Can I extend my stay as a general visitor?
This page explains whether and how you can extend your stay as a general visitor.
If you come to the United Kingdom as a general visitor, you are allowed to remain here for a maximum of six months (or 12 months if you are acompanying an academic visitor). When you enter the United Kingdom, the length of your permission to enter will be stamped in your passport.
If we gave you permission to enter for three months and you would like to extend your stay to the maximum of six (or 12) months in total, you will need to apply for an extension using the application form FLR(O). You can download this form and the guidance from the right side of this page. You should read the guidance notes before you complete the application form.
If you were given permission to enter the United Kingdom for three months as a child visitor, and you are now 18, you can apply to entend your stay as a general visitor. The maximum total time that you can stay in the United Kingdom will still be six months (or 12 months if you are acompanying an academic visitor).
You should send your completed application form to us by post before your permission to stay ends. The application form tells you where to send it, and tells you about the fee and supporting documents you must enclose with it. All documents should be originals, unless you have a good reason why you cannot produce them with your application.
If you need us to process your application and return your documents urgently, you can apply in person at one of our public enquiry offices.
If we allow you to extend your stay, you must continue to meet the requirements set out on the Can I come to the United Kingdom as a general visitor? page.
You are expected to return home when your visitor visa expires. In some circumstances, you may be able to transfer to a different category of visa - you should see the appropriate category for more information.
Application forms
Application for an extension of stay in the United Kingdom (other categories)
- Form FLR(O) - version 04/2009PDF 845KB opens in a new window
- Guide FLR(O) - version 04/2009PDF 32KB opens in a new window
- Photo guidance (new)PDF 325KB opens in a new window