Hi

I have been informed that as of recently, a UK tourist visa is not automatically valid for 6 months.

I heard it had to be a specific date of departure and return. I.e.. Not open ended within a 6 month period.

Can anyone clarify this for me pls

Thanks

I have always received 6 months on my applications - most recent one last month.

Thanks

A six month validity is not automatic but very much the norm, an ECO can issue a visa with a shorter validity if they suspect a full six month one might be abused.

A standard UK visit visa used to be valid for 6 months from the date it was first used to enter the UK.

But this was changed many years ago and since then is valid for 6 months from it's start date.

This will be either the date of travel entered on the application form or the date of issue; whichever is the later.

In order to limit the validity of the visa the ECO must have reasons to believe a 6 months one may be abused and be able to convince their manager of this.

All the visit applications I have personally been involved in have been issued with a standard 6 months, multi entry visa; even when the applicant said they were only going to stay for a few weeks.