medical standard visitor

A list of requirements that you'll need to meet for this visa.

medical

What are the requirements for a Standard Visitor visa when travelling for medical reasons?

There’s a number of requirements that you’ll need to meet to be able to travel to the UK for medical reasons. This includes a passport or travel document that will remain valid for the duration of your stay in the UK.

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Are there any other requirements I need to travel for medical reasons?

Yes, there will be a few additional requirements that you’ll need to meet, however it will depend on specific medical reasons.

Additional requirements if you’re visiting for private medical treatment

When travelling for private medical treatment, you’ll need to show that:

  • you have a medical condition that needs a private consultation or treatment in the UK
  • you’ve sorted any arrangements for consultations or treatment
  • you or someone else can pay for your treatment
  • you’ll leave the UK after your treatment is finished, or when your visa runs out
  • you don’t have an infectious disease (such as leprosy), and are therefore not a risk to public health

Additional requirements if you’re visiting for treatment at an NHS hospital

If you’re planning to visit the UK for treatment at an NHS hospital, don’t forget to show your treatment is paid for by your own government. This will fall under a reciprocal healthcare arrangement - this is a government agreement that allows you to be treated as a UK resident whilst receiving treatment.

Additional requirements if you’re visiting as an organ donor

To be able to donate an organ in the UK, it has to be for:

  • a family member who you’re genetically related to (for example your sibling or parent)
  • someone you have a close personal relationship with (for example your partner or friend)
Important things you’ll need to provide proof of

Important things you’ll need to provide proof of:

  • that the person you’re donating an organ to is legally allowed to be in the UK
  • if the recipient is not a resident in the UK, provide their name, nationality, and date of birth in your medical visa application.

Don’t forget, the recipient of the donor will also need to check if they should apply for a Standard Visitor visa and make sure they meet the requirements for medical treatment.

If you’re travelling from Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man, what you need to enter the UK can differ.

If you’re from one of the countries listed, here, you will need to show a certificate to confirm you don’t have tuberculosis (TB). Not sure if you’ll need to take a TB test? Click here. 

Last updated 20 November 2024