For applications on and after 31 January 2024, there are three types of Visitors:

1. •

   Standard: for those seeking to undertake the activities set out in the Immigration Rules, Appendix Visitor: Permitted Activities, eg tourism and visiting family usually for up to six months

2. •

   Marriage/Civil Partnership: for those seeking to come to the UK to marry or form a civil partnership or give notice of marriage or civil partnership, and

3. •

   Transit: for those who want to transit the UK on route to another country outside the Common Travel Area and who will enter the UK for up to 48 hours by crossing the UK border

From 18 February 2025 a fourth type of visitor, a ‘Diplomatic Visa Arrangement (DVA) Visitor’ route, is introduced. Diplomatic passport holders from several countries have been excepted from the visa national list, but from 18 February 2025 theyare able to apply for a visitor visa, valid for up to two years, but capped at a maximum of six months per stay. Applicants require