Sportsperson Visit
Visit the UK to compete in specific events, trials not before a paying audience, short training, promotions, or join an amateur club if genuinely amateur. No UK employment.
Validity
- Visit stays up to 6 months (Standard Visitor)
- Events must be specific/short-term (not league/season)
Permitted at a glance
- Compete in a specific event/series; short training
- Trials not before a paying audience; amateur club join
About the visa
Sportspersons can visit the UK under the Standard Visitor rules to take part in permitted sporting activities for a short period. This covers specific tournaments or events, certain trials, short training, promotional appearances, and joining an amateur team if genuinely amateur. It does not allow UK employment.
Eligibility & key points
You must be a genuine visitor who will leave at the end of the visit, have funds and accommodation, and only do activities permitted for sports visitors. Paid employment by a UK sporting body or joining a UK team for league/season activity requires a different route (International Sportsperson).
What you can / cannot do
You can compete in a specific event or series (not a league/season), make promotional appearances, take trials not before a paying audience, do short training without pay from a UK sporting body, or join an amateur club if genuinely amateur. You cannot take employment, be paid by a UK sporting body for work, or use frequent visits to live in the UK.
Process
Apply online if a visa is required, provide biometrics, and carry event invitations/itineraries and evidence of funds. Border officers may ask about your role and activities.
