UK Visa

Some visitors must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa before travelling to the UK.
You will normally need a visa in advance if you are a national of a visa-required country.

The Standard Visitor Visa allows individuals to travel to the UK for short business activities such as:

• Attending conferences, trade fairs, and exhibitions
• Exhibiting goods or services at a trade event
• Networking with business contacts
• Attending meetings related to your industry

Visitors attending iGB L!VE 2026 as delegates or exhibitors will usually travel under the Standard Visitor Visa route.

Applications are normally made online before travelling and require supporting documentation.

If this is your first application and you were never refused a visitor visa, we highly recommend that you first apply for a 6‑month visa!

Home Office fees:

• Standard Visitor visa - £127 - 6 months
• 2-year long-term Standard Visitor visa - £475 - 6 months per visit
• 5-year long-term Standard Visitor visa- £848 - 6 months per visit
• 10-year long-term Standard Visitor visa - £1,059 - 6 months per visit

Some visitors do not require a visa but must obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling.

An ETA is a digital permission linked to your passport.

It is typically required for visitors from countries that previously travelled to the UK visa-free. it costs £16 and is valid for 2 years. See the official government website.

An ETA is generally faster and simpler to obtain than a visa and is usually granted within a short timeframe. If the ETA is refused, then you will need to apply for a visitor visa (see 1 above)

Please note, visitors using an ETA must still meet the visitors’ requirements when entering the UK.

The UK immigration rules allow visitors to attend trade fairs, conferences, and exhibitions as part of permitted business activities.

This means visitors may:

• Attend the event as a delegate
• Exhibit products or services
• Promote their company at a trade stand
• Network and meet industry professionals
• Explore potential commercial partnerships

Visitors must not:

• Take up employment in the UK
• Be paid by a UK company (other than limited permitted expenses)
• Provide services directly to the UK public
   

Attending iGB L!VE 2026 as an exhibitor or delegate will generally fall within the permitted visitor activities, provided the individual remains employed by their overseas company.

Whether applying for a Visitor Visa or entering with an ETA, travelers must be able to show that they meet the UK visitor requirements.

Typical documents may include:

Event Documentation

• Confirmation of registration or attendance for iGB L!VE 2026
• Exhibitor confirmation or stand booking (if applicable)
• Invitation letter from the event organisers

Employment or Business Evidence

• Letter from your employer confirming your role and the purpose of the visit
• Proof that you work for an overseas company
• Evidence that you will return to your role after the event

Financial Evidence

• Proof you can fund your travel and accommodation
• Bank statements or company funding confirmation

Travel Details

• Proof of accommodation booking
• Return travel arrangements (where available)

The exact documents required will vary depending on your personal circumstances.

Detailed information