Eligibility & genuine visitor
Frequent visits: when does the UK look like your main home?
Repeated short stays are considered as a pattern, not just as separate visits within individual time limits.
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The pattern matters
Visitors must not make the UK their main home through frequent or successive visits. The Home Office can consider the frequency and duration of stays, time spent outside the UK and the reasons for repeated travel.
No simple annual allowance
Do not assume that leaving briefly resets permission or that a fixed number of days per calendar year guarantees compliance. The genuine visitor requirement still applies to each visit.
Explain legitimate repeat travel
Regular family or business visits may have a genuine purpose. Explain that purpose alongside your continuing life outside the UK. If your intention is to live here, seek advice about an appropriate route instead.
Common mistakes
- Using short departures to support effectively continuous residence.
- Assuming a valid visa guarantees admission for another lengthy stay.
Evidence to consider
These are examples to consider where relevant, not a mandatory checklist or a guarantee that requirements are met.
- An accurate travel history with entry and exit dates.
- Reasons for repeat travel and evidence of your ordinary life abroad.
Official rules and guidance
Rules and guidance can change. Check the current official sources before relying on this information.
This is general legal information, not advice or an assessment of your eligibility. Your individual circumstances and the rules in force when you apply require consideration by a solicitor. No outcome is guaranteed.
Related guidance
Advice on your own circumstances
Discuss your proposed visit or refusal with an immigration solicitor. Scope and fees are agreed in writing before substantive work begins.