitors.
- Eligibility Check: Double-check the basic criteria for a Standard Visitor – cross those T’s and dot those I’s!
- Visa Requirements: Find out if you need to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa.
- Frequent Flyer? Consider a Long-term Standard Visitor Visa for multiple trips.
- Need a Helping Hand? If visa questions have you puzzled, our expert migration agents are here to help!
Keep this guide handy and make your UK business visit smooth sailing!
