UK Sports Visitor Visa

A Sports visitor visa is for sportspeople, support staff and officials who want to come to the UK to participate in a sporting event, competition or related activity.

Sportspeople, support staff or officials who do not meet the sports visitor visa requirements or who may be considered employed (paid or unpaid) for their visit may be eligible for a Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa or Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) visa.

Sports Visitor Visa Requirements

To qualify for a Sports visitor visa, applicants must be at least 18 years of age and be participating in a sporting event, competition or related activity in the UK.

Sporting activities include:

• Participating in a charity, exhibition or competitive sports event, tournament or series of events;
• Joining an amateur sports team;
• Making a personal or promotional appearance;
• Negotiating a contract or sponsorship deal;
• Participating in a trial or short period of training, either as part of a team or as an individual.

Sportspeople, their officials and support staff coming to the UK as a visitor cannot be paid or sell goods or services to members of the public.

Visitor visa applicants must intend to visit the UK for no more than 6 months and show that they have enough money for their stay in the UK and their return or onward journey.

Visitor visa applicants may also be required to meet certain health and character requirements.

Sports Visitor Visa Entitlements

A Sports visitor visa entitles the holder to participate in sporting event, competition or related event in the UK. A Sports visitor visa is usually granted for a maximum of 6 months and holders are expected to leave the UK at the end of their permission to stay. In exceptional circumstances, it may be possible to switch into a Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) visa of the points-based system as a sports visitor.

A visitor visa does not entitle the holder to work, conduct business or study in the UK. This means a sports visitor to the UK cannot receive payment for their appearance in the UK or sell goods, such as merchandise, to the public.

Sports Visitor Visa Processing Time and Costs

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* The reduced fee will be applicable when the dependent applies at the same time with the main applicant.